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Review 7/12/2008
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I met Thomas Pike initially in May of 2006. He had been posting real estate investment ads on Craigslist and I submitted my information through his website. At that time, he propositioned me with an 18% return investment. However, I didn't move forward on it. I contacted him again in May of 2007 and he offered me an accelerated rate of return, as I explained to him that I wouldn't be able to part with the money for a full year.
I invested with him on 3 separate occasions. The first was on 6/28/07 in the amount of $5,000 by cashier's check scheduled for a 10% return in 12 days. The second investment was done by personal check on 6/30/07 in the amount of $4,500 and it was scheduled for an 18% return in 4 months. Thomas then “rolled” both investments into one note that stipulated an 18% return on $10,000 in 4 months; it was dated 7/10/07.
Finally, on 10/29/07, he requested that I send funds in the amount of $1,700 by Western Union to “close sale of a property,” and he stated that I would be returned $2,400 in 20 days. I performed the transfer as requested and was assured of my return.
To this day, I have not received a single dollar of the promised $11,800 (due 11/10/07) or the $2,400 (due 11/17/07). I have been repeatedly placated by Mr. Pike and given empty promises about future payments. Upon further investigation, I have been hard pressed to find indication of any real estate investing being done by Mr. Pike (which is the stated purpose on the promissory notes).
Further, he told me in November of 2007 that the property in relation to the $1,700 payment had “closed on our end,” but that he couldn't pay me just yet. I found out through research that the property had not changed hands at all, but still belonged to the original owner. I have also uncovered a substantial body of information regarding his business dealings, the vast majority of which point to very unscrupulous activities.
I sent Mr. Pike a letter requesting a return of principal and interest on 11/10/07 and he stated via a phone conversation that he received the letter on 12/1/07; his main business address is a PO Box and he is having his mail forwarded. We also spoke at length by phone on 12/7/07 and he stated that he would most likely be able to pay me before the end of the year (2007).
I have sent him a number of e-mails in regards to the funds, but have yet to get an exact date on which I can expect payment. I last spoke to Thomas in January of this year. His business numbers have subsequently been disconnected. He has been sued numerous times for failing to perform on contracts and has been ordered to cease and desist his practices by more than one governmental agency. Remember the adage, if it sounds too good to be true, it is...
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