FBI Fraud Alerts

11/17/2020   Attorney General William Tong, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull are warning CT businesses about a scam targeting the filing of annual reports.

The three leaders are cautioning business owners against paying unnecessary fees to entities who offer assistance with filing their annual reports with the State. Dozens of businesses have recently reported receiving these offers through the mail.

For all the details on this scam, including where you can report fraudulent activity, please visit the update from the CT Attorney General.

As a reminder, you do not have to pay any additional fees when you file your annual report directly with the Secretary of the State.

FBI Issues Warning to Businesses Doing Business in China

Certain US companies doing business in China are being required to utilize government-approved tax software. The FBI has reason to believe that this software poses a cybersecurity risk. Additional information about this risk can be found in FBI FLASH Alert No. AC-000129-TT and AC-000131-TT. Any Connecticut company which has installed such software is encouraged to contact the FBI's New Haven Field Office at cyber.newhaven@fbi.gov.

New Businesses Warned of Legal Existence Solicitations

Attorney General Tong and Secretary of the State Merrill issued an alert to all new businesses about an ongoing illegitimate mailing urging customers to purchase a certificate of legal existence.  A certificate of legal existence is not a required part of the business formation (startup) process, although it is sometimes required by banks for opening accounts, closing on loans or other financial transactions.  Business needing a certificate of legal existence can request one online directly from the Secretary’s Office. See example of scam document. 

If you have any questions about certificates of legal existence, please email crd@ct.gov.