News Summary
Tennessee’s Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, has raised concerns over a deceptive mail scam targeting businesses in the state. These fraudulent mailers, appearing to be from the ‘Tennessee Business Filing Center’, threaten businesses with additional fees for filing annual reports. Many businesses have reported receiving these letters, which demand high fees for services that can be obtained at a lower cost through the Secretary of Stateโs office. Businesses are urged to verify their filings directly with the Secretary of State to avoid falling victim to this scam.
Tennessee Businesses Alerted to Sneaky Mail Scam
In a world full of emails, texts, and social media, itโs easy for tantalizing letters to slip through our doorways unnoticed. But hold on just a minute, because a new mail scam has crept into the cozy streets of Tennessee, and itโs targeting businesses in a sneaky way!
Whatโs All the Fuss About?
Tennesseeโs very own Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, has thrown up a huge red flag about a deceptive mail scam thatโs buzzing around the state. So whatโs happening? Businesses are receiving official-looking mailers from a cheeky third-party entity calling themselves the Tennessee Business Filing Center. These mailers come with all the bells and whistles to look legit, but donโt let their appearances fool you!
These clever imposters are causing quite a stir by threatening businesses with additional fees and warning that their company could be dissolved if they donโt file their annual reports through this so-called business center by April 1. Talk about a scare tactic! As if running a business wasnโt daunting enough, right?
Watch Out for These Sneaky Letters!
It turns out that the complaints about these bogus mailers have been stacking up like your favorite takeout containers. Businesses across Tennessee are speaking out, and Secretary Hargett is taking notice. These mailers are demanding up to hundreds of dollars to file annual reporting documents. Thatโs a steep price for a service that can be obtained for a much lower cost through the Secretary of Stateโs office directly.
Every company registered in Tennessee has a legal obligation to complete annual renewals by that looming April 1 deadline. These filings are essential to keep their status โactiveโ and ensure that they can continue operating smoothly in the Volunteer State.
What Should Businesses Do?
If you’re among the many businesses feeling anxious about these deceptive letters, hereโs a simple guide. Itโs crucial to remember that the Secretary of State’s office is the place to go for legitimate serviceโdonโt let the scammers pull a fast one on you! Itโs essential to update or confirm your business records with the Secretary of Stateโs office, and more importantly, *you can do it all at a fraction of the cost of those pesky letters.*
But wait, thereโs more! If you spot anything fishy or suspicious, make sure to report it. Businesses can easily reach out to the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations by calling (615) 741-2286 or shoot over an email to [email protected]. Keeping everyone aware can help put a stop to these scammers.
And if you feel that youโve been tricked or need to file a complaint, donโt hesitate to contact the Attorney Generalโs office. Theyโre available at (615) 741-3491 or take a quick trip to their website to get the ball rolling.
Easy Filing with the Right Channels
Just a quick tip for the already stressed business owners out there: Filing your annual reports can be done effortlessly through the Secretary of State’s Tennessee Charity and Business Filing System (TNCaB). This portal is designed to make the filing process easier, helping keep your business operating without any hiccups.
In conclusion, while the world is full of challenges, itโs always a good idea to stay sharp and informed. Keep an eye on your mailbox and be aware of the tricks that can come wrapped in shiny envelopes. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep your business thriving in good olโ Tennessee!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Channel 5: Mailer Scams Targeting Tennessee Businesses
- WKRN: Lawsuit Home Sale Scam
- News Channel 5: BBB Warning on Romance Scams
- WBBJ: Secretary of State Warns About Mail Scam
- TN Tribune: Secretary of State Warns of New Scam
- Wikipedia: Scam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scam
- Google Search: Mail Scam Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Business Scams Tennessee
- Google News: Business Mail Scam Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
