Old North News

Currituck County residents are learning from law enforcement officials about a mail scam that looks to solicit money for something people can get for free.

“This appears to be the latest twist on an old scheme of mailers using misleading language aimed at holding consumers up for large and unnecessary fees for government filings,” Secretary of State of North Carolina Elaine F. Marshall said in a release, according to a WAVY report. 

The content of the Secretary of State’s release is being repeated by sheriff’s office workers in Currituck.

The state is alerting people to be aware of “a deceptive mailer from a Raleigh-based company" if they have recent financing statement filings with the department’s Uniform Commercial Code Section.

The solicitation asks people to pay $90 if they want to request a copy of a document that can be obtained for free on the Secretary of State’s website. 

The Secretary of State’s Office said it has received reports from people who have recently filed a UCC. They said they've received mail with the header, “State of North Carolina Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement Request Form.” When reading the fine print of the mail, it says the company is not affiliated with any government agencies and that the service is not required. The Currituck County Sheriff's Office advises people to research these types of companies before sending any money.