Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/22/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 02/13/2025, I purchased land in ***************, **********, based on representations provided by ********************** through their online platform, emails, and phone communications. Their representations were misleading: 1. Misrepresentation and Non-Disclosure: - Photos and maps inaccurately depicted the propertys actual conditions. - Critical details on zoning, accessibility, and restrictions were withheld, violating California Civil Code 1572 on fraudulent misrepresentation. 2. Unconscionable Contract Terms: - The contract included one-sided clauses, such as improvements reverting to the seller upon default, violating California Civil Code 1670.5.3. Bad Faith Business Practices: - After signing, I received no proper guidance regarding the propertys usability, demonstrating lack of good faith as outlined in California Civil Code 1655. Efforts to resolve the matter were met with dismissive responses. In an email, their representative concluded, "Good luck in the future," refusing to address my concerns or issue a refund. I request that the BBB hold ********************** accountable. 1. A full refund of payments made under the contract. 2. Confirmation that no further financial obligations apply. 3. Assurance that these practices will not affect future consumers. Thank you for addressing this matter.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  We are just receiving this request or we would have responded sooner. 

  >>As a point of update ****** ******** already submitted the same claim through her card company and ****** has ruled in our favor and credited back the money to our account.

  Dear ********************,
  
  I hope you take the 20 minutes required to view all this backup it is obvious that her claim is not valid.  The woman is outright lying and send us email correspondence threatening us which we do not take kindly to.  When you review the below and attached its clear she made all her claims up and they have no merit. 

  >She purchased in February, 2014 not 2015. 
  
  Please see the attached DocuSign contract ****** ******** signed 2/13/24 to purchase land in ********** directly from us the owner.
  >Note the autopay option that she signed up for.
  
  Please also see attached a minimum of 7 email correspondences to/from her that include. 
  a.  2/13/24 sending us a Thumbs Up Emoji.
  b.  5/26/24 asking for password so she can log in and make payment.  She is manually going into our payment portal and making payment---we are not charging her account.
  c.  1/21/25 ****** ********, Thank you for the clarification
  d.  1/23/25 ****** ******** requesting approval for Installation of Two 120 sq. ft. Shedsand we as the deeded owner approved her request.
  e.  1/23/25 ******** Thanking is for our prompt response and approval
  f.   3/18/25 A 2nd Request for Approval to Obtain A Building Permit of which we approved for her on 3/19/25.
  g.  3/21/25 Our confirmation to ******** that we have terminated her land contract per her request, and she has no further obligations.
  
  Our file also documents 3 phone call conversations all answering questions and helping her facilitate development of this land for over a year.  When she couldnt flip it for a profit she wants to now make bogus claims.
  
  The above clearly documents ********** involvement and detailed approach to try to develop this property she had under contract,  her confirmation and approval of our support every step of the way and us providing 3 approvals per her requests for, Installation of Two 120 square feet sheds, Obtaining of Building Permit and then Cancelling of her contract and obligation
  
  >>After all of this on 3/21/25 and over a 1 year period she begins to make stuff up to try to claw back a refund going back to 14 months ago.     This is just not right and fraudulent on her part.
                *There is no issue with Quality of Goods and her attempt to develop the property and us providing her approvals from her 2 request supports us.
                *We provided her actual photos, plat maps, GPS coordinates for her diligence and everything else she asked for.
  
  
  Thank you,
  
  ***
  ************

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  Dear ******************* hope you take the 20 minutes required to view all this backup it is obvious that her claim is not valid.
  
  Please see the attached DocuSign contract ****** ******** signed 2/13/24 to purchase land in ********** directly from us the owner.
  >Note the autopay she signed up for.
  
  Please also see attached a minimum of 7 email correspondences to/from her that include. 
  a.  2/13/24 sending us a Thumbs Up Emoji.
  b.  5/26/24 asking for password so she can log in and make payment.  She is manually going into our payment portal and making payment---we are not charging her account.
  c.  1/21/25 ****** ********, Thank you for the clarification
  d.  1/23/25 ****** ******** requesting approval for Installation of Two 120 sq. ft. Shedsand we as the deeded owner approved her request.
  e.  1/23/25 ******** Thanking is for our prompt response and approval
  f.   3/18/25 A 2nd Request for Approval to Obtain A Building Permit of which we approved for her on 3/19/25.
  g.  3/21/25 Our confirmation to ******** that we have terminated her land contract per her request, and she has no further obligations.
  
  Our file also documents 3 phone call conversations all answering questions and helping her facilitate development of this land for over a year.  When she couldnt flip it for a profit she wants to now make bogus claims.
  
  The above clearly documents ********* involvement and detailed approach to try to develop this property she had under contract,  her confirmation and approval of our support every step of the way and us providing 3 approvals per her requests for, Installation of Two 120 square feet sheds, Obtaining of Building Permit and then Cancelling of her contract and obligation
  
  >>After all of this on 3/21/25 and over a 1 year period she begins to make stuff up to try to claw back a refund going back to 14 months ago.     This is just not right and fraudulent on her part.
                *There is no issue with Quality of Goods and her attempt to develop the property and us providing her approvals from her 2 request supports us.
                *We provided her actual photos, plat maps, GPS coordinates for her diligence and everything else she asked for.
  
  
  Thank you,
  
  ***
  ************
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  Dear ******************* hope you take the 20 minutes required to view all this backup it is obvious that her claim is not valid.
  
  Please see the attached DocuSign contract ****** ******** signed 2/13/24 to purchase land in ********** directly from us the owner.
  >Note the autopay she signed up for.
  
  Please also see attached a minimum of 7 email correspondences to/from her that include. 
  a.  2/13/24 sending us a Thumbs Up Emoji.
  b.  5/26/24 asking for password so she can log in and make payment.  She is manually going into our payment portal and making payment---we are not charging her account.
  c.  1/21/25 ****** ********, Thank you for the clarification
  d.  1/23/25 ****** ******** requesting approval for Installation of Two 120 sq. ft. Shedsand we as the deeded owner approved her request.
  e.  1/23/25 ******** Thanking is for our prompt response and approval
  f.   3/18/25 A 2nd Request for Approval to Obtain A Building Permit of which we approved for her on 3/19/25.
  g.  3/21/25 Our confirmation to ******** that we have terminated her land contract per her request, and she has no further obligations.
  
  Our file also documents 3 phone call conversations all answering questions and helping her facilitate development of this land for over a year.  When she couldnt flip it for a profit she wants to now make bogus claims.
  
  The above clearly documents ********* involvement and detailed approach to try to develop this property she had under contract,  her confirmation and approval of our support every step of the way and us providing 3 approvals per her requests for, Installation of Two 120 square feet sheds, Obtaining of Building Permit and then Cancelling of her contract and obligation
  
  >>After all of this on 3/21/25 and over a 1 year period she begins to make stuff up to try to claw back a refund going back to 14 months ago.     This is just not right and fraudulent on her part.
                *There is no issue with Quality of Goods and her attempt to develop the property and us providing her approvals from her 2 request supports us.
                *We provided her actual photos, plat maps, GPS coordinates for her diligence and everything else she asked for.
  
  
  Thank you,
  
  ***
  ************
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  See attached

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

   

  Please see ****** file attached

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

   

  Your system is not allowing me to send all her email correspondence over the past year that will render her claims useless, how do i send to you?  I will mail now as well. 

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/16/2025

  Response to Business Reply, Complaint ID ********
  
  Dear BBB,
  
  Thank you for forwarding the response from GovernmentAuction.com, LLC regarding my complaint.
  
  I respectfully reject the business's response as inaccurate, misleading, and evasive of the core issues raised.
  
  First, I acknowledge a correction: the purchase date was 2014, not 2015, that was a clerical error on my part.

  However, this correction does not change the basis of the complaint.

  Second, I wish to clarify that the credit card dispute is still pending legal appeal, and no final decision has been reached. The businesss statement to the contrary is misleading and inaccurate.

  Additionally, the businesss characterization of my prior communications as approval or acceptance of the property is also false. My email history clearly shows

  that I raised concerns about misleading advertising, lack of transparency, and missing material facts throughout the process. I communicated in good faith, attempting to obtain accurate information about the property, which I never received to a satisfactory or lawful standard.

  In particular, I submitted a formal written request to terminate the contract on March 21, 2025, on the following legal grounds:

  1. Misrepresentation & Non-Disclosure:

  Under California Civil Code 1572,

  misleading marketing photos and the failure to disclose relevant zoning, accessibility, and development restrictions affected my ability to make an informed decision. The lot differed substantially from what was presented.

  2. Unconscionable and Unfair Contract Terms:

  The contract contains clauses that would strip a buyer of improvements made on the land in the event of default, even after the buyer has invested in the property. This was not clearly explained prior to purchase. Such terms raise serious questions under California Civil Code 1670.5 regarding unconscionability.

  3. Failure to Act in Good Faith:

  Despite numerous requests for transparency on the propertys usability, GovernmentAuction.com, LLCs staff repeatedly deflected responsibility and referred me to county offices rather than providing accurate representations, violating the expectation of fair dealing under California Civil Code 1655.

  4. Right to Rescind:

  Based on the above, I exercised my right under California Civil Code 1691

  to rescind the contract due to the companys misrepresentations and bad faith. I formally requested a refund and termination of all further obligations.

  The businesss response to my termination notice was dismissive, refusing refund despite acknowledging the cancellation. Their reliance on a contractual forfeiture ignores the overriding application of Californias consumer protection laws, which safeguard against unfair and misleading real estate practices.

  Additionally, GovernmentAuction.com, LLCs statement in their BBB reply claiming I was outright lying and threatening them is false, defamatory, and legally concerning. My communications, which I have on

  record, were lawful and included a standard notification of possible legal action if the dispute remained unresolved, which is consistent with any consumer's right to seek remedies. Their attempt to label this as a threat is an effort to discredit me rather than address the substance of the dispute.

  I would also like to highlight the inconsistent and concerning conduct on their part, such as:

  Granting me approval to apply for building permits, while simultaneously warning that any improvements would

  revert to them in the event of default, creating unreasonable risk and contradicting principles of fair dealing.

  Repeatedly sending vague or incomplete answers to material questions about the property that any buyer would reasonably expect to receive prior to purchase.

  Given the documented communication chain, I strongly dispute the businesss assertion that my claims are fabricated or lack merit. I have made every effort to resolve this directly, and only turned to the BBB and other legal avenues after being met with resistance, misrepresentation, and personal attacks from the business.

  I stand by my original complaint and request that BBB continue to record this dispute and note my rejection of the companys response. I am fully prepared to provide additional evidence, including full email correspondence and supporting legal references.

  Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

  Sincerely,

  ****** ********* Jeffcoat 

  
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  From: *** *********
  Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 1:55 PM
  To: #DisputeResolution <**********************************************************************************************>
  Subject: All Case Numbers That Apply To: ****** ********

   

  Regarding:  Good Faith ************* & Cardholder Disputes Quality of Goods or Services.

   

  Case numbers include but not limited to.

   

  1059408180, **********, **********, **********, 1059407853.

   

  Dear Sir/Madam,

   

  I hope you take the 20 minutes required to view all this backup it is obvious that her claim is not valid.

   

  1. Please see the attached DocuSign contract ****** ******** signed 2/13/24 to purchase land in ********** directly from us the owner.

  >Note the autopay she signed up for.

   

  2. Please also see attached a minimum of 7 email correspondences to/from her that include. 

  a.  2/13/24 sending us a Thumbs Up Emoji.

  b.  5/26/24 asking for password so she can log in and make payment.  She is manually going into our payment portal and making payment---we are not charging her account.

  c.  1/21/25 ****** ********, Thank you for the clarification

  d.  1/23/25 ****** ******** requesting approval for Installation of Two 120 sq. ft. Sheds and we as the deeded owner approved her request.

  e.  1/23/25 ******** Thanking is for our prompt response and approval

  f.   3/18/25 A 2^nd Request for Approval to Obtain A Building Permit of which we approved for her on 3/19/25.

  g.  3/21/25 Our confirmation to ******** that we have terminated her land contract per her request, and she has no further obligations.

   

  Our file also documents 3 phone call conversations all answering questions and helping her facilitate development of this land for over a year.  When she couldnt flip it for a profit she wants to now make bogus claims.

   

  The above clearly documents ********* involvement and detailed approach to try to develop this property she had under contract,  her confirmation and approval of our support every step of the way and us providing 3 approvals per her requests for, Installation of Two 120 square feet sheds, Obtaining of Building Permit and then Cancelling of her contract and obligation

   

  >>After all of this on 3/21/25 and over a 1 year period she begins to make stuff up to try to claw back a refund going back to 14 months ago.     This is just not right and fraudulent on her part.

                 *There is no issue with Quality of Goods and her attempt to develop the property and us providing her approvals from her 2 request supports us.

                 *We provided her actual photos, plat maps, GPS coordinates for her diligence and everything else she asked for.

   

   

  Thank you,

   

  ***

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

  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/21/2025

  Response to Complaint ID ******** **********************
  
  Dear ****,
  
  Thank you for forwarding the business's response regarding my complaint.
  
  After reviewing their reply, I must respectfully reject their position, as the response does not address the core issues of misrepresentation, non-disclosure, and fraudulent inducement.
  
  While the company places emphasis on my signature on the purchase contract, it is important to clarify that under California Civil Code 1572, a contract signed under fraudulent misrepresentation or concealment of material facts is voidable by the defrauded party. A signature obtained through reliance on false or incomplete information does not insulate the seller from liability. Courts have consistently held that consent induced by fraud is not true consent and cannot create a binding contract (See *********** v. PCG&*************, ******************** [2007]).
  
  In this case, the following facts substantiate fraudulent misrepresentation:
  
  The photos and maps provided during the sale process misrepresented the true conditions of the lot.
  
  Material facts regarding zoning restrictions, accessibility, and development limitations were withheld or inadequately disclosed.
  
  The omissions and misleading representations directly impaired my ability to make an informed decision.
  
  Failure to disclose material facts is not only unethical but also grounds for rescission under California law. The law clearly protects consumers from being locked into contracts that were fraudulently induced, regardless of whether a signature is present.
  
  Moreover, the company has ongoing open complaints with the ************************************ (****), which reflect a pattern of similar concerns about deceptive and unethical practices. In addition, one of the credit card disputes related to this transaction remains under active appeal, further demonstrating the unresolved and contested nature of this matter.
  
  It is also relevant to highlight that on March 21, 2025, after I initiated the contract termination process, the companys representative, *** Le, responded curtly and dismissively via email: "Good luck in the future."  a statement which underscores their unwillingness to engage in a meaningful resolution and appears to disregard the ongoing nature of the dispute.
  
  Additionally, I received a voicemail on March 26, 2025, from a representative named *******, referencing the payment dispute, further confirming the companys awareness of the active contestation of this transaction.
  
  I have consulted legal counsel regarding this matter, and it is their position that the facts presented constitute valid grounds for rescission and full reimbursement under both California contract law and consumer protection statutes. If necessary, I am prepared to escalate this matter through formal legal channels including, but not limited to, filing a civil complaint for fraud, unfair business practices (pursuant to California Business & Professions Code *****), and breach of statutory disclosure duties.
  
  For these reasons, I respectfully maintain that this complaint should remain open pending proper resolution.
  
  Thank you for your attention and assistance.
  
  Sincerely,
  ****** E ********

  See attached communications 
  
  

  
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2025

  see attachment

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/22/2025

   

  Formal Dispute Response GovernmentAuction.com, LLC  

  
  

  Dear BBB Dispute Resolution Department,  

  
  

  I am submitting this formal dispute rebuttal against. GovernmentAuction.com, LLC. Their response fails to acknowledge key consumer concerns, including my credit card dispute appeal and the growing number of complaints reported by other buyers. This omission demonstrates a pattern of consumer harm that extends beyond my individual experience.  

  
  

  1). Pattern of Consumer Complaints & Business Misconduct  

  Publicly available reviews and complaints from multiple consumers suggest systemic issues with GovernmentAuction.coms business practices, including:  

  - Misrepresentation of ownership rights, several buyers report delays in deed transfers or unexpected fees that were not disclosed upfront.  

  - Confusion regarding financing agreements, numerous complaints highlight undisclosed interest rates, payment adjustments, and pre-payment penalties that contradict initial auction terms.  

  - Failure to provide promised property details, buyers have alleged that crucial land-use restrictions, zoning regulations, and environmental risks were omitted at the time of purchase.  

  
  

  As seen in consumer reports on BBB, Trustpilot, Ripoff Report, and other platforms, GovernmentAuction.com has repeatedly failed to provide transparent contract terms and responsive customer support to affected buyers.  

  
  

  2). GovernmentAuction.coms Evasion of Credit Card Dispute Issues

  GovernmentAuction.com has intentionally avoided discussing my formal credit card appeal regarding unauthorized charges and contract misrepresentation. Despite certified mail submissions and official dispute filings, they have:  

  - ***************** dispute resolution standards by failing to provide proper documentation supporting their charges.  

  - Dismissed valid concerns regarding contract inconsistencies, instead relying on selective internal records rather than compliance with industry consumer protection laws.  

  
  

  Their non-cooperation with the financial institution handling the dispute suggests a potential violation of ******************* in Lending Act) and Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) standards.  

  
  

  3). Legal Deficiencies in Submitted Documentation 

  The companys response relies on internally generated documents that fail to meet legal consumer rights standards including:  

  - ******************** disclosures, which omit key details required under California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA).  

  - Failure to address procedural violations, including noncompliance with contract termination requests.  

  - Evasive behavior toward documented consumer inquiries, demonstrating a pattern of refusal to engage in fair resolution practices.  

  
  

  4). Request for Escalation & Consumer Protection Referral;

  Given their, failure to address credit card disputes and their ongoing pattern of misleading business practices, I request the BBB to:  

   

  1. Escalate this complaint for senior review, given the broader consumer impact.  

   

  2. Investigate; GovernmentAuction.coms lack of transparency, including their failure to acknowledge public complaints.

   

  3. Refer this dispute to relevant consumer protection agencies, including the *********************************** and the *******************************

   

  4. Document their refusal to provide proper responses, as this may serve as evidence in future regulatory actions.  

   

  Conclusion & Next Steps; 

  GovernmentAuction.com has failed to provide a legally sufficient defense, instead relying on evasion, selective documentation, and refusal to acknowledge key consumer complaints.

  Given the pattern of deception and financial dispute irregularities, immediate BBB intervention is warranted to ensure accountability.  

  
  

  Sincerely,  

  ****** Elizabeth **************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2025

   

  I'm sorry the customer continues to go down this path and if she was honest from the beginning we would have resolved but when someone just blatantly makes things up, we have no other choice but to disagree in order to keep the record proper.

  As previously submitted with backup here are the facts. 

  1.  The merchant service company, (who she filed initial complaint with) after they reviewed the file already decided in our favor and money was returned back to us.  She didn't like the outcome, so she now goes to the BBB by making up claims that never existed in the hopes of trying to intimidate us.    

  2.  She makes claims---"misrepresentation" and quotes "California consumer protection" and that she will take "legal action" but where is the backup to support her claims, there isn't any because she doesn't have it. 

  3.  We submitted to the BBB all the backup to counter her claim to include, 

  The DocuSign contract she signed 2/13/24, (there are no less then 3 disclaimers as to the terms and conditions that she agreed to) over a year ago. 
  
  We then attached a minimum of 7 email correspondences to/from her that include.  Nowhere in the 14-month period did she ever once have an issue.
  a.  2/13/24 her sending us a Thumbs Up Emoji.
  b.  5/26/24 her asking for password so she can log in and make payment.  She is manually going into our payment portal and making payment---we are not charging her account.
  c.  1/21/25 her responding, Thank you for the clarification
  d.  1/23/25 Her requesting approval for Installation of Two 120 sq. ft. Shedsand we as the deeded owner approved her request.
  e.  1/23/25 Her Thanking is for our prompt response and approval
  f.   3/18/25 A 2nd Request for Approval to Obtain a Building Permit of which we approved for her on 3/19/25.
  g.  3/21/25 Our confirmation back top her that we have terminated her land contract per her request, and she has no further obligations.  We did wish her "Good Luck in the future" after cancellation which is what we say to all our customers/  
  
  Our file also documents 3 phone call conversations all answering questions and helping her facilitate development of this land in a period for over a year.  Then all of a sudden 14 months later she wants to make bogus claims against our company.
  
  The above clearly documents her active involvement and detailed approach to try to develop this property she had under contract, her confirmation and approval of our support every step of the way and us providing 3 approvals per her requests for, Installation of Two 120 square feet sheds, Obtaining of Building Permit and then Cancelling of her contract and obligation.  
  
  >>After all of this on 3/21/25 and over a 1-year period she begins to make stuff up to try to claw back a refund going back to 14 months ago.  This is just not right and fraudulent on her part.
                *There is no issue with Quality of Goods and her attempt to develop the property and us providing her approvals from her 2 request supports us.
                *Lastly, we provided her actual photos, plat maps, GPS coordinates for her diligence and everything else she asked for PRIOR to finalizing anything and prior to DocuSign.

  The above are the facts, and we have more backup if required.  Now if she wants to tell the truth we are open to resolving.   

  Thank you,
  
  ****
  ************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/22/2025

  
  

  Better Business Bureau  

  
  

  Demand for Immediate BBB Investigation Failure to Address Consumer Protection Violations  

  
  

  Dear BBB Representative,  

  
  

  I am formally requesting urgent and decisive action from the Better Business Bureau regarding my complaint against ********************** which has engaged in deceptive business practices and violations of consumer protection laws. Despite previous correspondence, I have yet to see a meaningful investigation or resolution from the BBB. This lack of action undermines the BBBs stated mission of ensuring fair and ethical business conduct.  

  
  

  Key Issues:

  1. Violation of Consumer Protection Laws 

     - The company has engaged in deceptive trade practices, potentially violating the ************************ Act (15 U.S. Code 45) and relevant state consumer protection statutes.  

     - Under ******************* in Lending Act - 12 CFR 1026), certain financial disclosures were misrepresented, impacting my ability to make an informed decision.  

  
  

  2. Failure to Provide Resolution

     - Despite my good-faith efforts to resolve this dispute through proper channels, the company has refused to take corrective action.  

     - The BBBs inaction suggests an unwillingness to uphold its own standards, allowing businesses to operate unethically without accountability.  

  
  

  Formal Demand:  

  I demand that the BBB:  

  - Conduct a full-scale investigation into ********************* actions.  

  - Require the company to respond substantively to my complaint within 10 business days. 

  - Provide a written justification for any delay or refusal to act.  

  
  

  Legal Consequences of Inaction: 

  Should the BBB fail to properly address this matter, I will escalate the issue through the following channels:  

  - ************************ (***) A direct consumer fraud report.  

  - State ************************ To pursue potential violations of state deceptive practices laws.  

  - Civil Litigation Including possible legal action to recover damages for fraudulent misrepresentation.  

  
  

  The BBBs reputation relies on its ability to hold businesses accountable, If it fails to act, it risks undermining consumer trust and credibility. I urge you to fulfill your obligation to ensure fairness and ethical business conduct. 

  
  

  I request a written response within 10 business days outlining your next steps regarding my complaint. Failure to comply will result in immediate escalation to regulatory authorities and legal counsel.  

  
  

  This is a formal demand. Please treat it with the urgency it requires.  

  
  

  Sincerely,  

  E Jeffcoat 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/22/2025

  
  

  Better Business Bureau  

  
  

  Demand for Immediate BBB Investigation Failure to Address Consumer Protection Violations  

  
  

  Dear BBB Representative,  

  
  

  I am formally requesting urgent and decisive action from the Better Business Bureau regarding my complaint against ********************** which has engaged in deceptive business practices and violations of consumer protection laws. Despite previous correspondence, I have yet to see a meaningful investigation or resolution from the BBB. This lack of action undermines the BBBs stated mission of ensuring fair and ethical business conduct.  

  
  

  Key Issues:

  1. Violation of Consumer Protection Laws 

     - The company has engaged in deceptive trade practices, potentially violating the ************************ Act (15 U.S. Code 45) and relevant state consumer protection statutes.  

     - Under ******************* in Lending Act - 12 CFR 1026), certain financial disclosures were misrepresented, impacting my ability to make an informed decision.  

  
  

  2. Failure to Provide Resolution

     - Despite my good-faith efforts to resolve this dispute through proper channels, the company has refused to take corrective action.  

     - The BBBs inaction suggests an unwillingness to uphold its own standards, allowing businesses to operate unethically without accountability.  

  
  

  Formal Demand:  

  I demand that the BBB:  

  - Conduct a full-scale investigation into ********************* actions.  

  - Require the company to respond substantively to my complaint within 10 business days. 

  - Provide a written justification for any delay or refusal to act.  

  
  

  Legal Consequences of Inaction: 

  Should the BBB fail to properly address this matter, I will escalate the issue through the following channels:  

  - ************************ (***) A direct consumer fraud report.  

  - State ************************ To pursue potential violations of state deceptive practices laws.  

  - Civil Litigation Including possible legal action to recover damages for fraudulent misrepresentation.  

  
  

  The BBBs reputation relies on its ability to hold businesses accountable, If it fails to act, it risks undermining consumer trust and credibility. I urge you to fulfill your obligation to ensure fairness and ethical business conduct. 

  
  

  I request a written response within 10 business days outlining your next steps regarding my complaint. Failure to comply will result in immediate escalation to regulatory authorities and legal counsel.  

  
  

  This is a formal demand. Please treat it with the urgency it requires.  

  
  

  Sincerely,  

  E Jeffcoat 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/22/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have purchased 3 properties from this company, where 2 are on a monthly payment system and 1 (************* , **********) I received a paid in full notice and deed for one.Two huge scam related problems:1) First, the deeded property where I was told that I owned it outright, I must trespass on two other companies, land behind a no trespass gate to access it.In addition, my realtor did a title search; the land has some sort of a tax lien on it where it can not be sold for 5-7 years, it can not get title insurance either because it can be reclaimed by the original owner! Further, it cant ever be sold because of its location. I must pay $300+ for the documentation in order to transfer it.When I complained to ************************ he refused to respond until after over 7 days. I was all but called a liar when he did.2. Another property that I put a large down payment on (over $500) was advertised as buying acreage in ************, Ca w/ an ocean view. It turned out to be barely a 30 ft wide stretch of land that literally falls off into 100+ ft very deep and unsafe ravine! Nothing can safely be built on it without the threat of an eventual landslide. I complained about this and received a very small discount with a threat of loosing my down payment and statements like you dont own it, WE do..and pay it off ****** also threatened me by stating that all of my monthly payments and all of my down payment money (over $2000) would be lost for 0 refund if he heard any more complaints from or about me. $389/mo for this tiny strip of land for over several months. I am a handicapped senior citizen on a fixed income. I feel that I have been scammed in both of these cases.I was basically called a liar whenever I complained about this property as well.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/08/2024

   

  We stand behind all our properties and with this customer it is no different.  As they say there are 2 sides to every story and here is the truth.

  1.  This customer has purchased 12 different properties from us.  

  a.  Before finalizing, we allowed her weeks to review all terms and conditions, after review she executed contracts in DocuSign in each instance.

  b.  Months later she wants to cancel 9 of the 12 properties which is allowed per the terms and conditions of the contract, but you default.  In each instance and in good faith we either Refunded OR provided her 100% credit on any money paid to date.

  c.  With the 3 remaining properties she emails us 3 days ago to cancel all 3, then yesterday she emails back and says, "don't cancel or I ******************** We are happy to provide BBB with those emails. 

  2.  The picture she posted with the *********** gate is one of the 9 properties previously cancelled and refunded/credited.  

  3.  The claims she now makes are at a minimum fabricated.

  >>We have from the County planner a violation letter showing that there is an unauthorized container placed on one of our properties and to remove it.  *************************** is the person who placed it there without any approval to do so.  We tried to explain to her that she, "does not own the property yet" as she is "just making monthly installment payments" and we hold the Deed and per the DocuSign contract she must adhere to all local laws, etc.  if she is to access and use.  We have offered to cancel and refund BUT NOT UNTIL the container she placed is removed.  Although in her complaint there is no mention of this on her end.

  >>She claims we provided a minimum discount on a property; the facts are we provided a $7,300 credit/discount of 30% on a property costing $24,900.  Again her description is not accurate; and we can provide BBB the email showing the credit to ******* plus the finance ledger.  

  >>On another property she tells us there is a "tax lien for back taxes owed", so we call the County and they confirm that this is not true.  What is true is that we purchased the property from the County in a "tax lien sale" and for her to get title insurance on the property it will take 2 years.  Is she wants to cancel we will allow and provide a refund. 

  Quite frankly we have had it dealing with this person and are happy to cancel everything and 100% refund all her money as nothing satisfies her and when it doesn't she makes up false claims. 

  Again, in good faith we will CANCEL and 100% REFUND ALL MONEY PAID TO DATE but we will not do so until she removes the container, she placed on land that she does not own.    

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/10/2024

   
  Complaint: 21886699
  
  I am rejecting this response because the companys response is irresponsible and takes absolutely no accountability for its fraudulent business practices and extremely disgusting customer service.

  Every returned property was returned because, once we personally investigated each, EVERY property ended up being 100% in opposition to what was advertised! 
  

  We actually have evidence in pictures and videos for each case. Isnt that illegal?

  This company consistently sells property that can only be accessed by literally having to TRESPASS on someone elses land!

  Using bait and switch tactics; lies and false written advertisements and the word government in their name, to secure money from unsuspecting, innocent individuals and senior citizens is illegal and wire fraud. Honesty, this is something that should be immediately investigated by the *** and other Federal & local agencies.

  In addition, there absolutely was never anything fabricated on our part.  

  
  Again, I still have all of the recordings and written correspondence
  
  
   involved, to corroborate this fact with regard to every scenario that they mentioned within their response from our original complaint as well.
  
  In summary, there is absolutely nothing on our written purchase agreement
  
  
   that forbids any sort of personal property from being located on financed property with this company. 
  This company has been incessantly using manipulative tactics that breaches their contracts weve observed.

  All of these facts being said, if this company IMMEDIATELY provides 100% refund for our only 3 holdings left with them this will be satisfactory. They have already received the Quit Claim deed for one of the properties 3 days ago.
  

  We were told, in writing, that we would receive an overnight 100% refund once they receive the deed. It has literally been 3 days since they have had the deed. Unfortunately, we still have not received any refund.

   

  Honestly, we will thoroughly enjoy having this company eliminated from lying on and stealing from us. We want 100% refund for everything immediately. As a military veteran and retired senior citizen, we are extremely dissatisfied with this companys customer service. 3 days so far, nothing received.

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2024

  The company has sent the appropriate form for 100% refund.

  
  Please remove my previous rejection.

   

  Please change it to acceptance for the 100% refund of everything that we paid.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2024

  Dear BBB,

  Please update my rejection to acceptance. The company has provided the correct form for 100% refund for the Fresno county property.

  The company, via ***********, has stated that they will immediately provide 100% refund for the other 2 properties.* We both have acknowledged that the  ************ property will have the trailer removed before that particular lot is 100% refunded.