AG Fitch and Centurion Filing Services reach settlement

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The Attorney General, Lynn Fitch, and Centurion Filing Services, LLC, who operates as MS Certificate Services, have reached a settlement. The allegations are that the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act was violated by Centurion Filing Services, LLC

“It’s hard enough to start a business without someone misleading you, especially in a pandemic,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I stand by my commitment to protect Mississippi consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices that seek to scam them out of their hard-earned money.”

The company solicited new business owners with elements that seemed to make the interaction seem official, with seeming official state forms. The company charged a fee to obtain a Certificate of Existence from the Secretary of State. Over three times the actual cost was charged to businesses.

Nearly 6,000 businesses have been affected, losing around $374,125.

Under the agreement Centurion must do the following:

• Stop using the solicitation that the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office deemed deceptive and use a format approved by the state.
  and
• Refund any customers who believe they were misled by the solicitation letter.

Anyone who has paid Centurion for a Certificate of Existence, used this form and believes they were a victim may request a refund by contacting Centurion  or the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.

A refund of $62.50 may be due, but requests for the refund must be within 3 years of making the payment to Centurion. Anyone with questions may call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 601-973-4938.