Scammers are trying to collect a phony $125 “fee” by telling businesses in Illinois that the money is owed to the state to process their “Annual Minutes Records Form.”
Businesses are approached by the Illinois Council for Corporations, which sends them a form similar to a legitimate report required by the secretary of state’s office.
“We are concerned that companies are filing the form and paying the $125 fee because they believe they are filing their annual report with us, as required by law,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.
Normally, the annual report fee is the only fee a corporation pays to the Secretary of State Business Services Department. There is no such thing as an “Annual Minutes Records” form or fee for businesses in Illinois.
If you think your business has been targeted by this scam, you should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office or call them at 800-243-0618.
“Posing as government officials is a tactic frequently used by scammers, so it’s important that business owners be vigilant,” said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. “If business owners are asked to submit fees and forms they are unfamiliar with, I encourage them to first contact my office.”
You can find the legitimate business forms that must be filed with the Illinois Secretary of State online – click here.
