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Scam alert? FTC v. J.K. Publications Inc. check
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UPDATE: I received a call this morning from a Peter Kaplan at the FTC (name, phone number on caller ID and email all checked out). He assured me that the checks are legitimate and asked me to please correct the post below. I'm not going to delete the post, because, as I told Mr. Kaplan, the letter attached to these checks reads as if it were written by a 16 year old con. If people are confused and suspicious it's because of all the reasons pointed to in the post. I believe Mr. Kaplan is who he says he is and that these checks were authorized by the FTC and I'm still confused and suspicious.
For more information call FTC Public Affairs at 202-326-2334
Did you receive a check recently from the Claims Administration Office of Gilardi & Co., LLC, regarding a case against JK Publications, in the amount of $27.68? Me too!
The following is my personal opinion. Take it or leave it.
A quick search of the internet indicates that the case may be real, from 2000. The bank also appears to be real, as does the routing number, according to forum and blog posts anyway. Of course, websites and blog posts can be manufactured. No matter. Here's why I believe it's a scam:
In the letter attached to the check they go to great pains to point out that the fraudulent charge on your credit card, for which you are being reimbursed, occurred many years ago, probably on a card you no longer use. They give you no information on the card, when it was used, or even if it's a Visa/MC/Discover or Amex. If they didn't have this information, how would they know you were due a refund? They could at least give you the last four digits, the date of the charge and the name of the bank that issued it. Were you ever notified that you were a party to a class action suit against these folks? If it were legit, you would have been. You have to be given the opportunity to opt out and pursue your own course of action.
Also, the refund check is for a small amount. They are counting on you assuming it's a charge you simply overlooked on a card you no longer have. I would not have overlooked even a $27 charge that I didn't make. Not even "many years ago".
They tell you in the letter that you need to hurry up and cash the check before August 10, 2009 or it may "bounce". If the check was from an actual court settlement, the funds would be in an escrow account that would not expire in 60 days, and real attorneys don't use the term "bounce" in formal communications with plaintiffs.
I don't know what the mechanics of the scam are, but obviously, they want you to cash that check. Are you that hard up for $27? If so, give plasma. It's much safer.
