Seems like every day I get something across my screen or desk that is warning about a new scam.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), which is in charge of all things relating to business organizations in Michigan, recently enclosed a flyer with each Michigan Annual Report form warning that there is a business called “Corporate Records Service” which is contacting businesses established in Michigan and trying to collect a $125 fee to prepare an Annual Corporate Records Form, or 2013 Annual Minutes Form. Neither form comes from the State of Michigan even though they’ve been created to look a lot like state forms.
This is a blatant attempt to get you to pay for something that you do not need.
A few days ago, I got a bulletin from the IRS warning that some people are being called by persons claiming to represent the IRS, and demanding payment of “past due taxes.” This is a total scam and you should know that the IRS will not call you out of the blue to demand payment of taxes. They will write to you.
Beware offers to sell you services you don’t need or documents to which you are already entitled!
Numerous clients along the lakeshore recently have reported being approached by companies offering to sell copies of documents, especially deeds related to recent real estate transactions. Companies offer to provide these documents at a cost of around $80. State Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued warnings about this practice.
“What many of the solicitations conveniently neglect to mention is that you can usually obtain certified copies of governmental records, such as deeds on your home, directly from your local, county, or state government for a nominal fee,” Schuette said.
When it comes to obtaining government records, Schuette said, “Get them from the government, not a third party.”
It is a good idea to go about your business with a healthy skepticism about requests that require you to pay money. And be very judicious about disclosing sensitive information, like birthdates or credit card numbers.
