Press Release
Attorney General files lawsuit alleging business identity theft
January 18, 2019
(Anchorage, AK) – Yesterday, the Alaska Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit in Anchorage Superior Court alleging that a California man stole the identity of eight Alaska businesses. The complaint alleges multiple violations of Alaska’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act. The state is seeking injunctive relief, remediation and civil penalties for the violations.
The complaint states that in June, 2018, Christopher Gabriel Webb accessed the registration portal maintained by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing and set up several shell corporations, including Energy Capital Group, LLC., Defense Enterprises, LLC, E2 Ventures, LLC, and Engineering Laboratories.
The lawsuit goes on to state that Webb changed the ownership of seven Alaska businesses to the shell companies, falsely swearing that he was authorized to make the changes. Business identity theft occurs when the underlying business ownership of a corporation or LLC is changed without the original owner’s knowledge or consent. The thieves then use the businesses’ identity to apply for and obtain credit, conduct business transactions, and apply for licenses in the businesses name.
The complaint alleges that Webb used two stolen business identities to apply for marijuana licenses with the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.
“Protecting the identity and ownership of Alaskan businesses is a high priority,” said Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson. “With easy and accessible business registration tools online, Alaska is open for business. But businesses need to be aware of the predatory practices of some scam artists. It is not just individuals who can have their identities stolen. I urge businesses to be vigilant, and always feel free to contact our Consumer Protection Unit with complaints."
Several of the Webb’s shell businesses list addresses in Soldotna and Kenai, Alaska. Webb is a resident of Aliso Viejo, California.
The Consumer Protection Unit can be reached at 1-888-576-2529 (outside of Anchorage)/(907) 269-5200 (within Anchorage) or consumerprotection@alaska.gov. To file a complaint, visit the Alaska Consumer Protection Unit's File a Consumer Complaint page.
- Complaint - PDF (87K)
CONTACT: Assistant Attorney General Cynthia Franklin at 269-5100 or cynthia.franklin@alaska.gov.
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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.