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Weiser sues firms over deceptive mailers to businesses
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 21, 2025//
DENVER — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has filed a lawsuit against two companies and their owner, alleging they sent deceptive mailers to small businesses across the state that violated consumer protection laws.
In Brief:
- Weiser sues two companies for misleading small businesses
- Mailers appeared to be from Colorado’s Secretary of State
- Lawsuit alleges violations of state consumer protection law
- Weiser seeks penalties, restitution and injunctive relief
The complaint, filed Thursday in Denver District Court, accuses Florida resident Brian Capobianco and his companies — Corporate Certificates and UCC Statement Service — of distributing tens of thousands of advertisements that appeared to be official government notices. The mailers solicited fees for business documents that are available for free from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.
“These companies targeted hardworking Colorado business owners with misleading ads disguised as government communications,” Weiser said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They should not be tricked into paying for something they can access at no cost.”
The lawsuit claims the advertisements failed to include required disclaimers and misled recipients into believing the mailers were sent on behalf of the state. Under Colorado law, solicitations for services, such as certificates of good standing or Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, must include a large-font disclaimer stating that the offer is not from a government agency and that no action or payment is required. The ads must also direct recipients to official government websites for the same services.
While private solicitation of such services is legal, the law prohibits advertisements from appearing as government correspondence or invoices. The complaint includes images of the misleading mailers.
Weiser is asking the court to halt the companies’ alleged conduct, require them to pay civil penalties and restitution and cover the state’s legal costs.
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