Endless Paradigm

http://www.ca.gov/

My parents got a letter saying they owe around $400 and this company took $75 out of their bank account as a processing fee. The letter doesn't clearly state why they are being charged at all. When wee tried to sign in to the website to try to figure out what was going on, it asked for their social security number so wee didn't really trust it.

What do you guys think?

Is it even possible to get a .gov domain name without being the real thing?

I'm under the impression that such domain names are restricted, and no average Joe can simply waltz up and get a .gov domain.

it's a .gov

so yes

seems pretty trustworthy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.gov

no ordinary scammer can get a .gov domain

hmm.. if its a scammer/whatever ,, i don't think theyd send you a letter stating
that they took moneyfrom your account without permission anyway

looks legit

Californian state website?

seems legit http://whois.domaintools.com/134.186.200.20

Website is legit.

But if you're suspicious:
- the letter might not be
- your computer might not be displaying the *legit* website (eg DNS cache poisoning)

That letter does sound suspicious, and I doubt that any Government agency would force you to do it through their website at least.

give the government a ring