Texas Corporate Scams

Joining the list of states to fall victim to corporate scams is Texas (see my earlier post on Nevada Corporate Scams). Last month, the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) released an alert regarding an entity calling itself “Compliance Services.” The company is targeting Texas-based business entities, mailing them solicitations titled “Annual Minutes Requirement Statement.” The official-looking documents imply that entities are required to complete the paperwork and return it along with a $125 fee.

Please know that you are not required to fill out this solicitation. These forms are not a requirement of the Texas SOS and Compliance Services is in no way associated with the Texas SOS. The solicitation does contain a disclaimer stating that is not affiliated with the Texas SOS, but because the materials look legitimate, it is still confusing to business owners. According to the alert issued on the Texas SOS site, “It appears that confusion has resulted from Compliance Services’ solicitation and the suggestion that the statement is necessary to avoid non-compliance with Texas law.”

Whether you choose to do business with Compliance Services will in no way affect your status with the SOS. Official statements or requests from the Texas SOS will always bear the state seal and the name of Hope Andrade, the Texas Secretary of State.

If you’re a Texas business and have a solicitation from Compliance Services, have sent money in response to the solicitation or have received a similar solicitation, you may file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General.

We continue to be interested in identifying and notifying our clients of additional scams so please let us know if you encounter anything suspicious.