Press Releases
03/28/2023
Secretary Thomas and AG Tong Call Attention to Recent Scam Targeting Annual Filings for Small Businesses
(Hartford, CT) – Today, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas and Attorney General William Tong informed businesses of a recent scam targeting annual business filings. Several businesses have reported receiving an email from the “Registrar Agency of Corporations,” which is not a State of Connecticut-affiliated office or division. The communication urges the recipient to renew their annual business registration via a third-party service’s website and requires a credit card payment made to that third-party.
“Scams have become more and more sophisticated, but you can protect yourself and your business from these predatory practices with a very simple method – by completing all filing requirements directly via my office’s secure business portal, business.ct.gov,” said Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. “This is one of the best ways businesses can ensure their transactions are valid and secure.”
The Office of the Secretary of the State’s business.ct.gov portal is the office’s one-stop shop for all business records and filing needs, including making payments. Communications from the Secretary of the State will not direct users to any other website for filings or payments.
The Attorney General agreed with the Secretary of the State on the importance of protecting small businesses from these scams.
“Small businesses can’t afford to pay for sham services they don’t need,” said Attorney General William Tong. “Always read the fine print and make sure you are dealing directly with legitimate state agencies. When in doubt, contact my office or the Secretary of the State to verify you are filing only what is required.”
Businesses may also protect themselves from scams by reviewing any communication they receive and scanning it for important information. Any letter or email from the Secretary of the State will feature the Office of the Secretary of the State’s seal prominently, and emails will normally come from a ct.gov address. Also, the Office will never request payment by mail or via other websites because business filing payments are directed through business.ct.gov. If anyone is unsure as to the origin or trustworthiness of a solicitation, visit business.ct.gov and log into your business’s account to review upcoming filing and payment deadlines.
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