09/23/2025
Scam Letters Every Business Owner Should Know About
The moment you form an LLC or corporation, your mailbox becomes a target. Scammers send official-looking letters with state seals, fake deadlines, and scary language to pressure you into paying for things you don’t need. Some of the most common scams we see:
Workplace compliance posters charging $75–$300 for posters you can usually download free from your state or federal labor department.
Certificate of Good Standing – only the Secretary of State can issue this, and it usually costs a fraction of what scammers charge.
Annual minutes or “corporate compliance” fees. Most states don’t require you to file minutes at all.
Business license renewals - these notices often look real but have nothing to do with your actual city or county licensing office.
UCC filings - bogus notices saying you need to “renew” or “protect” your filing.
Tax submission services - letters that mimic the IRS or state tax agencies demanding payment for things that don’t exist.
If you’re ever unsure, the safest move is to check with your Secretary of State or your registered agent before paying anything. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Have you ever gotten one of these letters? What did it say?
JDS Filings is not a law firm and does not employ attorneys. Nothing in this post should be construed as legal or tax advice. All information is provided for informational purposes only. JDS Filings’ services and products are not a substitute for the advice of a licensed attorney.