NASS Launches New #BizSchemeSOS Initiative

For Immediate Release — May 4, 2021 — Washington, D.C. — Today, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) launches an informa­tive awareness effort called #BizSchemeSOS. This new initiative highlights Secretaries of State as the au­thoritative sources for business services information, while also emphasizing their role in alerting the business community and public at large of wide-spread schemes against businesses.

Most NASS members have responsibility over business services in their state—with many overseeing busi­ness entity filings, managing Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings and issuing and maintaining notary commissions.

“Secretaries of State are committed to spreading awareness and information in order to prevent bad actors from taking advantage of small businesses, vulnerable populations and the general public through the use of misleading business schemes or fraudulent messages and practices,” said Maggie Toulouse Oliver, NASS President and New Mexico Secretary of State. “I’m glad NASS and our members are tackling this important issue head on by promoting #BizSchemeSOS.”

“#BizSchemeSOS is another tool in the toolbox for NASS members to combat malicious activity targeting businesses. I look forward to this initiative becoming an umbrella campaign for states, stakeholder organiza­tions and business communities to unify our efforts and put out credible, timely business services information and alerts,” said NASS President-elect R. Kyle Ardoin, Louisiana Secretary of State.

An example of deceptive practices #BizSchemeSOS is warning against can be found in companies sending misleading solicitation mailings. These mailings often appear to be official government documents, instructing businesses to submit payment to them for assistance in meeting state filing requirements. In many of these cases, the compliance services offered by the companies behind the solicitations are either unnecessary or can be done by the business directly through the state agency for a much smaller fee.

Please note, if a particular business service is overseen by another state agency, the Secretary of State’s of­fice will direct the individual to the correct office. Additionally, you can find more information on business top­ics relevant to Secretaries of State here.

#BizSchemeSOS promotion will occur on the NASS social media pages, at NASS conferences and individual NASS member efforts. To support the initiative, a variety of stakeholder organizations will be engaged around promotional activities. Follow NASS on Twitter to see regular updates.

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Media Contact:
Maria Benson, Communications Director
mbenson@sso.org | 202-624-3528 | www.nass.org