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CB Real Estate Review of Paragon Properties of Costa Rica / Bill Gale
Paragon Properties of Costa Rica / Bill Gale

Paragon Properties of Costa Rica / Bill Gale review: Breech of Real Estate Contract 27

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I was sold undeveloped land in Costa Rica with the promise that the infrastructure would be completed within 18-24 months so that I could begin building on the lot I put 35K down on, however as of today which is approximately 44 months after the purchase of my property there is still no infrastructure in place and nothing has been done in my development where I purchased my property. It is a direct breach of the Real Estate Agreement that I signed and at this point I would like to get a complete refund of my money.

I purchased what was stated as being One Hectar ( lot 20 ) in the Mirimar area in the palnned community of Playa del Sol.

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27 comments
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Ricardo Valdivia
, US
Oct 30, 2018 7:46 pm EDT

Billy goes back decades as a schemer. He was involved in the land scam with First United Investors selling worthless parcels of land in Lehigh Acres Florida. Taking unsuspecting people on the bus called tour of the Everglades. Free breakfast, lunch to entice "qualified" buyers (units) to buy worthless property in Lehigh. It was a boiler room operation were after the City tour you were take into closing rooms to be badgered by closers. Billy has a long history of scamming people. He took the Lehigh model and applied to Costa Rica. His whole has been a cam.

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Mary Jo Douglas
, US
Jan 28, 2020 8:46 pm EST
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Are you willing to testify that you deposited your money into the account of Charles Neustein?

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RobertoK
Hypoluxo, US
Apr 13, 2021 9:13 am EDT

It says that this has been resolved. What was the resolution? I was scammed also.

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Tracy Bl
, US
Jun 08, 2018 9:00 pm EDT
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I was asked by the Florida bar to testify against Charles L Neustein, the former judge that represented Paragon and accepted our downpayments. I was told that our money was spent within 2 weeks and not held in escrow. They disbarred Mr Neustein for a period of 5 years I believe and it's been about that long since I attended the hearing. I have not received any reimbursement.
I had hopes of them all being charged and ordered to reimburse us but have never heard any more on punishment of others who were equally guilty. We all have been caused pain and suffering over their dishonesty.
M Tracy Blair

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Richard Reid
, US
Aug 25, 2017 6:00 pm EDT

I too was bilked out of $240, 000 for the property of my retirement. Due to this happening I've left homeless. Fortunately my son had a extra room in which I live. William(Bill) Gale and his gang of thieves have destroyed lives and show no remorse. This whole incident has been test of my Faith. With God in my life I have endured under much duress. Bill and his gang are worshippers of satanic idolizer. Are they in any way affected by the destruction of lives that they are responsible for? Karma is is hell Bill and his gang. There will be no remorse for the suffering that he, his gang or their families will suffer. You are a sad bunch of people who poses as human beings.
Richard Reid

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Ben Bagheri
, US
Jan 20, 2016 2:40 am EST

Does anyone know what's going on with paragon properties now?

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Tracy Bl
, US
Jun 08, 2018 9:02 pm EDT
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Other than Mr Neustein being disbarred temporarily, I have not heard any information on anyone else being charged with a crime. How can this be? Millions lost! Thousands hurt!

Craig R. Zinkoski
Craig R. Zinkoski
Jackson, US
Oct 18, 2011 3:20 pm EDT
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I go all the way back to 2005. I am involved with a lawsuit that seams to be taking forever. I never here much at all anymore about anything from anybody. This is why America is in the shape it's in GREED!

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Alex Monroe
, CR
Oct 18, 2011 12:37 am EDT

There is a posible solition to get your infrastructure, the buyers can take control of the projects, contact me at alex@monroearquitectura.info
Regards

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Juan J. Mas Sarda
Wellington, US
May 13, 2011 5:04 pm EDT

We all need to join the Sorelson Class Action Suit, and fight this to the end. For those of you that do not have the $500, talke to the firm about a payment plan or some type of set up, so that you too are in.
Best of Luck to all of us involved with these crooks.

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Kris Nguyen
Garland, US
Mar 25, 2011 5:32 am EDT
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Many times Paragon Prop. would TRY TO CHANGE the geograghic location that did not match the lot # location that I chose on the map that they sent me. I can't get my deposit money back. Their office and number not exist anymore. Can't believe I'm part of this scam. These people need to be behind bars: --Bill William Gale; Lyle Wexler; Les Masters; Jonie, etc. These guys are true to the highest level scam artists. If anyone have more names, numbers and pictures of these crooks they should posts them up for the world to see. Kris [protected]

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hector0
Miami, US
Sep 24, 2010 8:59 pm EDT

I have purchased 2 properties front paragon properties of costa rica located in hollywood florida i purchased these properties 5 years ago my Playa del Mar nomber 29 and 35 my deposit was 70.000 dollar plus 1500 dollar for advantage of thes opportunity, my email is hecter@bellsouth .net my cell is [protected]

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Richard E. Scott
Toms River, US
Aug 11, 2010 11:49 am EDT
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Don't feel too bad, as you are not alone. First of all, file a complaint with the attorney general of Florida on line. It only takes 5 minutes. Don't need to send documents unless they ask. If enough of us file, there will be an official investigation and trial. Peerhaps these guys should join Bernie Maydorf?

I too have invested in Ocean Palms, have the books but no deed. Obviously, they are still holding the deed. The property is undeveloped as of last December when I visited. Bill Gale, former chairman, has been in contact with a property owner but only gives promises of getting funding. He has not shown any good faith to the investors all along.

Reluctantly, I feel that the only recourse is to join the class action suit filed by the Sarelson Law Firm in Maimi. If interested, contact them soon, ASAP, as they are refiling the law suit to include additional investors. Phone#[protected]. The suit is well documented and lists many defendants who benefited by this scam. Cost to join is $500.00. Perhaps you can get some of your hard earned money back! I can be reached at [protected]. All the best. Scotty

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Mel P
Kelowna, CA
Aug 06, 2010 11:24 am EDT

I too have been royally screwed by these guys. I "bought" 4 units in Sunset Bay and 2 in Ocean Palms. One of the Sunset Bay parcels was purchased outright, while all the others are held by deposit. I estimate that I am out about $300, 000 to date. This was to be my retirement. I have nothing left to pay lawyers.

I noticed that the websites are all down now and the phones are disconnected. Does anyone still have contact with any of them? If so, please call me at [protected]. I would appreciate any assistance.

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PAULETTE WITTBOLD
Palm Bay, US
Jul 24, 2010 7:50 am EDT

We too have been burned for 75, 000 by Paragon in the bahia mar subdivision. Devastated... that was our entire savings plus we refinanced our house. We can't even afford the attorney fees as my husband has lost his job. We would like to know if there is any chance that the property is still ours. We have the books and deed. how do we reach the costa rican government to find out in english? do we need to be paying the property taxes to keep it? so many questions and no answers. Is there anyone out there that can help us answer these questions? Help... Paulette and John Wittbold. [protected]

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Richard E. Scott
Toms River, US
Jul 20, 2010 12:07 pm EDT
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Buyers have to log their complaint with the attorney general before these conspirators will be brought to justice. It only takes several minutes. Documents to follow if requested. Because there is a total lack of concern by Bill Gale and associates towards the investors on the status of the investors, I see no other recourse than to join a class action suit agaisnt them, I am in denial that this is happening but it is what it is. A fraud. I encourage all investors to file a complaint with the attorney general ASAP. Supposedly, Sarelson Law firm has been in contact with the attorney general. For someone to have taken my hard earned money they deserve to go to jail and stay there. I understand, Paragon is still selling property. Believe that? Don't get angry, retaliate. " Three hots and a cot" is too good for them but lets give them a real vacation for their deeds. No maid service. See how they like the hospitality? Scotty

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former employee of paragon
winston, US
Jul 12, 2010 1:29 pm EDT

IM SORRY TO TELL YOU ALL. THIS WAS A SCHEME THAT GOT ALOT OF PEOPLE. SO DONT FEEL TOO BAD. THE SUNSET BAY PROPERTY IS NEXT TO A LANDFILL, THATS RIGHT GARBAGE DUMP! FROM THE THE HILL OF SUNSET BAY YOU CAN SEE THE GARBAGE. DID YOU NOTICE ALL THE VULTURES ABOVE. BILL GALE IS THE FRONT MAN FOR THIS SCHEME, BUT THE REAL HEAD IS A MAN NAMED STEVE TASHMAN. GOOGLE HIM AND YOU CAN SEE HE HAS BEEN IN TROUBLE FOR SCHEMES IN THE PAST. THEY ARE TRYING TO BE BOUGHT OUT BUT WHOSE GOING TO BUY PROPERTY IN COSTA RICA JUST TO START FROM SCRATCH. THE SAME LOTS WERE OFTEN SHOWN TO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND TOLD THEY WERE THE OWNERS . SORRY

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former employee of paragon
winston, US
Jul 12, 2010 1:20 pm EDT

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Richard E. Scott
Toms River, US
Jun 11, 2010 6:06 am EDT
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I too have been decieved by Paragon. But at this time, I want to wait and see if Gale and associates will get funding to complete the projects. Another owner heard from Gale two days ago and he said hes about to get the funding and wishes to prove the members inthe suits wrong. Of course, we've heard this before. We are all starving for some good news. As of the first week in Dec. 2009, Nothing had been done at Ocean Palms, perhaps the easiest to develop ( flat land with date palms). Perhaps I'll join the class action as time passes?All the best. Scotty

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David Weber
New York, US
Jun 10, 2010 4:05 pm EDT

Paragon Properties may be an elaborate scheme or a plan gone wrong with variables yet to be introduced! At any rate, it seems the investors are stuck holding the bag! I too invested & am part of a class action suit to initiate investment repayment & justice!

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Dennis J. Calcaterra
Aurora, US
Jun 01, 2010 4:58 am EDT

Today is June 1st. Just cyurious if they will be back in the office in Florida. I really doubt it. Just curious as to whether or not we really own the property. If so it will be worth something, even if another company picks it up. Believe me there is no more property available in Costa Rica. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

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surferyates
Hilton Head Island, US
May 19, 2010 1:07 pm EDT
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I purchased 2 lots in 2007 have 2 sets of books with the stamps and signatures.
I have not heard from anyone in over a year. Call me I will help any way I can. Tim Neil [protected]

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charles white
Santa Rosa Beach, US
May 16, 2010 7:59 am EDT
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i purchased 3 lots in the gable and have the books and deeds.. i think we need to form an association of owners so we can complete the project on our own if necessary. this is the only way we are going to recoup our investment. no matter how many people sue paragon, only the attorneys will win out and we will end up with worthless lots in an undeveloped subdivision. please contact [protected]

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Richard E. Scott
Toms River, US
May 03, 2010 3:29 pm EDT
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I too have purchase a lot in Ocean Palms over three years ago, have gotten 4 books with writting from the Costa Rican govt in each but NO deed. Never told that the infra structure needed to be in place before my deed is issued. Spoke to Mr. Valintine back in November prior to my trip there. Nothing was done at all. All palm trees. Construction was to start in Dec. He stated the co. got financing. Have not been unable to reach anyone. I am very concerned about my investment. Where are the updates? Why can't I contact someone? Doesn't sound good! What does the Costa Rican govt say about this? Perhaps a class action suite is necessary? I can be reached at [protected].

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Anthony Impemba
Medford, US
Apr 17, 2010 12:06 pm EDT
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I also purchased Property in 2006 from Paragon Properties & have not herd anything back
T Impemba

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Diane Costello
Merchantville, US
Feb 20, 2010 10:37 am EST
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They suddenly have disappeared and haven't returned my calls or emails.. I think they've stolen my money and I will begin taking whatever action possible to bring them down...

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kis
Selma, US
Jan 09, 2010 2:06 am EST

Me too. They are going to be sued by every customer they had/have if this keeps up. The will just go BK most liekly. They are a terrible company!
K. IYER