It would appear banks and people are not the only ones at risk when it comes to unauthorized use of their names and identities. Active safety systems manufacturer Bendix issued a fraud alert this weekend, warning its customers of a scam which uses Bendix's identity.
According to the warning, the manufacturer started receiving last week phone calls from customers who wanted to know more about letters and checks they received, all wearing the names and logos of Bendix CVS and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake.
The manufacturer's name per se is not used in the letters, yet a "fraudulent Bendix check is enclosed with the mailing." The letters say their recipients have "received a significant sum in accordance with their recent business financing request."
"We want our employees, customers, and consumers to know that this mailing is fraudulent," Russell Hood, Bendix vice president and general counsel said in the warning. "Bendix is in no way responsible for, or associated with, this unsavory activity. Although these documents may appear to be authentic, it is important for the public to know that both the letter and the check are fake."
Bendix has also issued a set of guidelines for those receiving this type of letter:
"We're grateful that a savvy consumer brought this matter to our attention, giving us the opportunity to issue a warning about this scam. It is unfortunate that our company identities are being used in this manner, and we hope consumers will question and research this scam before falling victim to it," Hood added.
According to the warning, the manufacturer started receiving last week phone calls from customers who wanted to know more about letters and checks they received, all wearing the names and logos of Bendix CVS and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake.
The manufacturer's name per se is not used in the letters, yet a "fraudulent Bendix check is enclosed with the mailing." The letters say their recipients have "received a significant sum in accordance with their recent business financing request."
"We want our employees, customers, and consumers to know that this mailing is fraudulent," Russell Hood, Bendix vice president and general counsel said in the warning. "Bendix is in no way responsible for, or associated with, this unsavory activity. Although these documents may appear to be authentic, it is important for the public to know that both the letter and the check are fake."
Bendix has also issued a set of guidelines for those receiving this type of letter:
- Do not call the numbers provided in the letter.
- Do not attempt to cash the fraudulent checks.
- Alert your local authorities that you have received the fraudulent mailing.
- If available, send copies of the fraudulent documents to Bendix for use in the investigation. Documents can be sent to the Bendix Legal Department, c/o Bendix Commercial Vehicles Systems LLC, 901 Cleveland St., Elyria, OH 44035.
"We're grateful that a savvy consumer brought this matter to our attention, giving us the opportunity to issue a warning about this scam. It is unfortunate that our company identities are being used in this manner, and we hope consumers will question and research this scam before falling victim to it," Hood added.