Wyoming business owners should be on the lookout for misleading emails and notices claiming that their Wyoming Annual Report deadline is approaching. These messages can look official, include accurate information about your business, and warn that failure to file could result in administrative dissolution.
While the annual report requirement itself is legitimate, the message you receive may not be.
How the Scam Works
Several Wyoming businesses have recently reported receiving emails directing them to third-party websites to complete their annual report filings. One example directed business owners to a website called file-wyoming.com, while another came from an email address associated with wy.file-wy.com.
These messages may include specific information about your business, such as:
- Your business name
- Your original filing date
- Your principal business address
- Your annual report deadline
- Warnings about administrative dissolution
Including accurate business information can make these messages appear especially convincing. However, Wyoming business registration information is public record, making it possible for third parties to collect this information and use it in solicitations.
The Red Flags
Some third-party filing services are legitimate businesses that charge a fee to complete filings on your behalf. The problem is that their communications can be designed to look like official government notices, making it difficult for business owners to recognize that they are dealing with a private company rather than the state.
Other messages may go beyond misleading marketing and attempt to collect sensitive information, including credit card or business banking information.
Watch for these warning signs:
Urgent or threatening language: Messages may warn that your business will be dissolved if you do not act immediately.
Official-looking notices: A professional design, government terminology, or detailed information about your business does not necessarily mean the message came from the state.
Third-party websites: Be cautious when an email directs you to a website that is not a Wyoming government website.
Unexpected payment requests: You may be charged substantially more than the state filing fee for a service you can complete yourself.
Links in unsolicited emails: Even if a message appears legitimate, clicking the link can take you to a fraudulent or misleading website.
File Directly Through the State
The safest way to manage your Wyoming Annual Report is to go directly to the Wyoming Secretary of State’s official website rather than clicking a link in an email.
The Secretary of State provides an online Annual Report filing service through its official business portal. The office also offers businesses the option to receive electronic annual report reminders directly from SOS_AnnualReports@wyo.gov.
Do not rely on a link in an unsolicited message. Instead, navigate directly to the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website and access the Annual Report Online Filing service from there.
When in Doubt, Stop and Verify
If you receive an annual report reminder that seems suspicious, don’t click the links or provide payment information until you have verified the notice.
Remember:
- Your business information being correct does not mean the message is from the government.
- You do not need a third-party filing service to submit your Wyoming Annual Report.
- Avoid clicking links in unexpected filing reminders.
- Access your annual report through the official Wyoming Secretary of State business portal.
- If you receive an electronic reminder from the state, verify that it comes from SOS_AnnualReports@wyo.gov.
Taking a few extra seconds to verify a filing notice can help protect your business from unnecessary fees, phishing attempts, and fraud.
If you have questions about protecting your small business from scams or cybersecurity threats, contact your Wyoming SBDC Network advisor for no-cost, confidential assistance. Get started today by clicking here.
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Laura Baker is the Executive Director of CyberWyoming and the CyberWyoming Alliance, where she leads initiatives dedicated to helping businesses and citizens manage security risks. Passionate about digital safety and community resilience, Laura also oversees public awareness efforts such as the weekly Hacker’s Brief, senior fraud prevention resources, and youth cyber education programs across the state.
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The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Full funding disclosures available at
wyomingsbdc.org/about
All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
