SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Scammers are once again targeting area businesses.  They're using scare tactics to get business owners to spend unnecessary money.

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must post certain notices about workers' compensation, discrimination, minimum wage and more.  It appears a scammer is using this requirement to try to milk hundreds of dollars out of local businesses.

If you receive a mailing like this, you're encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office.

Missouri employees are required to post certain signs but, luckily for 417 Travel, Luney knows you can print those signs for free from the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Web site.  Luney called the Attorney General's Office and they confirmed this is a scam.  He's not surprised, but still disgusted by the con artists' efforts to rip off local businesses. 

“We're having as hard of time as you are.  Don't take away our money to get money for yourself,” said Luney.

The mailing included an order form to buy the required signage.  It included information on what would happen if you don't order the posters. 

“It said we had to order those from company and if we didn't we would be subject to $17,000 in fines,” said Luney.

“Alert: You must post revised Missouri and Federal Labor Law notices.”  That statement is enough to get the attention of any business owner.  It certainly got the attention of 417 Travel employee Chris Luney. 

“It was a letter that looked like it was from the state," said Luney.