In May 2007, I was contacted by several clients claiming they were receiving collection calls from HSBC, stating they had received two refund anticipation loan checks from Instant Tax Service. The checks are funded by HSBC, making the tax clients fully liable for repayment of any checks cashed in their name.
Following up on the clients calls, I checked the tax clients individual files to see if in fact duplicate checks were printed and handed out. The individual tax files did not show any evidence of duplicate checks. I then telephoned HSBC to inquire on the clients accounts. HSBC informed me that several checks had been duplicated, cashed and funded by them. I requested the duplicate copy of such checks directly from HSBC. Upon receiving the first copy, I discovered the check had been forged, and did NOT match the client signatures on file. The checks were stamped on back, showing the deposit bank and account number. This deposit bank and account, is that of Instant Tax Service.
I then questioned the store Manager, who informed me that Fesum Ogbazion, had requested the duplicate printing of several checks. I immediately went to the Corporate office and questioned Mr. Ogbazion. He became very irate and began yelling and said the CFO, Pete Samborsky would take care of it. He advised me not to discuss the checks with the tax clients.
The bank records will show Mr. Ogbazion deposited tax client checks in order to sustain his own business transactions for his company, without the consent or knowledge of any tax payer involved.