Hi All-
Many of you know that I work to write very positive messages and by doing so, help our industry to move froward in professionalism and ability. I just had, what I can only think is a scam targeting experienced Realtors, tried on me. Gayle got an email talking about referrals from a lender in our area. I phoned back, the person who sent the email was "not available" but his assistant could help me. I told her about the email and said, "Oh sure, I can help you." She then went into a script about how their "Program" works. She passed me over to the Hawaii Area Manager then told me that there is a 10% referral fee when the transaction closes, which would be excellent as is it so low, and a small charge of $35.00 per "Approved Loan Application".
I ask him about increasing the referral fee to not have to pay the $35.00 fee per "Application"- LEAD(!) and he said no way. I started to share with him my reservations about working with an unknown lead source and he SLAMMED DOWN THE PHONE AND HUNG UP!
I was pretty ticked about it so call back to "Money Tree" assumeing that it was "Money Tree Lending", which we hear about on the TV via commercials all the time, to find their name is "Money Tree Purchasing."
I call them back to talk directly with the "Sales Manager" "Robert Beck" to ask him just what kind of operation he is running. I got is "Assistant Abigail" again, told her what happened and she went into mad caller mode with all of the I'm sorrys and such. I asked for Robert Beck again and she said OK and put me on the phone with her Operations Manager.
Again there were no straight answers, he did not know who the "Hawaii Area Manager" was as there were so many "Hawaii Area Managers" on his staff, not likely. I then asked him who Robert Beck is, thinking that he does not exist, and he said that Robert Beck is the Vice President (He must have just beed promoted from Sales Manager.) I then asked what Robert Beck's business address is, looking to see if it matched the address given on "Robert Beck's" email to Gayle, it did not.
I have to assume that this whole thing is a scam targeting Realtors in the business over "5 years with clean records." I have attched the email below for all to see and be on the lookout for.
From:Robert (Your Friendly Realtor) [mailto:MoneyTree@xmr3.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 5:01 AM
To:gfujita@hawaii.rr.com
Subject:RE: Gayle Fujita Ramsey, I have a referral in Aiea, 96701!
Dear Gayle,
I was referred to you as an active real estate agent working with buyers and sellers.
We have a few buyer applications in Aiea, HI 96701that have been pre approved for a loan. These applicants are looking to buy a house within the next 0-180 days and have been verified. They need a real estate agent to find them a property!
Can you call me at (818) 444-7295 Ext. 8016 to give you more information about these applications?
Thank you,
Robert Beck
Sales Manager, Money Tree
6433 Topanga Canyon Blvd. #602 - Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 444-7295 Ext. 8016
Phone: 808.485-0855
This email has been sent to you on Behalf of Money Tree Funding
It's me again...I know business is getting tight out there, please be careful when these kinds of scams..."Promotions" come along.
Cheers-
Mike
UPDATE!!! September 2008...
Well, they are still at it. There have been dozens of posts from the time I put this up and they have a new Manager's Name, but the same address. Here is the post...
There's a new comment on the blog entry BEWARE!!!!
Comment by Barbara Kehl Yuma Arizona Real Estate:
Thank you Mike and Gayle!!!
I just received this e-mail, except that mine is from Mark Smith! Anytime that I have any doubt as to the validity of a business that is e-mailing me, or sometimes even some of the phone calls that I receive, I do a little Googling!
Looking up Mark Smith, Sales Manager, Money Tree didn't show me quick enough results so I goggled the address - and that lead me straight to you!
Thank you for your blog. Knowledge really is power!!!
Nyana - Office Manager, Barbara Kehl Realty
Maybe Robert Beck was out last weekend, hit his head and when he woke up he thought he was Mark Smith.?.? There may be a "Mark Smith and may not be a Mark Smith but it sounds like Mark Smith is the Manager of the Week with our old friends.
Be Careful out there!
Cheers-
Mike
;)
;)
;)
