Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake have issued a fraud alert, warning employees, customers and other consumers about a business financing scam
. The parties involved have been sending fraudulent checks and letters to consumers through the U.S. mail, claiming that the 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," said D. Russell Hood, Bendix vice president and general counsel. "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."

The scam, which involves fraudulent Bendix checks, has been reported to the federal, state and local authorities. Bendix first learned about the scam when it started receiving calls from consumers asking about the letters and checks. The companies warn that the recipients are not limited to those in the commercial vehicle industry.

The 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 has issued guidelines for recipients who receive the fraudulent mailing:

* 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, 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," Hood said. "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."