Attorney General's News Release

January 14, 2005

Nixon warns small businesses, organizations, of phony invoices for solid waste consulting services

Jafferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today said Missouri businesses and organizations should be on the lookout for bogus invoices for "solid waste consulting fees" that were neither requested or delivered.

Nixon's office has received at least a dozen complaints from throughout Missouri regarding an official-looking "invoice" from WasteChek Consulting Programs of Shawnee Mission, Kan. The "invoice," complete with a phony account number and invoice number, lists solid waste consulting fees ranging from $379 to $7,865. The invoices were sent to hospitals, schools, small businesses and non-profit organizations, among others.

None of the businesses or organizations contacting Nixon's office was familiar with the company, nor did they ever receive or request services. Those who contacted the company were then advised it was an advertisement, and not an actual invoice. Many were on the verge of paying the phony bill.

"This is clearly a deceptive practice where something resembling an invoice is sent to businesses with fairly large operating budgets, and it might actually slip through the bill-paying process," Nixon said. "Businesses need to be on guard and verify any invoice if there is any question."

The Attorney General's Office is continuing to look closely at the complaints about fake invoices from WasteChek. Nixon urged any businesses that have received fake invoices from WasteChek or any other entity, or which may have inadvertently paid for services never requested or received, to contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818