Imagine a deputy showing up at your front door with court documents. You’re involved in a lawsuit involving an LLC you’ve never heard of.

Upon closer inspection, you make a shocking discovery. Your home address is listed as the registered agent address for this unknown LLC. It’s also listed as the principal office address.

Even more concerning, you recognize the registered agent’s name. You’ve been receiving mail for this person for several years. You had dismissed it, assuming someone provided the wrong address.

Now you understand the truth. Someone has been using your address to conduct business through this LLC. You’re being dragged into legal proceedings as a result.

Fraudulent or inaccurate business filings can cause serious problems in North Carolina. This is especially true when someone uses your name, address, or company information without consent.

Many people don’t realize something as simple as an LLC filing creates obligations. These filings can create liabilities on paper, even if you never agreed to participate.

This issue has become a recent concern of Twisdale Law, PC. We have assisted clients with navigating these issues with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Under North Carolina law, the Secretary of State’s Business Registration Division maintains records for corporations, LLCs, and other business entities. Unfortunately, those records can be manipulated by third parties who list your personal address as a principal office or registered office, or even name you as a member or manager of a limited liability company. In other cases, a competitor or disgruntled party may file something deliberately to create confusion or disrupt your business.

According to the public notices of the North Carolina Secretary of State, the North Carolina Secretary of State receives over 170,000 business filings per year. Validating each and every business filing is nearly impossible for them. Therefore, without specific knowledge of issues, the Secretary of State needs to be informed of potentially fraudulent activities associated with business filings.

Retain an attorney to file a Tip and Complaint Form with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This allows you to address issues directly with the Secretary of State’s attorneys. You can correct false or inaccurate information in the public record.

For example, you might be listed as an LLC manager without your consent. Your personal residence might be listed as a company’s registered office address. You can use this filing to set the record straight.

North Carolina law allows court action if fraudulent filings cause damages. It also applies when filings are part of a bad-faith scheme. However, merely having a fraudulent filing with your name usually isn’t enough. You generally need financial damages to receive compensation.

Leaving fraudulent filings unchallenged can expose you to significant risks. Creditors or vendors may assume you’re associated with an unknown company. Lawsuits may be directed to your home, disrupting your life. Your reputation could suffer if the company engages in misconduct. This happens while they use your address as their official contact.

The safest course is to act quickly and create a clear paper trail. File corrective documents with the Secretary of State. Retain proof that you never gave authorization. In some cases, notify law enforcement if fraud is suspected.

Consulting with an attorney ensures filings are done properly. It helps shield you from liability while untangling your information from fraudulent records.

If you’ve discovered fraudulent business filings with your name or address, don’t wait. These situations can quickly escalate into serious legal problems. Time is critical when protecting your reputation and avoiding liability.

Twisdale Law, PC has experience helping clients navigate fraudulent filing issues. We work directly with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office. Our team understands the proper procedures for correcting fraudulent records.

We can help you file Tip and Complaint Forms with the Secretary of State. We’ll gather evidence showing you never consented to the business filing. If necessary, we can pursue legal action against the fraudulent parties.

Don’t let someone else’s fraudulent actions damage your good name. Contact Twisdale Law, PC today for a consultation. We’ll review your situation and explain your options. Let us help you clear your name and protect your future.