Fake Debt Collector to Serve Time for Fraud

A Sunrise, FL man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for running a scam in which the government said he fraudulently promised to collect delinquent accounts receivable for businesses across the country.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in California said U.S. District Judge Gary A. Feess sentenced Ronald S. Stern, Tuesday afternoon, in Los Angeles.

In addition to the prison term, Feess ordered Stern to pay nearly $1.9 million, which is full restitution to the 11 businesses and 18 individuals the government said lost money because of his scheme.

The prosecution argued Stern operated a Fort Lauderdale-based collection agency under the names Whitman Credit Consultants, Whitman Credit Services and Commercial Consultants International.

Through his company, the government said Stern promised prospective clients he would collect delinquent accounts receivable for a fee.

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