Tennessee Alert: Scams Targeting Businesses and Families!

News Summary

Tennessee residents and business owners are warned about a surge in scams, including deceptive mailers threatening extra fees for business filing. An alarming report highlights a repeat offender involved in unlicensed services. Additionally, high school students and parents are cautioned about scams related to SAT and ACT prep materials. It’s vital to verify the authenticity of any correspondence to avoid falling victim to these schemes.

Tennessee Alert: Scams Targeting Businesses and Families!

Attention all Tennessee residents and business owners! It seems like these days, scams are popping up everywhere, and the Volunteer State is no exception. With some alarming new reports coming in, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant against those shady tactics. So grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s break down what’s happening!

Beware of the Business Filing Scam!

Recently, Secretary of State Tre Hargett issued a friendly reminder to businesses across the state regarding a sneaky mail scam that’s been making its rounds. Business owners have received official-looking mailers from a company calling itself the Tennessee Business Filing Center. Now, these aren’t your average junk mail pieces; they look pretty convincing! These mailers threaten businesses with extra fees and even potential shutdowns if registration reports aren’t filed through this third-party service by the impending April 1 deadline.

Let’s get this straight: business registration renewals must be completed by that April 1 date in order to keep your business in “active status”. Hargett is urging everyone to be cautious, as complaints regarding these misleading mailers have skyrocketed. Many business owners have reported being asked to pay hundreds of dollars, when in reality, Tennessee offers the same renewal services at a much more reasonable cost!

If you or someone you know has received a suspicious mailer, don’t sit on it! Report it to the Secretary of State’s office. You can reach the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations at (615) 741-2286 or file an online complaint through the Attorney General’s office at (615) 741-3491. And don’t forget, you can handle your annual reports quickly and easily by using the Tennessee Charity and Business Filing System online.

Heads Up, Students and Parents!

But wait, the scams don’t stop there! High school students and their parents are also on alert for deceptive schemes connected to SAT and ACT prep materials. Scammers are getting crafty by impersonating the College Board and other educational organizations, trying to lure in unsuspecting families with promises of top-notch prep materials.

Beware of those unsolicited calls! Often, these scammers claim to just be confirming addresses to send materials, which sounds harmless, right? But it gets trickier. They’ll request upfront payments, making offers that seem too good to be true, while also claiming that refunds are available for any returned materials. Spoiler alert: those materials might never arrive!

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is stepping up with helpful tips on how to avoid falling victim to these deceptive tactics. Always verify the legitimacy of the caller before sharing any information. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

A Repeat Offender in Our Midst

Adding to the scam alert, we have a repeat offender right here in Tennessee. A man named Tyler Harris has been making headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. Known for launching multiple businesses without the proper licenses, he’s also racked up complaints for unfinished work, misleading claims about BBB accreditation, and most concerningly, rebranding himself under “Harris Enterprise” to offer unlicensed CPA services!

With the BBB handing his businesses an F rating due to licensing issues, it’s crucial for consumers to be on high alert. If you come across services being offered by individuals or companies, please make sure to do your homework to verify their legitimacy.

In these uncertain times, safeguarding our businesses and families has never been more important. Stay informed, report suspicious activities, and let’s work together to make Tennessee a safer place. Keep your eyes peeled and pass along this vital information—not just for yourself, but for your friends and neighbors, too!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Times Free Press: BBB Warns Families to Watch Out for SAT Prep Scams
• Local 3 News: Scam Alert – Chattanooga Man Running Multiple Businesses Without Licensing
• News Channel 9: Better Business Bureau Warns of Rise in Online Shopping Scams Ahead of Cyber Monday
• WDEF: Tennessee American Water Warns Customers of Recent Scams
• Chattanooga Pulse: Tennessee American Water Warns of Potential Utility Scam
• Wikipedia: Scams
• Google Search: Business Scams Tennessee
• Google Scholar: How to Identify Scams
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Scam
• Google News: Scams in Tennessee