On February 1, I was contacted by Ben Waters of Second Choice Financial. I was informed that I was approved for a personal loan in the amount of $10,000.00. I was told to review the faxed contract and to contact Mr. Waters once I was finished.in the contract it stated that I was to provide collateral in the amount of $2,500. I was told that I could send $1,000.00 by way of Western Union, and that I would be reimbursed the Western Union fees, and that I would receive my loan within 6 hours.
After numerous phone calls and two days later I was told by Mr. Waters that I needed to send an additional $625.00. I sent that amount, again by way of Western Union, again I was told that I would be reimbursed the Western Union fees. I was told that my loan would be available to me by the next morning. I did not receive the money.
After serveral more phone calls, and several more days, I was able to get in contact with Ed Hall. Mr. Hall initially directed me to Ben Waters, and I explained that Mr. Waters had not been returning my calls, and I wanted to know the status of my account. I was told that I needed to send and additional $975.00 to cover to remaining balance for the collateral, plus the amount of insurance. I sent that amount and was told by Mr. Waters that there would be no more problems. I did not receive the loan.
When I contacted Mr. Waters he informed me that I was going to be reimbursed $1,500.00 for my troubles, but I needed to send in the fee for the broker and closing costs. At that point I requested a refund, it was February 24.
I was told that I would receive a certified bank check within sevn days. I followed up my called with a written letter, sent certified mail, and an e-mail at the address listed on their website, requesting a refund of $2,709.99. The phone number has been disconnected.
Their website, www.secondchoicefinancial.com, is still up and running. On their website, they list a host of agencies in which they are licensed under.
In California, they are listed under the California Department of Corporations, which shows that they are no longer licensed as of August.in New Jersey, they give license numbers L045386 and L040053. I cannot determine which department governs this type of business and issues this license.
The parent company Goodrich & Pennington Mortgage Fund, Inc. Has seemed to have surrendered it's licenses in several states.
I hope no one else falls prey to these predators. Do Not Do Business With Them.
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