State warns Inland Empire businesses of phony solicitation

A rash of recent mailings that appear to be official state documents has drawn the attention of the state Secretary of State's office and the state Attorney General's office, which filed suit against the individuals and companies responsible late last week, according to a news release.  The mailings in question appear to come from a state agency, Business Filings Division, and claim businesses are required to fill out the documents and return them with a $235 fee under the California Corporations Code, or their corporation will be suspended, according to the release.  These mailings do not represent any government agency. According to the Secretary of State's office, the actual fee for a Statement of Information ranges from $20 to $25.  If you have received a solicitation letter that seems misleading or confusing, you are asked to contact the state Attorney General's office at (800) 952-5225; or through the Web site, www.ag.ca.gov