Check And Merchant Services National Check Control Phony threatening collection notice White Plains New York

Seven or eight years ago, I had my identity stolen and used for a number of transactions that I spent the next 5 years getting straightened out. To add insult to injury, I received a notice from Check and Merchant Services dated 9/19/06 threatening criminal proceedings for a check that was issued fraudulently in my name in a state I have never lived in to a business that I have not done business with. The fraud reporting on this goes back to 1999. Seems as though someone is trying to mine the dead files of fraud cases.

I called them on their 866 line and reached someone that identified themself as Allison Walker. She referred me to someone named Connie Sutton. I used a clean number to call and refused to have them call back. Ripoff artists want the call back number so that they can add to their data. Connie finally got on the line after 3 calls even though she was using someone elses desk. Art Newman on extension 910 I believe was the name although it is difficult to understand on the voice mail system

I began by asking if I was being recorded. Connie said I was. I told Connie that I would not divulge any information unless she authenticated herself. That is when the call got interesting
Connie started to backpeddle when I began to turn the interrogation her way.

Here are some questions that may help:

Who are you collecting on behalf of?
What debt are you seeking to collect?
Where was the check written?
To whom was it written?
What bank account was it drawn on?
What form of identification was presented?
What proof do you have that you are not another scam?

I got nothing in answer to my questions that would indicate that this demand letter is valid.

Connie ultimately said that they were going to review the case and contact me later and asked for a phone number. I did not give it to her. This is one of their tactics... get a piece of information here and there to get the ability to act. Given their likely ripoff status, maybe the best thing is to not respond unless you do so through a lawyer or the attorney general of your state.

It is worth the time to check their evidence and ask for their proof of validity. If they produce none... you know its a ripoff.

People might want to get on a clean line when they call, give them nothing more than what they can prove they have. Be very careful not to give them names, addresses, phone numbers and absolutely no personal information that can be used to harass you. Threatening criminal proceedings is a little over the top.

I hope people find this before they make the call or worse yet pay something "just to get them off my back"

Just call me careful
Sacramento, California
U.S.A.