Complaint Review: Michael Mathews

Michael Mathews is a 20 year old college student who apparently is an astute web designer and computer whiz. He had set up a very professional-looking website that went by the name www.mydirectpc.com. The site was nothing more than a front for fraud. The business address he lists is actually a two bedroom apartment and not a factory as is stated on his site.

Special Investigations Bureau-CATCH in California received a complaint from an individual who had purchased two computers from DirectPC. He received neither one. When he inquired about them, he was given Fed Ex tracking numbers. The tracking numbers turned out to be fake.

It was discovered that Michael Mathews was previously arrested and convicted of fraud two years ago when he was 18 years of age. He had put a computer up for sale on eBay - which he then sold a total of twelve times. Naturally, no one received a computer, and no refund was given. As part of his probation, he was forbidden to sell items online and to run a business online. Since he was in clear violation of his probation as well as committing fraud, a search warrant was executed on his home. Officers found the names and addresses of 20 "customers" he had dealt with, the author of this report included. The officer then contacted the 20 individuals to get statements as well as evidence.

When I spoke to the officer, who was very patient and helpful, he had stated that while they were searching his apartment, several people had called leaving messages on the answering machine asking for their money. Michael Mathews is currently in jail at the time of this report and is unable to make bail. Several individuals who were cheated by him are filing civil suits against him. Unfortunately, the money is more or less gone, presumably spent on college tuition. His only real asset is a souped up Honda Accord.

I have a ripoff report regarding DirectPC's fraud. Please refer to it for more info on Michael Mathew's "company". Also, Adam in Antiga, Wisconsin has left a report here. He is one of the fortunate ones who got his money back and ONLY because his credit card company backed him up, not because Mr. Mathews decided to pay him back. Previous to this, Adam had called DirectPC several times in an effort to get the refund credited to his account. Each time, the man who answered the phone simply said "Hello". Which of course is not how a business would answer an incoming phone call.

While it is believed Michael Mathews (the owner of DirectPC) acted alone in regards to the setup of the website, communicating with customers, and of course, defrauding them, his business was not solely owned. Listed as partners were Robyn Cherney and Andre (Last Name = ?). These were silent partners, that is, their names were listed as partners but that is all. They weren't actively involved.

As I stated in my DirectPC report, Verisign listed the mydirectpc domain as being administrated by Robyn Cherney and Michael Mathews. Robyn is Michael Mathew's girlfriend. I'm not sure who Andre is. I was asked by the investigating officer if I had had contact with an Andre (can't recall his last name) but I hadn't. I was told he was also listed as a partner.

Michael Mathews is currently in jail as stated before. And the case against him is very good. It is most likely that Michael Mathews will be serving jail time when all is said and done. At least a few years anyways. So for now and the immediate future, his crimes are now halted. But when he is free again, which is inevitable, I have no doubts in my mind he will start his criminal activity all over again. SO PLEASE KEEP IN MIND - DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH AN INDIVIDUAL NAMED MICHAEL MATHEWS OR A COMPANY OWNED BY MICHAEL MATHEWS AND/OR ROBYN CHERNEY.

Keep in mind, he is adept at web design and is undoubtedly an expert in other computer-related areas. Visit to his site (while it's still up) and you'll see what I mean. His design matches, in fact, surpasses (in my opinion) the sites of Dell, Gateway, etc etc. He gives a very well-polished and professional apperance. He is well steeped in the language of businesses and the many aspects of computer technology.

His site (not so much his emails) exudes legitimacy. SO PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH, ALWAYS, I MEAN ALWAYS, RESEARCH A COMPANY YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH. AND IF NO INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE - AVOID THE COMPANY LIKE THE PLAGUE. REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE A WEBSITE LOOKS LEGIT, LOOKS PROFESSIONAL DOESN'T MEAN IT'S NOT A CON. Believe me, I'm living proof of that.

To perspective employers in California, do NOT hire this man. He will give your company a bad name and his actions could make you liable.

William
Detroit, Michigan

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