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Report: #176671

Complaint Review: Merchant's Credit Guide Co., Merchants Credit Guide Co., Merchants' Credit Guide Co - Chicago Illinois

  • Submitted:
  • Updated:
  • Reported By: Marblehead Massachusetts
  • Author Confirmed What's this?
  • Why?
  • Merchant's Credit Guide Co., Merchants Credit Guide Co., Merchants' Credit Guide Co 223 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.

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Joe Lead investigative reporter for Boston's CBS4 "I-Team" just left here. After reviewing my documentation, he's interested in looking into the Merchants' Credit Guide Co. scam. (Joe came to do an interview with my girlfriend on another issue we're working on, and I jumped on him while I had the opportunity!)

I received a message from another MCGC victim, "Debra" of Wisconsin, recently. She'd received a call from "Laura of CBS2, the Chicago CBS-TV affiliate. I called CBS2 on Tuesday and left a message with an assistant for Laura, but haven't heard anything back yet. Joe told me he's worked with his network's affiliate in Chicago in the past and will find and speak with Laura, then get back to me.

Another victim who called me last weekend, "Mike" from nearby Quincy, has also agreed to be available for Joe "if it'll help."

Joe was especially interested that Merchants' has some sort of branch office here in Massachusetts, in Weymouth, so it has a good local angle. I got a call from "Mike" on Saturday, another victim from Massachusetts. I just got off the phone with him and he's willing to talk with Joe if it's helpful.

If you live in Massachusetts, I need your help if you're willing to speak with Joe. If you are, please contact me and let's see if we can't shut this scam down together.

Finally, we're moving folks -- have got the right people's attention at last!

Keep fighting and we'll end this scam and bring down Merchants' Credit Guide Co.!

Contact me through the editor of this site.

Robert
Marblehead, Massachusetts
U.S.A.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 02/17/2006 05:16 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/merchants-credit-guide-co-merchants-credit-guide-co-merchants-credit-guide-co/chicago-illinois-60606/merchants-credit-guide-im-grinding-them-down-and-need-your-help-ripoff-chicago-illino-176671. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
20Consumer
0Employee/Owner

#20 Consumer Comment

ROBERT can you help me? or can i help you?

AUTHOR: Amanda - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, March 10, 2008

okay so i just found out that my parents had recieved a phone call from merchants asking for me. and when my dad refused to give them my phone number, cause i havent lived with them in 5 years they hung up the phone. a couple days later i recieved a letter in the mail claiming i owed money for a cellular phone i havent had in over 5 years. i havent tried calling yet. but instead started doing research to find out why i owed money. (when i shouldnt) i even checked my credit report in 2004 and there was no outstanding cellular bill on it! so if you have some info that could help or if i can help in any way please let me know!!

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#19 Consumer Comment

Willing to help out

AUTHOR: Mr. P - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Having received a call from these people myself and not falling for their scam, I would be more than happy to help in any way I can. Just let me know what I can do.

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#18 Consumer Comment

MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE MUST BE BROUGHT DOWN

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, July 30, 2007

I AM BEING HARASSED BY THIS COMPANY AND HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR ILLINOIS. I'VE POSTED A REPORT RECENTLY AS STEVE FROM ALBERTSON. TOGETHER WE CAN BRING DOWN THIS UNSCRUPULOUS COMPANY THAT HAS SOMEHOW MANAGED TO STAY ON THE FRINGES OF ILLEGALITY TRYING TO SKIRT THE LONG ARM OF GOVERNMENT AND THE LAW BUT THEIR TIME IS SHORT. REMEMBER , WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE WAGING THE FIGHT BUT WE ARE FIGHTING ON BEHALF OF MANY WHO CAN'T BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE OR LACK OF KNOWHOW. THIS COMPANY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THOSE WHO ARE LEAST EQUIPPED TO BRING IT TO AN END!
I COMMEND YOUR EFFORTS AND PERISISTANCE.

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#17 Consumer Comment

MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE MUST BE BROUGHT DOWN

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, July 30, 2007

I AM BEING HARASSED BY THIS COMPANY AND HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR ILLINOIS. I'VE POSTED A REPORT RECENTLY AS STEVE FROM ALBERTSON. TOGETHER WE CAN BRING DOWN THIS UNSCRUPULOUS COMPANY THAT HAS SOMEHOW MANAGED TO STAY ON THE FRINGES OF ILLEGALITY TRYING TO SKIRT THE LONG ARM OF GOVERNMENT AND THE LAW BUT THEIR TIME IS SHORT. REMEMBER , WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE WAGING THE FIGHT BUT WE ARE FIGHTING ON BEHALF OF MANY WHO CAN'T BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE OR LACK OF KNOWHOW. THIS COMPANY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THOSE WHO ARE LEAST EQUIPPED TO BRING IT TO AN END!
I COMMEND YOUR EFFORTS AND PERISISTANCE.

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#16 Consumer Comment

MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE MUST BE BROUGHT DOWN

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, July 30, 2007

I AM BEING HARASSED BY THIS COMPANY AND HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR ILLINOIS. I'VE POSTED A REPORT RECENTLY AS STEVE FROM ALBERTSON. TOGETHER WE CAN BRING DOWN THIS UNSCRUPULOUS COMPANY THAT HAS SOMEHOW MANAGED TO STAY ON THE FRINGES OF ILLEGALITY TRYING TO SKIRT THE LONG ARM OF GOVERNMENT AND THE LAW BUT THEIR TIME IS SHORT. REMEMBER , WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE WAGING THE FIGHT BUT WE ARE FIGHTING ON BEHALF OF MANY WHO CAN'T BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE OR LACK OF KNOWHOW. THIS COMPANY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THOSE WHO ARE LEAST EQUIPPED TO BRING IT TO AN END!
I COMMEND YOUR EFFORTS AND PERISISTANCE.

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#15 Consumer Comment

SOMETHING SMELLS IN CHICAGO

AUTHOR: Ciro - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, April 20, 2006

I think I have discovered the reason why government officials from the State of Illinois consider Merchants Credit Guide Co.
a jolly "GOODSTANDING" fellow from the following web-site.

http://www.chicago.bbb.org

Thank you.

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#14 Consumer Comment

More Info On the skunks at Merchants Credit Guide Co.

AUTHOR: Ciro - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Here are a few more nugets about the skunks at Merchants Credit Guide Co. gleaned from the public files of the Secretary of State of Illinois Jesse White who like the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois have done nothing (except give lip service) to help the citizens put a stop to the GOODSTANDING (see-below)Merchant's Credit Guide Co. of Illinois.
What a farse.
In my opinion.
It's like telling a fox to quard the chicken coop from the wolf.

CORPORATION FILE DETAIL REPORT


Entity Name MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE COMPANY File Number 08019886

Status GOODSTANDING

Entity Type CORPORATION Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic) 06/28/1899 State ILLINOIS

Agent Name BARRY P SIEGAL Agent Change Date 01/09/2003
Agent Street Address 55 WEST MONROE STREET STE 500

President Name & Address DANIEL F BURTIS 223 W JACKSON BLVD. STE900 CHICAGO, IL 60606

Agent City CHICAGO Secretary Name & Address EDWIN S BURTIS SAME
Agent Zip 60603-0000 Duration Date PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 00/00/0000 For Year 2006

Assumed Name INACTIVE - CREDITORS ACCOUNT SERVICE, INC.
INACTIVE - CREDITORS ACCOUNT SERVICE
ACTIVE - MERCHANTS GUIDE COMPANY

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#13 Consumer Comment

More Info On the skunks at Merchants Credit Guide Co.

AUTHOR: Ciro - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Here are a few more nugets about the skunks at Merchants Credit Guide Co. gleaned from the public files of the Secretary of State of Illinois Jesse White who like the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois have done nothing (except give lip service) to help the citizens put a stop to the GOODSTANDING (see-below)Merchant's Credit Guide Co. of Illinois.
What a farse.
In my opinion.
It's like telling a fox to quard the chicken coop from the wolf.

CORPORATION FILE DETAIL REPORT


Entity Name MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE COMPANY File Number 08019886

Status GOODSTANDING

Entity Type CORPORATION Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic) 06/28/1899 State ILLINOIS

Agent Name BARRY P SIEGAL Agent Change Date 01/09/2003
Agent Street Address 55 WEST MONROE STREET STE 500

President Name & Address DANIEL F BURTIS 223 W JACKSON BLVD. STE900 CHICAGO, IL 60606

Agent City CHICAGO Secretary Name & Address EDWIN S BURTIS SAME
Agent Zip 60603-0000 Duration Date PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 00/00/0000 For Year 2006

Assumed Name INACTIVE - CREDITORS ACCOUNT SERVICE, INC.
INACTIVE - CREDITORS ACCOUNT SERVICE
ACTIVE - MERCHANTS GUIDE COMPANY

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#12 Consumer Comment

More Info On the skunks at Merchants Credit Guide Co.

AUTHOR: Ciro - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Here are a few more nugets about the skunks at Merchants Credit Guide Co. gleaned from the public files of the Secretary of State of Illinois Jesse White who like the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois have done nothing (except give lip service) to help the citizens put a stop to the GOODSTANDING (see-below)Merchant's Credit Guide Co. of Illinois.
What a farse.
In my opinion.
It's like telling a fox to quard the chicken coop from the wolf.

CORPORATION FILE DETAIL REPORT


Entity Name MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE COMPANY File Number 08019886

Status GOODSTANDING

Entity Type CORPORATION Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic) 06/28/1899 State ILLINOIS

Agent Name BARRY P SIEGAL Agent Change Date 01/09/2003
Agent Street Address 55 WEST MONROE STREET STE 500

President Name & Address DANIEL F BURTIS 223 W JACKSON BLVD. STE900 CHICAGO, IL 60606

Agent City CHICAGO Secretary Name & Address EDWIN S BURTIS SAME
Agent Zip 60603-0000 Duration Date PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 00/00/0000 For Year 2006

Assumed Name INACTIVE - CREDITORS ACCOUNT SERVICE, INC.
INACTIVE - CREDITORS ACCOUNT SERVICE
ACTIVE - MERCHANTS GUIDE COMPANY

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#11 Consumer Comment

Email OIG At the FTC to Stop MCGC

AUTHOR: Ciro - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, April 19, 2006

After reading several stories posted about Merchants Credit Guide Co. in Chicargo, Illinois.

I realized from postings on the site that complaining to the FTC about repeated telephone calls from MCGC was falling on deaf ears and that the OIG (Office of the Inspector General) at the FTC was not enforcing the law that prohibits such behavior from debt collectors such as Merchants Credit Guide Co. to:

"repeatedly use the telephone to annoy someone".

Email (OIG@ftc.gov) and let them know that:
MCGC at 888-249-4134 must go
and for the OIG to enforce the law!

Thank you.

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#10 Consumer Comment

Perhaps another victim in chicago IL

AUTHOR: Stacy - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006

Hello there! I might be a potential victim of this scam. I'm staring as we speak of a Merchants Credit GUide Co statement right in front of me. It's dated 1/6/05. I had inquired about the account number in question to my medical group supposedly. They had given me the name of a different collector. I think these people run your credit somehow and send out these false things. If you would like to compare stories please email me

Stacy

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#9 Consumer Suggestion

Time to fight back

AUTHOR: Joe - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, April 14, 2006

Ok people, it's time to fight back against these scumbags and put them out of the public's misery once and for all. I suggest EVERYONE start flooding their numbers with calls. Speak to their employees and tell them in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS EXACTLY what you think of them. Call them morning, call them noon, call them night. Flood their lines. Make it EXTREMELY uncomfortable for them to continue to stay in the employ of such bottom feeding smegma. This trash is the LOWEST form of scum on the face of the earth. They deserve NO courtesy and NO respect. They know what they are doing and who they are doing it for and to. Teach them a lesson they won't soon forget. Time to take back your peace and privacy.

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#8 Consumer Suggestion

Answer for Kate re: CFB Financial / Merchants..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Kate,

This is a scam Merchants Credit Guide is pulling!

Merchant's OWNS CFB Financial.

CFB Financial is the side of the house that buys the old worthless debts, and Merchants then attempts to collect them.

That way when a debtor requests debt validation from Merchants, they just write it themselves under the alias of CFB!

This is the absolute truth.

Hope this helps

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#7 Consumer Comment

Merchants' Credit Ripoff

AUTHOR: Kate - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Interestingly enough my husband and I both received letters from this company stating we owed money for different things, that we had no knowledge of. We both responded in 30 days to dispute, nothing in return. I called them and the man on the phone told me I could write 100 letters and I will NEVER receive a response from anyone.

I called again and they told me they no longer have my information it was given back to the creditor: CFB Financial III LLC. When I asked how to contact them he told me to call my local directory assistance and ask them!!
Now why does all that sound fishy.....

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#6 Consumer Comment

Info for Robert..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, March 10, 2006

These idiots sent my 86 year old Grandmother a bill for a debt that was about 18 years old!

I responded to it with a very nasty letter on her behalf, and then threw it away.

The debt was less than $200!

Unbelievable!

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#5 Author of original report

CBS4 (Boston) I-Team arrives today for expos

AUTHOR: Robert - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, March 09, 2006

Joe Bergantino of the CBS4 (Boston) I-Team will be here at my home office this (Thursday) morning to interview me on the Merchants Credit Guide Co. scam.

If anyone has anything to add to what I already know, act fast to contact me through my website:

I'll let you know there later today after I learn when the expos will be broadcast, with a link to it through streaming video if CBS4 posts it, as is its usual practice.

I need a reply from you *now* if you have anything to add. I've made it happen; it has begun. Act now, please.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

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#4 Consumer Suggestion

Robert........More info on Merchants Credit Guide Co..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, February 17, 2006

Agency Details

Merchants Credit Guide Co. aka/CFB Financial III, LLC
223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 360-3000 888-249-4134-
Fax: (312) 360-3024
Also:
1308 State Highway37
West Frankfort, IL 62896
Phone: (618) 937-4665
Fax: (618) 932-6127

CFB Financial III, LLC
Barry P. Siegal, Agent for Service
55 W. Monroe St. #500
Record Office: 223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606

Web Address: http://www.merchantscreditguide.com

Head Debt Collectors:

Daniel F. Burtis, President

Michael Fromknecht, President

Gregory Fuchs, Vice President

Edwin S. Burtis, Secretary, Treasurer

Kenneth Hill, VP Operations

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This information was provided courtesy of Budhibbs.com

Give them hell! I know I have!

Have fun with these idiots!

Got a fax machine and free long distance?

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#3 Consumer Suggestion

Robert........More info on Merchants Credit Guide Co..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, February 17, 2006

Agency Details

Merchants Credit Guide Co. aka/CFB Financial III, LLC
223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 360-3000 888-249-4134-
Fax: (312) 360-3024
Also:
1308 State Highway37
West Frankfort, IL 62896
Phone: (618) 937-4665
Fax: (618) 932-6127

CFB Financial III, LLC
Barry P. Siegal, Agent for Service
55 W. Monroe St. #500
Record Office: 223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606

Web Address: http://www.merchantscreditguide.com

Head Debt Collectors:

Daniel F. Burtis, President

Michael Fromknecht, President

Gregory Fuchs, Vice President

Edwin S. Burtis, Secretary, Treasurer

Kenneth Hill, VP Operations

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This information was provided courtesy of Budhibbs.com

Give them hell! I know I have!

Have fun with these idiots!

Got a fax machine and free long distance?

Respond to this report!
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#2 Consumer Suggestion

Robert........More info on Merchants Credit Guide Co..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, February 17, 2006

Agency Details

Merchants Credit Guide Co. aka/CFB Financial III, LLC
223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 360-3000 888-249-4134-
Fax: (312) 360-3024
Also:
1308 State Highway37
West Frankfort, IL 62896
Phone: (618) 937-4665
Fax: (618) 932-6127

CFB Financial III, LLC
Barry P. Siegal, Agent for Service
55 W. Monroe St. #500
Record Office: 223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606

Web Address: http://www.merchantscreditguide.com

Head Debt Collectors:

Daniel F. Burtis, President

Michael Fromknecht, President

Gregory Fuchs, Vice President

Edwin S. Burtis, Secretary, Treasurer

Kenneth Hill, VP Operations

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This information was provided courtesy of Budhibbs.com

Give them hell! I know I have!

Have fun with these idiots!

Got a fax machine and free long distance?

Respond to this report!
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#1 Consumer Suggestion

Robert........More info on Merchants Credit Guide Co..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, February 17, 2006

Agency Details

Merchants Credit Guide Co. aka/CFB Financial III, LLC
223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 360-3000 888-249-4134-
Fax: (312) 360-3024
Also:
1308 State Highway37
West Frankfort, IL 62896
Phone: (618) 937-4665
Fax: (618) 932-6127

CFB Financial III, LLC
Barry P. Siegal, Agent for Service
55 W. Monroe St. #500
Record Office: 223 W. Jackson Blvd., #900
Chicago, IL 60606

Web Address: http://www.merchantscreditguide.com

Head Debt Collectors:

Daniel F. Burtis, President

Michael Fromknecht, President

Gregory Fuchs, Vice President

Edwin S. Burtis, Secretary, Treasurer

Kenneth Hill, VP Operations

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This information was provided courtesy of Budhibbs.com

Give them hell! I know I have!

Have fun with these idiots!

Got a fax machine and free long distance?

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