Key Takeaways

• Fake “Beneficial Ownership” notices are being mailed to business owners
• These forms are not from FinCEN or any government agency
• Most U.S.-formed businesses are currently not required to file
• These scams are designed to collect money and sensitive information
• Always verify before responding to any unexpected filing request

What Dental Practices Need to Know

We want to make you aware of a mail scam currently circulating that is targeting business owners, including dental practices.

Several clients have received official-looking forms titled “Form 5102 – Annual Filing Report Service LLC” requesting a $149 payment and referencing “Mandatory Beneficial Ownership Reporting” under the Corporate Transparency Act.

These notices are designed to look legitimate and urgent, but they are not.

This Is Not a Government Notice

These mailings are not from FinCEN, the IRS, or any federal agency. They are sent by private companies attempting to collect payment and sensitive business information.

That distinction matters. The forms often use official language, formatting, and even government-style terminology to create a sense of urgency. In some cases, they reference penalties or deadlines to pressure business owners into responding quickly.

What Legitimate BOI Reporting Looks Like

There is real confusion around Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting right now, which is exactly why these scams are effective.

Here’s what you should know:

• FinCEN does not send paper forms through the mail
• FinCEN does not request payment by check or money order
• BOI filings are submitted online only through FinCEN’s official website
• Most U.S.-formed businesses are currently not required to file

If a notice doesn’t align with those facts, it should raise concern.

How These Scams Work

These notices are designed to look official, but they follow a pattern.

They often:

• Use fake form numbers that resemble IRS or government documents
• Include prepaid return envelopes
• Request sensitive details such as owner names, addresses, EINs, and signatures
• Reference penalties or legal consequences to create urgency

The goal is simple: collect money and information before you have time to question it.

What You Should Do If You Receive One

If you receive a notice like this:

• Do not pay it
• Do not complete or sign the form
• Do not provide any personal or business information

If you’re unsure whether something is legitimate, reach out to us before taking action.

Why This Matters for Dental Practices

Dental practices are frequent targets for these types of scams because they are established businesses with predictable compliance requirements.

Scammers know that practice owners are used to handling regulatory filings and may respond quickly to avoid penalties or disruption. That’s what makes this type of notice particularly effective.

When in Doubt, Ask First

If Beneficial Ownership reporting ever applies to your specific situation, we will notify you directly and guide you through the correct process. Until then, treat any unexpected filing request or payment demand with caution. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth a quick check before responding.

If you’ve received a notice like this or have questions about BOI reporting, contact our office before taking action. We’re here to help you avoid unnecessary costs and protect your business.