California Business Bureau: CBB vs CA Secretary of State bizfile vs BBB
California Business Bureau” can refer to California Business Bureau, Inc. (collection notices), the California Secretary of State bizfile/Business Entities tools (register or search an LLC), or the Better Business Bureau (ratings and complaints).
Many people search this name for two very different reasons. Some want the official California business search and filings. Others got a letter or call about a debt.
Quick pick:
- Register or search an LLC or corporation: Use California Secretary of State Business Entities and bizfile Online.
- Got a debt call or letter: You may be dealing with California Business Bureau, Inc. (often called CBB).
- Want ratings or reviews: That is BBB or review sites, not the state office.
What “California Business Bureau” means
This search term can point to a company, a state office, or a rating group. The names sound alike but jobs are not the same.
California Business Bureau, Inc. (CBB)
CBB is a company that works with healthcare accounts receivable and collections services. It says it serves the healthcare industry and has been in business since 1973.
California Secretary of State Business Entities (official filings)
This is the state office for business entities. It offers online services through bizfile. It supports many filings, name reservations, and orders for certificates and certified copies.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
It is a place that lists business profiles, reviews, and ratings. Some people confuse BBB with a government bureau.
California Business Bureau, Inc. overview
If you are here because of a debt notice, this section is for you. If you are here to register a business, jump to the Secretary of State section.
Location and contact basics
CBB lists a corporate office in Monrovia, California. It also lists local and toll free phone numbers on its contact page.
What services they say they provide
CBB describes itself as a healthcare accounts receivable management company. It mentions medical billing and collection services for healthcare. Its “What we do” pages list items like insurance billing support, follow up, auditing, and early out or self pay programs.
Disputes and account questions
If you believe an account is wrong, start by asking for clear details in writing. Keep copies of every letter and email. Write down dates, names, and call times.
If you got a call or letter from CBB
Most people find this search after a surprise notice. Bill name looks new but sometimes it links to a medical visit you forgot.
Common reasons people search this
- A collection letter arrived with an unfamiliar provider name
- A call came about medical debt
- A person worries about credit reporting
- A person wants to confirm if the company is real
Public reviews also show many people describe it as a collections agency, which matches this intent pattern.
Safe first steps that reduce mistakes
Do these steps in order.
- Ask for the name of the original provider and the date of service
- Ask for the amount and any account reference number
- Ask for the details in writing
- Do not share extra personal data on the phone
- Save the envelope, letters, and screenshots
These steps help you spot errors fast. They also help you explain the issue clearly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying right away out of fear
- Ignoring the letter and hoping it goes away
- Sharing your full Social Security number on a call
- Arguing on the phone without asking for written details
A calm process beats a rushed response.
When to get help
Get help if any of these happen.
- You receive court papers
- The debt looks like identity theft
- You cannot match the debt to any real service
- You feel pressured or confused
A qualified consumer lawyer or local legal aid can explain options. This is general info, not legal advice.
Don’t confuse this with California Secretary of State Business services
Many users type “California business bureau” when they really want the state business search.
What the California SOS Business Entities office does
The Secretary of State Business Entities area supports official business services. It points to bizfile Online for many filings and orders, including certificates of status and certified copies.
Fast path to search a California business
Use the state business search page. Search by entity name and review the public filing results. This is the correct place for LLC and corporation lookups.
Quick comparison table
| Name | What it is | Best for | What you can do there | Official |
| California Business Bureau, Inc. (CBB) | A company focused on healthcare accounts receivable and collections | If you got a debt notice tied to healthcare billing | Contact the company, ask for details, resolve an account issue | No |
| CA Secretary of State Business Entities | State office and online portal for entity records and services | Registering or searching a business | Business search, filings, certificates, certified copies | Yes |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Business profile and rating network | Checking profiles, ratings, and reviews | View profile, rating, and complaint info | No |
Conclusion
This search term often points to a debt related company or the California business filing office. If you want to register or search a business, use the Secretary of State bizfile tools. If you got a debt notice, ask for written details and keep records. Use BBB and reviews as signals, not as proof.
FAQs
Is California Business Bureau, Inc. a government office?
No. It is a private company. The government office for business entity filings is the California Secretary of State Business Entities area and bizfile Online.
Is it the same as the Better Business Bureau?
No. BBB is a separate organization that posts business profiles and ratings. A company name that includes “bureau” does not make it BBB.
Where is CBB located?
Its contact page lists a corporate office in Monrovia, California.
Where do I register a business or search an LLC in California?
Use the California Secretary of State Business search and bizfile Online services. That is the correct place for official entity records and many filings.
