Bendix issues important fraud alert

Oct. 1, 2009
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix CVS) and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC are warning employees, customers, and other consumers about a business financing scam that has appropriated the companies' identities

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix CVS) and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC are warning employees, customers, and other consumers about a business financing scam that has appropriated the companies' identities.

The companies first learned about the fraudulent activity September 23, when consumers began calling their headquarters to inquire about letters and, more specifically, checks they had received that were marked with names and logos of both Bendix CVS and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake, a Bendix joint venture with Dana Commercial Vehicle Products LLC. Parties responsible for this scam have distributed letters and fake checks to consumers through the US mail, claiming recipients have received a significant sum in accordance with their recent business financing request. While the Bendix name is not used in the letter, a fraudulent Bendix check is enclosed with the mailing.

Bendix has already reported the fraud to the appropriate federal, state, and local legal authorities. The company continues to respond to calls to its facilities throughout North America by recipients of the letters.

Fraudulent checks include both the Bendix CVS and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake logos and display the “Mellon Bank” name. Letters printed on fake letterhead for “Mike Zack Finance Inc” — a company that does not exist — accompany the checks.

Bendix advises recipients of the fraudulent mailing to follow these guidelines:

  • 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.