Quick Answer: The 2010 Stimulus Plan debt relief mailers are deceptive scams that send identical “last chance” offers multiple times with different phone numbers. These fraudulent mailers falsely claim government benefits exist under a non-existent stimulus program to trick consumers into calling debt relief companies.
A reader and tipster (send in your tips here) just sent me this ridiculous example of a deceptive debt relief mailer. I’ve previously published examples of the 2010 U.S. Stimulus Plan mailer that has been sent out but what makes this so ridiculous is that the same consumer gets the same mailer about a week apart, both proclaiming this is the last chance.
So it’s not really the last chance, is it. It’s just a ploy using a deceptive mailer to fool consumers into thinking there is some government benefit they are eligible for under the 2010 U.S. Stimulus Plan, which is of course total bullshit.
The mailer is intended to fool
Each weekday I send one short email: one story that caught my attention, why it might matter to you, and one manageable thing you can do with it. A couple of minutes, and a dad joke.
In the latest issue (Oct 16): The check that looks like a scam may be real
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The exact same mailers, which bear USDR-1421C, appear identical, except for the dollar amounts and the telephone numbers to call.
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“Hey, last week when we sent you this exact same mailer and we wanted you to call 877-839-1811 but this week we want you to call 877-992-5622.”
Classic.
At what point does this even become embarrassing for the scammers?
If you happen to get one of these mailers, post the telephone number on the mailer below.
Before You Sign Anything: Run any debt relief contract through the free Contract Decoder to spot hidden fees and unfair terms. Check the company’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Compare Your Real Options: Most debt relief companies won’t tell you about all your options — especially the ones they can’t profit from. Credit counseling has a 21-27% completion rate. Settlement resolves about 1% of enrolled debts fully. Bankruptcy has a 95% discharge rate — and protects your retirement. Take the Find Your Path quiz for a recommendation based on your actual numbers.
After receiving at least 15 of these notices and my husband insisting that I call (because he totally believes it) THANKFULLY I found these articles to prove to him that this is a complete scam! The number on my notice that must be responded to by 10/27/12 is 866-611-6636
What did everyone do when they received this notice? Did anyone contact their state Attorney General?
1-866-370-4470 sent from zip code 92677
got on today too phone number 866-417-7097 and this number a guy call and left on my voice mail 908-517-9315
Got mine this weekend (5-5-12). It doesn’t say anything about the 2010 U.S. Stimulus Plan, just “Extension of Reduction Benefits”. I would like to know where the scammers get my supposedly confidential credit information! The number on my “Final Extension Notice” is 1-888-733-4795. My “Benefits” expire 5-25-2012
I received this mailer with 1-888-733-4795
1-888-733-4795 received today..
1-866-945-1841
866-764-1087 (4/5/12)
1-866-695-1774
877-202-8664
So what is the correct number. I don’t know which is real. Help
Received today…phone # 1-866-931-1202
1-866-931-1202
Another one
I have also received a letter with the number of 1-877-992-5622.
Glad I came across this website when I did a search for USDR-1421C. The number on my notice is 888-791-4036.
I have received several of these letters. This last one had this phone number.
1-866-695-1774. It said to call prior to 3-16-2012 or it will go unclaimed.
866-629-3322is the number that was on mine. =)
i just recieved a letter today with phone # 1866 318 8555 (3/6/12)
Notice the Code USDR – this mailer and company have no relatiosnship to us – We have been outspoken on these types of mailers