PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island business owners, don't be fooled into giving out details about your company and $125 requested by a direct-mail solicitation from an entity called "Rhode Island Corporate Compliance," warns Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.
The mailing cites a state law requiring corporations to keep records of accounts, minutes and shareholders, but Mollis says no law requires companies to file those records with anyone.
More than 130 businesses have called his office to inquire about the mailing, but it's not from him, Mollis warns.
Furthermore, it was distributed at the same time Rhode Island's 30,000 for-profit corporations must file annual reports with his office.
"We are concerned that companies may file the form and pay the $125 because they believe they are filing their annual report with us," Mollis said. "Don't be misled."