Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, has entered a partnership with the Department of Justice to safeguard the integrity of Alabama businesses and detect fraud. During today’s Southeast Regional Fraud Enforcement Partnership conference in Columbia, South Carolina, Secretary Allen signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Fraud Enforcement Division of the United States Department of Justice establishing a data-sharing agreement designed to identify and combat fraud in Alabama.
“I am committed to protecting Alabama businesses and consumers from the harmful effects of fraud. I fully support all efforts, including direct partnerships with federal law enforcement, to identify and combat criminal activity.” Allen said. “This memorandum of understanding will help us achieve our goal of eliminating business filing fraud, one step at a time.”
The data to be shared under this agreement includes publicly available business registration records and UCC records processed and retained by the Secretary of State’s Office. The agreement provides this data to law enforcement frequently and at no cost.
“As Secretary of State, I have worked hard to make Alabama a business-friendly place through cutting unnecessary fees and government red tape. Alabama businesses must be able to operate with confidence and know that their government is working to combat fraud and safeguard the integrity of our business filing system,” Allen explained. “Regular engagement with law enforcement partners makes Alabama stronger, giving us the ability to detect fraud and assist investigators and prosecutors as they work to protect our businesses and consumers.”
View the memorandum of understanding here: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/press/DOJ-Alabama%20MOU%207.30.26.pdf.
For more information on reporting business entity fraud, visit the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/reporting-business-entity-fraud.
Wes Allen is Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama’s Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
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*Secretary of State Wes Allen’s official photograph: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/AllenBioHighRes.jpg
