A tipster (send in your tips here) sent in a copy of a fax they recently received from the Small Business Debt Relief Program.
Let’s call this for what it appears on face value, probably an advance fee debt settlement sales job.
The fact this was sent out to small businesses clearly indicates this is an advertising piece to sell debt relief services to companies. A likely reason is that the company feels there is a loophole to charge advance fees for services and try to get around the Federal Trade Commission Telemarketing Sales Rules.
The reader that sent this fax in said:
My boss said check this out -when we received the same fax from the same company, Jan 2013. But they have made it extra enticing by including a copy of the check written out to us. In the body of the letter it stresses that “This is NOT a loan” it’s probably the bait ;*) we struggled when everyone in construction did, slowly but surely we are getting projects we’ve bid. I’m sure there is some thinking “what else have I to lose – why not call them.” Thought I would pass this on.
What is interesting at first glance is the company sending this does not actually mention where they are located. All they share is a website and toll-free number.
If we visit their website at sbdrp.org it looks official and says they are located at: – Source
SBDRP
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
SBDRP Canada
1285 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 Canada
What is interesting about both addresses is they both have virtual office space at those addresses and the company fails to mention what suite number they are in. A typical bit of presenting information without really saying anything.
The domain sbdrp.org has hidden ownership information. We don’t know who is behind the company. The domain name was registered February 10, 2012. Hardly enough time for any real track record of performance.
A search of business registrations in Washington, D.C. could not locate any company that was authorized to conduct business under Small Business Debt Relief Program.
The website for the company clearly offers debt settlement services.
The links to their services do not work. – Source
A link on the bottom of the site to demonstrate case studies is interesting. The company website was registered in 2012 and there is no record of the company actually being registered yet they produce example of settlements they received in 2008 and 2009. – Source
How can that be? Also notice the samples don’t actually show the company name.
The company also promotes they can make loans but there is no supporting documentation they are a licensed lender.
The application process is alarming as well. Anyone completing the online application will be divulging sensitive information to an unknown entity that could put you at risk for identity theft. – Source
It Gets Worse
An email to the company was responded to by American Business Services who said they are not located in Washington, D.C. as claimed but in California.
A look at the website for businessrelief.org, the website for American Business Services, shows the two websites are very similar.
American Business Services says they are located at:
Corporate Headquarters
600 17th St #2800
Denver, CO 80202
Western Regional Office
560 W. 1st St #200
Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: 888.813.0071 – Source
The Denver address for the company is a virtual office space. – Source
The State of California does not have any company registered to do business under the name American Business Services or Small Business Debt Relief Program.
There is insufficient information available to confirm if the company is actually registered to do business in Colorado. The American Business Services registered lists a different address.
Based on the fact nothing seems to be able to be independently verified, the potentially fake debt settlements, the lack of information and the fax that was sent out, my opinion is this is a scam and you should avoid it at all costs.
If you receive a junk fax you can file a complaint with the FCC, here.
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I just received one of these checks/letters from “American Business Services”. It uses the domain absloans.com, which was registered only 1 month ago. As in the information given above, the registrant information is private.
Thanks for posting the information about this questionable practice!