Trademark Mail Scams: Spot Official-Looking Notices That Try to Extort You

That Official-Sounding Envelope Made Your Heart Drop

You opened the mail and froze. There it was: an envelope stamped with what looked like a federal seal, bold words like "United States Trademark Office," and urgent instructions inside. For a split second, your brain screamed, "Did I forget something? Am I being sued?" You’re not alone: scammers count on that exact reaction.

We’ve seen firsthand how legitimate-looking trademark notices can shake business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs. At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming this feels, especially when these scams lead to financial loss or confusion about your rights. If you’ve been harassed, wrongly charged, or suffered harm because of a deceptive trademark solicitation, our attorneys are here to help sort things out and protect your interests.

Why These Notices Look So Real and Why That’s the Whole Trick

These scams don’t just look professional; they’re designed to. Scammers go out of their way to mimic official government mail. They use imitation seals, government-style logos, and legal-sounding language. They also choose names like "United States Trademark Protection Office" and include fake USPTO employee names. Even their reference or serial numbers look convincing.

Most of these letters are generated using publicly available information from the USPTO’s database. That means scammers can list your real trademark number, filing date, and even attorney of record, all to convince you the notice is real. But here’s the truth: real USPTO communication is always tied to its TSDR system (Trademark Status & Document Retrieval). If it’s not there, it’s not official. Scammers bank on the fact that most people won’t cross-check.

Three Red Flags That Mean: Stop and Verify

Red Flag #1: "Pay Now or Lose Rights" Pressure

Legitimate USPTO letters never threaten you with vague deadlines or say you’ll lose your trademark immediately unless you pay. They won’t demand cash apps, crypto, or weird payment platforms. Official fees are processed through USPTO systems — never third-party wire instructions or QR codes.

Red Flag #2: Looks Official, but Facts Don’t Match

The logo might look right, but the domain might be off (like a .com instead of .gov). The address might list somewhere other than Alexandria, VA, where the USPTO is based. Or, your serial number might not even appear in your TSDR file. Not sure how to check? Go to tsdr.uspto.gov, type in your number, and see what shows up.

Red Flag #3: Requests for Strange Payments or Your Password

USPTO will never ask for your password, and no attorney should either. Real trademark attorneys file through their own USPTO.gov accounts. And if someone asks for payment via gift cards or asks you to send a password over email? Walk away.

How Scammers Contact You: Mail, Web, Phone, and Email (and How Each Lies)

Spoofed websites often look nearly identical to the real USPTO page. These cloned sites use slight misspellings in the domain name or clever tricks (like swapping a lowercase “L” with a capital “I”). Always double-check the URL before logging in or paying anything. Report any fake sites to the USPTO directly.

Fake phone calls are another favorite. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs to make it look like a USPTO number is calling. They may pretend to be "examiners" or claim your application is stalled. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the Trademark Assistance Center (1-800-786-9199) or email TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov.

Email impersonation is on the rise. These emails might even include your real serial or registration number. But official USPTO emails always come from @uspto.gov. If you see anything else (especially Gmail or weird domains) don’t trust it. Some scammers even subscribe you to USPTO alerts to gain your trust, then send lookalike messages later.

How to Ignore the Billing Trap: A Calm, One-Page Playbook

Don’t call or pay the number on the notice. Look up the USPTO or company independently. For questions, call 1-800-786-9199 or email TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov.
Check your TSDR record. Visit tsdr.uspto.gov. If there’s no matching document or fee, it’s probably fake.
Never give your USPTO.gov password. Legitimate attorneys file using their own credentials. You don’t need to share yours.
Refuse odd payment methods. Gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers to overseas accounts are a scammer’s red flag. These methods are hard to trace and almost impossible to reverse.
Got a weird alert about your correspondence email changing? Forward it to TEAS@uspto.gov immediately and follow any USPTO instructions to lock down your account.
Document everything carefully. Take a photo of the letter and save any suspicious emails with their headers. If someone calls, jot down the time and the number they used.
Still not sure? Ask. Before taking any action, call the Trademark Assistance Center.

Extra Smart Moves That Wreck the Scammer’s Playbook

Sometimes a letter looks close to the real thing, but it’s not. Try holding the letter to the light and comparing the ink, logo placement, and printing quality to a known USPTO document.

Be cautious with emails. Instead of clicking blindly, hover your mouse over the links to reveal the true sender’s domain. You can also run reverse searches on strange phone numbers or unfamiliar return addresses to see if others have reported them.

If you're ever unsure about a filing or want to confirm attorney details, use the TSDR tool or head to tmsearch.uspto.gov to verify your mark’s legal status.

Report It: Who to Call, What to Say, and Why Reporting Matters

If you suspect a scam, report it. Forward any fake emails and mail solicitations to TMScams@uspto.gov. If you get an unauthorized correspondence change alert, forward that to TEAS@uspto.gov.

You can also call the Trademark Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199 to confirm anything that feels off. If you paid money, contact your bank right away. File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and notify your state’s Attorney General. For mailed scams, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Here’s what to say when you report: “I received a suspicious trademark notice dated [date], referencing serial/registration number [number]. Attached is a copy.”

Mini FAQ: Short Answers to the Questions That Panic People

Q: Do I have to pay if the notice looks official?
A: No. Check TSDR and call the TAC before paying anyone.

Q: Can a bill collector threaten me by mail about trademark fees?
A: Not if they’re claiming to be federal. Always verify the source.

Q: Could a scam like this hurt my trademark or credit?
A: Only if you give them access or money. If they seize your contact info, it could disrupt brand verifications.

Q: How fast should I report it?
A: Immediately. Forward emails, save documents, and contact TAC if you see any unauthorized changes.

Quick checklist — the minute you open that envelope

Don’t call the printed number
Check TSDR for matching documents
Photograph/save the notice
Forward suspicious messages to TMScams@uspto.gov

What Victims Usually Miss (and How That Costs Them)

Too many people don’t realize what they’ve handed over until it’s too late. The first trap? Giving someone your USPTO.gov password. That opens the door to unauthorized filings or email changes that can lock you out and potentially suspend your trademark. The second? Sending money before checking TSDR. Scam fees sent by gift card or wire are almost always gone for good. You can avoid both. Just pause, verify, and call for help before doing anything.

Trademark scams are more sophisticated than ever, but you’re not powerless. You now know what to look for, where to verify, and how to report. If you’ve already lost money, been targeted, or had unauthorized filings because of one of these schemes, Horn Wright, LLP is here.

Our attorneys help trademark owners address wrongful solicitations, recover from fraud, and regain control. You deserve peace of mind, and we’re ready to help you get it back.