Tennessee Secretary of State Warns Businesses of Mail Scam Targeting Annual Renewals

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett has issued a warning to business owners in the state about a mail scam related to annual business renewals. The deceptive mailer is from a company called Tennessee Business Filing Center, which is not affiliated with the Secretary of State’s office.

Businesses are receiving official-looking mailers from the company, threatening additional fees and business dissolution if they do not file their annual report within 60 days of the April 1 deadline. The Division of Businesses and Charitable Organizations has received multiple complaints about this misleading mailer.

It is crucial for businesses to complete their annual filings with the state by April 1 each year. These reports update or confirm an entity’s records with the Department of State and are required to maintain “active status” so that the business can legally operate in the state. Businesses can file their annual report by visiting the TN Secretary of State website.

Secretary Hargett advises all Tennessee business owners to be cautious when receiving mail from third parties offering services provided by his office. These parties are not affiliated with his office, and any suspicious activity should be reported to the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations.

Business owners can report suspicious activity by emailing TNSOS.CERT@tn.gov or calling (615) 741-2286. Complaints can also be filed with the Attorney General’s office by calling (615) 741-3491 or visiting their website. Stay informed about news across the state by visiting the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.