ComplaintsforMeridian Trust Investments, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Meridian Trust continues to mail offers to buy property I own in ***************** **. to my stepchildren who are listed on an enhanced life Estate Deed. This is also known as a Lady **** Deed and is designed to ***************** to them on my death. I have called Meridian Trust and asked that they do not mail these to them as they do not own the property, I have not disclosed the information to my stepchildren as the deed can and may be altered at a time of my my choosing. My stepchildren are now calling me as they receive these letters. They come addressed to their home with my name on them. Can you help me stop this? I currently am dealing with an ascending aortic aneurysm and will need surgery soon. This is causing me severe anxiety, pain and a worsening medical condition. I will forward a copy of my complaint to my attorney ************************** in ***************** *******. My first action is to seek your help in this matter.

  

  Business response

  08/17/2023

  Good afternoon,
  Thank you for reaching out to us. I would like to confirm that any mail related to this address was duly removed from our records on both May 30, 2023, and subsequently on July 25, 2023.
  
  In the unlikely event that any individual does receive communication pertaining to this address, I kindly request that you bring it to our attention by contacting us at *****************************************************.
  
  Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to respecting and acting upon your preferences.

• Initial Complaint

  07/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Meridian trust sent me a letter advertising them wanting to purchase my property. I was in middle of transaction selling my property and using the proceeds to make another purchase, but the seller had backed out. I told ****** at Meridian that I needed the money by the 20th July and if they could do it and it is in contract I would sign. He made me give up $27500 from the asking price of $200,000. The contract did mention the date and I signed on the same day to give them maximum time.10 days later I informed them in writing that due to tenant's behavior I was not going to be able to guarantee that the tenant would be happy and I could deliver the lease terms they wanted. I told them that given it was my tenant's fault they could get out of the contract and I would understand. Instead of understanding my situation ****** threatened to file a lawsuit and put a lien on the property. In one second the contract went from being between two parties to we are doing you a favor and you need to hold your end up. I have all of this in written emails and I am happy to provide copies.At that point the title had already cleared and title even issued a policy and receipt with names and everything. Again I have the email and copy of policy and I am happy to provide it.On the 19th ****** informed me that he needed extra ten days because they had put purchase on hold when they couldn't do inspection. I told him that I was never notified of that and he needed to hold his end up or cancel the contract. He told me he couldn't get lien or title cleared on time when title had cleared two weeks ago. This is also in written email.In summary there is a clear pattern of aggressive one-sided contracts, threats of lawsuits and lies to intimidate and take advantage of home owners in desperate situation. Reading other complaints this is a clear pattern and the business will continue to deny this unless BBB actually takes action on their rating and not just keep accepting their denials.

  Customer response

  08/03/2023

  The Meridian Trust has not responded to this complaint, but they continue to send threatening emails and voicemails on a regular basis to my email and my voicemail. I have attached the threat of legal action letter they sent today. I am not sure what I can do here, but they are asking me to sell them a property that I don't own anymore or they will file a lawsuit. Their predatory behavior to individuals while ignoring the complaints filed here makes me feel helpless and makes BBB look ineffective. Any recommendations on what I can do? For your reference below is what I responded in writing:

  ----------------------------

  Thank you for reaching out. Meridian had ample opportunity to purchase the said property in the timeline that they said they would. I gave them every chance to do so. Due to their neglect and delays they did not make the sale happen. The property has now been sold for over a month and I no longer own it. The demand from them for me to sell them a property that I no longer own is absurd. They are very much aware that property was sold last month. I try to be a reasonable person so ***************, but there is really no plausible recourse here.
  
  Just so you are aware last month I also filed BBB complaint against Meridian and let them know that every communication will be sent there. I reserve the right to send this email there as well as further sign harassment.
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  09/01/2023

  We want to extend our sincerest apologies for the negative experience you've had with The Meridian Trust. 
  
  We understand there was a delay in responding to your complaint, and we want to acknowledge that the individual responsible for your case was, unfortunately, no longer with our company. 
  
  We recognize that this situation contributed to the lack of communication and resolution during a challenging time for you.
  
  With regard to the property in question, we apologize for any confusion or inconvenience caused by our previous communications. The agent was out sick during that time, leading to a lack of communication and closing delays.
  
  We take this matter seriously and do not condone such behavior from our representatives. We will investigate this thoroughly to ensure it is addressed appropriately.
  
  If you are open to it, we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your situation further and work towards a satisfactory resolution. 
  
  Please feel free to contact our customer service team at ***************************************************** at your earliest convenience. 

  Customer response

  09/06/2023

   
  Complaint: 20352161
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  There wasn't just one person working. Even as they took 30 plus days to respond to a message they had people sending me messages about hiring a law firm. Even their current response is generic talk to our customer service without giving name of specific person or number.

  Given that they are acknowledging their fault in the matter all I am looking for is simple ok we will stop hounding you and sending you letters about having to sale your property to us. I shouldn't have to call their customer service number. The previous attachments all have the information that they need. If they would just say that they will stop sending me threatening letters, voicemails and emails I will accept that response.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  10/03/2023

  Earlier this year, the seller entered into a contract with Meridian Trust for the purchase of their property.
  
  As part of our standard inspection process, we required access to the property. Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, this led to a delay in the closing process.
  
  We understand from the feedback received that the seller expressed a desire to withdraw from the contract. While our aim is always to finalize a deal that benefits both parties, we respect and value the decisions of our partners. In light of the seller's request, we released them from the contract in August.
  
  We also acknowledge that the seller has previously rejected our responses on the BBB. We deeply regret any inconvenience or misunderstanding that *** have arisen, but we would like to state that there is nothing further Meridian Trust can do in this situation.
  
  We have acted in good faith throughout the process and have made every effort to address concerns raised. 

  Customer response

  10/03/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  I would still recommend that BBB look at their practice. In the complaint you will find that they continued to send me letters with lawsuit threat in September even though they claim they released me from the contract. Anyway I am happy that they at least acknowledged that there was an issue and agreed to release from the contract.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  05/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was targeted by Meridain Trust Holdings LLC. and RE Holdings LLC. starting after Hurricane *** in 2022 by mail and by phone.On March 2023 I was sent a CONTRACT by Meridian Trust ,which was unwanted and unexpected. Just 2 days after I refused to sell to them, they took legal action against me by filing a ******************* ( lien) against my property. After being forced to defend myself with an expensive Lawyer, Meridian Trust and their Lawyers extorted $26,000 from me.Hurricanes and Floods devastated my home in ******************** and then thieves like these people show up to hurt ** even further. They don't disclose what the offer would be, they hound you with calls prying you for personal information, they offer way below market value then resell to investors before the closing. They also use Contracts that are one-sided and harmful to the other party. My finances and health have been devastated by these unscrupulous people and I recommend that no-one ever consider buying from them or selling to them. EVER!!

  

  Business response

  05/23/2023

  The parties in this matter had previously signed a settlement agreement that included settlement terms and a full release of all claims as to both parties. Additionally, our counsel has contacted counsel for **************** who agreed that this complaint is a violation 
  of the settlement agreement and would talk to his client as to a quick withdrawal of the complaint filed by ****************. We anticipate that the complaint will be withdrawn in the near future. Should any further action be needed on our part, if the complaint is not withdrawn, we can redact and supply the settlement agreement between the parties that includes a full release as to any and all action or claims of any nature.

• Initial Complaint

  04/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We receive unsolicited offers to purchase property that is not advertised for sale. I see no way to opt out without risking more personal information.This company also pays for **** advertising which is displayed alongside their postal mailing.The claim of 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION about your property' is nothing but a fear tactic to get people to read their advertisement.

  

  Business response

  05/02/2023

  Good afternoon ****************************,
  
  To be removed from the list, you may enter your CID or Customer ID found at the bottom of the letter on this form ****************************************************************.
  
  If your address is the same as the one pictured in the letter, I have requested for your information to be removed from our mailing list. Due to how the mailing process works, this will take about six weeks. 
  
  You may also contact me at ***************************************************** if you have any additional questions.

  Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  11/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Meridian Trust contacted me by mail and offered to buy my home. We settled on a price and signed a contract. The contract stated they had 15 days from inspection to cancel with written notice before expiration. They called me on the expiration date stating they were no longer interested because of the housing market changed and they could not make any money. They breached the contract by not notifying me in a timely manner by written notice. They tried to get me to sign a release which I refused. They did not keep their word or contract obligations. I am out several thousands of dollars and I am a 100*% Service Connected Disabled Veteran and a Senior Citizen on retirement. I am out several thousand dollars trying to get the property ready so they could close in a few days. I want them to honor their contract and pay me the money they owe me for my house.

  

  Business response

  11/10/2022

  ****************,
  
  Thank you for writing a review and bringing this to our attention.
  
  Our goal is to help as many homeowners as possible sell their homes, but there will be instances where we cannot purchase their property. 
  
  In this particular instance, you spoke with our representative before the deadline regarding the fact that we would not be able to move forward with the contract.
  
  As per our records, you signed and returned the cancellation agreement, in essence, consenting to the termination of the contract.
  
  If you have additional feedback, please don't hesitate to email me at ******************************************************

• Initial Complaint

  10/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I keep getting solicitations from Meridian Trust - after going on their web site www.merifiantrust.com to unsubscribe. Not only are they sending me "cash offers" but they are putting my NAME on other addresses ... I have asked them to stop. I have even call their ************** phone number. I have registered every 6 months at the donotcall.gov site. PLEASE help me get my name off their list. Other people are forwarding mail to me I DO NOT want. I do not want to be contacted by this company at ALL!!! I never asked or solicited them - stop sending me solicitations... FOR the LAST TIME I AM NOT INTERESTED...

  

  Business response

  11/09/2022

  We would be more than happy to remove you from our mailing list. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure every request is acted upon immediately. Based on the address you provided, we will ensure this is taken care of. Please note, it takes about six weeks to ensure the mail cycle is finalized. 
  

  Customer response

  11/09/2022

   
  Complaint: 18200555
  
  I am rejecting this response because: It is not just about my NAME AND ADDRESS - READ THE FULL complaint.  You are putting MY NAME on other peoples mailing address..... what are you going to do to rectify that???  I want all mailings to stop. It has BEEN longer then 6 weeks since BEFORE I filed the complaint.  You need to do better than that. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  11/14/2022

  After additional research, all addresses with your name were already removed from our files. The mail house takes 4-6 weeks and we are working to ensure any other letters are removed. If you have any additional concerns, please reach out to me at *****************************************************. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Keep getting offers to purchase properties owned by two LLCs * I own, despite faithfully and repeatedly using the Meridian Trust opt-out mechanism described in their letters. FYI, I'll NEVER sell to Meridian Trust under any circumstances. Why so certain? Besides no need to sell, Meridian Trust has repeatedly proven to have poor systems in place for opting out of mass mailings (apparently required by previous BBB resolutions). Perhaps they're not trustworthy. Certainly, Meridian Trust management is not business savvy if they think they can harass someone into selling them real estate. Just stop already!* ******* Places LLC and 4 Places, LLC

  

  Business response

  11/14/2022

  We have done additional research into our files and all letters sent to any address with your name were already removed from our list. The mail cycle takes about 4-6 weeks to be removed. If you have any additional issues, please reach out directly to *****************************************************. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Re: AS-IS Contract for sale and purchase of **************************************************************** dated August 25, 2022. The contract was signed electronically through DocuSign on Aug. 25, 2022, by the sellers, ********************************************************** and the buyer, ***************************. The agreed purchase price was $103,000.00, including tenants as stated in the contract. An addendum to the contract was sent to the sellers on Sept. 9, 2022 with a reduced amount of $95,000. The contract did not have stipulations regarding the purchase price, the sellers did not agree to a lower purchase price after the property was vacant, and the sellers did not sign the addendum, therefore invalidating the original contract. The notice regarding Demand to Adhere to Contract for Sale of Property was incorrectly dated and represented misinformation that the sellers were not responding to correspondence. The buyers agent did not respond to voicemails left during this timeframe. The seller offered to compensate the buyer for title services and other expenses, however, the buyers agent did not accept at the time. The buyer and its agents have been unprofessional, used intimidation tactics, and threatened to *** multiple times. I would like to be removed from their database.

  

  Business response

  10/31/2022

  We are unable to comment on your message due to the pending legal status of this transaction. However, we acknowledge that you have requested to be removed from our mailing list, and that request has been fulfilled. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/23/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Business using the address of ************************************************************************************* sent a unsolicited advertisement (about a month ago) saying they wanted to buy my home which isn't for sale. I sent their letter back with a note on it telling them I will NEVER sell my home and to STOP sending me letters. They ignored my demand and sent another letter dated; 9/16/2022. I regard these letters as harassment and an invasion of my privacy. I have a right to be left alone and not receive mail from senders I don't want communication from. I demand they STOP sending any forms of communication to me. I may also file a complaint to the ******* Attorney General, ************* ************************* call TV stations and take legal action if these letters continue.

  

  Business response

  11/14/2022

  Hello ************,

  We received your request to be removed from our mailing list on September 26, 2022. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure every request is acted upon immediately. However, it takes the mail house about 4-6 weeks to process this request. You will no longer receive our correspondence starting November 7, 2022, since we received your original request more than six weeks ago.  

  Customer response

  11/15/2022

   
  Complaint: 18118437
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The idea that it takes "4 to 6 weeks" to be removed from a list I didn't authorize being on is not acceptable. I sent a request by mail to be removed at least 2 or 3 months ago. I want to be removed IMMEDIATELY. I'm on the ************** National Do Not Mail List. If your company was responsible, you'd check that list before sending "spam" mail to people's homes. I regard your unsolicited letters as harassment and an invasion of my privacy. If I were ever interested in selling my home (which I'll never be), your "business" is the LAST place I'd consider. I could get far more on the open market, plus I don't do business with "spammers". You don't deserve a A+ rating.
  
  ***************

  

  Business response

  11/23/2022

  ************

  We understand your frustration, and we always ensure any individual mailed is not on the do not mail registry. The 4-to-6 week processing time is not within our control but with the mail house. This is a standard among many industries with many taking 12 weeks. We will continue to improve our processes and look to see how we will be able to cut down the time to remove individuals from our mail list. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have asked numerous times to be removed from their homebuying nailers. I have visited the website 3 or 4 times. Called and spoke to an individual at least twice and left a voicemail. They have not removed me from the mailing list despite these attempts. Changing the addressee to homeowner one week then adding my wifes name the next. I want off of their mailing list Immediately. There are plenty of homes for sale you dont need to continually waste paper sending mailers to people who are not interested in selling. I spoke to someone today 9/12/22 after receiving yet another mailer. ***** was very rude not at all professional. Please have me removed from their list

  

  Business response

  10/31/2022

  We value your privacy, and we have removed your from our mailing list. Please be aware that it can ***********-8 weeks to be removed completely. Thank you. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩