State Warns of Report Filing Scam Targeting Businesses
A document mailed to small businesses that claims to be an official state notice demanding payment is a scam, Connecticut officials say.
The bogus form mailed to businesses from an entity called Workplace Compliance Services claims to be a “2019 Annual Report Instruction Form.”
Connecticut officials say this mailing is a scam targeting small businesses.
But Secretary of State Denise Merrill and Attorney General George Jepsen say the form is a scam and should be ignored.
“This scam targets small businesses and, unfortunately, resurfaces every few years in an attempt to cheat hardworking business owners,” Jepsen said.
“Scams like this one try to appear legitimate, but business owners shouldn’t fall for it.
“Tell your employees to be on the lookout, and whenever in doubt about a suspicious mailing, call the Secretary of State or my office to verify legitimacy before sending any payment.”
Filing Requirements
Merrill said Connecticut law requires all business entities—including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships—to file annual reports with her office.
“There is no legal requirement for any business to file the form they received from Workplace Compliance Services, or to pay the inflated fee indicated,” she said.
​The bogus solicitation appears official and references state law. The return mailing address is a rented mailbox at a UPS store in West Hartford.
Scams like this one try to appear legitimate, but business owners shouldn't fall for it.
"If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a business filing notice you receive, please contact my office at 860.509.6003 or email us at crd@ct.gov," Merrill said.
If your business received the bogus form, please file a complaint by emailing attorney.general@ct.gov, and include a copy of the mailing.
Jepsen said his office is investigating in coordination with the U.S. Postal Inspector.
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