Posted by Lisa Prestegard on 7/24/07 3:31pm
Msg #201512

New England Realty & Investments - BEWARE

These guys take the cake. I was asked, in my capacity as a Real Estate Broker, to print an eDoc Contract, meet with Buyer, execute contract and collect Escrow deposit, scan and email docs back to Real Estate Company, then send originals via DHL. All for the "ridiculous" fee of $125. (I cut the guy a break because he whined about my fee)
I told him I wanted PayPal payment IN ADVANCE of my shipping or emailing the executed docs to him. He agreed, and I was paid the next day. I scanned and emailed per his request, then dropped 'em DHL. (Before anyone lectures me about holding docs "hostage", please note that rules for Real Estate Brokers are very different that for a Notary Public. I acted well within the law)
Three days later, I received notice from PayPal that this jackbag has filed a "chargeback", and the fee he paid me was withdrawn from my PayPal account, leaving me overdrawn. His reason? He cited "unauthorized use" of his credit card.
Please be aware that even IF you receive payment in advance, this is perfectly legal. Of course, I get the opportunity for a 1200 character explaination to his Credit Card company disputing the chargeback, but they have 75 days to review and decide the payments validity.
Desperate little man must need the $125 more than I do.

These guys are scum. Joe Pinto and Michael Torres are their names, in Boca Raton FL. Steer clear, folks. Google them... lots of unsavory info. They also own a Mortgage Company.

Reply by Calnotary on 7/24/07 4:29pm
Msg #201517

Why don't you take them to small claims court since they are local? I know for 125.00 dollars is a waste of time but do it for the principle.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 7/24/07 4:51pm
Msg #201519

They have no idea how far I'll go for principle...

frankly, I don't care if it costs me ten-fold the amount they owe me. I plan on becoming quite a thorn in their sides. A complaint with the Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation is being prepared. The lawsuit in small claims will follow.
Furthermore, I hereby nominate them for the first official "Jackbag of the Year" award.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 7/24/07 6:15pm
Msg #201537

Re: They have no idea how far I'll go for principle...

Lisa, if you have the paperwork to prove the charge was authorized, paypal will re-charge the scumbag's credit card. It happened to me a couple of years ago by the cash now people and I had the confirmation with the amount on it, paid in advance by Paypal and the money was eventually put back into my account. Of course, I am not a lawyer, but isn't it illegal in some states to claim unauthorized use of a credit card to get out of paying a legitimate charge?

Reply by Becca_FL on 7/24/07 4:42pm
Msg #201518

Two words - Florida DBPR - Ought to make him honest. n/m

Reply by ZeeCA on 7/24/07 5:05pm
Msg #201524

you go and get YOUR money and expenses.... the jackbag will get what he deserves......

you are talking to a woman who totally believes in principle... in case you missed my cc post below... I am a thorn in cc side for keeping so much of my $$$ for a return..........

Reply by joseph Pinto on 4/14/09 4:08pm
Msg #284941

In defense of New England Realty, The charge that came in was disputed with Pay Pal due to the fact that the name of the biller was someone the company was not familiar with. At the time it seemed like a fraudulent charge. We were contacted by the notary and she was promptly paid.

In defense of New England Realty, The charge that came in was disputed with Pay Pal due to the fact that the name of the biller was someone the company was not familiar with. She used a very strange “Nick Name” rather than a company name or her own name for billing. At the time it seemed like a fraudulent charge. Shortly after the charge was disputed, we were contacted by the notary and she was promptly paid.
The fee was the average charge most traveling notaries charged in the past for similar services. At the time, she indicated the fee was agreeable. I regret she had a problem with New England Realty & Investments, but it would also have been nice if she told the complete story.