Check a certificate-of-status offer for a business
Start with two questions: does anyone need this document from you, and who issues it? Check your state business registry's own page for the certificate, its fee and how to order it, then compare that with the mailer before paying anyone.
Match the offer to the registry
- Copy the document named, the fee, the sender's name and any reason the mailer gives for needing it.
- Note whether a bank, licensing body or contract partner has actually asked you for this document.
- Type your state registry's address yourself and find its page for the document. Record the fee and ordering route, or note that you could not find one.
- Compare the mailer's price, delivery and contents with the registry's.
- Check your records for any order. If no one ordered it, do not pay the mailer as an invoice.
When a service may still make sense
Ordering through a private service is a legitimate choice for some owners, and charging for it does not make a mailer improper. What matters is whether you need the document and whether the offer describes itself accurately. The FTC lists fake invoices and unordered goods as risks for businesses and nonprofits, so a bill-like layout or a claim that action is required calls for checking first.
Private certificate worksheet
Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.
Ask the party who wants the document
If someone asked for a certificate, ask them what version they accept and by when, then order from the registry or a service you choose. If no one asked, file the mailer with your worksheet and ask the sender to stop mailing the business.
Official source
Keep personal records with the organization that handles them
Junk Mail Magic is for ordinary unwanted advertising. Use the official contact route in this guide for records, account changes or someone else’s correspondence.
Compare removal routes