Uncovering The Whirlpool Trademark Scam – Don’t Fall Victim
The email you’ve received from Whirlpool Trademark is not as legit as it seems. Whirlpool Trademark located at whirlpooltrademark.com is among a chain of dubious Trademark registration websites that use deceptive tactics to get customers. They claim someone wants to register your trademark or domain name, suggest you call them immediately, but then rip you off by fake trademark registration.
An excerpt of the email;
”I am reaching out to you with regards to a significant matter related to your business name. Recently, we received a trademark application for your business name from the State of South Carolina, and during our routine search, your business information emerged. As per established Intellectual Property Protocols, it has come to our attention that your brand name is currently not registered with the Patent & Trademark Office, potentially allowing others to proceed with the registration. Your immediate attention to this matter is highly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your response”
Exposing The Whirlpool Trademark Scam
The scammer behind Whirlpooltrademark.com claim to be Grace Coleman (Sr. Trademark Consultant at WhirlPool Trademarks Newark, NJ 07102) However, this is all part of the scam. The real Grace Coleman is not part of the Whirlpool Trademark.
Once you respond to the email, you’d be made to pay for fake legal services or Trademark registration which wouldn’t submitted to the USPTO. The scammer would spoof the USPTO logo and send you fake trademark registration receipts. They do not register the trademark under USPTO.
5 Warning Signs Revealing Whirlpool Trademark Scam
Among a Chain of Trademark Scam Websites
Whirlpooltrademark.com shares same website design, content, and address with Trademark Swift and Trademark Troop– an exposed trademark scam. From all indications, it’s part of a large chain of trademark scams.
Spoofs Legitimate Attorney
Whirlpool Trademark scam uses the name of reputable attorneys eg; ‘Grace Coleman’ ‘Brain Williams’ and ‘Eric James’ to trick recipients. However, this is all part of the scam. One of the attorneys often mentioned in their email is ‘Amanda Rokita’. It’s all just a hoax. The real Amanda Rokita has issued a warning about trademark scams using her name –
“Please note that it has come to our attention that businesses are receiving emails from “Trademark Zenesa” and “Trademark Blink” using Amanda Rokita’s name in the signature. Our office has never been affiliated with any third party trademark companies, some of which have been identified by the USPTO as a scam. We only offer trademark services through our law firm, Rokita Law, P.C. If you received one of these emails, we would greatly appreciate it if you would forward it to [email protected]. Thank you”
Not a Legal Entity
The email is written in such a way that makes recipient believe Whirlpool Trademark is a legal entity, however this is misrepresentation. On the website’s about us page, they state they’re not a law firm. This means there’s no real applicant intending to use the aforementioned trademark.
Recently Registered Website
For a business that claimed to have provided trademark solutions to thousands of businesses, it’s surprising that they’ve only been operating for a short while (December 2023). How could they’ve catered for a thousand clients in a short time?
Fake Business Address
Whirlpooltrademark.com is using the address of a popular place ’50 Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102′ to trick people. The only attorney located there is an Immigration Lawyer.
How To Protect Yourself From The Whirlpool Trademark Scam
Do Not Engage
Do not attempt to reply the email as responding can lead to more scams. The best action you should take in this scenario is to totally ignore these emails.
Seek Legitimate Counsel
The next action you should take as a business owner or brand owner is to consult with a reputable trademark attorney for genuine concerns.
Educate Your Staff and Colleagues
Informing your staff and colleagues about this latest scam would ensure they do not fall prey to it. Upon receiving similar emails, they’d be cautious and know the right steps to take.
Report the Scam To Relevant Authorities
If you’ve received the scam email and/or you’ve fallen victim to the scam, it’s very important to report the scam to the relevant authorities. By so doing, you create an awareness of the scam and also help mitigate it by stopping the spread.
The first step to take is contacting your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the details regarding the scam, including any emails, telephone numbers, or communication you have received.
You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online complaint assistant via ReportFraud.ftc.gov or Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Meanwhile, you can also help others by reporting these fraudulent registration websites to relevant authorities such as the USPTO helpdesk. This would enable them issue a warning to the public about the ongoing scam.
How To Avoid Similar Trademark Scams
- Ignore Unsolicited calls or emails that are not from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from its domain “@uspto.gov
- Consult an IP attorney if you have any concerns about misleading info you’ve received about trademarks.
- Search online reviews and the Better Business Bureau for complaints before engaging any registration company.
- Verify licenses to ensure your service provider is a real law firm and attorney licensed to practice.
- Ask detailed questions about their registration process, fees, and what specific services are included.
- Get everything in writing such as service agreements, scope of work, and fee breakdowns.
- Use payment methods that allow chargebacks like credit cards in case services aren’t rendered.
Conclusion
Whirlpool Trademark scam uses deceptive tactics to coerce people to pay for fake USPTO trademark registration. Do not respond to the email!
