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Beware of Mail from CPS Filings

I’m busy running my LLC each day, probably like you, and I get to open my mail to find out if there are any new bills. Well, one just caught my eye addressed from C.P.S. in Salem. Hmm, I know that Salem is our State Capital and that my annual LLC report is due, but that isn’t until September.

This bogus letter requests that I pay C.P.S. $185.00 to file my annual $100.00 report. Their web site address is listed as www.cps-filings.com, so what did I browse at their site?

www.cps-filings.com

OK, so now I’m 100% certain that this is yet another bogus company trying to collect a fee for something that I already do by myself and for a lot less. Rest In Peace to C.P.S or whoever is scamming at 2755 Commercial St. SE, Ste. 101-260.

It pays to be alert and question when a new mail requests something fishy, because it probably is fishy.

This Post Has 199 Comments

  1. STEPHEN GARVEY

    IN NEW YORK STATE THE FILING FEE IS $9.00 EVERY 2 YEARS FOR AN LLC BIENNIAL STATEMENT. JUST GOT A LETTER FROM THE SCUMBAGS AT CPS FILING SERVICE AND THEY WILL FILE FOR ME FOR $100.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Stephen, So glad that you didn’t fall for the CPS filing scam, good for you.

    2. Helena

      I just inc. A business and i got a letter asking for 275.00 for OSHA is this fake guys? And I notice theres no number to call

      1. Daniel Payne

        Helena, when I filed for an LLC there was no letter from OSHA. Any official OSHA letter would come from the United States Department of Labor, so your letter sounds like another scam.

        1. A D

          CPS Filing Services sent me a form and asked for $100. It said I had 60 days from the date in the letter, so I put it aside. I was just about to fill out my check when it didn’t sit right with me. I’m glad I searched it – thanks!!!!

          1. Lisa SF

            Thank you for saving me as well on this scam. CPS Filing services asked me for $120, … $250 late fee may apply! I appreciate you writing this SCAM so others can be safe. Bless You!

          2. Sheri

            I got a letter from them…
            Saying 2022 – Safety Manual Solicitation Form, Workplace Safety Is Essential.
            Form asks for $295.00 Stating that Federal OSHA Laws requires all all employers to provide a place of employees free of hazards. Shows the various fines if violated.
            Does have a website and phone number and looks legit.
            Aren’t these types of information free to place in a break room etc.?

          3. Daniel Payne

            Yes, this information is free to place in a break room, so do not send them any money, it’s a scam.

      2. Elizabeth

        I got the same but mine is for $295.00 I don’t get why they need that much money what service is it is scary

        1. Daniel Payne

          Elizabeth, don’t pay CPS anything, it’s a scam.

        2. Rikki

          I can’t believe I got the same exact thing, I don’t know what was telling me that this paper work didn’t feel real???
          The first thing I googled was the CPS Safety plan order form and there is a literal blank sheet like this

        3. Vlad

          Same here Elizabeth….received one for $295 and shredded to pcs

    3. Lynne

      Thank you guys so much for posting this. The letter looked suspicious to me too and I looked up the address and your thread came up. THANK YOU!

      1026 Florin Rd., #312 in Sacramento, CA – UPS store PO Box!

      1. Ana

        This is awesome for you to share! I just got the “C.P.S.” Letter and I questioned it because I’m no longer an LLC company and I remembered clearly that the cost was only $20 and it’s due very two years.
        I read every single word and then came across two things that automatically should tell you it’s a scam.
        1. To utilize this service….please respond today!
        2. THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY….

        This was similar to a company that was trying to scam me on my student loan. They want to charge you to do and process your paperwork. The way they go about it it’s not okay.

      2. Ewa Gosek

        Thank you for information . I had letter asking for $120.00 but phone 916 2443826 has voice explaining they are not goverment and I can click 1 to be removed from their mail. Wl they made few mistake in the form a d that is phishing and scamming.

        1. Elizabeth

          Ijust got this mailing today. Glad to find this thread, it had an old address for me on the form, so I figured it was not legit.

          1. Daniel Payne

            Elizabeth, glad to hear that you didn’t fall for the CPS Filings scam.

          2. Katya

            I received a letter from them today and was asked to pay $120, though I remember a filing fee $20 every 2 years. I checked the official website and the status of my LLC and it is too early to file statement of information for my company. Now you need to research on every mail you get not to get scammed.

          3. Daniel Payne

            Katya, Good instinct to not pay CPS anything.

        2. Kenny Wong

          Thank you for this post confirming the SCAM, the form looks so official. I filled out the form and was about to write the check for $160 it was asking for the filing service but hesitated about the Payable to “C.P.S.” which doesn’t make sense with abbreviation. So I looked online and found this!

      3. Lorie

        I too received this letter and felt it was not right, because of the timing, the amount due and the statement at the bottom saying “This product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any govenmental agencey………..”. I also had discolved my company over a year ago, so this also gave me concern. I am so glad that I checked this all out before sending money. It is unsettling how many scams are out there now days. Why can’t more be done to stop this stuff from happening? Hard working people are being taken every day for money they don’t have to give. Sad, but I am glad that I found informaiton quickly regarding this one.

        1. Daniel Payne

          Lorie, glad that you were able to sense that CPS Filings was not legitimate. They are technically operating legally, but not morally.

    4. Chris Jackson

      Thank you for posting this. I received a letter from CPS yesterday. Nice to see people sharing information regarding a bogus company. Have a great day!

    5. Avi

      in NYS as well. Just got the same letter.

    6. Alan

      I just received a letter today, January 14, 2023. I can’t believe this company has been known about as a scammer for several years and they’re not shut down. Is anyone trying to nail these guys? Maybe the Better Business Bureau?

      1. Alan

        PS – thanks to all for communicating. You confirmed my suspicions and I certainly appreciate it.

      2. Daniel Payne

        Alan, Technically CPS Filings is acting legally, but morally they are just trying to extort money from business owners that don’t read the fine print.

    7. Kristy

      I got a letter from cps (very official) saying I was required by osha to have a safety manual at my business. I just had to send them $295 and they would send it to me:)

      1. Daniel Payne

        Kristy, Good eye to catch yet another CPS scam letter.

  2. Judy Cummins

    In Indiana, the filing fee is $30.00. I received an offer from them to handle it for $125.00. I also googled the address and it is a UPS Store in Indianapolis. Suite E#109 my ass. I think I will utilize their return envelope and send them…nothing. Wish it was postage paid.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Judy, or how about putting glitter in the empty envelope, LOL.

      1. Judy Cummins

        oh, that is awesome! It’s gonna happen!

      2. shelby

        I was thinking the same thing about how I want to send them stuff since they wasted so much of my time researching whether this was a scam or not!

        1. MARK CUPRYK

          I just got the same letter as Judy. I started to fill it out then realized it did not makes sense to have this type of company. Thankful for the internet.
          Scammer address is C.P.S. 5868 E. 71st Streetm Suite E # 109, Indianapolis, IN, 46220

          1. Margaret Swanson

            THANK YOU ALL FOR confirming my own suspicions about the letter I also received! I wonder if they are even filing after people pay them?!

  3. Kathy Sims

    I got the same letter where they had our old Executive Director name and an old address. The letter said if we didn’t timely file and send a check for $120 today we could be fined a $250 late fees. Now I read everything I get and having done statements of information before for my church I knew right away it was a scam I also googled the address and it is a ups store, what these scammers are trying to get more clever in getting money from people.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Kathy, way to go in keeping good records and not falling for the scam.

  4. TedF

    Yep, in CA, too — C.P.S.
    Looks like they sent a copy of a prior statement of information I already filed with the SOS, and they’ve asked me to sign it and send a check for $120. It’s usually $20… or I think now it’s even free when you do it online.

  5. Steven Kaplan

    Same s@#t just happened to me:$160 requested for filing which is due much later in the year. (The scammers suggest 8/23 as a dead line.) I googled them up, turns out CPS stands for Children Protective Services only.How legal are they?

  6. Dacy

    Thank you for posting the warnings. I also just received the Statement from them asking to sign and pay $120 for filing the Statement of Information , which is due on next year February. It usually costs $ 20. Yes , and they are threatening with $ 250 late fee :).
    The return address shows CPS Filing Services 1026 Florin Road 312 , Sacramento.

  7. Jessica

    I just got the same thing from cps-filings.com Told me I had to pay $120 now or $250 later in late fees. No real valid website so I questioned it. Thanks everyone for your comments! Makes me sure that this is scam material.

  8. Renee

    I just received a notice from them stating I owed $125 by 9/20/19. Weird thing is, it was sent to my home address and not the PO Box where the biz mail is sent. Also the fee is more than $100 more than is actually due. SCAM!

  9. EMILIANO REMIGIO

    I got the same letter from CPS Filing Services with a 4348 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 address asking me to pay $125.00. How can this be stopped?

    1. Daniel Payne

      This is a free country, so there’s no way to stop a scammer from sending you a letter, extorting money. Join the club, throw away the letter, carry on.

      1. Judy Cummins

        I still have the return envelope and intend to send it with a snarky letter and some glitter. So far I’ve just written “bite me”.

        1. Ryan Kano

          That sounds like a decent letter for them.

    2. Vee

      I checked the address which led to a UPS store there…I just ripped it up and threw it away. I file everything myself.

  10. R Casey

    Thanks for posting this so there is a place to confirm this mail is a fraud.

  11. Giovanny Guerrero

    On August 26,2019 received a bill from CPS FILING SERVICES, requesting a payment of $275 FMCSA regulations requirements. It show send payment to 614 S. 4th St.#615, Philadelphia, Pa 19147. II suspected it was a scam. People be careful.

  12. Ray Boreham

    I got the same letter. Is there anything we as potential victims can do about this, since it is a complete rip-off? I called the number on the letter and the recording actually makes it come off like a legitimate business, which obviously it’s anything but.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Ray, you can contact your state Department of Justice and file a complaint.

  13. CLARISSA M EMAYO

    i got a letter from them too and have never seen one like this before!! i’m in hawaii, so we’re getting it over here as well. good thing one of my clients thought to ask me if she should pay it or not. i hate this stuff!!

  14. Esther

    Just got one from them requesting $275.00 with a deadline of 9/27/2019.
    How did they even get my company’s email address, phone # and address ?

    1. Daniel Payne

      Welcome to the wonderfully, unregulated world of data-mining, where most of what you file as a business or corporation is being scraped and then resold to sketchy companies like CPS Filings.

  15. Ginger

    Thank you!!! I almost paid it!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Ginger, good for you. The scammers are getting more sophisticated every day.

  16. Leslie

    Cleaver little scam but I didn’t fall for it. They are asking $275 for OSHA filing for my business.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Leslie, good for you in being smarter than the scammer CPS Filings.

      1. Rana

        I just open my llc and received a letter from C.P S asking for $275.00, 2022 safety plan order form. I was shocked I did not even started a business yet. I was about to pay but thanks to this platform that I searched it and save myself.

        1. Daniel Payne

          Rana, So glad to hear that you took the time to double check the fake invoice from C.P.S., and all the best to starting your new business.

  17. Cynthia Lewis

    I just got a letter from them today, and I figured it was a scam…then I looked them up online, and my guess was right!! Before I started my LLC I did ALOT of research about what steps I needed to take, and ‘CPS’ DEFINITELY wasnt one of them!!!!!PLEASE, DON’T ANYBODY FALL FOR THIS!!!!

  18. Monika

    Thank you all for sharing! I just registered my LLC and also got letter from CPS Filing Services demanding $275 for preparing and providing written safety plan required by OSHA for my firm. I almost fell for it until I Googled OSHA regulations (which are FREE documents anyone can print out), then I Googled CPS Filing Services and got my answers from you guys! BIG THANKS EVERYONE!!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Monika, Sharp eye, and all the best in running your new LLC.

  19. Shon

    Another one in Indianapolis. I notified The Mailing Station at 5868 E 71st St, Suite E. I told them that they are doing business with a company that is likely committing mail fraud and they should consider no longer doing business with them. Their form does say that they are not a government agency, so I suppose they may be technically operating within the law, but it’s definitely a slimy way to do business and scamish to say the least. “CPS Filing Services” lists #109 as their box at the Mailing Station. I wish I could do a stakeout and see who’s getting mail from 109. Thanks for this blog post. Hopefully most people will find this before sending money.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Shon, way to be vigilant about sketchy bills received in the mail.

    2. Mary

      Shon thank you almost paid it !!

  20. Davey Wheeling SR

    I received the same letter asking me to pay $275. Today.
    Here’s the phone number that’s on the letter
    202-838-0037
    Here’s the address that’s on the letter as well.
    5614 Connecticut Ave NW #190
    Washington, DC 20015
    This letter is being shredded as I type this.
    Be real careful of these scams.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Dave, good for you. It looks like CPS is running their rouse all across our great nation, which is sad to see.

  21. Sheila

    We also received a Biennial Statement for NYS LLC. The fee they require is $100 but NYS site states $9. What a SCAM !!!

    What can be done to stop them ?

  22. GORDIE JAMIESON

    I just received mailing fro CPS for my NJ LLC. I was suspicious because the annual amount has always been $50; CPS is requesting $160 and when I attempted for file my annual report online as usual, thankfully information came up about their scam.

  23. Patrice Mason

    Thank you all so much! I was actually about to pay. I just got my LLC and cps-filing sent me a letter to pay $275 for a safety plan from OSHA. SMH. This is so sad. Thank you all again!!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Patrice, so glad to hear that you questioned the CPS bill, and did some checking first.

  24. Buren Kommedal

    Same deal here, please send check for $160 to CPS Filing Service, 1977 North Olden Avenue Ext #650, Trenton NJ 08618.

    Total BS! Looked quite legit, I have to say, but did not feel right. Filing happens directly at the State Gov. website, so I knew this was off. Don’t fall for it!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Buren, maybe we should start sending bogus invoices to CPS Filing Service asking payment to see how they like it.

  25. Deborah

    I knew something was fishy when the last time I received paperwork I was given the option to process my paperwork and pay the fee online at the California State site. Low and behold that option didn’t appear on the letter from CPS. However, the letter look legit.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Yeah, the schemes to gouge us are just getting more sophisticated.

  26. VIVIAN MARONI

    I received one here in Sacramento, Ca I almost fell for it. Then I checked it out and became suspicious of the form. Very official looking document. Thanks for posting!!!

  27. Bridget

    I too received a letter from “C.P.S.” At first when I googled the company acronym I was getting child protective services. Then I searched the address and its a UPS store that has PO Boxes but with a street address. (I know because I have one.) C.P.S. 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #190 Washington, DC 20015 – I knew then it was a scam. I just registered with the state of GA and have not yet received confirmation for my LLC. This letter from the scammer was not for registration – it was titled “2020- Safety Plan Order Form” in regards to OSHA regulatory requirements. They wanted $275! Thanks for the post. Just validated what I was thinking.

  28. Alan

    I have an LLC in Hawaii and received one of these CPS letters wanting $145.00 to file. I have already filed for 2020 and only cost $13.00 on line for this state. I knew something wasn’t right when it states they are not a government agency. DAAA right there you are not providing any info. Thanks, Stephen for starting this alert.

  29. Kanani Akana Kealoha

    I just got 2 in the mail from C.P.S. for my husband and I…I have never done this before and they are requiring that I mail $145.00 ASAP!! Then I read the fine print that says”this is not a Government Agency and they are providing a service, etc, etc”. Total Bogus..in Hawaii we file right on line for a minimal fee!!!
    I guess people have nothing better to do then scam unsuspecting businesses…

  30. Business Owner

    It’s not a scam… it’s just capitalism at it’s very finest. The company doesn’t appear to be registered with any secretary of state in any state… and it’s addresses are all PO boxes. In their defense, at least they answer the phone – though the person who answered couldn’t tell me what CPS stands for. LOL. “Just letters” she told me. Ummm… OK. Well, they are trying to gauge unsuspecting business owners for funds ranging from $100-$275 for filings ranging from $9-$35 with your Secretary of State. Do not be fooled – you don’t need them to file for you. Check locally for a legit filing service if you need help. I’d personally like to thank them for reminding my that my filing is due. I’ll save their notice for my immediate reference – but I ain’t paying them to do anything for me. #Scandalous

  31. Paul Docktor

    so where should this scam be reported to?

  32. Shelby

    TLDR: Have business outside home = print these forms out yourself for free from OSHA websites for inspectors. Work in home = do not need forms and no inspections. Either way, you do not need to pay C.P.S.

    Just received this today! It said that for Georgia I need to send $275 to them.

    I called OSHA and they directed me to my region’s business care side. The OSHA representative said that this is just a business trying to make a quick buck. If you send them the money then they just print and laminate the specific OSHA laws and mail them to you all nice and pretty. But you can do this yourself for FREE!

    If you have employees OR your business is operated somewhere other than your home then it is the law (just like how CPS says) that you have to have physical print outs of specific OSHA laws in plain view. But, you can go to the OSHA website to look up these specific terms FOR FREE and print them out yourself. These need to be posted in your workplace and will be checked when the inspector comes. So you do need these forms, but again, you can do this all for FREE by yourself!

    If you work out of your home and do not have employees, then you do NOT need to have these printed or posted since they do not inspect homes that have small businesses running from inside them.

    When in doubt, call OSHA yourself at 1 (800) 321-6742 and hit 4 for FREE legal/business consultations and they’ll transfer you to your region for legal assistance; or visit their website. They were super helpful and nice to me. They hear about this specific thing all the time.

    TLDR: Have business outside home = print these forms out yourself for free from OSHA websites for inspectors. Work in home = do not need forms and no inspections. Either way, you do not need to pay C.P.S.

    Hope this helps! 🙂

  33. Shelby thurman

    Thank you everyone for posting all of this that way I wouldn’t get scammed since this is my first ever business! I appreciate all of it!

  34. T. Brooks Web Design

    If you read the fine print it does say that C.P.S. is not affiliated with a government agency. However, that doesn’t make it any less of a scam, since the way it’s presented is misleading, it looks like a legal document, and they’re counting on the fact that a lot of people won’t bother to read the fine print. Besides, why would you need help filing an annual report? Your state sends you the legitimate form, you fill it out, send in a check and you’re done.

  35. Charles Yoon

    I was so close to sending this company the money for the filing for a LLC statement of information filing in california. So deceiving since they do not mention at all that they are a 3rd party company! I want to find an attorney to file a class action law suit against these scum bags.

  36. Sandy

    I was very close to sending this scam $120.00 to file a the California fee for an LLC, until I tried to do it online with the State of California. After searching CPS on-line I found this web-site. Read the fine print on the “Form.”

  37. Louis

    What a rip-off. It’s 9.00 dollars to file for LLC in New York. They wanted me to send them 100.00. When I called the # to ask why they hung up.

  38. Chas

    Just got a letter from CPS. I live in Oklahoma. The address they gave is in Oklahoma City, the state capitol. sounds official. But the street address is a UPS store. They want to charge me $125 to do what I can do for $25. No, thanks!

  39. Michelle

    I just got a letter from CPS as well – Indiana. The address is 71st Street in Indianapolis and asking for me to contact them and pay $125. This isn’t even the time I file, so I just went online to check my business entity report to renew and it said I am still over 90 days out before renewal. Be aware. It was strange to me, and then I looked this up online and found this conversation.

  40. Lynne

    I can’t even believe they are allowed to do this. Frustrating. I called the UPS Store where they have their po box here in Sacramento and they did nothing about it. 🙁

  41. PATTI EVANS

    I just received a letter from CPS and like everyone else they requested $125.00 for a $25.00 annual fee.

    Patti
    Salinas CA

  42. Always Suspicious

    In Hawaii during April, our Annual Report costs $14. We get renewal reminders by email from info@ehawaii.gov

    Below is regarding we received a notice dated 2/24/2020 (Respond by 03/27/2020)

    “Hawaii laws require every limited liability company authorized to transact business in the state shall deliver to the director for filing an annual report…”

    “If you do not file an annual report, you may be at risk for penalties.”

    “C.P.S. IS NOT A GOVT AGENCY & DOES NOT HAVE A CONTRACT WITH ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE”

    Mail the completed for with $145 in the enclosed envelope to:
    C.P.S.
    4348 Waialae Ave. #700, Honolulu, HI 96816
    Further assistance: Call (808) 999-7529

    Price includes state fee and C.P.S. processing fee.

  43. Florin

    Thank you for this topic and thanks to those who wrote comments.
    Why?
    Because I had an intuition that the envelope that I got from C.P.S. is a scam.
    I typed in Google: “Is C.P.S. Trenton, NJ a scam ?” and here I am !
    To insert an useful input, different from the useful things mentioned by others:
    A time ago I had a discussion at telephone with clerk from New Jersey’s government, and they told me that 90 days before one year since the registration of my business, they will REMIND me that I have to fulfill my report. That would mean the second half of April. While being reminded, they will expect that report when the year is full (July, in my case).
    The form from C.P.S. was dated February 24 !
    And of course, something already mentioned in another comment: “C.P.S. IS NOT A GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND DOES NOT HAVE A CONTRACT WITH ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.”

    1. Fred Bauer

      Thank you for your post. I never pay anything for my business that I do not know about in advance, so I check them all out. I got here and I wanted to let you know that they are still alive and active in NJ. I wish that there was some kind of operation that could put these guys out of business for good.

  44. TBB US

    Got my letter from C.P.S. 1026 Florin Road #312, Sacramento CA 95831 with a request for $120 payment. So glad to find this site, thanks everyone for your input. The envelope says “THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT” and the back of the letter on the bottom says “THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

  45. Lynne

    For sure TBB. That’s the same one I received it from. I called the UPS Store that houses their post box to let them know and they didn’t care whatsoever. Shameful!

  46. Gary Taylor

    I am in California and received a similar letter from CPS.The layout an print seemed odd and the document a little longer than what I recall it looking. I am going to include the letter when I actually send my statement to Sacramento.

    1. Michele Galbreath

      I to receive a letter from a C.P.S from Trenton,NJ and this letter came on April 8,2020. giving me 10 days to reply by 4/17/2020
      for $160.00 this did not sit right with me from the state. We do ours on line with a password. They want you to send a check. Don’t go for this Scam.

  47. Paula Handra

    I just got one this week in CA.

  48. JY

    Just got one today and reported to FTC regulations to stop these scammers. Please do the same to make these felons stop.

    1. L

      Same here! Almost fell for it, now I will report it to FTC. So glad I took the time to read the fine print and look online.

  49. Cody Matherne

    I just opened my letter from these dirt bags and knew something wasn’t right. Typed the address in the URL and this is the first thing that came up. If only these losers and all the others out there worked as hard at a real job as they do at trying to scam hard working members of society

  50. L. Kendall

    I receive an official notice from the State of NJ each year on April 1. It says I must file my annual report by June 30. I get a letter from C.P.S every year and the due date on their paperwork is always before the end of March, sneaky bastards. If you file directly on the state’s website, the fee is $75 a year, which is bad enough. C.P.S charges $160! Don’t be fooled.

  51. John

    So in the event that you fall for this and send payment in, what can one do to try and recover those funds?

    1. Daniel Payne

      You could always contact CPS Filings and request a refund, see if they respond.

  52. Sanjay Amladi

    Not sure why the BBB or IRS does not go after this scamster and hold them accountable for sending out fake letters to unssuspecting business owners, inspite if several complaints to BBB. It is very concerning that these guys are allowed to operate unchecked for years.

  53. Stephen J. Young

    Just received a notice for NJ annual report asking for $160. Didn’t look right and found your postings. Thanks.

  54. Otheo K Muse

    Just got this letter from C.P.S. on 5/18/2020 I have to say that it’s a very good letter and if your in business and want to stay on top of your company’s bill’s you would just send the check. Something told me to check on line or call the state too see if this was a real state issued letter. Glad that I didn’t But I enjoy playing the game and I will be sending them a special check. Be careful always call the state department that you live in for confirmation before sending a check.

  55. Kenny Goulart

    I received the same letter from C.P.S. This is what my state has informed for LLC’s…

    NEWS RELEASE
    Louisiana
    Department of State
    R. Kyle Ardoin
    Secretary of State
    P.O. Box 94125
    Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
    http://www.sos.la.gov
    Tyler Brey
    Press Secretary
    225.362.5086
    tyler.brey@sos.la.gov
    March 31, 2020
    SECRETARY ARDOIN WARNS BUSINESSES ABOUT POTENTIAL SCAMS
    BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is alerting business owners of
    fraudulent letters being mailed to businesses indicating an “annual report renewal” The letter
    directs owners to mail payments in the amount of $125 to C.P.S. THIS LETTER IS NOT
    FROM THE LOUISIANA SECRETARY OF STATE’S COMMERCIAL DIVISION and
    should be immediately discarded.
    In past years, Commercial Division customers have also received correspondence from
    Corporate Records Service, Louisiana Corporate Compliance Business Services and
    Corporate Compliance Company. These companies are also not affiliated or associated with
    Louisiana state government in any way.
    Business owners are encouraged to view their annual report renewals through the geauxBiz
    portal or contact the Department of State’s Commercial Division for more information at
    225.925.4704 or commercial@sos.la.gov.
    Additionally, Secretary Ardoin reminds owners to subscribe to the department’s commercial
    email notification system aimed at protecting businesses from fraud and identity theft.
    Anyone can sign up for the system which generates messages regarding changes to
    commercial entities, non-governmental correspondence, office closures and most
    importantly, warnings involving possible fraudulent activity.
    Subscriptions to the system are complimentary and voluntary, individuals are able to easily
    register via the website while viewing a corporation record. Once subscribed under the
    specified entity, notifications will be sent if any changes are made to the company. In
    addition, the system will generate a message if an annual report is not filed on time; a
    business is not in good standing; or a business is revoked. Subscribers can also opt to receive
    messages via text.

  56. Ray

    Why hasn’t anyone shut this scam down???

    1. Daniel Payne

      Ray, great question. What CPS does is morally wrong and deceptive, however it must be just shy of a crime. I encourage you to contact your state Attorney General’s office to file a complaint, every request brings more legal pressure to ban CPS for good.

  57. JS

    Well, they are still at it here in California. Thought it looked suspicious so looked up reply address. Your link came up.
    Thank you, Daniel, for your web page! Will definitely be contacting CA Attorney General’s office.

  58. Donna

    Hi Daniel, thank you so much for exposing this group as scammers. It’s scary because they have my home address as I am new to having an llc an presently only have a website. Here is the address I received to send the money to: 5614 Connecticut Ave. NW, PMB 190, Washington DC 20015. This location is a post mail box at a UPS store. So sad!

  59. Marta Bulaich

    Just got one for California LLC requesting $120 and talking about a $250 late fee.

    C.P.S.
    1026 Florin Road #312
    Sacramento, CA 95831

    Thanks, Daniel for the advice. I’m contacting Attorney General as well.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Marta, way to be on the alert for scams like this one.

  60. Rosemary

    Just received out CPS letter today 7/30/20. Wants us to pay $160. It states right in the letter CPS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND DOES NOT HAVE A CONTRACT WITH ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.
    When I read that, I knew something was not right. I hope a lot of ppl see your site b4 mailing in a check. So many must have gotten scammed for this company to remain in business.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Rosemary, good eye, astute logic, ignore CPS and their scam letter.

  61. Lynne

    Yeah – SO SHADY! I wish they would shut them down. The UPS store is facilitating this as well. I called them and they had no interest at all in what these people are doing from their store. 🙁

  62. Lynne

    Looks like they are doing this in every state and using PO boxes from UPS stores to facilitate the scam. Horrible.

  63. Anika

    Can’t we sue them? As a PLA? This is complete harassment! I just got the letter today and its so ‘formal’ looking that it took me a while to realize that it is a fraud

    1. Daniel Payne

      Anika, great question, although CPS Filings may have just approached the line of what is still legal, but highly immoral at the least.

      1. Anika

        Well…it took me at least 15 minutes to find out that it is not an official mail/form.

        We should collectively file for fraud/misrepresentation.

        This is ridiculous how they can do this. Again, just a thought. If you look at the last few years, its consumers like us who have brought firms like this to action.

  64. Mary Riechers

    NY here. So glad I had the sense to look this up. Will report CPS to FTC and Better Business Bureau! We all have enough to deal with now and this scam is immoral to say the least. You can bet I’m going to support the Post Office and use a stamp to send it back with some kitty litter in the envelope!

  65. Lynne

    LOLOL – yes kitty litter infused with glitter!

  66. Daniell

    so glad that I second guessed this and didn’t pay it! I just got another bill for my annual report from the state of NJ and I was so confused. Different amount due and different due date. So I started looking into it and it led me here. My question is, how does this letter from CPS have my personal information like when my LLC was formed if it’s not legit??

    1. Daniel Payne

      Your LLC filing is public info, so CPS copies it and then sends you their marked up bill.

  67. Lynne

    It’s all public information. Sadly when told about it, they do nothing to prevent it from happening again.

  68. Janice Christensen

    Just got a similar notification for the state of Colorado from this exact same address, but they changed the name of the company to B.C.S. Don’t know what that stands for, but it’s the same scam. They want $110 to file paperwork. They have the decency to include fine print that says, “The State of Colorado periodic report can be filed directly through the state for the statutory $10 fee.” That’s what we’ve always done in the past, so I was tipped off right away. Clever, though!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Yeah, so CPS can morph their crooked name to BCS and keep repeating their rip-off, but you had sense to see through the scam.

  69. Mike

    I also live in Colorado and just received the same scam from B.C.S.
    They can change the name forever from CPS to BCS to DCS, unless someone stops them from doing it.

  70. Elizabeth P Blankenhorn

    AND they are STILL at it – with a NJ address but still the same CPS, same claim that I should file (again – I just completed a payment using another one of these agencies in June). Cannot believe the BB has done nothing about it – I filed a complaint.

  71. MARK CUPRYK

    I just got the same letter as Judy. I started to fill it out then realized it did not makes sense to have this type of company. Thankful for the internet.
    Scammer address is C.P.S. 5868 E. 71st Streetm Suite E # 109, Indianapolis, IN, 46220

  72. lisa

    we receive one today asking for $160- its looked so offical…be careful. cps trenton nj

  73. G Ayala

    Thank you . Glad I saw this from you guys …. yes I was asked to pay 120.00 or 250.00 late fee would apply . Yes their return address is. CPS/ 1026 Florin Road #312 Sacramento Ca 95831

    How Ca we report this thugs???

  74. hank susumu

    I got a letter much earlier than my annual report date.
    I just wonder how they guys obtain my contact info and who disclose it to them.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Hank, way to stay sharp and recognize the scam. CPS Filings skims your info from public records, they are not private.

  75. Linda

    I just received a very similar solicitation from “BCS,” same UPS address. I’m in Colorado, where my annual LLC fee is $10; they wanted $110! Glad I got suspicious and checked it out. I reported it to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office. (As if they don’t have enough to do with the election coming up!)

  76. Konrad

    I received a similar scam in CO. They are calling themselves BCS this time. I have an LLC and my state requires like $10 a year. They are asking for $110. Call your state, this is a scam. They are also using the address: 5614 Connecticut Ave. NW #190, Washington DC 20015, which is a UPS store.

  77. BAYDUH

    WOW WHAT A MF SCAM NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN SAC. STOP BY AND KNOCK ON THERE DOOR

  78. Laura

    I’ve received these before and because the forms look so official, I do a quick re-read. Once I see the $110, I know it’s a scam. They must get away from postal fraud by putting “The State of Colorado Periodic Report can be filed directly through the state for the statutory $10 fee.” at the bottom of the form. I’m tempted to file a complaint w/the CO Attorney General’s Office and send a copy of the complaint back in their envelope: B.C.S., 5614 Connecticut Ave, NW #190, Washington, D.C. 20015

  79. Nancy

    Yes, I also received one…I will see if the Attorney General will help

  80. John Clotworthy

    So thankful for this post. It also popped up like 3 from the top on google – so great work by the people who run this site.

    1. Daniel Payne

      John, glad to help alert business owners of scams out there that look fishy, and are fishy.

  81. Deana Michael

    I just got one from Hawaii, Wanting $145.00 Glad I investigated before I paid this. They are scum!!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Aloha, glad that you double checked before paying an inflated fee.

  82. Gretchen Varelli

    I got one from Trenton and they wanted $235!!
    How do they get away with this?

    1. Daniel Payne

      Gretch, technically they are providing a service with about a 100% markup, although you never requested the service, so at it’s heart the practice is totally deceptive.

  83. Carmen

    THANK YOU for having this. I kind of knew this was bogus but here we are, year end, and I’m thinking I forgot something. I googled and this site came up immediately. Thank you for confirming this. As an FYI-if anyone ever files a patent, you will get letters like this as well saying your patent is not valid unless you pay.
    $120 for this CPS filing. Bite me.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Carmen, That’s a good practice to do a quick Google search to verify if something fishy is legit or not, glad that you caught it in time.

  84. Chasity Nadine Napuelua

    I am in Hawaii. C.P.S sent a mail with a request I file my 2020 Annual report for 145.00 I quickly ducked it and found this thread. Aloha for the information. Sadly their are thousands of companies that will fall prey to this. It sure does pay to pay attention. ALOHA from Hawaii.

  85. Shirley

    In O.C California. Just got the letter in the mail today. At first I looked legit and a bit intimidating. I got a weird feeling about it so I quickly did some research. They requested a payment of $120 to 1026 Florin Road Sacramento, CA. Its always so odd to me that there are people out there comfortable conning hard working individuals. STAY ALERT EVRYONE 🙂

    1. Daniel Payne

      Shirley, your research paid off, I wish that CPS would simply go out of business so that we can all focus on running our own businesses.

  86. Lynne

    Glad to help! They are super shady. The UPS store that houses their boxes don’t seem to care either. Disappointing.

  87. Becky

    So glad I found this site. They sent me the same scam but the address is 3000 W. Memorial Road Ste. 123-339 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 and left phone number 405-791-6331

    1. Daniel Payne

      Becky, well done on avoiding the CPS Filings scam.

  88. Kenny Wong

    Great to see more people finding this post helpful and avoided the scam!

  89. Edgar Leal

    Thanks Daniel, you have given me very important information.

  90. Jeff fool me once

    I got a letter too from C.P.S. and it looked very “government official”. It was demanding a payment of $145.00. There are words in the same font and style that state C.P.S. is not a government agency which is true. Also the words that the money is for state processing fee and C.P.S. processing fee. Also, the check is to be made out to C.P.S. What bothers me is I did think the letter is from a government agency but was not 100% sure and did a google search. Then I read 100s of people got the same letter for different states. Then I read the letter is technically legal because it does print the words C.P.S. is not a government agency. Then I read that C.P.S. address is a UPS store. So, the best way and legal way to inform the public about C.P.S. is to write a Yelp review about the UPS store that provides a mail box for these C.P.S. scammers.

    https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-ups-store-honolulu-6

    You can take a photo of the scam letter that shows the C.P.S. business address and then provide a Yelp review of the UPS store that is “aiding and abetting” the scam C.P.S. service. Hopefully, UPS will wise up and not allow known scammers to use their mailboxes.

    If C.P.S. does not have a mailing address, then they can not get checks from fooled people.

  91. John

    Today is July 27, 2021. I also received the official looking letter and form to renew my 2022 LLC Statement of Information, and mail in $120 to C.P.S. Not due until 3/2022, and last time I only paid $20. I looked up 1026 Florin Rd, $312, Sacramento. It’s a mail drop store in a shopping mall. I called their no. 916-244-3826 (a Sacramento area code), but the message said their hours are 9-5 EST. Thanks for starting this message stream about this SCAM, Daniel.

  92. Brian

    Thank you for this post. It looks legit but I just needed to clarify. Thank you again

  93. Lynne

    For sure!! Scammers are the worst. Still not sure why the state governments don’t stop them. They literally have traceable PO boxes.

  94. Quinn

    Nowadays, these types of scams happen very frequently, including property taxes and many others. Scammers are con-artists and they would create letter mailing formats just as real as the officials. The best practice is to verify online first then make the calls if necessary before mailing anything back. For LLC registration, just go online directly to your state of organization of the entity and file it directly. If you have never done it this way, try to go to your Secretary of State website and type in a search for your business name, and follow the instructions. Most states allow you to file in advance up to a certain amount of days. In California, you may do this e-filing up to 6 months prior. So, put it on your calendar to remind you in advance and have it repeat as many years as you are in the business or leave it as infinite until you officially close it down. These kinds of things are not educated to most business owners, and unfortunately, to some people, they are life learning lessons unless someone shares the information like those on this platform. And of course, not many business owners are aware of this as well as me. I just accidentally discovered it as my wife gave me the mail today. BE SAFE and wish all of you a blessed NEW YEAR with great health and prosperity in 2022!

  95. Hazel Correll

    I also received the form for LLC in Indiana. It appears to be real but when you read the top of the document it says “SOLICITATION FOR SERVICES,” THAT IS WHAT MADE ME DO A DOUBLE TAKE, as well as saying they are NOT a government agency. I scanned it and sent to my accountant and she verified that it is a scam. I also get a scam letter telling me that I need to send $250 to some company for my IP addresses for website and it is also bogus. I do not understand why the government cannot close these people down.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Unscrupulous companies like CPS Filings are operating legally, but not ethically, so let’s help expose their scam to more business owners and help to shut down their business.

  96. Carla

    Unbelievable, I got the same letter and the address goes back to Trenton, NJ so it truly looked official. Lucky for me this New Yorker didn’t fall for their scam – right to the shredder the letter went. It’s difficult enough running operations in this COVID world, but it just goes to show you to take your time and truly read through your correspondence carefully. Business owners BEWARE of C.P.S.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Carla, good instincts to not fall for the CPS scam during the pandemic.

    2. Fred Bauer

      Why waste the electricity on shredding it. It’s just good old fashion junk. LOL!!!!!

  97. Tina

    I just got one and checked to see if it’s a scam and i found all your comments. Thank you.

  98. Fred Bauer

    Tina, you are not alone. But you are one of the smart ones, since you realized that maybe this wasn’t the way governments work.

  99. EE

    Daniel, Thanks for posting this. I got the same letter from CPS and I suspected its legitimacy since it looked different from the ones i got before. I then logged in to NJBGS official site to check my annual report. It showed that it’s not due yet. And I found your posting. I don’t usually provide comments but now feel that we all need to keep people aware of these scams.

    1. Daniel Payne

      I hope that we can spread the word about scams like CPS, and eventually drive them out of business.

  100. Jean

    I’m glad to see that my instincts were correct on this. I also received an official-looking mailing from CPS with an Indianapolis address. The person who took care of these things previously left the company, so I had no idea whether we dealt with this company or not. The Google search led to this site, and the search term “C.P.S. Scam” came up frequently! It looks like they scour public records for LLCs to make their mailing list. Thanks much for this post!

  101. Jacki Romer

    I just received the same letter, unbelievable.
    I’m so glad you started this thread to confirm this is a scam. So official looking.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Jacki, Good eye and instincts on the CPS scam letter.

  102. Jenny

    I received a letter from C.P.S for a OSHA safety plan asking for 275 to file. At the same time receiving one from D.O.C.S saying in order to get hard copies through sec of state i had to pat $89.25. 1971 E Beltine ave NE Ste 106 #1052 Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Scam even found news articles forewarning people. The 3rd letter from LLCS 3105 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #316 Lansing, MI 48910 telling my as a business it is required to hang a labor law poster which they are charging 98.00 for. Each paper looking official. So glad I question everything these days.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Jenny, I’m so glad to hear that you didn’t fall for these three scams. Once you file paperwork to form your business, then the scammers line up with fake letters and invoices. Continue your vigilance, and all the best to your business in 2022.

  103. Fred Bauer

    Unfortunately, your filing information is a matter of public record. This means that any scammer can get it, and then your mailbox fills up. It is imperative that people are aware of that and are more dubious about “legal notices” they receive.

  104. Rhonda Flores

    Got our C.P.S. letter the end of August after starting our LLC. It didn’t seem right to me so I done a little investigation myself and came up with this site. Thankfully, I looked into it because I was just about to send it back with a check for $275 to C.P.S. 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #190, Washington DC 20015-2604. One of the things that really thru me off was if it was a legit company for OSHA, they wouldn’t have an email attached to Gmail.com. Haha. They didn’t think it through too well. Thanks for all the warnings yall! I’m definitely going to start checking everything we get in the mail in regards to our LLC.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Rhonda, keen eye and good research to avoid this CPS Filings scam.

  105. Joey M.

    I received my letter today. It looked legit. I signed it and wrote the check then had a gut feeling something wasn’t right. Same address that everyone is posting on here. That’s a shame what people will try to do.

    1. Daniel Payne

      Joey, good thing that you trusted your gut, plus a Google search. Yeah, it’s a very deceptive practice by CPS Filings.

  106. Charles Reed

    CPS is a bogus service. So, where is the Attorney General? He should be all over this. At minimum, the disclaimer of government connection should be required to be the largest print at the top of the page not hidden halfway down the page.

    1. Daniel Payne

      What CPS does is immoral, yet somehow legal, what a shame.

  107. Dayna

    OMG…I had my check written out for $185 and was about to seal the envelope when something told me to read the letter again. Not acting on behalf of the government caught my eye and “filing on my behalf” sent me to google to see what C.P.S. really is. Thankfully something told me to look again!!!!! I can’t believe how far back your warning message goes, and that they’ve been able to get away with this for so many years!!! So frustrating!!! Thank you for the info!!

    1. Daniel Payne

      Dayna,
      So glad that you did that Google search on CPS, and have a Merry Christmas with the extra $185.00 that you saved.

  108. dayna

    LOL I certainly will!!! I’ve been scammed before, 2 other times, 2 weeks apart, if you can imagine!!! I will be extra cautious and diligent going forward!! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!!!

  109. Chris

    I have an LLC in California, I also and got a letter titled 2023 – Safety Manual Order Form Workplace Safety is Essential asking for $295.0. I’m the sole owner. Is this a scam?

    1. Daniel Payne

      Chris,
      Yes, that’s yet another scam, so don’t fall for it.

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