The Great Turkey Day Holiday Paycheck Scam
Wed 11/26: I had decided to leave early, at noon. I went to MM to ask if I could get my paycheck then or if I’d have to wait until the following Monday. I understood him to say “Well I can do a direct deposit if you give me your [bank] account number; I have to do it for K and A (who were on vacation). I thought “GREAT!!!” I gave him my bank account number and left to start and enjoy a long holiday weekend. Then began a nightmare which is not quite over yet….

December
The “Bounced Pay Check Situation” Unfolds
As MM passed my desk to reach his own, he says “Oh Deena…” in a woeful, sorrowful way that I knew could only mean … the day’s fresh hell. Little did I know – it would last longer than just a day.

After getting settled in, he comes by me, to tell me about how he didn’t deposit my paycheck the previous Wednesday, as he said he would. What I recall is him yammering about some problem with VC’s cash flow. (Hello????? What about MY cashflow????? ) He says that VC said he’d make the deposit/fund the payroll account the next day (Tuesday 12/2/03) and all should be well. (Right, and the check’s in the mail…)

I was too stunned!!! I went to work that Tuesday and must have called my bank 50 times during the day to find out if my paycheck had been deposited yet. By the end of that day, no deposit, so – no return (Ha-ha!) I called in for a ‘sick day on Wednesday (12/3/03). Several times during that sick day, I called my bank to see if the deposit had posted/cleared. Finally, the bank said the deposit had posted! So I went back to work Thursday – skeptical.

I don’t remember much about the workday. My feeling was – until I can be SURE that check has cleared, I cannot be committed to any real ‘work endeavors’. But as fate would have it, a client needed a few replacement CDs so I put out the effort and agreed to hand-deliver them by COB. What the heck – it was on my normal route home, and the client shouldn’t have to suffer for the company’s internal strife, right?

Friday was a big blur too. Except my confidence level dropped some, based on what I was hearing from co-workers. So much so, that I vaguely recall going to the IDES website and sending an email asking about my eligibility for bennies if I quit because the company was issuing paychecks that bounced. MM was still saying that all would be fine – VC said he’d make the wire transfer to the payroll account, and all payroll checks would clear/be paid. Liar, liar, pants on fire!!!

Then MY Paycheck Bounced!
Around 7:30 Saturday morning, I called my bank to see if the check cleared. What a surprise! Not only did it NOT clear, they charged me $6.00 for a ‘returned deposit’ fee. That’s right – the check BOUNCED!!! I was outraged! And so my ‘campaign’ began with a vengeance!

I spent nearly all of Saturday and Sunday that weekend, surfing the ‘net’ to find out who I could report this egregious situation to. Perhaps because I’m good at it, I found the name, and mailing address of the Director of Illinois Dept. of Labor, and spent some time crafting a letter to her, along with filling out their Wage Claim application. I was determined that this company would not get away with scamming ME, as they had other employees, several times in the past year.

Monday
I’d requested to leave work early, at noon, mainly to pick up my new glasses. On the ride towards downtown, I decided to see if I could simply drop off my Wage Claim and cover letter at the IDOL. I found out it was ‘on the way’, so I did – after giving the receptionist an earful! She stamped everything ‘official’ and I came home feeling so much less victimized.

Then there was the ‘mutiny meeting’ after work. I decided to leave the oasis (my apartment) to attend. It was kinda funny, kinda tragic. People complaining, upset, outraged but without an effective, real plan of recourse.

Tuesday
I have no idea what I spent the day doing! But I certainly wasn’t doing much work-related! More than likely I spent most of the day doing research and/or writing emails to appropriate gov’t agencies. As a group, we mostly wondered to each other if we’d get our replacement checks.

Finally, around 3:30 the checks were finally handed out. And another 20-30 minutes getting organized about going to cash them at the bank. We decided to let Junior go first since he was 2 paychecks behind. I ended up going with “Hammer” to the company’s bank to cash it – before funds ran out! Big Blond and Burger Man left shortly after and we all ran into each other at the Bank. Everybody got their money – at the cost of $10 each for not being their customer. But I guess everyone got a little “cushion” in their check to cover that cost. (Wonder how that will show up on a paystub? Miscellaneous? Business Reimbursement?)

Though we all came back to the office for various reasons, the remaining few minutes of the workday are a blur. I left to me my Gal-pals for drinks and dinner downtown. Could hardly wait to update them on what’s been going on with me. I was sure none of them had a comparable story!

Wednesday
By 9:30 am, we found out that the original checks issued to Barbie, Genski, Brody, and Junior had bounced! (For Junior it must have been déjà vu!) OH LORDY!!! A meeting was held, because there seemed to be some back-pedaling about the walkout. Barbie was outraged! Even though she’d been given a replacement check to cash, she was adamant about everyone still doing the walkout. I was still game, but the two of us knew we wouldn’t make a significant impact. BB1 and BB2 pretty much controlled the floor and each made a good case. It was decided to give His Nibbs and VC a chance to make it up to us before leaving them high and dry with a walkout. We’d assumed Money Man had told them of the rumblings. But when we brought him in to answer, we found out he hadn’t said a thing. I remember him saying “Well I didn’t expect EVERYONE to run down to the bank and cash their checks all at once!” (WHAAAAA!!!) That was his best explanation for why there were no funds left when Barbie, Junior, Genski, and Brody’s check hit the bank. PULEEEEZE!!!

So Barbie and Genski left. I don’t know why Junior and Brody stayed. BB1 got so much flack from Barbie that she washed her hands of the whole matter, and for some reason, decided to turn over the ‘ultimatum letter’ to me. I still didn’t think it was a good idea but I’d have gone along with it. But by the end of the day, I too was pretty much fed up with everything too.

Thursday
First thing, I see the “Resolution of past payroll situation” email from Money Man. I guess for me it was the beginning of the ‘last straw’. PACIFIED?!!?!??!!!??? I guess the closing sentence was my license – though valiant, I didn’t consider the effort ‘good enough’ for me – especially with another payday looming the next day. Not how to run a business, Dude!!! Not the attitude that fosters loyalty!

Again I don’t remember most of the events of the workday. Except the short conversation I had with BB2. She kind of launched into a “….but WE’RE the dummies! Why do we all stay??? If someone REALLY doesn’t like it they can go work for the phone company, right?” I didn’t bother telling her that the phone company doesn’t have any jobs either (according to one of my buddy’s who works there). But her words gave me pause. I REALLY don’t like this whole situation, so why DO I stay?


Friday
After another nearly sleepless night, I woke up thinking I just CANNOT go there again today. At a minimum I’d have to be there all day, churning, wondering if I’d GET my check at all. And even if that happened, I’d have to wait around till 4 or 5:00pm to get it. (I REALLY hated that tactic of being compelled to wait till the end of the day to get my money!!! It was like being held hostage!) Finally I decided to call in sick, because that’s how I really felt. I decided if checks were issued, mine would still be there Monday.

By Friday afternoon, after going over my finances, I decided “I don’t have to take this !@#$ anymore!!! I WILL quit!!!” And as soon as I made that mental decision I began to feel better.

Just before 5:00pm I called KB to find out if they’d gotten their checks. They had. So that was that. I began making my resignation plan.

I’m No Dummy! I QUIT!!!
Monday 12/15: I made a list of my personal belongings I needed to retrieve. I’d decided to go to work as usual, pack up my things, delete personal emails, get my check when MM showed up, leave to cash it, and never come back. It worked like a charm!

It was a bonus that His Nibbs was out of the office. I had about 40 minutes to gather up my stuff (plus a few choice items I found along the way!) Money Man arrived an immediately was summoned to the phone by His Nibbs. I had to wait 10 minutes, but finally I went to him to get my check and asked if it’d be OK to go cash it. Of course he agreed. I quickly made a copy of it, then left at 9:00, check in hand, with my belongings, and with Money Man’s permission to leave to cash the check. I was surprised that I was back home by 9:45! I’d escaped! I was FREE!

Around 10:00am, I called back to the office to tell MM I wouldn’t be back. Another bonus! He was on the phone with His Nibbs so I asked for MM’s voice mail. I left a brief message that I would not be returning that day or ever, because of the “payroll situation”, apologized for how things had turned out, and said I’d send an email confirmation of my decision to resign. And that was that! I did call BB2 and KB back to let them know I wouldn’t be returning EVER, and asked KB to make my apologies. She seemed to understand. Unfortunately, she is probably affected the most by me leaving. (And hasn’t she let me know!!!)

I crafted my resignation email and sent it MM and His Nibbs, with a copy to VC. I thought it was pretty clear that I’d made up my mind about resigning, and had very specific expectations/demands for cashing out. So I was very surprised when…..

Are You Sure?
Tuesday 12/16: Around 6:00pm I was awakened from a nap by the ringing phone. I let it go to the answering machine – thank GOODNESS! I listened and heard one of the most amusing messages I will EVER hear! [The “Are You Sure?” Voice Message]

I was laughing during and for 15 minutes afterward! It was just too funny to me! I’d love to know what prompted that call. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during the discussion and decision to do it. I guess it made me feel that “I GOT ‘em!!!” In more ways than one!

Of course I didn’t/haven’t called them back. Since then, I have continued my campaign to expose them/the company for the fraud they are perpetrating. It was amusing to hear from KB that Chihuahua of all people, was asking if I’d be coming back. Har-har-har! And it was interesting to hear her encouragement to apply for Unemployment. She said Money Man said he’d approve it. (I’d love to know how that conversation happened!) So….

Getting “On the Dole”
Thursday 12/18: I hauled it over to the IDES office on Grand Ave. I filled out the paperwork, went through the process, yadda, yadda…. Loved providing the actual bounced paycheck as evidence to support my voluntary leaving! Loved my ‘screener’ making the comment “They paid you with a personal check?” (Yea, I was surprised about that too the first time I got a paycheck.) Loved that she asked for recent paystubs, and my telling her of the last ones I’d received – from October – and mentioning that I’d filed a complaint with the Ill Dept of Labor.

YIKES I have digressed SO much! BUT…..

Friday 12/19: I got email replies from the IDOL and IDES! I’d asked IDOL to keep my claim open and they agreed. I'd asked IDES if I’d still be eligible for benefits if I quit a job due to receiving a bounced paycheck. They said “Yes!” I felt SOOO vindicated! So supported! So righteous – in a good way!

Monday 12/22: I send the letter to the U.S. States Attorney.

I receive my ‘approval’ letter from IDES. It says my ‘call date is Monday, starting 12/29’. That was a surprise! So quick! Magically, it does NOT include LSTC as my last employer, nor my wages from them for the first 6 months of the year! As if I never even worked there!

Tuesday 12/23: To prove that in fact I DID have wages from the company, I gathered all my paystubs – and discovered that some are missing. What a surprise. I’m still waiting for the stubs from the last 3 pay periods! I craft a cover letter re: the earnings discrepancy on the IDES approval letter, and fax it with pay stubs I DO have. I’d heard a rumor that the company hadn’t paid its payroll taxes for the past 6 months. Could that be why the IDES office has no wage info to provide for me?

Wed 12/24: I FAX my cover letter and proof of my earnings (pay stubs) to IDES. Later in the day… I get a notice from IDES that I’ve been scheduled for a phone interview with an IDES rep, on 12/31/03, to explain my voluntary resignation. (YIKES! Where do I start?!?!?!?) I decided to put together and send a “background” explanation to the person I have the interview with at IDES. My explanation included the fact that I’d received a bounced paycheck, the company’s violation of at least 2 sections of the Wage Payment & Collection Act, and my suspicions that the company is committing bank fraud, tax evasion, and obstruction of justice.

Happy Holidays
From the day I resigned, I’d started to feel physically and mentally better than I had since the “paycheck fiasco” began. With each passing day, I became more confident that I’d made the right decision. Of course, there was a ‘need’ for them to call me (3 times so far) to enlist my help with the phone system, and to find some internal procedures I’d written for the ongoing Synch project. Since I’d left without any notice, I granted these favors.

The Research Continues
For my own ‘entertainment’ (Ha-ha!) I have continued my research via the internet to find out any information I could about the mysterious VC, who has been pouring millions and millions of dollars into this company each year for the past 5 years. I can’t understand why he – or ANYONE – would do that!!! Surely it’s still true that money doesn’t grow on trees! What I’ve found so far is that the VC is a majority owner/shareholder in several companies throughout the U.S. However, I have been able to find ANY public information about his connection to this company. I don’t know how that can be. But it’s a well-known fact that he is the ONLY one who provides funding to this company.

Adventures with Unemployment


OH GOD(DESS)!!! Who among us doesn’t have at least one horror story about their experience with applying for and getting their Unemployment benefits?!?!? This most recent experience will be my second since 2001. (Yes, it’s been a few years but it feels like it was last month to ME!!!)

Based on KW’s encouraging words, “GO and apply for your unemployment!!! TR said he’ll approve it!!!” GO! GO! GO!!!

Thu 1/18/03
I packed up my check records and went to my local IDES office to apply for benefits. I was relieved there was not a long line – only 6-7 people ahead of me. Finally it’s my turn for Phase 1.

‘I’m here to apply for Unemployment”.

“Were you terminated or did you quit?”

“I quit”.

“And why did you quit?”

“I quit because they were breaking the law”.

“Fill out this (their standard application form) and THIS (the “Blue form”) and wait till your name is called”.

(Mooooo!) I thought to myself.

The “Blue Form” is what they give you to fill out when you quit a job – as opposed to the “Green Form” they give you when you are terminated. On the “Blue Form” you get to say BRIEFLY why you quit your job. Answer the several questions on the line and a half they provide, per question, to explain.

As I was trying to complete the standard and Blue Form, I heard my name called. I was summarily herded into the designated ‘holding area’ along with about 8 other applicants, for the IDES orientation.

I hadn’t finished filling out the Blue Form so admittedly, I was not paying attention to Ms. Thang with the Fake Braids” during the orientation. Suddenly I hear

“Ma’am could you please pay attention?”

(Bitch! Who are you calling “Ma’am”????!!!!)

Okay, fine – I put my pencil down and give her my undivided attention – a waste of MY time since I’d already done my research, and it hadn’t been so long since my last IDES experience that I didn’t know the drill. And I was SO happy to tell her that during my screening interview.

Although they had two screeners for the ‘Benefits Interview’, I was lucky enough to get Ms. Thang for mine. I apologized for not paying attention during her presentation and iterated that my reason was because I already I know the drill. She seemed unfazed. (Bitch! Bitch with a job!)

I DID savor the moments of telling her that I quit because of receiving a bounced paycheck, and showing it to her. It was a choice moment for ME when, as she looked at it, she said “They pay you from a personal checking account???” Yeah, I too was surprised/stunned when I got my FIRST one.

She goes off to make a copy of it. Comes back and does her ending spiel and I’m done. Within a week, I find out what a waste of time most of that was!

The multiple Wage Claim Letters

Hand-delivering my paystubs to PROVE wages earned

The useless Fax of paystubs

My Interview with P. Wills

Escalation to M. Holder

Email to Russell & Robinson – They’re Scamming You TOO!