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Avoid Business Scams

Overview

Every year, Ohio businesses receive misleading solicitations that appear to come from government agencies.

These notices often look official and are designed to make you think that immediate action or payment is required — when it isn’t.

Always read the fine print.

Most of these letters or emails include small disclaimers stating that they are not from a government agency.

The companies behind these solicitations often charge excessive fees for filings and services that you can easily complete yourself on this website.

To ensure you pay only the required fees and get the fastest service, file directly through the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

Types of Solicitations

Scam solicitations can come through multiple channels, including:

  • Mailings

  • Emails

  • Text messages

  • Phone calls

Be cautious with any business communication requesting payment, documents, or sensitive information.

Legitimate Business Services Communications

Official communications from the Ohio Secretary of State’s Business Services Division will always have identifiable and verifiable characteristics.

Official Mailings

  • Sent on Ohio Secretary of State letterhead.

  • To verify a mailing:

    1. Search for your business record on the Ohio Business Search.

    2. Click Show Details on your business record.

    3. Review the list of filings and notices.

Official Emails

  • Include a name, title, phone number, and the official logo in the signature block.

  • All official email addresses end with @ohiosos.gov.

Text Messages and Phone Calls

The Secretary of State's office does not send text alerts to its Business Services customers.

Phone Calls: The Business Services Division will only call you if:

  • You submitted a business filing or application, or

  • You requested a callback from the office.

If you’re ever unsure whether a communication is legitimate, contact our office.

Common Solicitation Scams

Certificate of Good Standing

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

  • Scam companies charge $72.50 or more for this service.

  • The official filing fee through the Secretary of State is $5.00.

  • Businesses are not required to order a Certificate of Good Standing unless needed (e.g., for a bank account or real estate closing).

  • Certificates are only issued by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

  • Download one directly at cogs.ohiosos.gov.

Annual or Biennial Report Solicitations

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

  • Some companies charge $125 or more for fake report filings.

  • The official filing fee is $25.00.

  • Only Professional Associations and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are required to file biennial reports.

  • Ohio businesses are not required to file annual reports.

Expedited Filing Offers

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

  • The Secretary of State’s office processes filings in 1–2 business days.

  • Expedited services are available directly through the official website.

  • File online at OhioSoS.gov/business.

UCC Statement Request Forms

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

Employee Identification Number (EIN) Requests

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

Labor and Employment Law Posters

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

Beneficial Ownership Reporting Solicitations

⚠️ Don’t be fooled!

  • U.S. companies and persons are not required to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN.

  • Only foreign entities that are reporting companies are required to report beneficial ownership information of foreign individuals.

  • Go to FinCEN.gov/BOI for more information.

Protect Your Business

To avoid falling for scams:

  • Verify any official-looking document or email before paying.

  • Always file through OhioSoS.gov.

  • Contact the Business Services Division for clarification.

Remember: Legitimate government agencies will never demand payment for unnecessary filings or services through unofficial channels.