Story Published:
Apr 30, 2008 at 9:47 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Apr 30, 2008 at 10:58 PM EDT
Clovis resident Nina Sikes says she was surprised and excited when she got this letter, wondering to herself why she would receive her economic stimulus check, before everyone else.
But when she realized that's not what it was, she says she was heart-broken.
"I go oh my gosh, that was quick, bush said he was gonna make them earlier and I was real thrilled,” says Sikes.
That was, until she opened the letter. That on the outside reads, "Federal Stimulus Bill benefits, notification-immediate action required."
Sikes thought it was her economic stimulus check.
But when she tore off the sides and opened it up, it was Ohio based, Residential Finance Corporation telling her she had been approved for a $130,000 loan.
Not what she had expected.
"After I opened it, I was really angry and then I thought about other seniors who might be receiving this and I didn't want them to be prey to what I might have."
"I’m sure there's some disappointment, but a little education would have prevented that," said Residential Finance Corporation V.P., David Stein.
He says the letter she received dealt with a portion of the stimulus bill that allowed companies like Residential Finance to offer FHA loans to people that didn't previously qualify.
"We don't certainly have any intent to mislead people, we don't benefit in anyway by disappointing people," said stein.
He says his company has also maintained a very good relationship with The Better Business Bureau for many years now.
Meanwhile, the better business bureau here in Fresno says they have yet to receive any complaints about stimulus checks, but say they're always on the alert... And give this advice.
"Watch mailbox, watch trash, be on the lookout for things, suspicious e-mails, suspicious phone calls,” says Better Business Bureau director, Vickie Sanders.
The better business bureau says it's too early to tell if consumers will be targeted by economic stimulus scams, but says you should keep your eyes open and be aware of any suspicious activity.
If you want to check the status of your stimulus check, log on to www.ksee24.com and click on news links.
Click on the link to watch Preston Phillips’ report.
Wednesday, Jan 20 at 11:03 PM Rhonda Leen wrote ...
Give me a break! If you can read or understand English you can figure out that this is not a scam. She should have called the company to find out what this was about before jumping to conclusions.