Secretary of State Tre Hargett issues new warning about email scams aimed at business recovery
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today issued a new alert to businesses in the state regarding a fraudulent email scam related to annual business renewal applications from a company known as the Tennessee Business Filing Center. issued a warning.
As part of the program, businesses will receive an official-looking email threatening additional fees and business dissolution if they don't submit within 60 days of the April 1 deadline.
“Our Business and Charities Division and I have recently received multiple complaints about misleading mailings asking businesses to pay hundreds of dollars in fees to complete their annual renewal process,” Commissioner Hargett said. said. “We have seen similar situations targeting the goodwill of our business community in recent years, and we would like to remind all organizations that our firm provides similar services at a significantly lower cost. Would like to have.”
Businesses must complete an annual filing with the state by April 1 of each year. These reports update or confirm a company's record with the State Department and are required to maintain “active status” so that the company can legally operate in the state.
To submit your annual report, please visit https://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/AnnualReportID.aspx.
“All Tennessee business owners should be wary of mailings from third parties that provide services provided by our office,” Commissioner Hargett added. “These parties are not affiliated with us in any way. We encourage businesses to report any suspicious activity related to this situation.”
To report suspicious activity to the Department of Business and Charities, please email TNSOS.CERT@tn.gov.. You can also call (615) 741-2286.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office, call (615) 741-3491 or visit the Attorney General and Reporter at tn.gov.
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