JACKSON, MS -- Businesses across Mississippi are being warned about a scam that offers them a state document at almost four times the price.
Letters are being sent from a phony company calling itself Mississippi Certificate Service using an address in Ridgeland that charges more than $90 dollars for what's called a "certificate of good standing" that some businesses will need.
But the document can be ordered online from the state for only $25 dollars.
The Mississippi Secretary of State’s office says they’ve received reports of the scam and says the solicitation is not sent or authorized by their office. They are asking businesses not to reply or send payment to MS Certificate Service.
“The Business Services Division processes the formation of Mississippi corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business and non-profit entities. It also grants certificates of authority for foreign companies who wish to do business in the State of Mississippi. Liens under the Uniform Commercial Code are filed with this division,” according to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.
All businesses are asked to report deceptive or misleading solicitations to the Business Services division.