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Workers & Retirees

Fraud Awareness Alert

PBGC Office of the Inspector General Logo

Subject: Finder's Fee Scam
Date: June 13, 2012

An individual attempted to obtain a 25% "finder's fee" for assisting a retired United Airlines Inc. (UAL) flight attendant with obtaining a PBGC pension benefit to which she was entitled. He may be doing this with other UAL flight attendants, as well.

The individual called the retired UAL flight attendant and informed her that he was an attorney specializing in bankruptcy. In exchange for researching and locating UAL assets, including a search with PBGC, he asked that she sign a Finder's Fee Agreement which he mailed to her. Later, he asked that she execute a power of attorney so that he could represent her before the PBGC.

PBGC does not use third parties to assist participants in getting their benefits. If you receive an offer similar to that just described, refuse the offer and instead contact PBGC directly at 1-800-400-7242 or by email at participant.inquiry@pbgc.gov. You do not need anyone else's assistance to obtain your benefit from PBGC. People or firms who offer to help you for a finder's fee are not associated with PBGC.

For more information about reporting suspected fraud, waste, or abuse to the Office of Inspector General, please call the toll-free OIG Hotline at 1-800-303-9737 (TTY/TDD Users: 202-326-4115), or visit the PBGC Office of the Inspector General website.

Curtis D. Flood
Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations