california new business bureau

California New Business Bureau is a private entity that operates by targeting newly registered businesses in California. It sends deceptive solicitation mailers designed to look like official government notices, requesting a significant fee (often over $250) for a "Certificate of Status." While this is a real document, it is often not required for normal business operations and can be obtained directly from the California Secretary of State for a nominal fee (approximately $5). The company has no affiliation with any government agency and has been widely criticized for its misleading practices, which imply a mandatory requirement and urgency.