Recently, I experienced a scam attempt firsthand—and I want to share the story to help protect other business owners from falling into similar traps.
It started with what seemed like an innocent text message from a company called Hawx Technologies. The message thanked me for opting in to receive SMS communications—something I hadn’t knowingly signed up for. Moments later, a second message came through claiming to be from the “legal department” of a company called Logo Shark.
The message warned that someone had applied for a federal trademark registration for my business name, Fjell Peak Digital, and that I could face legal action if I continued using it. They pressured me to respond quickly, suggesting that I either surrender my business name or get on a call immediately with a “legal supervisor” to fight the alleged application.
The tactics they used were alarming:
- Urgency and Fear: They pushed that I needed to respond “by the end of the day.”
- Authority Pressure: They posed as a legal department with a supposed “supervisor” ready to step in.
- Fake Evidence: They sent a doctored screenshot that was supposed to show a pending trademark application (see image).
- Persistent Pressure for a Phone Call: They kept insisting that a quick call was necessary.
Fortunately, I didn’t panic. I independently checked the official U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database (TESS Search)—and confirmed that there was no trademark application filed for my business name. The “evidence” they provided was completely fake.
How These Scams Work
Trademark scams prey on small business owners who might not be familiar with the trademarking process. They use fear of lawsuits, financial penalties, or loss of your brand identity to get you to pay them or hand over sensitive information. Sometimes, they’ll even trick victims into expensive, unnecessary “legal services” or outright steal money.
These scams can come through:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Even physical letters that look official
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Stay Calm.
Scammers rely on making you feel rushed. Take a breath before taking any action.
2. Verify Independently.
Use trusted sources like the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to check if a trademark application exists.
3. Avoid Phone Calls or Clicking Links.
Don’t get pressured into hopping on a call or clicking any suspicious links.
4. Report Suspicious Messages.
You can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general.
5. Consult Your Own Attorney.
If you’re ever unsure, reach out to a trusted legal professional—not the contact information given by the scammer.
Final Thoughts
Owning a business comes with enough challenges—don’t let scammers add unnecessary stress. If you receive a suspicious message about your business name, take the time to verify the facts yourself before responding.
Your brand is worth protecting, but real legal notices don’t come through shady text messages with fake screenshots.
Stay vigilant out there!
