SURPRISE, Ariz.—WebmasterChecks, an Arizona-based company that provides check printing, folding and mailing services for domestic and European companies, has apparently had its bank accounts frozen by the U.S. Department of Justice. In business since 2005, WebmasterChecks provides check payment services for a range of adult affiliate programs, including some significantly sized programs.
Initial word that something was amiss with WebmasterChecks payments came via a Wednesday post around noon on GFY. The poster had received an email from an affiliate program warning him not to deposit a check he may have received from the check-issuing company.
“"For anyone who receives their payouts in check/cheque,” the email reportedly read, “we would request that you do not try to deposit them. There appears to be an issue with WebmasterChecks and the US Dept of Justice. If you want faster payment, please send us your check/cheques and we will gladly send out hand written checks and or epassporte payments to all affiliates who cannot deposit their payments. We will certainly cover the fee for epassporte or any returned checks/cheques."
AVN.com emailed and called WebmasterChecks for comment Wednesday afternoon, but received no reply to a message left at the company offices. At 5pm, however, WebmasterChecks posted the following message to GFY.
“We very recently became aware of an issue regarding our bank accounts being frozen by the Department of Justice and our attorney’s are working diligently to resolve this issue immediately and correct the error in how the DOJ handled this issue. Unfortunately, the Agent in charge of the case, took this action and then went on Vacation. We believe this is not related to our business practices and, therefore, should not have impacted our valued clients.
“We apologize for not informing you of this problem sooner, but we assumed that we would resolve this overnight as we would not have expected to have to wait for someone to return from Vacation. We are certain our business has all necessary licenses and registrations, has followed all rules and regulations to the best of our ability, and we know we will have a favorable resolution to this as soon as we have opportunity to speak with the case agent.
“We, and our attorneys, are working as rapidly as possible to resolve this issue. We will work hand and hand with each of you and your affiliates to ensure that we resolve this matter in a timely manner, with as little impact as possible. If you are a client and we have not communicated yet, please use the below link to access our contact information and call or email us, be assured that we will keep our clients updated as we progress through this process.”
