Beware of deceptive corporate minutes solicitations

The N.C. Secretary of State’s office is warning businesses about a company that is offering to process corporate meeting minutes for a fee of $125.

North Carolina corporations are not required to file minutes, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper has had a permanent injunction filed against Compliance Services, the company cited by the Secretary of State’s office. The mailing is entitled Annual Minutes Requirement Statement.

The document has an official look to it even though it states that “this offer is not being made by an agency of the government.”

Any business receiving such a solicitation should contact the office of the N.C. attorney general.

FTC warns of phony business directories

The Federal Trade Commission is warning businesses about scams involving phony business directories.

The scam starts with a call to any business employee who answers the phone. The employee is told that the company has agreed to be in the business directory and verifying information is needed. Later the company is sent a bill. The con artists hope that the company will pay the bill without questioning it.

The FTC suggests that companies educate employees to spot scams; to inspect invoices closely; and to file a complaint with the FTC or the BBB about such solicitations.

Patriot Act scam aimed at businesses

The Secretary of State’s is reporting an attempt to defraud North Carolina business by The National Companies Register Corporation.

This company mails “Important Final Notices” to businesses in an effort to collect $487 on the premise that the companies are required to register under the Patriot Act.

No such registry exists.

Any business that receives such a solicitation should contact the Office of the Secretary of State.