ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE RECEIVER – February 5, 2015
At the end of January we mailed another 8,143 first interim partial distribution checks totaling $12,708,427.80 to claimants holding qualified allowed claims. While I am pleased that we have now mailed distributions to nearly 100,000 claimants and distributed approximately $147 million to victims of the ZeekRewards scheme, I very much regret that nearly 75,000 claimants have not yet completed all the steps necessary to be eligible to receive their distribution. Some 60,000 claimants have not even responded to the Letter of Determination emailed to them. Thousands more have failed to provide the release and OFAC certification required by the Court to be eligible to receive a distribution.
We receive many calls and emails from claimants who have not received a distribution check claiming that they have done all that is required to become eligible. That simply is not correct. I again strongly encourage every claimant that has not yet received a distribution check to log into the Claims Portal (https://cert.gardencitygroup.com/zrwdet/fs/home), respond to your Letter of Determination if you have not already done so, and, if you accept the Letter of Determination, provide the Release and OFAC certification. We will send a reminder email to all holders of a recognized claim who have not completed these required steps to be eligible for a distribution. We will make the next distribution to those who complete these steps and who have not already received a distribution at the end of April.
Many distribution check recipients have asked whether we will issue IRS Forms 1099 showing the disbursement. We have consulted with tax professionals and determined that the Receivership estate will not issue 1099s, even if requested by the claimant.
Finally, many affiliates call and email asking for a claim status report or help with the claims process. Because there are 175,000 claimants we decided not to offer personal, individualized assistance by phone or email. The costs of such assistance would be great and would significantly reduce the amount of money we have and will have available to send to all victim claimants. Please see my message of November 25, 2014 for further explanation of our reasoning.
We continue to pursue additional recoveries for the benefit of the victim claimants, with great success. You can read about our efforts in our quarterly status reports filed with the Court, available on the Case Documents page of this website. Thank you, as always, for your continuing patience and support.