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I enlisted the help from this company to facilitate a loan modification from BOA. Basically to help me lower my interest rate w/o a refinance. They claim to be staffed by attorneys and real estate consultants that work with all the major lenders on behalf of us (their clients). They also claim to have a money back guarantee (minus a $195 forensic loan audit fee). It all sounds sooooo legit, right? Well, as many others, I found out the hard way! I have been in this process since Nov. 2010 and untill about 3 weeks ago, I have been in contact with "my" underwriter Taylor Purpura. I received notice from BOA that I was denied my modification. I began contacting LHG to facilitate my refund and to my SUPRISE, I am unable to reach anybody. The phone numbers don't work now and noone will return any e-mails. I then started to do a little research online and came up with this page and read so many other complaints like mine. So, here I am; Up the creek and now looking for a re-placement paddle. Click on Detroit's Ruth to the Rescue has been contacted, I will also take my story to Fox 2's Hallof Shame and then on to Channel 7's action news team. Maybe, just maybe someone will listen to my story and investigate. I will not stop untill I get answers! and my refund (minus $195)
OMG, I can't believe I'm just finding this site! I am in the same boat as the rest of you. I sent in $1500 last Nov. and just received notice from my lender that I do not qualify. I have been trying to get a hold of the people at Legal Housing Group, namely Taylor P. and I can't get an answer. I'm totally on board with a class action suit. I will also be contacting the local media outlets (as soon as I am done with this post)
I agree with Not Happy 3! I had no idea John Ketzler was sole owner of Legal Housing Group. This company seems to run nation wide. Others on here are from diff. states (ie. New Jersey, North Carolina, Illinois and Florida!) FYI, to all out there still watching these posts, I submitted a formal complaint to the BBB. Don't know what good it would do, but it is a start. Ruth to the Rescue also knows our situation. Keeping my fingers crossed
I did forward it to our local NBC news station here in Detroit (thats Ruth), I will also be following up with Fox news and ABC news. Hopefully someone will see this as a worthy cause. BTW, my husband just informed me that he got a recommendation from a local radio show put on by Capital Mortgage Funding about the loan modification program from Legal Housing Group. Also...has anyone tried to send a written request for a refund? Thats what their website says to do. Just wondering?
Taylor, if you "truely" want to help the people that were scammed, out of thousands of dollars, then you would call the City of Warren local police dept. and report your former boss for fradulent activity. And then, when we as consumers decide to sue this company, you "may not" be caught in the crossfire and also be held accountable.
@Srobi: I searched for this Paul Alfonsi and I found one who is from here in MI. Taylor says that he is the "boss" and he is the one who collected our money. This is what i found:
Franklin United Non-profit Counseling Agency (manager is Paul Alfonsi)
Franklin United is a nationwide, non-profit financial education service dedicated to improving the economic stability of America citizens.
then, to all who are following this, I too received an e-mail from Taylor today (go figure?) She basically restated to me what I origionally e-mailed to her on 6/24. That BOA sent me a letter denying my modification and that she was out of the office for a few days (reason she didn't respond in a timely manner) She also commented on my complaint from this board and added that she would appeal my denial if I had any further info. Needless to say, I explained to her my dis-concern and asked again for my refund. NOWHERE in my e-mail did she mention anything at all about not working for the company anymore or being on unemployment. I'm going with: We are getting the run-a-round and noone wants to take responsibility. John K, the supposed attorney for them and Paul A or Paul White are also circle talking crooks.
I'm going to give an update from my side...*rest assured, the people mentioned in these posts are indeed reading them. *The BBB has gotten back to me reguarding my official complaint with them. *Taylor sent me another e-mail, stating that I needed to contact Paul (whatever his last name is) in reguards to my refund, she was NOT responsible for that. *All 3 major news outlets, here in Detroit, have been contacted about this. **At this time, my opinion is for everyone here to send a written letter to Paul requesting your money back guarantee. On the official legal housing group website, there is an address to send it to. If you look under the money back guarantee part, it will be there. I hope this helps?
Now, I still wonder if this is the same Paul that I found here? http://activerain.com/thedefector
I would guess that it is. Seems really simular, almost too simular.
On a side note, I sent an e-mail to the radio show for Capitol Mortgage Funding (heard on 97.1 on the weekends). That is where my husband got the recommendation for LHG. I questioned them on how they can endorse such a crooked business and what they can do to help us in seeking our refunds. I know it's not their fault that Paul took our money, but, bad press is like a scarlett letter.
New update...this just gets weirder the more I investigate. The website I listed above is for a media company that operates the largest and most active social network in the real estate space. Looks like Paul Alfonsi had advertised on here for a business called Franklin United. "Franklin United counselors don't work for your mortgage company. They are HUD-approved, knowledgeable and extremely helpful in assisting clients with all kinds of housing counseling services. We help people who are behind on payments, preparing to buy a home, or just starting to consider loans or mortgage products for the first time. We also help people considering borrowing against their home's equity."
They have a phone # listed to contact them and a website address (for Franklin United). the phone # is not for franklin united, it is for "Home of Pashmina" (WTF?) and the link to the website takes you to another domain? MikeMann. here is what I found on him...Mike Mann is the founder and chairman of Grassroots.org (501c3), a global network providing free services to non-profits and promoting social action. Basically, this means NOTHING! Circles. I called the # for home of pashmina and got a voice mail from a young sounding american man to leave a message for home of pashmina (I didn't leave a message) then I called back and got disconnected twice. I called back a 4th time, this time from my cell and a man with a strong Indian accent answered the phone. I asked about Frankiln United and he said I got the wrong phone #. [protected] is the # listed.
I have sent Capital Mortgage Funding 2 e-mail's reguarding this matter. I will now send another one to Harry Glanz. Also, I too received my last e-mail from Taylor on July 8th. This was in response to my e-mail calling her a liar. Pretty much she is claiming to work on her files for "free" and is no longer employeed for LHG. WHATEVER!
@ Not Happy, I was under the impression that John Ketlzer's office was in Auburn Hills? I'm confused &%$#@!
2 days ago, I received 2 calls from Harry Glanz, I wasn't there to talk to him, but, I did call back. He left me a message and wanted to talk to me about my "situation", he didn't go into details. Since then, I have heard nothing.
Looks like I'm going to now follow that link for the greivance commission and file a complaint with them too. If someone wants to find a date and time that would be good for everyone, I would be willing to meet and discuss legal action. Heck, we could even do a conference call or something like that.
Legal Housing Group is a subsidiary of National Housing Group, and it is based out of Nevada? I think?
I have filed complaints...and complaints and complaints! So far, they have done nothing for me. I just received word from the BBB that my complaint was closed b/c no one has responded to their numerous attempts at reaching them. They have closed up shop! Left the state? headed for the hills? Who knows. I know I was recommeded to them by a radio advice show from Capital Mortgage Funding. Of course CMF claims no affiliation with this company. I'm sure that is possibly true, but I took advice from a very reputable business and this has put me out $1500. Whoever else is reading these posts (ie: Paul White/Alfonsi, Taylor Purpura, John Ketzler, or the folks over at Capital Mortgage Funding) I may have stopped posting updates every other day, but rest assured, I have not stopped looking for answers and fighting for my refund. I have a Lawyer now. When I get answers, I will definately share them here for all of us who were scammed.
I just finished submitting my complaints with the IC3.gov and the FTC.gov. It had taken up a good portion of my day (phew). I really hope these things get us closer to resolving our issues. PLEASE, everyone else, register complaints with these websites!
Holy crap! I bet it is too!
Well, from my origional post back in 2011...we move forward to July 2013. I have never gotten any resolution in my case. The lawyer I was consulting was just as much of a [censored] bag as LHG. If any of the origional posters are still here and if anyone has had success with your claims, I would love to know.
I have sent them $1500. for a loan Mod for my daughter who lives in Oregon Il. who is having a problem with EMC mtg who represents JP Morgan Chase. I was told that this company would be able to get a Mod on her loan and not to worry. Well that has been almost a year ago and we haven't recieved any info from them at all. I spoke to EMC and they haven't heard from them since Feb. and it is now August. Taylor P. isn't available nor is anyone else. I am writing to recieve my money back as well as I am filing a state complaint in Pa, Mi. and Il. These people a worse than the banks they prey on the poor and don't do anything fo help them. A class action suit should be in order but sharks don't eat sharks so we are all lunch.
I paid this company around $1700.00 to do a loan remodification for me .They led me on a wild goose chase for almost 2 years I almost lost my house and Taylor Purpura just kept stringing me along. Now they won't answer any communication with me. They promised a full refund if they were unable to provide a reduction in my mortgage payments. Now they are no where to be found. I would like a refund.
Scammed me out of 2, 000 dollars for a loan modification for which they did not do for me.
This man Paul Alfonsi aka Paul White is a murderer. He killed a woman in Royal Oak, MI. She was my friend! This is a terrible man. If anyone has information on his whereabouts please post. Thanks!
I have also just sent another note to Ruth. We cannot let this thing die. We must move forward!
Oh, and I posted too soon. The domain link for the company is for sale! Go figure!
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paul-alfonsi/15/407/75b
I just googled Paul Alfonsi and there is on in the Detroit Area on Linked in. I clicked on the company description and I'll bet it's the same guy! Just my gut talking-I've got no proof of course. Check it out!
We were also scammed by Taylor purpura and were are moving now due to the fact after they took our $1500 we were foreclosed on. I sent emails and made calls to Taylor they were never returned.
I was also a victim of these worthless people. I lost 1200 dollars at one of the worst times of my life. I lost my job and didn't want to loose my home. Taylor purpura and Bret amid on promised to be able to help. Don't know how these people sleep at night, people go to them because their at their lowest just to be robbed by LEGAL HOUSING GROUP!
I was also scammed by these people. I even checked out this company with the BBB before we did business back in october of 2010. Taylor Pupura tries to be sincere, but I am not sure. I have lots of paperwork on this LHG company even the business filing with the state of Michigan. Many addresses for Taylor Pupura. I wonder if she is related to the Mike Pupura that I hear advertising on the radio for Insurance on 97.1fm. My mortgage servicer even asked me if I was still with LHG. I told her no, but if you have a good number for Taylor I would like to have it. They didn't. I also have lots of addresses for Paul Alfonsi none are any good. I would very much like to go after these people. I will file complaint with the States Attorney general. Still fighting the lender. If any have Ocwen as your servicer they are just as much crooks, and also located in Florida (coincidence?). You can also file formal complaints to State of Michigan at Department of Licensing and regulatory affairs Office of financial and insurance regulation. You can contact them if you are having problems with your Loan Servicer.
Another thing we all need to do! File a complaint with the Attorney General's office. They have a form specifically for Forclosure Rescue Complaints. I filed a complaint on 1/17/2012 and they have already responded. They are trying to collect as many complaints as they can. This could be our best way to eventually file a class action.
It is funny reading all these posts and finding I was too duped out of 1400, I would be willing to get involved with any actions taken against this company.
I have made complaints to IC3.gov and to BBB so will see if they get this many complaints something should be done!
YES IT IS THE SAME PAUL ALFONSI! HE IS THE SAME CON ARTIST THAT FOOLED ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE BACK IN THE DAY OF SAVMYHOMEUSA.COM! HE IS AN ABSOLUTE DRUG ADDICT AND HABITUAL LIAR. THE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE DEATH OF THE 28 YEAR OLD GIRL CURRENTLY, BUT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT HIS BUSINESS BEING INVESTIGATED...HE IS BEHIND BUSINESSES BY THE NAMES OF SAVEMYHOMEUSA, FRANKLIN UNITED, PREMIER CONSULTING GROUP, DYNAMITE MARKETING, LEGAL HOUSING GROUP, ETC WITH HIS PARTNER JOEY POLUSKI IN FLORIDA.
THIS IS A HORRIBLE MAN! HE ALSO USED THE ALIAS PAUL WHITE IN THE PAST! UNFORTUNATELY, HE SCAMMED ALL OF THESE PEOPLE AND USED THEIR MONEY FOR DRUGS! I WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO TAKE HIM DOWN, BECAUSE I HAD TO SUFFER ALONG WITH THESE INNOCENT PEOPLE, LET ME KNOW HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE BUSINESS INVESTIGATION
I read the post on that site and started googling his name, thats how I came across this site and thought hmmm bet this is the same guy.
I wonder if this is the same Paul Alfonsi of Royal Oak that supposedly found my friend dead in her house in April. She was actually murdered and if this is the same guy im guessing it has something to do with him leaving the state. Go to topix.com go to the third page and read the comments below. It talks about a Paul Alfonsi in connection to her death. http://www.topix.com/forum/city/royal-oak-mi/TEGS2RUOPL4UV1K97#comments
Like I said it may or may not be the same guy, but im willing to bet it is.
We too feel very foolish. My wife and I when in search of help in these trying times and only got deeper in debt. We were hard pressed to fork over the $2500 to try to get ourselves on good ground again. After speaking with "Paul" he suggested that we NOT make the payments on time to make BOA act faster. What a joke that was! We did all the work and when I questioned Taylor about this the contact stopped. No phone calls or emails were answered after that. I doubt very seriously that we have any chance to get the people involved, as much as I would love to see them brought to justice. I guess I will continue to deal directly with BOA to get results.
The Attorney Greivance Commission did respond with a letter stating they would do a preliminary investigation to see if there is just cause for a complete investigation. We are waiting for their initial determination.
Thanks I've entered my complaints on these sites!
I spoke with a Florida detective who recommended that a police report be filed here since that is where the crime took place. He also recommended filing a complaint with ic3. gov and FTC.gov. I guess when they receive 10-15 complaints an investigation on the person/ company will occur.
YES that'S my next step THE ATTORNEY GENERAL EVERYONE!
I too was taken by national housing group and Taylor P. I apid them $1500 fee upfront to end up not getting a modification and put in foreclosure and having to pay another $3500 to my mortgage company to get out of and save my home. They represented themselves as attorneys and a for sure thing. I talked to them as least weekly for 9months! When it all fell through I requested a refund and Taylor cut off communicationa and stated denying it all. I too want my money back and a class action suit. Everyone needs to file complaints with the Attorney Gereral's Office to bring these scamming people in need of help down!
@ terry101, I have also submitted a complaint to the BBB (awhile back) and the result aside from adding to the complaints on the board didn't get me far. All I got back from them was an email stating they tried to contact the company to resolve my complaint but they were unable to contact anyone and did not receive any response from the company. They then stated they would be closing my complaint as there was nothing further that they could do. I'll be sending out certified letters (though unsure to whom yet.. Paul White/Alfonsi...John Ketzler?) But have to get some addresses for them. The address originally listed for LHG is nothing but an empty building.
Unsure of the next step in regards to taking legal action, but this certainly isn't something that's going to be forgotten about. We intent to pursue until these people return our $1800.
The same has happened to me. I have not heard from Taylor since the 14th of this month. Her famous last words " she was in contact with lender and would contact me next week." I hope she never has to go thru what we have! I do believe in what you put out there comes back, Karma! I am interested in bringing charges against these people. I personally spoke to Atty: John Ketzler last Oct. and he is the person on my contract. Taylor Purpura should come forward & also Bret Amidon who intiated contact for modification as they are just as responsible for participating in this scheme. Does anyone know who to contact directly to start the ball rolling on these people?
we too have been scammed by this company. 1700$ so sad some people give you hope and lie. a friend referred me to paul white. because they did get a modification. i dont know what happened maybe taylor was dupped like us maybe not.we cannot get in touch with her and the lawyer john m ketzler is out of his office untill monday. i doubt we will hear from either. we have'nt lost our house yet still hoping BOA will work with us. I am all about bringing these people to justice. there is such a thing as karma.will be filing a complaint with BBB.
I would be definitely willing to follow through with any action against this company. My house is now sold at sheriff's sale, even though Taylor's last email was that she was contacting lender to postpone due to loan modification being in the final stage. After that, nothing from her.
I agree taken, Mr. Ketzler is the only name on the contract. I cant see Mr. Ketzler having put out a contract with his name as the sole owner of an LLC without knowing what that company is doing. I have had legal contracts draw up before with an attorney and none have ever had there name on it.
While writing this I decided to check the Michigan Business entity Search from mi.gov under the business section. I tried legal housing group, anything with housing group, paul alfonsi, alfonsi and paul white and nothing shows up. Seems LHG was never a register MI company. I did however find info for Mr. Ketzler and his firm.
Searched for: LAW OFFICES OF JOHN M. KETZLER, P.L.L.C.
ID Num: D0489X
Name:LAW OFFICES OF JOHN M. KETZLER, P.L.L.C.
Type: Professional Domestic Limited Liability Company
Resident Agent: JOHN M KETZLER
Registered Office Address: 888 W BIG BEAVER RD STE 950 TROY MI 48084
Mailing/Office Address:
Formation/Qualification Date:6-9-2006
Jurisdiction of Origin:MICHIGAN
Managed by: Members
Status: ACTIVE, BUT NOT IN GOOD STANDING AS OF [protected] Date: Present
I'd like to let everyone know that we have also spoken to Harry Glanz. I emailed Ruth to the Rescue but have not heard back either. The other action we took was to file a formal complaint againg LHG with the BBB AND we filed a formal complaint with the Attorney Greivance Commission agains Mr. Ketzler. The "contract" we have states he owns LHG. I sent the complaint certified return receipt so I know they rec'd it. Now we are just waiting for a response. Here is the link for the Attorney Greivance Commission for anyone else who would like to do the same. http://www.agcmi.com/ My guess is if we band together (which it looks like most of us are willing to do) and file as many formal complaints as we can, we may get closer to a resolution.
The last email I received from Taylor was on Friday, July 8, 2011. That email came from taylor@legalhousinggroup.com. In that email, she stated she was contacting the lender the next day. She works Saturdays? However, heard nothing from her and no replies to 2 emails sent today. As far as a phone number, the one she lists in her email is [protected]. However, when trying to call that number, all I have received is a busy signal. Hope this helps.
I talked to the co-founder of Capital Mortgage Funding, Harry Glanz. I let him know that one of his staff recommended Paul at the legal housing group and that he needed to investigate into it. He let me know that he has never known or met Paul and that he would like to hear from more people that were directed to LSG from his company CMF, Harry Glanz Co-Founder [protected] x1243 hglanz@lowrateonline.com. He said that he has had a few complaints so far and was thinking of filling a police report. Also at the end of the conversation he said that he did hear " Paul had left the state and is in Florida". From that statement its obvious that this has been discuss with others at the firm.
Does anyone have Taylor's Phone Number or a valid email address that she will respond to? I have tried to contact her so I can pick up where she left off.
We need to get together and get a lawyer started on a class action with all of the above listed parties. Were going to have to apply legal pressure to get someone to squeak.
Pretty positive Paul is affiliated with someone from Capital Mortgage. He has been getting files from them and the Capital Mortgage employee has been getting kickbacks from him. It only makes sense. I am sure Capital Mortgage will deny all ties.
This is the most recent information regarding Paul's scam. I have also been dealing with this company for a loan mod. Paul White and Paul Alfonsi are the same person. I have been researching Paul to find out more about him. I have his cell # at [protected] which does go to his voicemail however he does not return calls since he has probably fled the country by now. I have found some home addresses for him as well. One is 1421 Main St, Royal Oak, Mi and 36776 Tessens, Clinton Twp., Mi. Not sure if these are previous addresses or one is current. The local media is also aware from myself but I have not heard back from them either.
Also have been dealing with Taylor at Legal Housing Group. Sheriff's sale is set for Monday, got an email from her on July 5, 2011 that the modification was in final review, and she would contact them Thursday for an update. It is now Friday, July 8, 2011. Phone is constantly busy, she is not responding to emails. The 866 phone number on their main website has either been disconnected or someone answers and hangs up on you.
I was going to send a letter requesting money back, but if you noticed - the "contact us" page of their website is no longer working. However I still had the address written down, but my husband drove by that location and there is nothing there but a building and space that is up for lease. So sending a letter there would be a waste of time. I do not have an address for Paul White, nor do I have one for this Paul Alfonsi person, so I am not sure where to send a letter at this point. I also contacted the BBB and "Ruth" but have yet to hear back from them, hopefully soon I will. Not knowing for certain if the Paul Alfonsi at Franklin United is the same person, I'm unsure if a letter should be sent there regarding this issue.
Well we've established that they are crooks - question is, how to go about a class action lawsuit? Paul White, Taylor Purpura, and whoever else involved need to be held accountable for this fraudulent behavior.
I second that "Well we shall see!" Taylor Purpura responded back to me with this response today.
First off I want to let you know I did not scam you or anyone else. I was an employee of the company and received a paycheck. I have not spoken to the owner Paul Alfonsi (he is also the one who collected money from you and everyone else) since the day after memorial day. He also owes me a lot of money as well. I saw your comment on the complaint board that I scammed you which is not true. Just want to make that clear. Previous emails from you stated you wanted a refund and you wanted me to stop working on your file so I did. When Paul was around I let him know that you were requesting a refund that is all I could do. I do not have access to the bank account nor do I process the refunds. Since I haven’t spoken to Paul I filed for unemployment and that is my only source of income. I do care about my files and have continued to work for FREE and help as many people as I can. If you would like me to try to continue on getting you a loan modification and help you save your home I can do that for you. I am not out to hurt anyone I don’t want you or anyone else to lose their homes that is why I again am working for FREE !
YOU BE THE JUDGE
Bottom line is they dragged this thing OUT for soooo long that it put most of us in an even worse position!
Hello Everybody,
I too, back in February and March submitted formal complaints to both the BBB and the Attorney General of Michigan.
You might all also be interested to know that Mr. John Ketzler actually called be back this morning, and I filled his ear for about ten minutes.
He claims that his affiliation with the Legal Housing Group had ended quite some time ago. And that he was a victim too in all this. He continued to try to explain that he was just as MAD as the rest of us.
And that he was only the legal councilor for Paul White/Legal Housing Group when they were in the mortgage business.
Well we shall see! I told him that he is a lawyer and if he truly is not involved in this scam, that he must take a stand for all of us and do whatever he can to help us in going after the all guilty parties.
:o) Mario
GOOD QUESTION!
I sent an email to Taylor P. requesting a refund but she totally ignored it (she never responded back)! I will draft another and send out tomorrow by mail.
Anyone else?