October 8 , 2012 - Santa Ana, California: Last week, a Cachet and PTM Remarketer (i.e., a Payroll Service Bureau) was approached by a potential fraudulent individual/corporation, to run a high six figure payroll. Baron Haghighi was in the southern California area and allegedly attempted to commit fraud through this Payroll Service Bureau. This individual has used the business names of New Millennium International Enterprises Corp. and New Millennium Global Resources Inc. It was discovered through a simple Internet search, that Baron Haghighi had been convicted on fraud charges in the State of Washington in 2006, for unlawful issuance of checks and first degree theft. Upon further investigation, our Client discovered that the bank account from which the six figure payroll check was to be written, was closed. They also verified that Baron provided a fake Social Security Number (SSN) on his set up documents. Our Client, the Payroll Service Bureau, has involved the local police and they are actively working with other jurisdictions on the case.

While this potential fraudster was uncovered with a simple Internet search, a strong risk management policy can go a long way in protecting your company. Cachet and PTM strongly encourage best practices and enforcing due diligence procedures, which include site visits and background/credit checks both on owners and corporate entities, for all new clients.