Has this happened to anyone else? I paid my registered agent for two years upfront back in January. Last week I got a notice from the state saying my agent resigned. I've called, emailed, even sent a letter. Nothing. Their website is down. I'm out $450 and now I have to find someone new last minute. What do I do?
Legal
My registered agent disappeared after taking my money
That sucks. Name and shame? Might help others avoid them. Also check if they're actually licensed in your state or just a scam.
Wait, registered agents can just vanish? I thought they were regulated. I use a big company and now I'm second-guessing.
Big companies aren't immune either. Had one years ago that got bought out and my files got lost in the shuffle. Took months to sort out. Hope you didn't prepay too much
Two years upfront is a red flag. Most agents bill annually. If they offered a big discount for mult-year, that's a classic sign of cash flow problems.
Step 1: file a complaint with your state's Secretary of State. Step 2: dispute the charge with your credit card company if you you can. Step 3: find a new agent that's actually responsive. I use a local firm and they answer emails within a day.
Did you pay by credit card? If so, chargeback. If by check, you're probably SOL.
Also check if the state has a list of approved agents. Sometimes they publish a directory.
i just looked up mine and they've got a B rating on BBB with complaints about billing. Great. Now I'm paranoid.
BBB ratings are pay-to-play, don't trust them. Better to ask in local business groups for recommendations.
I've been my own registered agent for years. It's not that hard. Just need a physical address in the state during business hours. That's it. Why pay someone?
Because some people don't want their home address on public record. That's the whole point for a lot of folks.
Also if you get sued, you don't want process server showing up at your house.
Fair enough. Still, $450 for two years is steep. Shop around.
Op, any update? Did you get your money back?