State warning businesses of 'annual minutes' form scam

Illinois businesses are being warned of a scam targeting corporations over a so-called "Annual Minutes Record Form."

Secretary of State Jesse White and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said a firm called Illinois Council for Corporations is contacting local businesses in an attempt to collect a $125 fee to fill out an "Annual Minutes Record Form" for the business. Illinois law does not require corporations to file any such form or pay a fee for such services, White and Madigan say. They fear businesses may confuse the bogus form with the state's annual report form, which is required and has a filing fee.

"The bogus firm is sending out a form that looks similar to the Secretary of State's annual report form," White said. "We are concerned that companies are filing the form and paying the $125 fee because they believe they are filing their annual report with us, as required by law."

White recommends businesses do not reply to the solicitation, and anyone who has been targeted by the scam should file a complaint with the Attorney General's office.

"Posing as government officials is a tactic frequently used by scammers, so it's important that business owners be vigilant," Madigan said.

To file a complaint, contact the Attorney General's office Consumer Fraud Bureau at (800) 243-0618 to visit IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov.

All Secretary of State business services forms are available online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. For other questions, call (217) 782-6961.