Important Notice Regarding Fraudulent Checks

June 14, 2007

Some U.S. residents are receiving fraudulent communications from foreign companies (usually Canada or China) offering a monetary award in exchange for cashing Akebono checks on their behalf. The communication may be sent by letter or email, and attempts to lure the recipient into participating in this scam through one of the following arrangements:

• a claim that the recipient has won prize money in a non-existent lottery or sweepstakes;
• requesting that the recipient complete a “Mystery Shopper” survey; or
• nominating the recipient to serve as the foreign company’s U.S. and Canadian representative to accept payments on its behalf.

The communication will include, or be followed by, a fraudulent check that appears to be issued by Akebono in Springfield, Kentucky. Recipients are asked to deposit the fraudulent check and then send the Canadian/Chinese company a portion of the proceeds.

Akebono has reported this matter to the appropriate U.S. and Canadian authorities. If you receive any checks in Akebono’s name, write VOID across the check so it cannot be deposited. If deposited, the check will not clear. Akebono officials regret the company has been implicated in this fraud and urge all recipients of these materials to take them to their local authorities. If you have any questions, please contact the following person at Akebono:

Brandon Kessinger
Director of Legal Affairs
(270) 766-1576