Alabama Securities Commission Director Amanda Senn and Secretary of State Wes Allen have issued a warning to businesses about what looks like official mail from the secretary of state’s office but that is fraudulent.

The letters falsely claim that businesses need to pay $90, or more, for a copy of a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) statement filed against them.

“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,” Senn said in a news release.

Allen said, “These organizations are not affiliated with or authorized by the SOS office in any way. They are charging excessive amounts for something you likely will never need and, if you do, can easily acquire.”

UCC filings reflect liens placed on certain personal property, such as equipment and accounts receivable, that generally cannot be titled or deeded, like automobiles, aircraft, boats, and real estate, according to the news release. The main purpose of a UCC is to perfect the secured interest of the secured party in personal property collateral.

The UCC financing statement is a form that a creditor files to give notice that it has an interest in the personal property of a debtor. A bank, not an entrepreneur, typically files the statement. Individuals looking to file the statement can go directly to the SOS website here.

The Alabama Securities Commission cautions investors to research any investment opportunity thoroughly. Call the ASC at 1-800-222-1253 and ask for the registration department to check out persons offering investment opportunities, investment advice for a fee, and any products they offer. Contact the ASC to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available on the ASC website.