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When you contact the investigations unit, please provide as much detail as possible.

Please include your contact information as an investigator may need to contact you for additional information.

All reports will be kept confidential.

Here are a few examples of helpful information to include:

• Who committed the fraud? (name, address, phone number, email address and the individual's description)
• What did the individual do; what fraud is suspected?
• Where did the fraud take place?
• When did it happen?
• How was the fraud committed?
• Who else has knowledge of the fraud?

Or if you wish to file a complaint to be investigated by this office, you must complete and submit a formal complaint.

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The Secretary of State's Office has statutory authority over the regulation of elections, notaries, the licensing of private investigators, and charitable solicitations.

The Investigations Unit is the office that investigates violations in these areas.

Business

The Secretary of State maintains the official state records of legal entities such as, corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, voluntary associations, business trusts and unincorporated non-profit associations.

If you have a concerns regarding the formation, change or termination of a legal entity, please fill out a complaint.

Charities

Registration and regulation of charitable organizations that intend to receive contributions from the public, government grants and private foundations within West Virginia.

If you believe a charitable organization or professional fundraiser is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.

Elections

As the chief elections official for the State, the Secretary of State is responsible for ensuring fair, smooth and organized elections.

If you believe any Election Official, Polling Place, Poll Worker, or anyone associated with the elections process is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.

Notary Public

It is the responsibility of this office to regulate the licensing of all Notary Publics within the state. Please contact our Investigations Unit should you have any concerns or complaints regarding the actions of a notary.

If you believe a Notary Public is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.

Private Investigators

Compliance within the code that governs private investigators and hiring firms is considered a primary concern because of the important use of these professionals in the legal field.

If you believe a Private Investigation Firm, Private Investigator, Security Firm, or Security Guard is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.​​