News Summary
The Secretary of State in Tennessee, Tre Hargett, has issued a warning about a rising mail scam that targets businesses with fraudulent mailers from an unauthorized agency. These mailers, which demand payments for annual reporting documents, have caused confusion and fear among business owners who believe they must comply. Hargett emphasizes that the state’s office provides these services at lower costs and encourages businesses to report any suspicious communications to avoid falling victim to scams.
Tennessee – The Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, has alerted residents about a growing mail scam targeting businesses across the state. This fraudulent scam involves mailers sent by a third party known as the Tennessee Business Filing Center, leading many to fear additional fees and the potential termination of their business if they do not comply with the misleading directives.
According to Hargett, there has been a notable rise in complaints from business owners regarding these official-looking mailers, which demand hundreds of dollars for annual reporting documents. The deadline for filing these reports is April 1, and the mailers threaten dire consequences for those who do not act quickly. Many business owners may recognize the urgency implied in the communications but are misled into believing they are required to file through this unauthorized agency.
The Secretary of State’s office emphasizes that they provide these essential annual renewal services at significantly lower costs, ensuring that businesses can maintain an “active status.” This active status is crucial as it allows businesses to legally operate in Tennessee. Businesses are reminded that filing their annual reports is a legal requirement and must be completed directly with the state to avoid complications.
Hargett encourages all business owners to be cautious of communications that may seem to originate from the State of Tennessee. He pointed out that the so-called Tennessee Business Filing Center is not affiliated with the state in any capacity. It is vital for businesses to stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of notices they receive concerning annual reporting.
Any recipient of this suspicious mail is urged to report their experiences to the Secretary of State’s office to enable appropriate action from the proper authorities. For this purpose, businesses can contact the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations directly at 615-741-2286 or send an email to TNSOS.corpinfo@tn.gov. Complaints can also be submitted to the Attorney General’s office at 615-741-3491 or through their official website.
In light of this scam, businesses are recommended to utilize the Secretary of State’s Tennessee Charity and Business Filing System (TNCaB) for their annual reports. This system is a reliable and official way to ensure compliance with state regulations without falling victim to scams.
This warning aligns with a broader concern regarding the rise in scams targeting businesses throughout the country, particularly in light of sensitive deadlines. It serves as a reminder that in moments of urgency, it’s crucial for business owners to ensure they are engaging with legitimate state offices rather than fraudulent services masquerading as official entities.
To sum up, April 1 is the critical deadline for business annual renewals in Tennessee, and misled businesses could incur hefty fees if they engage with the wrong organizations. Secretary Hargett’s office continues to stress the importance of filing reports directly with the state to avoid any disruptions in business operations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Channel 5
- Wikipedia: Business Registration
- WBIR
- Google Search: Tennessee business renewal scam
- Local 3 News
- Google Scholar: Business scams Tennessee
- WKRN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee scams
- Insurance Business Magazine
- Google News: Scams in Tennessee
