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Paragon Properties of Costa Rica

Paragon Properties of Costa Rica review: Fraud 48

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6:55 am EST
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I have purchased 2 properties from Paragon Properties of Costa Rica located in Hollywood, FL. I purchased these properties almost 5 years ago and was told that the first property in Heights of Pacifica, Phase 3 would be ready for building within 18 months. I have a deed that shows that I could build a home for $58.00 a square foot. About 2 years ago I 2was sent this beautiful brochure showing all these beautiful homes. Since then I've made 3 trips to view my properties and everything is at a stand still. Most of the personnel that were with the company in Florida, namely Lyle Wexler and Kenny Gold are long departed for all kinds of ridiculous reasons and the few that are remaining are very evasive to any questions. The way I see it, I'm out $55, 000.00 and these con men could care less. For what its worth I think anyone and all who read this should ban together and file a class action suit freezing any and all their assets before they disappear. Feel free to contact me should you read this.

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Apr 16, 2010 12:13 am EDT

Dear Mr. Calcaterra,

We at Real Estate and Business Attorneys (RE&B Attorneys) would like to be able to assist you in your property purchase in Costa Rica.

Attached you will find some general guidelines for the acquisition of real estate in Costa Rica.

Regarding Paragon Properties, we have never closed on one of their properties, and we do not advise them. We have heard bad stories about them.

If you need any information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Agustín Alvarez C.
RE&B ABOGADOS
Herradura, Costa Rica
Tel. [protected]
Fax. [protected]

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Jun 16, 2010 2:59 am EDT

To all:

I think we should either go with Sarelson or Alvarez. Either way they are going to have to get a Costa Rican Attorney involved. I am hearing the new voice message they have and I have no idea who it is but it isn't Dave Valentine. As for Neustein, they're in hot water and they know it. I can be reached at [protected]. If you have questions feel free to call me. Leave a message if I don't answer because I work nights and sleep during the day. We need to band together and be rational. Panic and anger gets us nowhere.

Dennis C.
lionize@comcast.net

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Aug 06, 2010 12:31 am EDT

To All:

I have retained a lawyer in Costa Rica. His name is Arturo Blanco. US: [protected]
I didn't go with Alvarez because of his fees. Arturo is very reasonable and is well abreast of the Paragon situation. Feel free to contact me at lionize@comcast.net.

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Oct 31, 2010 10:19 am EDT

I'd be very careful how you say things. I know your angry like everyone else in this debacle but saying the wrong things can backfire.

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Feb 14, 2011 10:14 am EST

In answer to your latest post. I will get a name & number of the Attorney Generals office in Miami. This is who you need to get a hold of.

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Jul 06, 2012 2:30 am EDT

TO ALL OF YOU WHO PURCHASED PROPERTIES THROUGH THESE CROOKS & HAVE RECEIVED THE LATEST COURT DECISION FROM SARELSON LAW FIRM I MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER YOU. IF YOU PURCHASED THE PROPERTY OUTRIGHT (NOT A DEPOSIT) & HAVE THE BOOKS, TITLES & DEEDS THEIR MIGHT STILL BE SOME HOPE FOR US. AT LEAST YOU OWN THE PROPERTY. I HAVE RETAINED A COSTA RICAN PROPERTY LAWYER & HE HAS DONE WONDERS FOR ME. I'VE EVEN PAID MY PROPERTY TAXES THROUGH HIM. WE'VE ALREADY LOST THOUSANDS SO A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS MORE WON'T HURT YOU. HE CAN ARRANGE THAT YOU ARE THE OWNERS OF YOUR OWN CORPORATION 7 GET THINGS LEGAL SO IF & WHEN YOU CAN SELL THE PROPERTY TO A BUYER WHO MOST CERTAINLY WILL COME ALONG SINCE IT'S AT A PREMIUM. I GIVE YOU THE FOLLOWING:
ARTURO BLANCO - TEL #011506 [protected] - EMAIL: ARTUROBLANCOLAW@GMAIL.COM.
IT WOULD BEHOOVE YOU TO CONTACT HIM SO YOU CAN HOPEFULLY REAP SOME OF YOUR LOSSES SINCE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY MONIES IN THE DISCOVERY PART OF THE CLASS ACTION SUIT.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT LIONIZE@COMCAST.NET. ONCE AGAIN IF YOU ONLY PLACED A DEPOSIT IT MAY BE BLEAK. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF US. ALSO, MY PHONE NUMBER IS [protected]. PLEASE, I'M NOT A LAWYER SO I CAN ONLY TELL YOU WHAT I'VE POSTED HERE SO PLEASE DON'T CALL ME WITH NEBULOUS QUESTIONS THAT I CAN'T ANSWER.

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Oct 02, 2012 2:33 am EDT

Once again, any of you who have the deeds & books for you properties, you need to get in touch with Arturo Blanco in Costa Rica. He has a plan that may benefit all of us.

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Oct 09, 2012 1:05 am EDT

ALL OF YOU. IF YOU WANT TO TRY AND SALVAGE SOMETHING OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENTS YOU NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ARTURO BLANCO 7 GO WITH HIS PROPOSAL,

Update by Dennis J. Calcaterra
Mar 05, 2013 6:34 am EST

To anyone trying to salvage anything out of your properties I would recommend that you follow this link from Arturo Blanco Costa Rican Attorney who is working cases for people who have outright ownership.

http://www.arturoblancolaw.com/newsletter/boletin_marzo2013.html

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48 comments
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Heber C
Sandy, US
May 05, 2010 10:03 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been trying to get in contact with Paragon Properites of Costa Rica. No one answers. The Costa Rica phone number is disconnected. I called the registered agent in Florida. He informed me that Paragon Properties of Costa Rica is out of business, and that he had heard of several lawsuits.

Any one have any updates?

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 14, 2010 1:16 am EDT
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We need to contact the FBI asap.

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Mary Jo Douglas
US
Jan 28, 2020 9:04 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Lam Tran

maryjodouglas54@gmail.com

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 14, 2010 1:17 am EDT
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The office in Hollywood, FL is now closed, they're all gone. I lost 35 k.

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 14, 2010 1:19 am EDT
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We need to ban together to get our money back, please call my cell phone is [protected], my name is Lam Tran, I lost 35 k in deposit.

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cwpfarr
Highlands Ranch, US
May 16, 2010 6:17 pm EDT

Lam - get ahold of karina@johnphess.com

we're all banding together for a lawsuit

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CHRIS1980
SD, US
Jun 09, 2010 12:09 am EDT

I WOULD LIKE TO BE IN ON THE LAWSUIT.
MY NAME IS CHRIS AND I CAN BE CONTACTED AT [protected]. I LOST/ THEY STOLE 68K AND I NEVER EVEN GOT A DEED OR S.A. I GOT NOTHING BUT EMPTY PROMISES AND LIES FROM DAY 1. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NICK AT THE FL. ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE. PLEASE CONTACT HIM ASAP THEY ARE LOOKING INTO A INVESTIGATION ON BILL GALE. NICK AT THE A.G.'S OFFICE INFO IS BELOW. FU%k THES GUYS IM NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ON MY BACK! NO ONE SHOULD...

Nick Weilhammer
Assistant Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General of Florida
The Capitol
PL-01
Tallahassee, FL [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
E-mail: nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com

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Judy2010
Fountain Valley, US
Jun 15, 2010 8:05 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi Chris, I have lost 88, 000 in deposits with Paragon. I will contact Nick Weilhammer to see what the next steps are. I was under the impression that the escrow agent Charles Neustein had our deposits in Escrow to avoid just this type of situation.

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Anthony Turchetta
Cave Creek, US
Jun 23, 2010 10:19 am EDT

Add me to the list of suckers conned. I purchased in Vista Del Mar, they got 35K from me. Anthony Turchetta [protected] PO Box 285, Cave Creek, AZ 85327 turk@turchetta.com

I just called Neustein's office, waiting to hear back from him. Girl who answered the phone said he has not been involved with them for years.

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mac2801
US
Aug 04, 2010 3:46 pm EDT

I to am a victum of this scam. My wife and I went to ther office in Holloywood, Fl. on April 21st. We talked to David Valintine and he assured us that if we put in for the refund that we would recive our 35K back. Well we sent the refund request along with the agreement for deed certified mail and have not herd a word back or as I requested a signed copy of the mail. While we were there Bill Gayle was there and I have to say the guy looked pretty ill. I have contacted Matthew Sarelson in reguards to the class action lawsuit.

Contact information is: mmchugh@fire.lacounty.gov
Cell# 213.503.0103

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Anonymous1212399
US
Aug 13, 2010 3:09 pm EDT

I have also been left unanswered by my request for a refund. My mother and I both deposited $84K on two lots. Our certified mail requesting refund was returned. I have spoken with Sarelson but their fees seem extremely high for a class action... especially when there is no guarantee on what amount they will be able to get back? My fear with a class action is that the lawyer will make significant money even if the firm settles for a low return. A class action lawyer has no incentive to fight for high returns when if he/she has such numerous clients.
I have some interesting call recordings with Gale from last fall where he states that the company has landed a new investor and will be moving forward in 2010. He also states that he will refund anyone who requests it. I also have video footage of us being shown the wrong property lot and then Paragon allowing us to switch lots once we caught them in error.

I am currently researching the best method of going after Paragon and all those involved in the deception. If anyone knows of a pending lawsuit that is offering more "fair" fees. Please contact me at flavorking@gmail.com

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John_Mauldin
Virginia Beach, US
Sep 06, 2010 7:49 pm EDT

My name is John Mauldin and I also purchased in Phase3 about 4 years ago. I paid $29 K for a plot. Can someone contact me please.

[protected]

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mmm2010
Battle Ground, US
Sep 15, 2010 12:22 am EDT

My name is
Monica Davis. I too put in 35 K someone plse contact.
puravida1120@gmail.com

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Vadym
San Mateo, US
Sep 22, 2010 4:59 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am a victum of this scam. Piad them too, cannot get it back.
We need to band together and be rational. Panic and anger gets us nowhere.

Contact information is: vadyms@yahoo.com
Cell# 415.377.0338

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Mary Jo Douglas
US
Jan 30, 2020 1:13 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Vadym

anaccuello@miamisao.com

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cblake
US
Oct 04, 2010 10:12 pm EDT

Today is October 4, 2010.

Is it too late to do anything now? Has anybody received any results (positive or negative) of legal action? Poor me, I am the last person who should have been investing in what turns out to have been a scam. Friends warned me! It wiped out all of my little savings.

Carl Blake
clblake245@yahoo.com
[protected]

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cindollsue
Memphi, US
Oct 11, 2010 12:49 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

OUR family as well are victims of this. I just looked at my address book today to call and ask what was up and if there had been any progress? I couldn't get a hold of them and googled and found all these complaints .
I can't afford a lawyer is that the only way out of this?
The LEach family
salesbysue@gmail.com
[protected]

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X Jaco
US
Oct 28, 2010 6:40 pm EDT

I lost $48, 000 and would like to join suit. Please contact Tim: tjao44@yahoo.com

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
Oct 30, 2010 11:10 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Bill Gale and his wife Judy will be at the high school reunion party to be d=held at Grand beach Hotel by Nov 12th and Nov 13th.

Notify local police so they can apprehend him...Bill and his wife both went to Miami beach high, all victims can find more information when contact the school office. They can run but they cannot hide.
his wife email address is:

JudithGale@aol.com

One more note forBill Gale:

Call me at [protected] and refund my money of 35 K... ASAP, before it's too late, your face will be shown on national TV, all your friends will know what you have done to numerous unsuspecting victims, I knew it from the beginning, but now I am actively pursuing you, I will assist the police to put you behind bars, if you do not return my money today, I will also report you to the DEA, and FBI and CIA ... because you had used my money to deal drugs in Costa Rica. So act now, return my money of 35K...before I report you to all law enforcement agencies in the US and abroad. You will not have time to enjoy your stolen money with Judy any more.

The man in photo is Bill Gale ...the fugitive.

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
Oct 30, 2010 11:32 pm EDT
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Bill Gale is also an anti US government activist, he might have used the stolen money to support foreign terrorists such as the Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, we must find him and turn him in to the CIA for more investigations. He said publicly to many investors that... he grew bear because so he wanted to look like his idol friend...Osama Bin Laden.

We can not win the war in Afghanistan... unless we get rid of guy like Bill Gale...he is the Taliban sympathizer...he is stabbing our troops in the back.

See him in photo..

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Ricardo Valdivia
US
Oct 30, 2018 7:49 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Lam Tran

That's taking a bit too far. Billy is just a con man. He is in it for the money and living the life of a millionaire.

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
Oct 31, 2010 3:02 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Sorry Dennis. We need to attack this crook from all fronts to make him return our money...which he is enjoying and living like a king ...we need help from all law enforcement agencies...but you're right.

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
Oct 31, 2010 3:03 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Bill Gale is not ill or sick...even if he is...he needs to return our money...

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rlogan
US
Nov 03, 2010 4:30 pm EDT

If we all chip in 20.00 or so, we could probably hire a competent hit man-I'm just saying...

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CostaRicaLawyer
CR
Dec 26, 2010 2:54 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello
My name is Lic Giovanna Barrantes. I´m a Lic Attorney in San Jose Costa Rica with Barrantes & Associates. I have been contacted by a few people that have bought land through Paragon Properties.
I will be more than glad to review your case. Please contact my office anytime.
Best Wishes
Lic Giovanna Barrantes
Barrantes & Associates
Office [protected]
Direct [protected]
Edificio Casa Canada Paseo Colon Subway
Anexo Uno 100 metros sur/50 metros oeste
Skype CostaRicaLaw1
http://www.lawyerofcostarica.com
http://www.twitter.com/lawyerofcr

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CostaRicaLawyer
CR
Dec 27, 2010 7:07 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello
My name is Lic Giovanna Barrantes. I'm a Lic Attorney with Barrantes & Associates in San Jose Costa Rica.
We are a full service Costa Rica Law Firm since 1999.
I have been contacted by a few people that have purchased property through Paragon Properties.
I will be more than glad to look at anyone's case to see if there is a legal solution here in Costa Rica.
Best Wishes
Lic Giovanna Barrantes
Barrantes & Associates
Office [protected]
Direct [protected]
Edificio Casa Canada Paseo Colon Subway
Anexo Uno 100 metros sur/50 metros oeste
Skype CostaRicaLaw1
http://www.lawyerofcostarica.com
http://www.twitter.com/lawyerofcr

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scammedandannoyed
St. Louis, US
Dec 30, 2010 6:41 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I also lost money ($40, 900) on a lot at Ocean Palms South that I put money on in August of 2007. Surprisingly, I just spoke with David Valentine, and he said he has not worked for Bill Gale since March or April since he has not been paid over $100K in salary. I am waiting to hear back from the Sarelson attorney too, but agree with a previous comment about investigating fair fees with attorneys. Please contact ksmith811@yahoo.com if anyone comes up with an option that is good for all of us who want justice and our money back.

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letsdoit
US
Jan 08, 2011 8:51 am EST

Bill Gale's personal cell phone number is [protected] he listens to all voicemail and reads all texts but may or may nor respond. Feel free to call him anytime

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letsdoit
US
Jan 08, 2011 9:11 am EST

He can be reached on facebook under the name Billy Gale. He is a "friend" of Jill Gale-Singer (his daughter) on her facebook profile. His wife also is on facebook under Judith Shapiro. This is another place to contact him. More contact information is to come...

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letsdoit
US
Jan 08, 2011 9:23 am EST

Oh ya forgot to mention that Charles Neustein, Bill Gale/Paragon's representative is a long time personal friend of Bill Gale's and they continue to be friends to this day despite the statements that Charles's office no longer does business with him. Being long time and continued friends to this day...well, one only has to put two and two together to see that a lot of planning had gone into this whole "business scheme."

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letsdoit
US
Jan 08, 2011 9:28 am EST

Therefore, Charles Neustein and Jeffrey Tew (of Tew Cardenas Law Firm) who also legally represents Paragon can be seen as lawyers who may not have the most ethical practices.

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letsdoit
US
Jan 13, 2011 2:53 am EST

Contact information for Bill Gale (William Alan Gale) Billy Gale is cell phone [protected]. He still uses this cell phone number and you can hear his voice as plain as day. He listens to all messages you leave and reads all text messages sent to this phone. He may or may not respond to you if you call but he has said to feel free to call and text anytime. PLease blow up his phone.
His part time residence where he and his wife live in North Miami Beach is 1921 Ne 205th St., Miami FL [protected]. Feel free to contact him there. The house is registered in his wife's name. His wife's name is Judith or Judi Shapiro. You can also contact him on Facebook under the name of Billy Gale. If you have trouble finding him like this, then you can find him as a "friend" of his wife Judi or Judith Shapiro. They are both friends with their daughter, Jill (K) Gale-Singer, and their son Joel (C) Gale. Please feel free to contact him through these channels. Barry Shapiro is Judi or Judith's son as well. Use all of these channels to get through to him. His lawyer he uses in Florida (besides the questionable ethics lawyer Charles Neustein) is Jeffrey Tew of Tew-Cardenas Law Firm. He also has very questionable ethics. You may or may not be able to reach Bill Gale at his daughter Jill's old or current address of 1825 Ne 197th Ter, Miami FL [protected].
His wife Judi likes to frequent the Boutique called "Jessie Boutique." the address for this Boutique is 20533 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180. You may be able to reach Bill Gale there possibly. any chance of personally reaching him increases your likelihood of trying to get your money back. Anywhere his wife is, Bill likely is. She also likes to frequent the other businesses, "On My Own Boutique", and "Lynn Goldsmith Photography", "One Day's Wages", and "Miami Cordage/Florida Wire & Rigging Works."
Please feel free to contact these businesses and tell them how you feel about their business establishment having clients such as these.
The Gales are also friends with the actor Peter Weller and in December of 2009 went all together on a lavish European Vaction to England and France and had the pictures of them all together posted on Facebook..this during a time when he supposedly had "no money." Please feel free, if so desired, to contact any of the agencies that utilize Peter Weller, such as "The History Channel" and inform them about the friendship that their paid actor has with a person such as Bill Gale, and tell them how you feel about that!
Paragon Properties has this year moved some of their land lots to another company called "Paradise International" and are/have tried the same thing that they were doing with Paragon. Look it up and spread the word to not trust this company.
finally, I ask that everyone chip in and help to warn people to not get involved with Bill Gale and/or his businesses by warning their associates/friends on social profiles...people need to be warned because you dont know who they will try to get to do business with them and get money taken from them with nothing to show in return. You never know who they will be legit with and who they wont be, and people in association with them should be warned so as they will not fall victim to the same as all of you!

Nativa Resort
Nativa Resort
CR
Feb 07, 2011 7:30 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Nativa Resort & the “Gates of Hell”
A Costa Rican Development
located in the Central Pacific Near Jaco

Be careful when investing at the Nativa Resort near Jaco. When you enter the front gate you are literally entering into the “gates of hell” when it comes to what is known as the Horizontal Homeowners Association, which is controlled mostly by the developer because his company’s many unsold lots give him a decisive voting advantage over others at a general assembly of owners. Individual Condominium owners do not have the right to vote at a Horizontal General Assembly, yet they are required to pay their monthly HOA condominium fees for the Horizontal in addition to their HOA fees for their own condominium association. Example: 36 units (owners) worth perhaps 14 million dollars count as 1 vote (the same as one lot owned by the developer worth perhaps less than a hundred thousand dollars) because the buildings where the units are located count as 1 lot equals to 1 vote, an unfair treatment that has gone on for years.

Owners were promised a clubhouse at the time of purchase. Turns out the clubhouse was built on developer's private land. All Nativa owners are now being forced to maintain it, even if it’s not registered as a common area, and if you don’t pay your “voluntary” fees, get ready to face liens against your property. At one point, condominium owners were not allowed to participate in a General Assembly, they literally had to push and shove past the “security person” (a former Board President who has supported the developer in the past) in charge. Eventually they were “allowed” in but were forced to “sit in the back” and remain silence during the assembly. Last time I checked this was a thing of the past and a very sad era in American history.

Since 2006 to 2009 the developer has taken matters into his own hands and at one point even terminated a general assembly elected administrator and assigned his company as acting administrator, how, because he can and the law apparently protects this act. Thousands of dollars from HOA fees were received and spent and unanswered questions remain as to how the money was spent. During this time the developer has not shown proof that he has paid for all his HOA fees and special assessments, yet he uses his votes to out power owners who have paid and want this issue raised at a general assembly. Documented reports and photos show that in addition to paying for common areas, which is legal, Nativa owners have also been maintaining part of the developer's private property on and off for years.

At one point I became the minority member of the Board (Secretary) and was manipulated to force all owners to pay for the developer's private clubhouse, which till this day it does not belong to all Nativa Resort owners. Vital information concerning the clubhouse was withheld before the Board voted. Misleading information regarding Los Suenos Resort and their clubhouse was provided to all Board members to gain votes in favor of maintaining private property. For months owner's HOA fees were secretly used to pay for employees to take care of his private clubhouse, prior to that you had to pay a membership to gain access. Once the developer realized that not enough owners supported this business venture, the Board was manipulated to sign a lease agreement and not reveal to the owners what was about to be signed by the Board President. Sure enough, the contract was signed and now all owners must maintain what was initially denied to them unless they paid a membership. Some Nativa owners want nothing to do with the developer’s clubhouse and refuse to pay to maintain it unless it is deeded over to the owners.

American investors should take precaution when investing in Costa Rica and specially when entering the “Gates of Hell” at Nativa Resort. Don't get fooled by the grand entrance and pretty landscape, the chances of you paying an exaggerated monthly fee doesn't necessarily mean you have a vote for the over all resort. In simple terms, several Nativa owners have become victims of fraud at the hands of a foreign developer doing business in Costa Rica. There appears to be little control by the government to monitor how the Bylaws can protect Americans and investors from around the world. And if you decide to file a civil suit, hold your horses, the police have had problems serving legal documents at Nativa. Lawsuits take an eternity and before you know it, you are exhausted and can’t wait to get out and swim/walk back home.

In one particular case an owner bought two residential lots, utilities were never delivered to the adjacent lot. Today this family is facing liens against their property because they refuse to pay for a lot that has no water or electricity… Do you blame them? I don’t. To add insult to injury the developer’s work force at one point even took soil from their property to use it for his other projects without their authorization which caused a landslide at a later time. It has become a complete abuse of owner’s rights and the Costa Rican Government should take action against developers of this kind to protect other "good developer" and us to continue the progress once made by the Costa Rican Government, so American investors and tourist can feel safe when visiting Costa Rica.

Recently, the Las Vistas residents within Nativa Resort have been forced to deal with sewer fumes and non working emergency intercom system for months. During one incident a visitor cut himself by accident. When he tried to reach someone for help, he had to call a family member in another part of the country to alert a neighbor nearby. After being unconscious for some time, he was able to walk to another building, where the neighbor drove him to a walk-in clinic for medical assistance. Kids and adults have also become nauseated because of the sewer fumes. The developer once abandon “his” clubhouse, left the pool empty and created a farm for mosquitoes that can lead to death to humans by contact. More than Six months ago a special emergency assessment was passed by the Las Vistas Board of Directors to all Las Vistas owners in the thousands of dollars. When several owners asked “may we see the contract of what we are paying for”, the Board simply denied a copy of the contract unless they pay the entire amount “first” or face a lien against their property. It was later claimed and made part of the record that the expense report was uploaded to the website and only owners who had paid had access to this information - according to the Las Vistas Board President. The acting General Manager feels that because it’s Costa Rica they can get away with it by withholding the contract unless owners pay. However, their headquarters are located in Orlando, Florida; we bet a 100 to 1 that withholding information from owners on American soil will potentially put them out of business within weeks and the Better Business Bureau will drop them in the blink of an eye when the cases are exposed and proven in a court of law.

As a real estate Broker my views of Central America were once of a beautiful place to retire, enjoy and help their economy by creating jobs. For many years I have taken several investors to Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica. Today I’m ashamed to put the innocent in harms way, especially in Costa Rica as more cases of fraud are reaching the State of Florida via newspapers. Several of us believe that Costa Rica has become a vulnerable field for real estate fraud by foreign developers and government intervention is an emergency that should not be over looked for another hour.

Americans visiting Costa Rica fall in love with nature but when it comes to protecting your investments, you are better off in the US or make sure you hire a team of attorneys to shield and protect your family and investments abroad.

Five years later, only 3 houses have been built in Nativa Resort and out of all the condominium owners I believe only less than 5 percent lives at the resort full time. This tells you that unless you live at the resort you will never know how your HOA fees are being managed or if it’s being used to maintain private property.

More cases are surfacing the airwaves about investing in Costa Rica. CNN and MSNBC named it the one of the best places to invest during the bubble. They sure are missing the second part of the story. I believe it’s a beautiful country and the people are by far the greatest I have ever met, a very kind and loving culture. As investors/Americans we must work together with the Costa Rica and United States government to help implement, a team of federal officials to overlook the cases that have fallen through the cracks. Strict rules and heavy penalties for these type of real estate fraudulent acts are necessary to protect the Bylaws of every community. It has become a vulnerable country in the eyes of many and some are abusing this great land of beauty created by the LORD ABOVE.

THE BEAUTY OF NATIVA RESORT: The surrounding areas (Carara National Park ) are breathtaking and many of us would agree. It is a heaven for wild life and families to enjoy. You have a choice of residential lots, condominiums and townhouses to choose from but that’s where it ends. Your legal rights as a potential buyer/owner were left at the front gate the moment you arrived and now you have entered a system that is unregulated led by nondisclosure. New owners are unaware of the five year history and full disclosure is made before them by other owners that have bought and fought these issues at the resort since 2005. Owners are made ridicule, ignored and abused. As a lot owner I have the right to vote at a general assembly, my fees are close to 50% less than what condominium owners pay, in fact, they pay twice as much and can not vote at a general assembly. To see my fellow neighbors treated unfair and discriminated against, allows me to believe that prisoner inside the Lurigancho Prison in Peru have more rights than Nativa owners which are highly educated and good members of our society.

On behalf of others I ask the Costa Rican Government to investigate and intervene the conditions inside the Nativa Resort and help us gain control of our community and protect Americans, Costa Ricans and potential buyers from around the globe wishing to call Costa Rica their second home.

Sincerely,
Nativa Resort owner - A victim of fraud

Nativa Resort
Nativa Resort
CR
Feb 07, 2011 7:31 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Nativa Resort & the “Gates of Hell”
A Costa Rican Development
located in the Central Pacific near Jaco Beach

Be careful when investing at the Nativa Resort near Jaco. When you enter the front gate you are literally entering into the “gates of hell” when it comes to what is known as the Horizontal Homeowners Association, which is controlled mostly by the developer because his company’s many unsold lots give him a decisive voting advantage over others at a general assembly of owners. Individual Condominium owners do not have the right to vote at a Horizontal General Assembly, yet they are required to pay their monthly HOA condominium fees for the Horizontal in addition to their HOA fees for their own condominium association. Example: 36 units (owners) worth perhaps 14 million dollars count as 1 vote (the same as one lot owned by the developer worth perhaps less than a hundred thousand dollars) because the buildings where the units are located count as 1 lot equals to 1 vote, an unfair treatment that has gone on for years.

Owners were promised a clubhouse at the time of purchase. Turns out the clubhouse was built on developer's private land. All Nativa owners are now being forced to maintain it, even if it’s not registered as a common area, and if you don’t pay your “voluntary” fees, get ready to face liens against your property. At one point, condominium owners were not allowed to participate in a General Assembly, they literally had to push and shove past the “security person” (a former Board President who has supported the developer in the past) in charge. Eventually they were “allowed” in but were forced to “sit in the back” and remain silence during the assembly. Last time I checked this was a thing of the past and a very sad era in American history.

Since 2006 to 2009 the developer has taken matters into his own hands and at one point even terminated a general assembly elected administrator and assigned his company as acting administrator, how, because he can and the law apparently protects this act. Thousands of dollars from HOA fees were received and spent and unanswered questions remain as to how the money was spent. During this time the developer has not shown proof that he has paid for all his HOA fees and special assessments, yet he uses his votes to out power owners who have paid and want this issue raised at a general assembly. Documented reports and photos show that in addition to paying for common areas, which is legal, Nativa owners have also been maintaining part of the developer's private property on and off for years.

At one point I became the minority member of the Board (Secretary) and was manipulated to force all owners to pay for the developer's private clubhouse, which till this day it does not belong to all Nativa Resort owners. Vital information concerning the clubhouse was withheld before the Board voted. Misleading information regarding Los Suenos Resort and their clubhouse was provided to all Board members to gain votes in favor of maintaining private property. For months owner's HOA fees were secretly used to pay for employees to take care of his private clubhouse, prior to that you had to pay a membership to gain access. Once the developer realized that not enough owners supported this business venture, the Board was manipulated to sign a lease agreement and not reveal to the owners what was about to be signed by the Board President. Sure enough, the contract was signed and now all owners must maintain what was initially denied to them unless they paid a membership. Some Nativa owners want nothing to do with the developer’s clubhouse and refuse to pay to maintain it unless it is deeded over to the owners.

American investors should take precaution when investing in Costa Rica and specially when entering the “Gates of Hell” at Nativa Resort. Don't get fooled by the grand entrance and pretty landscape, the chances of you paying an exaggerated monthly fee doesn't necessarily mean you have a vote for the over all resort. In simple terms, several Nativa owners have become victims of fraud at the hands of a foreign developer doing business in Costa Rica. There appears to be little control by the government to monitor how the Bylaws can protect Americans and investors from around the world. And if you decide to file a civil suit, hold your horses, the police have had problems serving legal documents at Nativa. Lawsuits take an eternity and before you know it, you are exhausted and can’t wait to get out and swim/walk back home.

In one particular case an owner bought two residential lots, utilities were never delivered to the adjacent lot. Today this family is facing liens against their property because they refuse to pay for a lot that has no water or electricity… Do you blame them? I don’t. To add insult to injury the developer’s work force at one point even took soil from their property to use it for his other projects without their authorization which caused a landslide at a later time. It has become a complete abuse of owner’s rights and the Costa Rican Government should take action against developers of this kind to protect other "good developer" and us to continue the progress once made by the Costa Rican Government, so American investors and tourist can feel safe when visiting Costa Rica.

Recently, the Las Vistas residents within Nativa Resort have been forced to deal with sewer fumes and non working emergency intercom system for months. During one incident a visitor cut himself by accident. When he tried to reach someone for help, he had to call a family member in another part of the country to alert a neighbor nearby. After being unconscious for some time, he was able to walk to another building, where the neighbor drove him to a walk-in clinic for medical assistance. Kids and adults have also become nauseated because of the sewer fumes. The developer once abandon “his” clubhouse, left the pool empty and created a farm for mosquitoes that can lead to death to humans by contact. More than Six months ago a special emergency assessment was passed by the Las Vistas Board of Directors to all Las Vistas owners in the thousands of dollars. When several owners asked “may we see the contract of what we are paying for”, the Board simply denied a copy of the contract unless they pay the entire amount “first” or face a lien against their property. It was later claimed and made part of the record that the expense report was uploaded to the website and only owners who had paid had access to this information - according to the Las Vistas Board President. The acting General Manager feels that because it’s Costa Rica they can get away with it by withholding the contract unless owners pay. However, their headquarters are located in Orlando, Florida; we bet a 100 to 1 that withholding information from owners on American soil will potentially put them out of business within weeks and the Better Business Bureau will drop them in the blink of an eye when the cases are exposed and proven in a court of law.

As a real estate Broker my views of Central America were once of a beautiful place to retire, enjoy and help their economy by creating jobs. For many years I have taken several investors to Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica. Today I’m ashamed to put the innocent in harms way, especially in Costa Rica as more cases of fraud are reaching the State of Florida via newspapers. Several of us believe that Costa Rica has become a vulnerable field for real estate fraud by foreign developers and government intervention is an emergency that should not be over looked for another hour.

Americans visiting Costa Rica fall in love with nature but when it comes to protecting your investments, you are better off in the US or make sure you hire a team of attorneys to shield and protect your family and investments abroad.

Five years later, only 3 houses have been built in Nativa Resort and out of all the condominium owners I believe only less than 5 percent lives at the resort full time. This tells you that unless you live at the resort you will never know how your HOA fees are being managed or if it’s being used to maintain private property.

More cases are surfacing the airwaves about investing in Costa Rica. CNN and MSNBC named it the one of the best places to invest during the bubble. They sure are missing the second part of the story. I believe it’s a beautiful country and the people are by far the greatest I have ever met, a very kind and loving culture. As investors/Americans we must work together with the Costa Rica and United States government to help implement, a team of federal officials to overlook the cases that have fallen through the cracks. Strict rules and heavy penalties for these type of real estate fraudulent acts are necessary to protect the Bylaws of every community. It has become a vulnerable country in the eyes of many and some are abusing this great land of beauty created by the LORD ABOVE.

THE BEAUTY OF NATIVA RESORT: The surrounding areas (Carara National Park ) are breathtaking and many of us would agree. It is a heaven for wild life and families to enjoy. You have a choice of residential lots, condominiums and townhouses to choose from but that’s where it ends. Your legal rights as a potential buyer/owner were left at the front gate the moment you arrived and now you have entered a system that is unregulated led by nondisclosure. New owners are unaware of the five year history and full disclosure is made before them by other owners that have bought and fought these issues at the resort since 2005. Owners are made ridicule, ignored and abused. As a lot owner I have the right to vote at a general assembly, my fees are close to 50% less than what condominium owners pay, in fact, they pay twice as much and can not vote at a general assembly. To see my fellow neighbors treated unfair and discriminated against, allows me to believe that prisoner inside the Lurigancho Prison in Peru have more rights than Nativa owners which are highly educated and good members of our society.

On behalf of others I ask the Costa Rican Government to investigate and intervene the conditions inside the Nativa Resort and help us gain control of our community and protect Americans, Costa Ricans and potential buyers from around the globe wishing to call Costa Rica their second home.

Sincerely,
Nativa Resort owner - A victim of fraud

Nativa Resort
Nativa Resort
CR
Feb 13, 2011 3:59 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Elkin from Nativa Resort near Jaco Beach:
Can anyone give me information on the federal agents handling this case. Nativa owners are experiencing a similar type of scam involving HOA. Several owners would like to join Paragon victims in a plea for government intervention with foreign developer in Costa Rica. We posted our story under on this site under Nativa Resort ant the Gates of Hell. If anyone has information please contact me at [protected] or at nativaresort@hotmail.com. We wish everyone involved good luck and let the law come down heavy on these criminals.

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Tx vic
Plantersville, US
Apr 03, 2011 6:29 am EDT

These guys should be locked away for ever. My Dad lost 40k to Bill Gale and his possie of conmen. 40 k to us feels like 40 million so this one has left a mark. I love the fact that paragon has shifted to a new company and is trying to bring life back into this scam, who the hell do these guys think they are? I hope they all burn in hell.

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DISCUSTED WITH PARADIMGA
King city, US
Apr 24, 2011 1:59 am EDT

My husband and I were scammed for $20, 000PER LOT with Paradigma. Were told we would get $60, 000 per lot back in under 2 yrs. Then it jumped to $70, 000. It has been 5 years now. We are now told the original contract is up and the president has washed his hands and have appointed H.O.A's to lay blame on. He now says the H.O.A.'s re greedy and the permits are in and we could be done. This was on his latest blog at http://www.paradigmadevelopers.com/ We have contacted an attorney and their doesn't seem to be much that we can do. OUR scam artis's name is ERIC NEUVERT! He whines continually on his blogs of how this type of thing is slander and a lie but I want to help anyone out there that I can if you read this. STAY AWAY! We had family that talked us into buying into this con! AND this "so called family member" is the President of the HOA of our development.
swaney99@rocketmail.com

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 25, 2011 9:42 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

REPORT NOW
Any one who lost money to Paragon Properties must now report to the US DEA in Costa Rica or in the US. Paragon Properties had stole our investment money for drug deal MONEY laundering.
Unless we all report to the US Drug enforcement Agency...We will never see a single dime back from PP.

It does not matter how many lawyers we hire...we will never success, only the DEA can get our money back.

REPORT TO THE US DEA NOW.

Report this guy in the photo below.

View 0 more photos
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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 25, 2011 9:46 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The only reason this guy stole our money is for drug deal in Costa Rica an Florida, if not where is our money ?
REPORT NOW
Any one who lost money to Paragon Properties must now report to the US DEA in Costa Rica or in the US. Paragon Properties had stole our investment money for drug deal MONEY laundering.
Unless we all report to the US Drug enforcement Agency...We will never see a single dime back from PP.

It does not matter how many lawyers we hire...we will never success, only the DEA can get our money back.

REPORT TO THE US DEA NOW.

Report this guy in the photo below.

View 0 more photos
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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 25, 2011 9:49 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Please contact me by email : tvlam59@gmail.com...We will all pursuit this crook Bill Gale and Company to get our money back.

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Lam Tran
Peoria, US
May 25, 2011 11:38 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Unless the US DEA gets involved...we will never see a dime back...It doesn't matter how many lawyers we hire.
The fact is this company Paragon Properties had used our investment money for drug money laundering deals in Costa Rica and in Florida, if not? Where is our money?
Report this guy in the photo below to the US DEA in Costa Rica and in the US now.

View 0 more photos
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gbgrady
Valley City, US
Aug 15, 2011 3:35 am EDT

We have had money invested with Paragon since 2003! They have moved our lot many times, claiming that we are getting an "upgrade" to better property because we had been such long time investors. We have been waiting for the infrastructure work to be completed so have not really been paying attention to what's been happening. I can't tell you how shocked we are at all this info now. We want to be a part in bringing this guy down. What can be or is being done right now? What can we do to help?

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Alex Monroe
CR
Oct 17, 2011 11:57 pm EDT

There is a diferent way to solve this problem, it is important to find out if you guys have title of your property under your name or a S.A., if you do there is a solution, you will have to keep your property in Costa Rica but at least with water, roads and electricity, to build, there is other projects that hat the same situation and the ownes take control, spend a litle more but finally finish the project.