Better Business Bureau is warning residents that they may receive calls from a company offering low-interest credit cards but will only receive credit information for their money.

Phyllis Sundheimer, a resident of Warsaw, notified police Wednesday that a company called Regional Card Service began calling her several weeks ago. A representative offered to send her checks from a gold VISA credit card that Sundheimer could use to pay off her bills. The card would come with 5.9 percent interest for the next five years if she sent the company a check for $299.

Sundheimer became suspicious when a supposed manager of the company would not give her the name, phone number or address of the company at first. He hung up on her when she asked questions. Another employee who identified himself as Doug Smith called her back and told her the company was called Regional Card Service and was located in Phoenix, Ariz. He gave her a toll-free number and an address to send her check.

Sundheimer became even more suspicious when the company demanded she send them the money immediately. They even called her back the next day to make sure she sent them a check. The card service threatened Sundheimer Thursday that they were going to turn her over to a collection agency for the money she supposedly owes them. Although she repeatedly told them she was not interested in the deal, the company continues to call Sundheimer and tell her she now owes them $299 even though she has not asked for any information.

The telemarketers also requested Sundheimer give them her Social Security number, but she refused to give it over the telephone.

When Sundheimer told Bonnie Gore of First National Bank about the company, Gore warned Sundheimer not to send any money. Gore called the Better Business Bureau in Phoenix, who confirmed her suspicions.

A representative from the BBB said Regional Card Services has an unsatisfactory record. It is a legitimate company, with a phone number and address, that began in 1995. The company states it "telemarkets and offers a low interest rate credit card service and credit history information for $299," a BBB report said. "Inquirers indicate that the company solicits nationwide, often targeting senior citizens."

The BBB report states: "The company has an unsatisfactory record in Bureau files due to a pattern of failure to resolve or respond to customer complaints presented by the Bureau."

Although the BBB will not call Regional Card Services a scam, they say, "Advertised offers of assistance to obtain a VISA or Mastercard may result in sizeable fees for a packet of credit information generally available to the public at little or no charge."

The company simply sends a customer a packet of information on how to obtain a low-interest credit card or general credit cards, the BBB said. The company does not provide checks or the credit card for the price of $299.

Sundheimer said the BBB told her the company has been targetting senior citizens across the country. She said she never had a credit card company request a check from her; for fees, they put the charges on the card account.

Although Regional Card Services said they were trying to help elderly people get out of debt and pay off their credit cards at low interest rates, Sundheimer warns other senior citizens not to be fooled.

"I told him [Smith] is sounded like a scam," Sundheimer said. "He said it was very legit and trying to help the elderly.

"I was very, very worried," Sundheimer said. "Bonnie was so good and checked on everything. ... It is such a relief off my mind."

If people get calls from the Regional Card Services or a similar company, they should contact the BBB to see if the service is legitimate and in good standing.

"The Bureau advises extreme caution to anyone responding to such an offer and strongly recommends against giving credit card numbers or expiration dates, checking account numbers or any other personal information over the phone to unknown solicitors," the BBB report states. "Consumers are advised to deal directly with banks regarding applications and unauthorized charges." [[In-content Ad]]