Businesses: Unofficial Solicitation warning

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Alison Grimes is warning businesses about a “Notice of Potential compliance Violation”, a misleading notice from an entity identified as “Business Compliance Division.”

While the notice appears legit, the Secretary of State Officer insists this is not an official governmental document.
The notice, she says, directs the recipient to call 1-855-530-2615 to avoid fees or penalties. It has a seal bearing a scale and two hands shaking. If the recipient were to call the number, they are told that they must purchase a Certificate of Existence for $70.

While this certificate is real, and does prove that a domestic corporation or limited liability company exists with the Secretary of State’s office, Grimes says it can be obtained through the SoS’s office online or by mail or fax.

“Businesses should exercise caution before providing information or payment to Business Compliance Division, or any other entity that makes misleading claims or requests,” said Grimes. “I encourage anyone with questions about their corporate records to contact my office directly.”