S.C. Secretary of State warning businesses about scam

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The S.C. Secretary of State’s office is warning businesses about a scam involving a bogus “certificate of status.”

The office has received multiple complaints about letters from SC Certificate Services, S.C. Secretary of State Mark Hammond said in a news release.

“The letter purported to provide a ‘South Carolina Certificate of Status’ for $87.25,” Hammond said. “Businesses should know that this is not an official certificate issued by the State of South Carolina, and that this so-called certificate of status is not required to transact business in this state.”

The letter falsely claims that the certificate may be required for loans, tax purposes or to renew business licenses, according to Hammond’s office. While a business may request a certificate of existence from the Secretary of State, that is issued only by the state office, not a private entity, and the fee is $10.

Hammond urged businesses receiving a letter to contact his office, which has issued a cease-and-desist letter to SC Certificate Service and has referred the matter to law enforcement for further investigation. 

“It is a shame that there are scammers out there who try to take advantage of businesses by marketing these phony documents,” Hammond said.  “I implore businesses and consumers to verify the legitimacy of any solicitation that they receive before sending any money.”

The Secretary of State’s business filings division can be reached at (803) 734-2158 or online at sos.sc.gov.