Don't Get Phished! How to Verify a Business in Washington (Without Turning into Sherlock Holmes)
Living in Washington and ever felt that sinking feeling when someone mentions a "business opportunity"? We've all been there. Maybe it's a landscaper with a handshake deal that sounds too good to be true, or a house cleaner who seems more interested in your valuables than vacuuming. Fear not, intrepid Washingtonians! This guide will turn you into a business verification ninja, minus the throwing stars (those are illegal...probably).
 |
| How Do I Verify A Business In Washington |
Step 1: Become a Web Sleuth (But with comfier clothes)
First things first, fire up your trusty internet machine. Most Washington businesses will have a legitimate website these days. Check it out! Is it riddled with typos and stock photos of people shaking hands in front of generic buildings? Maybe give that business a side-eye.
Pro Tip: Look for a website with a contact page and physical address. If the only way to reach them is through a grainy photo of a carrier pigeon, that's a red flag bigger than a Seahawks jersey at a Packers game.
Step 2: Dive into the Secretary of State's Website (It's More Exciting Than It Sounds, We Swear)
Washington has a fantastic resource called the Secretary of State's website (https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities). Here, you can search for the business by name and see if it's registered with the state. Think of it as the official business hall of fame (minus the red carpet and awkward acceptance speeches).
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Bonus Points: This website might also reveal information about the business license and any filings they've made. Knowledge is power, people!
Step 3: Don't Forget About Mr. L&I (That's the Department of Labor and Industries, Not a Mustache-Twirling Villain)
If you're dealing with a contractor, tradesperson, or someone who might need a license, then the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is your friend. Head over to their "Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business" page (https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/). Here you can see if their license is up-to-date and if there have been any complaints filed against them.
Remember: A good contractor is like a good pair of jeans - reliable and won't leave you hanging (unless you're talking about installing curtains, of course).
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
You've Done It! You're Practically a Business Verification Superhero!
By following these simple steps, you can be sure you're dealing with a legitimate business. Now go forth and conquer that honey-do list (or whatever business needs you have) with confidence!
FAQ: Become a Verification Guru in 5 Easy Steps (Because Let's Face It, Nobody Likes Long Manuals)
How to search for a business on the Secretary of State's website?
Easy! Go to https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities and enter the business name in the search bar.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
 |
How to verify a contractor's license?
Head over to the L&I's "Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business" page at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/.
How to spot a red flag when verifying a business?
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Watch out for websites with typos, lack of contact information, or anything that just seems...off.
How can I be extra cautious?
Never pay for services upfront with cash, and always get everything in writing (like a contract for a contractor).
Is there anything else I can do to stay safe?
If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut and don't be afraid to walk away from a suspicious business deal.
 |
