Smythe Group
Major rip-off, well-greased machine, skillfully took my money, provided no service/no product/no refund, elaborate circle of excuses

There seems to be three companies involved: (1) International Rarities, Inc., Fullerton, Ca from which i purchased a Picasso print (2/03) on credit card, got some rough treatment for not purchasing a second, I disputed with the credit card company and I won.
(2) Smythe Group, Inc, from which I purchase a set of Kennedy Camelot Coins required cashier's check made out to myself and with my endorsement (copy available). This was 8/03. No coins arrived—'be there soon.' 2/04 I got a fax from Smythe saying my PICASSO had a buyer, would I approve the sell and fax back. "Why not" I thought, "other efforts hadn't worked." Smythe asked for 30 more days beyond a first 30 days time because buyer was coming up with funds. Nothing more. Then they had an auction coming up. Would sell the PICASSO there. Then another auction&wadda, wadda.

I made many phone calls and sent faxes asking for information, product or payment. Smythe (who denies knowing Intn'l Rarieties and visa versa) then would not take calls or respond to faxes or return funds.
(3) SGI (909-825-7280) called saying that because of the low number print of the Picasso (first i had even heard the name or numer) it was exceptionally valuable; if I would buy another Picasso they would sell the two at some outragous price to a waiting and anxious buyer. They said they were a company who works with Smythe to sell their unsellable art inventory. He was forceful. I said 'No"

For a couple months now they have been reviewing whether or not to consider a refund. I have placed a BBB report so now they have to wait until the results of the BBB report to consider giving me a refund. They are implying it is all my fault because of the BBB complaint.
I have kept a fairly complete log and copies of all available material. I continue to call a couple times a week.

Company: Smythe Group
Country: USA
State: California
City: West Covina
Address: 2548 East Workman Avenue, Suite 471
Phone: 8773484720

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