BOI filing scams are targeting many business owners. These scams often come through letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, fake forms, and official-looking websites. 

Scammers may ask for a BOI filing fee, business details, owner information, or identity documents. They may also use fake form names, fake agency names, QR codes, and urgent penalty threats. 

In this blog, you will learn what a BOI filing scam is, how to spot fake BOI notices, how to protect your business, and what to do if you receive a suspicious message. 

What is a BOI Filing Scam

A BOI filing scam is a fake request related to Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. It is designed to trick business owners into paying money or sharing private company information. 

These scams often mention FinCEN, the Corporate Transparency Act, BOI reports, compliance deadlines, or penalties. Because the wording sounds official, many business owners may think the notice is real. 

FinCEN warns that scam messages may use form names like Form 4022 or Form 5102 to look official. It also says notices using the name “US Business Regulations Dept.” are fraudulent because there is no government entity by that name. 

Why BOI Filing Scams Are Confusing Business Owners

BOI scams work because the Corporate Transparency Act created confusion for many small businesses. Scammers use that confusion to make fake notices look urgent and important. 

They may use words like “mandatory,” “deadline,” “penalty,” “non-compliance,” and “legal action.” These words are meant to make you respond before checking the facts. 

That is why the safest step is to slow down first. Before you pay, click, scan, or submit anything, verify the request through an official government source. 

Current BOI Filing Rules You Should Know

Before responding to any BOI notice, check whether your business even needs to file. This is important because FinCEN changed the BOI reporting rule in 2025. 

FinCEN says all entities created in the United States, including those previously called domestic reporting companies, are now exempt from BOI reporting. The current definition of “reporting company” applies only to certain foreign entities registered to do business in a U.S. state or Tribal jurisdiction.  

So, if a random letter says your U.S.-formed LLC or corporation must pay for BOI filing, do not panic. First, check FinCEN’s official BOI page or ask a trusted professional. 

Practical Ways to Avoid BOI Filing Scams 

The best way to avoid BOI filing scams is to use a clear process. Do not treat every notice as real just because it looks official. 

Use the steps below before you respond to any BOI-related message. 

Check Your BOI Filing Requirement Before Responding

First, confirm whether your business has a real BOI filing duty. This protects you from paying for something you may not need. 

Under the current rule, U.S.-created companies and their beneficial owners are exempt from reporting BOI to FinCEN. Certain foreign reporting companies may still need to file if they do not qualify for an exemption.  

This matters because scammers may still target U.S. businesses. They may send outdated, misleading, or fake notices to create fear. 

Use Only Official FinCEN Sources for BOI Information

Always use official FinCEN sources for BOI updates and filing information. Do not rely on links from random emails, letters, texts, or ads. 

A real U.S. government website should end in .gov. If a website looks like FinCEN but uses another domain, treat it carefully. 

FinCEN’s BOI page includes current reporting details and scam warnings. It is the safest place to verify BOI information before you act.  

Never Pay A BOI Filing Fee from A Random Notice

A payment request is one of the biggest BOI scam red flags. Scammers may call it a filing fee, processing fee, compliance fee, or registration fee. 

FinCEN says there is no fee to file BOI directly with FinCEN. It also says FinCEN does not send correspondence requesting payment to file BOI.  

Some private companies may offer paid filing help. But a random notice demanding payment is very different from choosing a trusted CPA, attorney, or compliance service yourself. 

Avoid Fake BOI Forms Like Form 4022 And Form 5102

Fake forms are common in BOI filing scams. Scammers often add form numbers to their notices. This makes the letter look more formal and trustworthy at first glance. 

The most common fake BOI forms and notices include: 

• Form 4022  

• Form 5102  

• C.P.S. Form  

• Important Compliance Notice  

• 2024 Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Form  

• Mandatory Beneficial Ownership Report  

FinCEN says Form 4022 and Form 5102 are fraudulent. FinCEN’s scam alert also says scammers use fake BOI forms to demand information, payment, or both.  

Do Not Trust Fake Government Agency Names

Some BOI scam letters use official-sounding agency names. One common example is “US Business Regulations Dept.” 

This name may sound real, but FinCEN says there is no government entity by that name. Any BOI notice using that name should be treated as fraudulent.  

Scammers use fake agency names to build trust quickly. So, always check the agency name before you reply. 

Do Not Click Suspicious BOI Links or Scan QR Codes

Many BOI scams include links, URLs, QR codes, or attachments. These may send you to a fake website that steals your information. 

A fake BOI website may ask for your EIN, owner names, addresses, ID numbers, bank details, or card information. It may look professional, but that does not make it safe. 

FinCEN warns people not to click suspicious links, open suspicious attachments, or scan suspicious QR codes in BOI-related messages.  

Do Not Let Penalty Threats Rush You

Scammers often use penalty threats to create panic. They may mention fines, legal action, liens, or other serious consequences. 

FinCEN says it does not send initial CTA penalty correspondence by email or phone. It also warns people not to submit payments by phone, mail, or websites based on those requests.  

A serious notice should be verified calmly. If the message pushes you to pay immediately, stop and check the source. 

Protect Your Business and Owner Information

BOI scams are not only about money. Many scammers want private business and owner information. 

Do not share these details with an unknown sender: 

• EIN or tax ID  

• Business address  

• Owner names  

• Dates of birth  

• Home addresses  

• Driver’s license details  

• Passport details  

• Social Security numbers  

• Bank or card details  

FinCEN advises people to verify the sender and avoid giving personal or beneficial ownership information to anyone unless they trust the other party. 

BOI Filing Scam Red Flags

Many BOI scams follow the same pattern. They look official, create urgency, ask for money, and push you toward a form or website. 

Use this table to check a suspicious BOI notice quickly. 

One red flag is enough to pause. You do not need to prove the notice is fake before deciding not to respond. 

Common Examples of BOI Filing Scams

BOI filing scams can appear in different forms. Some arrive by mail, while others come through email, phone calls, text messages, or fake websites. 

A common example is a letter asking for a “filing fee” or “processing fee” to complete a BOI report. FinCEN says there is no fee to file BOI directly with FinCEN, so this kind of payment request should be treated carefully.  

Another example is a fake form that mentions Form 4022 or Form 5102. Treasury OIG says these forms are fraudulent, and FinCEN does not have a Form 4022 or Form 5102.  

Some scam notices also mention the “US Business Regulations Dept.” This is not a real government entity, and Treasury OIG lists it as a fraudulent sign.  

You may also see emails or letters with QR codes, suspicious links, or urgent penalty warnings. These may send you to fake websites that collect business details, owner information, or payment data. 

How To Tell If A BOI Notice is Real or Fake

A fake BOI notice often tries to make you act fast. It may use official-looking logos, seals, deadlines, and form numbers. 

Before responding, ask these questions: 

• Does the website end in .gov?  

• Does the notice ask for payment?  

• Does it mention Form 4022 or Form 5102?  

• Does it use a fake agency name?  

• Does it include a QR code?  

• Does it threaten penalties by phone or email?  

• Does it ask for sensitive owner details?  

• Does it match FinCEN’s official guidance?  

If the notice fails these checks, do not respond. Save it and verify it through official sources. 

What to Do If You Receive A Fake BOI Notice

If you receive a suspicious BOI letter, email, call, or text, do not panic. Also, do not click, scan, pay, or send information. 

Save the evidence first. Keep the letter, envelope, email, phone number, website link, screenshots, and payment instructions. 

Then report it to the right place. The FTC says you can report scams and fraud through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

What to Do If You Already Paid A BOI Scammer

If you already paid, contact your bank or card provider quickly. Tell them the payment may be connected to fraud. 

Save all payment records. Keep receipts, screenshots, emails, letters, tracking numbers, and bank records. 

The FTC advises scam victims to report the scam and take extra steps if they paid a scammer or shared personal information. 

What to Do If You Shared Business or Owner Information

If you shared sensitive information, write down exactly what you shared. This may include EIN, owner names, ID numbers, bank details, or home addresses. 

Then contact your bank, card provider, CPA, or attorney if needed. If you shared a Social Security number, the FTC advises using IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.  

You should also change passwords if you entered login details on a suspicious website. Use strong, unique passwords for business accounts. 

Where to Report BOI Filing Scams

Different scam situations may need different reporting steps. 

Treasury OIG also lists BOI fraud alerts, including fake forms, fake agency names, payment requests, suspicious links, and QR codes. 

BOI Scam Prevention Checklist

Use this checklist before responding to any BOI notice. 

• Check FinCEN’s official BOI page.  

• Confirm whether your business needs to file.  

• Do not pay random BOI filing fees.  

• Do not complete Form 4022 or Form 5102.  

• Do not trust fake agency names.  

• Do not scan unknown QR codes.  

• Do not click suspicious links.  

• Do not share EIN or owner ID details.  

• Ask a trusted professional if unsure.  

This checklist helps you avoid most BOI filing scams. It also helps your team respond calmly. 

Bottom Line

The best way to avoid BOI filing scams is to slow down and verify every notice. Do not pay random fees, complete fake forms, click suspicious links, or scan QR codes from unknown senders. 

Use only official FinCEN sources and check whether your business is required to file. This is especially important because FinCEN now exempts U.S.-created entities from BOI reporting, while certain foreign entities may still have filing duties.  

If a notice mentions Form 4022, Form 5102, “US Business Regulations Dept.,” payment demands, penalty threats, or non-.gov links, treat it as a serious warning sign. 

If you work with ownership records, compliance checks, or company filings, Global Filings can help simplify the process. Its AI-powered Corporate Filings make it easier to review key details without digging through long documents. You can start a free trial to see how it helps review BOI and corporate filing details more efficiently. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOI filing free?

Yes. Filing BOI directly with FinCEN is free. A notice asking for a required BOI filing fee should be treated as suspicious. 

Does my U.S. LLC need to file BOI in 2026?

Under FinCEN’s interim final rule, U.S. companies and U.S. persons are exempt from BOI reporting. Certain foreign entities registered to do business in the United States may still need to file. 

Is Form 4022 Or Form 5102 real?

No. Treasury OIG says correspondence referencing Form 4022 or Form 5102 is fraudulent. FinCEN does not have those forms.  

What should I do if I shared my EIN or owner information?

Write down exactly what you shared. Then contact your bank, card provider, CPA, or attorney if needed, especially if you shared tax ID, bank details, Social Security numbers, or ID documents.  

Where can I report a BOI filing scam?

You can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices through the FTC’s ReportFraud.ftc.gov website.