It might be worse than we imagined. I've believed that the Illinois AG's office was of assistance to me, that maybe eventually she'd get to the bottom of this scam — until I visited the MCGC website this morning. Now I must wonder. I was astonished to discover that it appears the fox is guarding the chicken coop!!!
I just sent the following letter to Lisa Madigan's Consumer Protection Division, with a copy to the FTC.
Office of the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan
Consumer Protection Division
Attn: Susan Bruenning, Citizens Advocate
100 West Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
File No: CONSC-00128058
January 21
Dear Susan;
Four months ago I received a letter from Michael Johnson, Supervisor Complaint Intake Unit, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations, dated September 22 and postmarked September 28 (copy enclosed). That agency's case number is/was Merchants Credit Guide Case 200506520.
Mr. Johnson at that time advised me that information I'd provided (I assume your office provided it per my complaint, as I didn't) was being evaluated and that an investigator will be in touch with me shortly. I still haven't been contacted.
While visiting the Merchants' Credit Guide Co. Website, I was astonished to read:
The principals of Merchants' serve as Vice-Chairman
of the Licensing and Disciplinary Board of the
Collection Agency Division for the Illinois Department
of Professional Regulation, and as Director of the
American Collectors Association.
Can the fox truly be guarding the chicken coop?
Does this explain why I've heard nothing further in four months from Mr. Johnson and that office? Can this apparently incestuous conflict of interest be as clear as it appears?
Please advise
Susan
Complainant
Full documentation available at: www.chipford.com/ripoff/merchants.htm
1 Incl.
As stated
Cc.
Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
Room 130
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580
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