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Todd Burton
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  • Managing Broker / Investor
  • Indianapolis, IN
362
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350
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Oceanpointe Investments LLC

Todd Burton
Pro Member
  • Managing Broker / Investor
  • Indianapolis, IN
Posted

I believe this will the be the final and definitive word regarding Oceanpointe Investments LLC, Bert Whalen and by association, their closely allied business partner, Morris Invest.

The Indiana Attorney General has concluded their investigation of Oceanpointe Investments LLC and, along with the Indiana Real Estate Commission, they have “Permanently Revoked” the Real Estate license of Oceanpointe and Bert Whalen as of 12/18/17. Please note; per Indiana Code: 25-34.1-3-2; no person shall, for consideration, sell, buy, trade, exchange, option, lease, rent, manage, list, or appraise real estate or negotiate or offer to perform any of those acts in Indiana or with respect to real estate situated in Indiana, without a license.

Here is a  that has the case details as well as information regarding Mr. Bert Whalen which includes “Renewal Fraud” of his Indiana Real Estate License.

  • Todd Burton
  • User Stats

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    174
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    Pavel Shemyakin
    • Rental Property Investor
    • California
    174
    Votes |
    135
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    Pavel Shemyakin
    • Rental Property Investor
    • California
    Replied

    I just want to say that i am eternally grateful to Morris Invest! If it wasn't for them, i would have never stumbled upon this thread. Thank you all for shedding light on this matter. 

    User Stats

    2
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    1
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    Leonardo Neves
    • Tampa, FL
    1
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    Leonardo Neves
    • Tampa, FL
    Replied
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    Jay Hinrichs
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    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
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    Jay Hinrichs
    Professional Services
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    #4 All Forums Contributor
    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Leonardo Neves:

     all well and good just about 2 years to late and 400 plus properties to late..   this is all on Mr. Morris.. he should have cut this off long ago.  so now he has so many clients that are going through his learning curve and losing money hand over fist

    User Stats

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    362
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    Todd Burton
    Pro Member
    • Managing Broker / Investor
    • Indianapolis, IN
    362
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    350
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    Todd Burton
    Pro Member
    • Managing Broker / Investor
    • Indianapolis, IN
    Replied
    @Leonardo Neves:

    Same people still involved. I've seen reports that Morris/Blue Sky has been asked who is their Broker and there has been no answer. I do not know if they have a Broker but I cannot find one and if they do not, they are managing illegally. Oceanpointe (now going by Indy-Jax Properties) is still the seller of the properties. Morris has been 100% aware of the actions of Oceanpointe all along and is now only trying to create the illusion of separation because of all the bad PR. 

    "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me"

  • Todd Burton
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    Ross Denman
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Carmel, IN
    930
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    545
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    Ross Denman
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Carmel, IN
    Replied

    No, NO, NOOOOO.... don't pull that one. JENGA!!! It's over.

    AHI has purchased Oceanpointe. Their clients are scrambling. The phone has been ringing off of the hook and their clients are scrambling. I just left a 6-unit that was supposedly occupied by 3 tenants. The owner even had the leases. The home doesn't appear to have ever been rehabbed. Uploading video to the owner right now, I'm sure that he is going to be disgusted.

    For all of the victims looking for options and help, feel free to reach out to the good property managers here. There are several on this thread (myself included.) I can't take them all on and still provide the level of service that we are committed to, but we are getting our hands dirty and trying to help.

    User Stats

    9
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    9
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    Tom D.
    • Indianapolis, IN
    9
    Votes |
    9
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    Tom D.
    • Indianapolis, IN
    Replied

    Thanks for the info Ross, who is AHI?  

    User Stats

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    930
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    Ross Denman
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Carmel, IN
    930
    Votes |
    545
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    Ross Denman
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Carmel, IN
    Replied

    It appears that it is owned by the "Urban Construction Management" team who was already operating as Oceanpointe's PM. I stopped by their office yesterday and it's the same office and same employees. Oceanpointe can't do property management and I don't believe that Bert Whalen is getting anywhere near anything either.

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    Jay Hinrichs
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    Jay Hinrichs
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    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Ross Denman:

    It appears that it is owned by the "Urban Construction Management" team who was already operating as Oceanpointe's PM. I stopped by their office yesterday and it's the same office and same employees. Oceanpointe can't do property management and I don't believe that Bert Whalen is getting anywhere near anything either.

     you would have to have a death wish to step into this stuff and bail out OP and Morris.. 

    User Stats

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    Aleks Gifford
    • Lender
    • Indianapolis, IN
    36
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    Aleks Gifford
    • Lender
    • Indianapolis, IN
    Replied

    I am currently working with the City/County to investigate and bring these clowns and their 17 companies to justice.

    If you are interested in exposing them we need to talk.

    @ToddBurton can attest to my work on this and our drive to get them out of our market and in to jail.

    User Stats

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    Jeremy Z.
    • Tacoma, WA
    257
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    Jeremy Z.
    • Tacoma, WA
    Replied

    @Aleks Gifford

    I hope some of the people who have have been posting on these threads reach out to you and share their info. This problem needs organization and strength in numbers. I know some have alluded to class action lawsuits, so hopefully some organizing is already in the works.

    There are tons of threads on BP with first hand stories. Best of luck with your investigation.

    User Stats

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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    3
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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    Replied

    Does anyone know the phone number to Oceanpointe Investments LLC

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    Jay Hinrichs
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    Jay Hinrichs
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    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Eric Hamilton:

    Does anyone know the phone number to Oceanpointe Investments LLC

     I believe they no longer exist.. If your caught up in the mess i suggest you contact a reputable PM.. have them do a driveby and knock on the door to see if you actually have a tenant , and then change management on the spot..  If you have been harmed by these folks a on line complaint with the AG in IND  takes 3 minutes and its free.. would be appropriate.. 

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    Jay Hinrichs
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    Jay Hinrichs
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    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Jeremy Z.:

    @Aleks Gifford

    I hope some of the people who have have been posting on these threads reach out to you and share their info. This problem needs organization and strength in numbers. I know some have alluded to class action lawsuits, so hopefully some organizing is already in the works.

    There are tons of threads on BP with first hand stories. Best of luck with your investigation.

     this has Civil Rico written all over it... then maybe moves to criminal.. this is what the Rico act statues were created for. 

    class action tends to be for products all though I dont know for sure.. but i certainly have first hand experience in the Civil Rico .. its quite strong.. and you wrap all the players into one action..  and this has clearly been multiple companies colluding to defraud the public

    User Stats

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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    3
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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    Replied

    So yes i am concerned i got scammed I closed on a property in indy from morris invest no where in the closing did it mention oceanpointe until I started asking about progress on how my property was doing. Property Management I was told at first was blue sky but then they got in over there head and now are referring me to Home River i am contacing my own PM now as im concerned morris invest does not know what they are doing and incompetent at the turn key business. I got this response from Linzi Del Conte from morris invest. Did they take my rehab money and run?

    The Company that Morris Invest referred you to in order to buy this
    property was Oceanpointe Properties. By now you may know that Morris
    Invest has cut all ties with Oceanpointe and is no longer referring
    interested buyers to their properties or property management company.



    We had a referral agreement with Oceanpointe to introduce buyers who
    were interested in “rent ready” homes. Oceanpointe as the home seller
    and/or property manager is the entity responsible to you for any
    constructions, rehab or property management pursuant to your closing
    documents or property management agreement. Oceanpointe provided
    Morris Invest with updates on these homes upon request as part of our
    referral agreement. However, since cutting ties with Oceanpointe, we
    have not been able to successfully request any information.
    Communication between our two companies has come to an end. Given that
    they were your original seller and or property manager, they will have
    to answer any questions in regards to your property.



    I do want to make it clear that Morris Invest never accepted any
    monies for rehabbing or managing your properties. We received a
    referral fee if an investor purchased a home but we did not accept any
    monies for any services that Oceanpointe was to offer to the home.



    Morris Invest has met with the Indiana Attorney General’s office and
    will also be working with the AG in Florida to cooperate in
    investigations of Oceanpointe. We have encouraged other property
    owners like you to consult with legal counsel or consider an Attorney
    General complaint.



    Morris Invest and members of the Morris family individually are
    contracting with Home River group Indianapolis & Florida, a local
    affiliate of a national property management company, to manage the
    properties it owns in these markets. I encourage you to do your own
    due diligence with respect to any property management company.

    User Stats

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    Jay Hinrichs
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    Jay Hinrichs
    Professional Services
    Pro Member
    #4 All Forums Contributor
    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Eric Hamilton:

    So yes i am concerned i got scammed I closed on a property in indy from morris invest no where in the closing did it mention oceanpointe until I started asking about progress on how my property was doing. Property Management I was told at first was blue sky but then they got in over there head and now are referring me to Home River i am contacing my own PM now as im concerned morris invest does not know what they are doing and incompetent at the turn key business. I got this response from Linzi Del Conte from morris invest. Did they take my rehab money and run?

    The Company that Morris Invest referred you to in order to buy this
    property was Oceanpointe Properties. By now you may know that Morris
    Invest has cut all ties with Oceanpointe and is no longer referring
    interested buyers to their properties or property management company.



    We had a referral agreement with Oceanpointe to introduce buyers who
    were interested in “rent ready” homes. Oceanpointe as the home seller
    and/or property manager is the entity responsible to you for any
    constructions, rehab or property management pursuant to your closing
    documents or property management agreement. Oceanpointe provided
    Morris Invest with updates on these homes upon request as part of our
    referral agreement. However, since cutting ties with Oceanpointe, we
    have not been able to successfully request any information.
    Communication between our two companies has come to an end. Given that
    they were your original seller and or property manager, they will have
    to answer any questions in regards to your property.



    I do want to make it clear that Morris Invest never accepted any
    monies for rehabbing or managing your properties. We received a
    referral fee if an investor purchased a home but we did not accept any
    monies for any services that Oceanpointe was to offer to the home.



    Morris Invest has met with the Indiana Attorney General’s office and
    will also be working with the AG in Florida to cooperate in
    investigations of Oceanpointe. We have encouraged other property
    owners like you to consult with legal counsel or consider an Attorney
    General complaint.



    Morris Invest and members of the Morris family individually are
    contracting with Home River group Indianapolis & Florida, a local
    affiliate of a national property management company, to manage the
    properties it owns in these markets. I encourage you to do your own
    due diligence with respect to any property management company.

    BIG TIME CYA  Morris knew of these things 2 years ago..  

    User Stats

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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    3
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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    Replied

    what should I do about it?

    User Stats

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    Bill F.
    • Investor
    • Boston, MA
    3,389
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    Bill F.
    • Investor
    • Boston, MA
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:

    BIG TIME CYA  Morris knew of these things 2 years ago..  

    If/when this gets to the discovery phase of trial things will become very interesting. 

    I wonder how much of a paper trail there is and if Morris' whole "We are a simple marketing company, you bought from OP and paid them for rehabs not us. WE got scammed too." spiel will hold up? 

    Going just of his Youtube page, I wouldn't say too well.

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    Jay Hinrichs
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    Jay Hinrichs
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    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Bill F.:
    Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:

    BIG TIME CYA  Morris knew of these things 2 years ago..  

    If/when this gets to the discovery phase of trial things will become very interesting. 

    I wonder how much of a paper trail there is and if Morris' whole "We are a simple marketing company, you bought from OP and paid them for rehabs not us. WE got scammed too." spiel will hold up? 

    Going just of his Youtube page, I wouldn't say too well.

    Well all i can say if i knew of their troubles two years ago I suspect 100s others did .. and Morris knew as well as he was interviewing other PMs two years ago asking for help.. he just ducked his head and steamed full speed ahead .. 

    this is just like shop lifting getting cuaght then saying Hey I will put it back.. sorry that dont work .. this is off the charts what has happened to people. its not like these were accredited investors reading a 100 page PPM with all the associated disclosures.. this was just market the sizzle and deliver nothing..

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    Bill F.
    • Investor
    • Boston, MA
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    Bill F.
    • Investor
    • Boston, MA
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
    Originally posted by @Bill F.:
    Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:

    BIG TIME CYA  Morris knew of these things 2 years ago..  

    If/when this gets to the discovery phase of trial things will become very interesting. 

    I wonder how much of a paper trail there is and if Morris' whole "We are a simple marketing company, you bought from OP and paid them for rehabs not us. WE got scammed too." spiel will hold up? 

    Going just of his Youtube page, I wouldn't say too well.

    Well all i can say if i knew of their troubles two years ago I suspect 100s others did .. and Morris knew as well as he was interviewing other PMs two years ago asking for help.. he just ducked his head and steamed full speed ahead .. 

    this is just like shop lifting getting cuaght then saying Hey I will put it back.. sorry that dont work .. this is off the charts what has happened to people. its not like these were accredited investors reading a 100 page PPM with all the associated disclosures.. this was just market the sizzle and deliver nothing..

    I have no idea how he sleeps at night. Even it was what they say it is, how do you, as a business owner, keep referring your clients to a PM that you know can't/ won't do the job?

    Don't need to tell you, its not what you know but what you can prove, that matters. 

    My concern is how will the investors get close to even. They have a house worth 16k that they bought for $40-50k. Assuming they get a judgment, even in a RICO and with clawbacks, I don't have high hope that hard cash will come back to the investors. I haven't followed this as closely as you, but I get the vibe that in a fair about of cases, that money was people's life savings he took.

    User Stats

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    Tom D.
    • Indianapolis, IN
    9
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    9
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    Tom D.
    • Indianapolis, IN
    Replied

    To illustrate how long this has been going on I actually visited a MI property in Indy about 2 years ago with some Oceanpointe staffers. What I came across was a place that was simply painted all brown and the water heater and water lines were replaced that was basically it. Holes in walls, gutters missing broken windows. Not even inhabitable.  Emailed these finding to Morris and he said this must have been a "oversight". 

    Long story short, they were targeting California investors who they knew would not come out and actually look at the properties. Otherwise 90% of the sales would have fallen through. 

    User Stats

    34
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    3
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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    3
    Votes |
    34
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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    Replied

    This is hard for me to admit but your right I had saved everything to invest.Im so pissed and upset right now I'm scared of myself. Im a disabled combat veteran done tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and some of the proceeds were from that. Im getting a veterans advocate  to back me up and show that some scum bag scammed a veteran that not figuratively fought for their freedom. I literally did and this was going to be my ticket so I could get out of the corporate workplace which I do not fit in well needless to say. Its sad this goes on but he messed with the wrong person and veterans stick together we won't let this person enjoy the freedoms that we have given him instead take them away.

    User Stats

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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    3
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    34
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    Eric Hamilton
    • Thornton, CO
    Replied

    for what it's worth I contacted but below he said had a similar address but not exact. so asked for a hud a haven't heard back from him after I sent it this is the email that linzi de conte sent me after asking about oceanpointe info and who was on the closing.does this sound familiar to anyone just curious? sorry BP won't let me post number or email let me know if anyone wants them though.

    Eric,

    >>
    >> Indy Jax Wealth Holdings is Oceanpointe's other LLC. They should be on
    >> your closing docs. Yes they took the money and ran. Nicole and myself
    >> are victims as well seeking legal action.
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>  info for Oceanpointe-
    >>
    >> Bert owner
    >> 
    >>
    >> Natalie Bastin
    >> member of OP
    >>
    >> Shelby 
    >> office assistant.

    User Stats

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    Melissa Bohonod
    • Champaign, IL
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    Votes |
    2
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    Melissa Bohonod
    • Champaign, IL
    Replied

    I also bought a house with morris invest over 6months ago and still no update at all regarding rehab progress despite numerous attempts to contact the property management company. I think the whole company/setup is a scam. There is no way Morris is not aware of what is going on. I will be willing to join any pending lawsuit.

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    Jay Hinrichs
    Professional Services
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    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
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    Jay Hinrichs
    Professional Services
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    #4 All Forums Contributor
    • Lender
    • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Melissa Bohonod:

    I also bought a house with morris invest over 6months ago and still no update at all regarding rehab progress despite numerous attempts to contact the property management company. I think the whole company/setup is a scam. There is no way Morris is not aware of what is going on. I will be willing to join any pending lawsuit.

     @Colin Zhu  can probably help you and i believe your correct. For Morris to claim he had no knowledge is simply an insult to those who invested  intelligence.. it was widely known that Morris was seeking help 2 years ago with these same issues.  Just one of the biggest Mess's I have seen in the last 20 years.

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    Matt K.
    • Walnut Creek, CA
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    Matt K.
    • Walnut Creek, CA
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Eric Hamilton:

    This is hard for me to admit but your right I had saved everything to invest.Im so pissed and upset right now I'm scared of myself. Im a disabled combat veteran done tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and some of the proceeds were from that. Im getting a veterans advocate  to back me up and show that some scum bag scammed a veteran that not figuratively fought for their freedom. I literally did and this was going to be my ticket so I could get out of the corporate workplace which I do not fit in well needless to say. Its sad this goes on but he messed with the wrong person and veterans stick together we won't let this person enjoy the freedoms that we have given him instead take them away.

     Maybe local news or politician will take your story to milk for some good publicity. Try to reach out and get the info out...