I was recently scammed by an Alberta (Canada) couple claiming to be from Vancouver Island, who were "selling" a distributorship for a log home company (www.westerninternationalloghomes.com). There is an old mill in BC that is used to help it appear legitimate, but it is simply a money grab. They claim to live on a boat but it is simply a way to excuse their limited information - but they have an Alberta license plate (BDX-2806 Black Ford Expedition) and all their wire information is based in Alberta which I have kept in my tracking.
The couple's name is Steve and Becky Attra. Steve is in his 40's and Becky is probably close to 30. There is another gentleman involved Matt Steele out of Victoria who helps them with the online presence and the outward appearance.
I spoke with a by-law officer in the area and he said the people that own the inactive mill site are being investigated for other things that he was not at liberty to discuss. He suggested contacting the RCMP.
I invested close to $10,000 which was suggested to be wired. There was a money back guarantee if the investment didn't work out but after 30 days I realized it was a scam and tried to get the money back - to no avail. They have since turned more aggressive and have tried to scare me off with threats, and making obscene claims about their business with no proof of backup. There has never been proof of a single home built by them.
They were pressuring me to invest another $60,000 in a related investment which again was completely fictional. Fortunately I realized what it was before I invested.
All of the online ratings and posts are done by fictional people (by the couple/company) to give the perception they are an existing company. Homestars is an example of such a rating. I tried to put up a warning there but Homestars did not post it. They also have a video but it is not theirs.
I met another gentleman who was also scammed by them, but with a different scam business from the couple (majesticbydesign. Nl) which is no longer an active site (taken down after he was scammed). He was scammed $7,500 and was also told no refunds despite the letter agreement. BBB actually has a page / warning for them:
http://www.bbb.org/vancouver-island/business-reviews/multi-level-selling-co/majestic-by-design-90006006
Please do whatever possible to ensure the company / names are posted, so no others are harmed or their investments are lost.
I have countless emails and a signed agreement which I can provide if necessary.
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