SOLICITATION ON "ANNUAL MINUTES" MISLEADS OREGON BUSINESSES

Mailing offers unneeded service for $125 fee

February 2013

Businesses across Oregon have reported being misled by a solicitation that looks like an official government invoice entitled, "Corporate Records Service – Annual Minutes Requirement Statement." The mailing requests detailed information about the business and a $125 “preparation fee” to file a "2013 Annual Minutes Form." Although the company offering this “service” is located in another state, the solicitation lists a return address of 3760 Market Street NE, #104, Salem, OR 97301. The Salem address has contributed to the mistaken belief that the mailing is an official correspondence from the State of Oregon.

Despite its appearance, the 2013 Annual Minutes Requirement Form solicitation was NOT sent by the Secretary of State's Corporation Division. It is not authorized or sanctioned in any way by the State of Oregon.

Official business correspondence from the Secretary of State Corporation Division will always contain these elements: an image of the Oregon State Seal, the words “Secretary of State Corporation Division”, and our phone number 503-986-2200.

Corporations registered to do business in Oregon are required to maintain records and hold annual meetings of shareholders but they are NOT REQUIRED to file them with the Secretary of State Corporation Division. Visit our Annual Shareholders Meetings and Corporate Records page for more information on meeting and record requirements for Oregon corporations.

Oregon businesses are urged to carefully read solicitations to determine if they are actually from a government agency and require a response. Some questionable solicitations from private organizations are difficult to distinguish from government correspondence at first glance. Only a close reading reveals a disclaimer noting that the organization is not government-affiliated. Businesses are also urged to consider whether it is wise to pay a fee for a service that is not required.

Update: Attorneys for The Mandatory Poster Agency Inc, the company behind this mailing, have contacted the State of Oregon to maintain the solicitation is a legitimate service. The Oregon Department of Justice continues to investigate. The Corporation Division maintains its warning that businesses should read the solicitation carefully in order to avoid being misled.

The attorney’s letter states that customers who are dissatisfied with the service are guaranteed a full refund upon request. To request a refund, send your written request to:

          The Mandatory Poster Agency Inc
          dba Corporate Records Service
          6323 W Saginaw Hwy Ste E
          Lansing, MI 48917
          records@corp-records.com

If The Mandatory Poster Agency, dba Corporate Records Service, fails to issue a refund as requested, please contact the Oregon Department of Justice, Financial Fraud and Consumer Protection Section, 1-877-877-9392 for assistance.