It took me a second to figure this one out, but it’s quite the scam. In short, if you register an LLC (and maybe other corporation types) in California, a company called “California Compliance Center” sends you an official-looking letter and bill for a supposed Certificate of Good Standing. Check out their seal as exhibit A:
The seal looks like it could be from a state government agency, right? Well, it most definitely is not. I wish I hadn’t shredded the letter and return envelope to first snap a photo, but they basically send you a bill which says that this is something you need to do. The bill amount is $49.95, though the amount due is $0. I’m no lawyer, but my guess is that’s probably how they keep it legal. They’re not telling you there’s an amount due, just a bill for what it costs.
I get so mad at these bottom-feeders who try to prey on unsuspecting new business owners by scanning the recent business registrations (it’s public record) and then sending them these official-looking letters. I’m pretty alert to this stuff and a quick Google search told me it’s a scam, but I’m sure lots of people forked over 50 bucks to get a worthless piece of paper from these jerks. This “certification” certifies nothing other than the fact that you got taken for a ride. It simply amazes me that people can live with themselves and run these types of businesses for seemingly good profit.
If you do need a certificate of good standing for a California corporation, you get this via the Secretary of State (SOS) website at this link: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/information-requests.htm. Apparently these types of misleading business solicitations are pretty common, so common that it’s the first entry into an FAQ on the SOS website. If you do get ensnared by one of these scams, you can complain via this page: http://www.oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company.
I have some choice words for these guys that I’ve thus far restrained myself from typing.
Ok, I can’t any longer.
Fucking Assholes.
Sorry.
Tim Trampedach's Blog 
Thanks for reminding people to double-check the documents they receive and ask questions. Reach out to the company who helped you form your LLC/corp/etc. (we’d happily talk to our current customers!) or at a minimum call your secretary of state before writing a check.
If you want a photo of the letter & envelope, mine just arrived 2 days ago. I can send it to you…
Yes! Email them to me at tim@timtt.com. I can put a black box on your name and address prior to adding them to the post. Thanks.
I just got one from them. The first sentence was a clue it was a scam.
“Our records show you have yet to file for your companies [sic] Certificate of Status.”
A grammar mistake in the first sentence? Hmmmmm. I’m going to call them on Monday and ask them what it’s about. Should be interesting.
Also, they put on my letter “Total Amount Due: $65”
I just got one as well and had a feeling it was BS…indeed I may call them up just to rant a little bit
You definitely should. It may not accomplish much more than being cathartic for yourself, but if you have the time…
And get the word out. I really want d-bags like this to be exposed, because I know there are people out there with less skepticism than us who are getting taken for a ride here.
Thank you for your post as I thought it was strange to have a $65 bill with a due date only 3 days after delivery.. Looks like the goal is to get people who are rushed to just pay and send without thinking on it too much! So agree with your post!