Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen and the Alabama Securities Commission issued a warning to state business owners Tuesday about a scam involving fraudulent, official-looking mailers from a group posing as the SOS office.

The mailers falsely claim that businesses are required to pay a fee of $90 or more to receive a copy of a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) statement filed against them, according to a news release.

“Alabama business owners should toss mailers from third-party companies that say they will work with the SOS office on your behalf in the trash,” ASC Director Amanda Senn said.

She said the organizations are neither affiliated with nor authorized by the secretary’s office. The companies are also overcharging for a service that most businesses would not require.

To file the statements, business owners and individuals should go directly to the secretary of state website and avoid third-party services.

Allen reiterated the importance of vigilance.

“These organizations are charging excessive amounts for something you likely will never need and, if you do, can easily acquire,” he said.

The ASC has urged investors to thoroughly research any investment opportunities, and to call their office at 1-800-222-1253 to verify the legitimacy of persons or organizations offering investment advice or products. Any suspected fraud or inappropriate securities business practices can be reported to the ASC.

They also provide free investor education and fraud prevention materials on their website.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270