News Summary
The Tennessee Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, has issued a warning to businesses about a mail scam targeting annual report filings. The scam involves deceptive mailers from a so-called Tennessee Business Filing Center, falsely urging recipients to pay exorbitant fees for services available at a lower cost through the state. Businesses are advised to be cautious and report any suspicious correspondence, ensuring compliance with state regulations through recognized official channels.
Nashville, Tennessee — The Tennessee Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, has issued a warning regarding a mail scam that targets businesses filing their annual reports. The scam involves misleading mailers from a third party identified as the Tennessee Business Filing Center, which uses deceptive language to instill urgency among recipients.
Businesses throughout Tennessee have reported receiving these official-looking documents, which threaten them with significant penalties if their annual reports are not filed by the deadline of April 1. The mailer demands hundreds of dollars in fees for services that the state offers at a considerably lower cost.
In response to the uptick in complaints, Hargett highlighted the importance of awareness among business owners regarding this fraudulent solicitation. The official warnings indicate that recipients should be wary of any correspondence that appears to be sanctioned by the State of Tennessee, as these entities are not affiliated with the state in any capacity.
Annual renewals with the state are essential for businesses to maintain their “active status,” which is crucial for legal operation in Tennessee. If a business fails to meet the April 1 deadline, it risks incurring additional fees or facing termination, which adds to the fear tactics that scammers exploit in their communication.
Background on the Scam
The alarming increase in reported scams has raised concerns within the business community. Business owners are being led to believe that they must pay exorbitant fees for basic services that the state provides. The deceptive practices of the Tennessee Business Filing Center mislead entrepreneurs about their obligations to remain compliant with state regulations.
To clarify, the Secretary of State’s office offers renewal services at much lower prices compared to the scam mailers. This has prompted officials to educate and inform business owners about their rights and the correct procedures for filing their annual reports.
Reporting the Scam
Hargett encourages businesses that receive suspicious mail to take action by reporting it to the Secretary of State’s office. Reports can be made through the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations by either calling 615-741-2286 or emailing TNSOS.corpinfo@tn.gov. Additionally, businesses can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office at 615-741-3491 or via their official website.
Filing Annual Reports
For business owners who need to file their annual reports, the state has provided an accessible online resource through the Tennessee Charity and Business Filing System (TNCaB). This official state service is designed to assist businesses in completing their required filings easily and affordably.
As scams like these become more prevalent across the country, it is crucial for business owners to remain vigilant and seek information from verified sources. The Secretary of State’s office is advising the public to educate themselves on the legitimate offerings from the state and to avoid engaging with any unsolicited correspondence that manifests urgency or demands immediate payment.
In summary, the Tennessee Secretary of State’s warning serves as a crucial reminder for business owners to be cautious of official-looking mail that may not actually be from state agencies. Ensuring compliance with state regulations should be managed through recognized state channels to avoid falling victim to deceptive practices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Knox News: Grant Frerking Tennessee Scams
- News Channel 5: Mailer Scams Targeting Tennessee Businesses
- WBIR: Business Renewal Mail Scam in Tennessee
- Insurance Business: NICB Warns of Contractor Fraud
- Local 3 News: Secretary of State Warning on Registration Renewal Scam
