Happy Halloween Sign Designed and Constructed by the Late Doug McDonald, of Portland.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows warned today of one scam targeting Maine notaries public and mariage officiants and a second scam targeting corporations and nonprofits in a press release issued this afternoon.
Multiple notaries public and marriage officials in Maine have reported to the Division of Corporations, UCC & Commissions that they have been victimized y scammers soliciting services, sending payment in excess of the services and then requesting a refund for the overpayment. After the refund is sent, the payment check bounes or the digital payment is withdrawn, leaving the victim out the amount of the refund sent.
“I urge anyone who receives an “overpayment” for services to be vigilant,” said Secretary Bellows. “Refuse the initial payment and ask that they resend it in the proper amount or wait for the payment to clear before any refund is sent. And if you accept digital payments, make sure you understand the policies of the platform you use, if you were scammed out of any money, contact your local law enforcement.”
A second scam targeting corporations and nonprofits was also reported to the Office of Secretary of State in which a Maine business received an offer to file annual reports on their behalf for a $210. fee. The misleading solicitation form looks similar to the Maine Secretary of State Department Division of Corporations, UCC & Commissions’ annual report form, but is is not authorized by, recognized by, nor does it come from the Maine Department of the Secretary of State. Maine corporations have received similar solicitations in recent years from entities operating under various names. Information for entities included on the forms all comes from publicy available information, making them seem legitimate. The Dividion of Corporations, UCC & Commissions does not mail out the annual report form, making the form available online instead. The 2026 annual report will not be available until January 2026 and the annual report filing fee for established domestic business entities is $85, nonprofit corporations is $35, and foreign business entities is $150.
“This scam is making a return appearance — our office issued a warning about the same scam last December,” said Secretary Bellows. “Scammers can be sophisticated and are really good at what they do. They are counting on victims to miss the signs that it is not a legitimate request and to not ask questions. Any time you receive something unusual, whether by text, emakl or in your mailbox – especially if they are asking for money or personal informtion — examine it closel for signs it isn’t real. And if you’re nodt sure, always reach out directly to the legitimate source directly to confirm it. Any Maine corporation that has a question about corporate annual report or other business entity filing requirements can always ontat cec.corporations@maine.gov or 207 – 624-7752 for information.