We entered into a lease agreement withBenchmark Financial Groups, LLC, located at 65 Enterprise Aliso Viejo, CA 92656on 11/12, with the clear understanding the lease had to be completed by nolater than 11/24, as we were opening a new store and had to have the leaseapproved and start paying our vendors by the first of December. "I have Emails from the president, Marcus Davin, stating they can approve in less than 24 hours and Emails fromthe account rep stating they would be able to complete the lease within ourstated time frames. "Benchmark asked for a copy of a check (not the actual check) made out to Benchmark for the 1st and last payment for$4,804.32. When I faxed them a copy, they immediately took the funds out of ourchecking account. They never had authorization from us to do this, nor did theystate anywhere they were taking the funds on a lease that had not yet beenapproved. "Unfortunately we did not find this outuntil about a week after they took the funds and at that time we had norecourse with the bank. Since we wanted the lease we continued to deal withBenchmark. "At no time did we change any of theterms of the deal. "We continually asked the status of theapproval and were assured it would close before the 24th. On the 24th I calledand emailed several times to find out if the lease was approved and I did notget any response from the company. I was then forced to pay our vendors so wecould make our scheduled opening.
At no time did Benchmark contact our vendors, asthey said they would several times in writing, or file for credit approvaluntil the 24th, so they did not even start the process. When we attempted toget our 1st and last payment returned Benchmark said it is non-refundable andnow refuses to return our calls and emails
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