Due to a recent separation from an abusive marriage my four year old child and I were in a financial tight spot. I looked online for a payday loan and submitted my information for that alone. I never was contacted by anyone regarding my request so I assumed I did not qualify.
I never heard or saw the name Platinum Benefit Group until about 2 weeks later when my account had been debited $139. I immediatelt looked them up online to see several complaints of unauthorized debits against them. Upon further research I was able to figure out that my information must have fell into their hands when I applied for a payday loan online.
I called the number on my statement and was told a refund would be issued within 10 days. I then followed up with my bank. As it was a ACH withdrawal (directly routed from my account) the process is somewhat lengthy requring my physical signature before any further action can be taken.in the meantime; my account is negative and I am struggling to throw whatever I can together for my kid to eat.
I called the shady company again to check status of my refund and was informed that I was being sent a LETTER of "refund credit". What is that? I don't know but I have not seen that yet either anyway. I do know that through my tears and pleading for them to please immediately refund me or moneygram the money they wrongfully took so that I can FEED my child - I received no remorse or compassion on the other line. That hurts.
I did my research and I am not stopping here. The current owner of the company is David Girogione. Google that name and an article for a Tony Amico comes up; evidently he is first cousin and business parner to David Giorgione. The article contains a great deal of information on several businesses of a similar nature. Evidently Tony Amico "sold" a credit card company a few years back that had similar problems. (Perhaps to his 1st cousin who then changed the name?). That company was called Key Financial.
They also operated a mortgage business that MIGHT go by Webster Mortgage.
Other businesses associated with them are:
Paragon Water Systems
Caddys On the Beach (Clearwater Florida)
D'Amico Pasta and Grill
Studio V
Colliseum Nightclub
8th Avenue Grill
"Pat Dalton" is Tony's brother and manages a few of his businesses including Studio V.
(ROR redacted addresses and phone numbers for security purposes)
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