Businesses Warned of Statewide Scam

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White warned businesses to beware of a scam targeting Illinois corporations. According to White, a firm  is contacting Illinois businesses in an attempt to collect a $125 fee to fill out a corporation's Annual Minutes Records Form. The Illinois Business Corporation Act doesn't require corporations to file such a form or pay such a fee with the state or any private entity. Although the bogus notice states the fee must be paid by September 21, White says, there is no fee due to the state for that purpose. The only fee corporations must pay is the fee that is paid with their annual report. The Secretary of State police and Illinois Attorney General's office are investigating. White is recommending corporations not reply to the solicitation.