I had gotten behind in bills, had had numerous unexpected expenses, Christmas was coming and we were drowning. We had exhausted every other avenue of financial assistance so I went online and did a search for online loans.
After many denials and/or no response went to 48hour loans.com and submitted my application on December 11. On December 13 had a message from Jonathan Morgan from Newport Lending Group that he had some good news. Called him back and was told that we were approved for a 40,000 dollar loan with the terms being an 8 year term at 7% interest payments of 550.00/month. Only catch was they required 3 months upfront - 1650.00.
I was so tickled and so excited that FINALLY something was going to go our way, things were going to look up and we were going to get that helping hand to get many of our bills paid off and get back on our feet.
I was somewhat nervous as I had been scammed before so I checked with BBB and no complaints and a search for Newport Lending Group Scams didn't pop up with any boards or notices. So I asked Jonathan to send me a copy of the contract which he faxed to me on 12-14. Had my husband sign the pages he needed to along with a copy of his Drivers Liscense and Pay stub and called Jonathan to let him know we were ready to proceed.
He told us to go to WalMart - MoneyGram and get the red form and fill it out and send it to Lindsay Zuckerman in Swapford Alberta Canada. When asked why to an individual he said it would save us money in the fees and he didn't want this costing us any more than necessary and that any fees we did incur would be reimbursed. We called Jonathan on 12-15-06 and told him the money had been sent. Gave him the reference number and he told us the money would be in our account at midnight and to remember him and not to spend it all at once. I thanked him profusely cause this was a life saving loan.
Saturday morning I happily called the bank only to find nothing had been deposited. Tried calling Jonathon but got his voice mail. I left a message and left also for him to be paged. Monday the 18th still no funds. I tried calling Jonathan and still got his voice mail so I contacted customer service where a Brandon Foster answered the phone. I told him who I was and needed to speak to a manager - he told me that he was the floor manager. I told him about the money transfer and no funds. He put me on hold and came back and told me that he had just left a message at our home number that there had been a problem.
He said that the lenders's insurance company reviewed the application and determined that they needed an additional 3 months payment - another 1650. I questioned him about this lender and he assured me that theyd worked with this lender numerous times and that there would be no additional funds due or any further delays. When i asked for more specific information about the lender he said he couldnt give me that information as they had signed a privacy policy because they had had a client in years past harass a lender.
So I again begged and borrowed money from a dear friend and sent it to Lindsay Zuckerman Swapford Alberta Canada. Again I called Brandon with the reference number and he told me the funds would be in my account Tuesday morning. Tuesday the 19 - no $. Called Brandon and he told me they should be there - I verified they werent. He said hed look into it - he came back and told me that the lender had backed out and they were pursuing legal action but not to worry he would refund my upfront money but in the mean time could he look for another lender.
I told him to look but i Desperately needed that loan or upfront fee back immediately. I called Brandon back later that day and he said he found another lender who would loan me 50,000 instead of the original 40 that he was waiting for the terms. I told him that i had no more money anywhere. He said he would tell they lender that he wanted no additional monies down. I called him back the next day and he told me that the lender wanted an additional 780.00. I told him i couldnt do anymore. He said he would process my refund then and when I asked when I would have it he told me it would go out the 30 at their billing cycles.
December 21,06 - I called Brandon back and asked him if he had come up with any other options. He said no but the 50,000 was still available. So I asked him if I could come up with the money where would I send it to. He told me to send it to Lindsay Courtins Boltin Alberta Canada. WHAM! Too big a coincidence. I contacted an attorney who told me to contact the county attorney - I did but was told i had to file a police report first - so i filed a police report.
December 22 I called Brandon again and in tears, hysterically crying asked if there wasnt a way to make something work that he had my bill money christmas money and borrowed money and my kids were now going to go with out a christmas. He said Id have the up front money back the 30th so my kids could still enjoy the new year and he hung up on me. I have not been able to reach him or anyone else since. Now their number comes up with a message - web site is no longer there.
I have followed up with my police department and gave them a copy of a couple of the other victims from Newport lending that I found on 12-27. I have also filed a report with the Federal Government. Not that any of us will get our money back but i highly suggest to anyone else out there - File the reports wherever you can.
I have been scammed before and cant believe i let this happen. Not only am i going to have to close my bank account and try to start over - i have overdraft fees coming out my ears. I ruined my kids' christmas, we are on the verge of having utilities shut off, losing our house & car and everything else, kids are going to have to give up their activities - and we don't qualify for any assistance elsewhere. And then my dear friend - I have to pay back or it'll ruin my friend too.
Anyone with any suggestions as to where to find help to get through this - please let me know and i will do the same if i come across some help.
God willing these people will be stopped and get whats coming to them before they hurt anyone else. I am sorry that so many people have been hurt but in some small sad way - I am glad to know I am not alone
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