Consumer Retrieval Services – Scam or Savior?

June 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Investigations 

I have a new friend Jim. Jim was taken by an internet scam from a company called New Age Marketing. I am still unclear on which website is/was responsible – but I need to say up front that there are many listings for New Age Marketing – so this may not be one you do business with. I am also unclear if that company is still running at this point.

Anyway, I had just heard about Jim’s 10g story where he was given an internet business and promised some return, only to not see a single penny profit from his investment. No more than a couple days later (today) Jim got a call from a company called Consumer Retrieval Services – and lucky for him I was in the room to hear the call. CRS seemed to be privy to some information, and knew that Jim had been taken by this company New Age Marketing – which was an event that happened well over a year ago. I am still unclear on how they got his name or information and knew that he had been taken, but they knew about it and they had his phone number.

Consumer Retrieval Services at the time of this writing is about 9 weeks old. In a simple google search to find out if the company has any publicity I came across some free press releases, as well as an early warning on the rip off report that was not a testimony or direct complaint, but merely someone else who had been approached by the company. CRS offered to assist this lady in retrieving her money back from a different scam – for a fee of $485.00. My friend Jim’s offer was for a packet to assist him in getting his money back for only $149.00.

Now you can imagine, if someone said give me $150 and I will get you back your 10g how this might be exciting – especially if you had kissed the money goodbye. I cautioned Jim from ripping out his credit card – even though it was only $150 bucks.  I began to ask some questions to the representative on the phone. There was no guarantee Jim would get his refund.

I decided to do a little whois search on the domain http://consumerretrievalservices.com. Here’s a picture of what I found – which I’m including as you never know when a company may decide to change their information to private:

picture-6

I was a bit relieved to see a 5 year registration as a longer registration does give me hope that the business intends to be around for a while.

I called back the company and confirmed that Frankie was indeed the owner of the company. I talked to a gentleman (not Frankie) on the second call who claimed to have 19 years of online marketing experience. Why someone with that much experience would think a web presence would hurt his company or was unnecessary is way beyond me. He tried to tell me how easy it is to fake things online – even testimonials, etc. LOL, like he had to tell me about it.

Anyway, I asked if I could get the package for free, and if we got my friends money back that we would pay for the package and give him a great testimonial. You know – something to really help him out. He told me he already had stacks of testimonials and they would be added to the website.

I asked him how many clients per day the company was taking on and I was told between 25-35. Hmm. 25 * 150 = 3,750. Not bad for a day of calling up scammed folks, offering some relief, and mailing out a packet over night – which the cost for that is well under $10 I’m sure. So, lets deduct that – Still pulling in roughly $3,500 on a bad day. Not bad for a few people in an office making calls and mailing out some packet.

I do realize there is some work involved in getting their packet together – none the less it is work done once that can be sold over and over again. Once they find a way to one company, it is only a matter of finding the list of customers that company had.

I desperately wondered what the success rate was for this company in helping consumers get their money back, but was given no definitive answer, while I could have sworn Jane (the lady I initially talked to) quoted something over 90 percent. Her manager was hesitant to release any of that information.

So here I sit wondering if this $150 is worth my friend Jim’s time, or just a way for someone else to get something more from him.

Here’s some other stuff I checked out. That email address above goes to a site – http://aristocratsllc.com/ which appears to promote – guess what – Internet marketing. Backlinks from that site stem from a blog that looks like it was built on the same template – http://web30technology.com. That has some wordpress blogging and internet marketing/seo stuff as well.

I’m on the fence, intrigued, and skeptical at the same time.

I like to see companies that offer a money back guarantee. At least in the beginning while they build a reputation. Or an even better thought would be for this company to offer only taking a commission off those cases where they are really able to get the money back for the person.

If they have even a 75 percent or better in getting funds back, they will do well.  Unfortunately, it will take some time for this company to build a reputation and they will need to prove themselves.

If you have been approached by this company and have taken them up on their services, I would love to hear from you. Results will be greatly appreciated.


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21 Comments on Consumer Retrieval Services – Scam or Savior?

  1. j. portier on Mon, 8th Jun 2009 2:00 am

    2. i was called by this company this past week…they knew me, and the company i was involved with…they offered the 150$ kit or to do it themselves for 20% of money retreived…this sounded good until they wanted 1000$ up front…i told them i wound pass this by some others involved with the same co. and also a bit unhappy…they are to call me back some time next week…i am, as you can see, trying to check out this company as i am tired of spending money and getting very little in return…if they are legit, i would love to have them take a shot at the 15G i tossed on the table with little promiced results thus far… jportier222@yahoo.com

  2. avenuegirl on Mon, 8th Jun 2009 11:21 am

    3. J. Portier,
    Thank you for stopping by! Wow! A grand up front and 20 percent? That is crazy. At the same time, I understand completely. In your case you'd be getting back over 10g if they could produce. There is no reason in my opinion for you to have to shell out a grand to get there! This could be factored into the end result – IE 1,000 service charges after they get your money back for you and 20 percent bonus. I think everyone would be much more willing to take them up on the deal if that were the case.

    I know in this time of economic strain it would be nice to jump in and retrieve funds asap, but personally I have advised my friend to hold off for now. I'd really like to see a company or name report on them that I recognize.

    I am curious to find out what exactly is in the DIY kit. If it is things like filing a complaint with the FTC I have a video on how to file a complaint with the FTC right here – LOL —> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ_qkpZFK8s Just whiz by the drama and sarcasm in the front (my own entertainment for others on another case) and you can follow along as I file their online form.

    The company which scammed Jim was in AZ – is this where the company that scammed you is? Perhaps we can contact someone in AZ to find out the process of getting some money back.

  3. S. Ed on Tue, 16th Jun 2009 7:32 pm

    4. I also had a call recently from the same company and I just wanted to find out whether they are legit. I haven't invested any money yet, but I need someone to give a good testimony about them before I go ahead. I have already spent 6k with a company and haven't had any return yet.

    Reply

  4. J. L. M. on Tue, 16th Jun 2009 9:05 pm

    5. 2:00 pm 6/16/09
    Just got the same phone call. I cannot find a listing on the BBB for them on a quick search. This site has been a good find. I would love to get my 10g back, but likewise, I cannot see coughing up…$975, plus they will send me a check for the "overnite" UPS shipping of a Cashier's Check made out to "National Retrevial Services LLC" the name as the Senor Retrevial Officer that would contact me was Paul Rosenberg.
    Thanks for the heads up. I am going to do more research on this retrieval group before I "Overnite" them any money. I did ask for the contact, Trisha, to email me some info before I proceeded. NOT YET.

  5. Peter Hone on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:39 pm

    6. I just got off of the phone with CRS. They contacted me. My losses with New Age Marketing, Pheonix, AZ started in Sept. 2007. They got me to the tune of $4300.00! After 1 year of going round with them, with $00.00 return, I got in touch with my C/C company and disputed the expenditure. After 4 months they called me and said I was being refunded $3000.00 and they sent me a check… 5 months later they, my C/C company, hit me with a bill for that same $3000.00 with little explaination. I called them to no avail! Now CRS is all of a sudden calling me, from Phoenix!!! They want $150.00 for a do it yourself kit or, $500.00 to do it for me…no promises or anything! Sting me once???

  6. Pamela T on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:42 pm

    7. I was approached a few days ago by a person from Consumer Retrieval Services about my purchase of website software. I still wasn't making money on the website and I was out $3,000 initially and about $40 for hosting this useless website. They said they could probably get my money back for $495 but I was very familiar with the court services in Canada and I said I could do it myself. They said the kit was $149.00. I gave them my credit card number (foolish) and they said they were going to get it verified and call me back with a confirmation. I didn't hear from them that night and I called back. The person at CRS said their computer was down and they would call me back soon. Still no reply. I got wondering whether this was a scam and was worried about giving my credit card information in the hopes of retrieving thousands of lost dollars. They still haven't put the charge through for the kit but I am worried about the information they have. Any suggestions on protecting myself? Also, how do you process a chargeback on an American company when you live in Canada?

  7. avenuegirl on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:22 am

    8. Hi Pamela,

    I have to begin by letting you know I am not a lawyer or certified financial advisor, etc. I know from having a business that things can get a bit kooky and phones go down with computers at times and can back up the whole process. Just yesterday I went to place an order online with a company in CA and their phone system seemed to be down. Luckily I could order online with them and let a rep know there were issues.

    Anyway, here are your options. If a charge has not been made, they could be have just been having issues. I don't know. I say this because I legally can not say anything damaging about the company at this time, I can only present my personal findings if you know what I mean. Only the truth. :) But if you are thinking of changing your mind at this point here is what I would do. They have not charged you correct? I would call my credit card company or bank if it is a debt card and let them know you think your card number has been compromised. They will stop payments on anything getting charged to that account. You may need to call any other companies you have outstanding charges with and explain your situation as well – depending on how your card is connected with other things. You may have to update accounts once a new number has been sent to you.

    I find your being in Canada really interesting in this mix. My question is – did CRS realize you were in another country? They must have. So they are basically saying their kit is beneficial even when dealing with international laws? That is something to look into all in itself.

    Please do keep me updated! I would love to hear if they get back from you – and should you decide to follow through I'd love to hear if/when you get the kit and your personal assessment of the kit.

  8. avenuegirl on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:00 am

    9. Oh Peter, I am so sorry to hear this. As an online marketer I know there are ways to make money, and companies like this just really can make every online opportunity look like a complete scam. I have been there – so I know how you must be feeling right about now.

    I'm guessing you had some kind of subscription in place in order for your credit card to bill you again? From the looking around I have done I am not able to see where New Age Marketing is at this point.

    As for CRS, I am unable to verify where they are getting their call list from and that is extremely concerning. This is information that (I think) should be provided to the public. Meaning – they should explain how they came across your information.

  9. Brian on Tue, 23rd Jun 2009 9:29 pm

    10. I have found a company that has been able to successfully recover money for people who have started a variety of ill-fated home-based businesses. The company's name is Business Recovery Services, and their telephone number is (480) 649-4251. There are no guarantees that clients will recover their money, and there are no refunds for the kits. However, I was able to confirm that Business Recovery Services has been able to recover over $250,000 to date for clients who have started many different home-based businesses, even home-based businesses that are no longer in business.

  10. Unknown on Fri, 26th Jun 2009 6:25 pm

    11. Hello I am keeping my name anonymous for safety reasons. From everything I have read on here most of you would be very interested to hear what I have to say. (the truth) I have answers to all of your questions I know the whole scoop. Consumer Retrieval Services, LLC was started up by 2 very smart women with the idea to truly help out the consumer for a nominal fee up front. Our knowledge is very valueable and we realized this would be a great business to help the economy by reaching out to consumers and informing them of their rights. However you have greedy people in the world that take ideas and completely ram them into the ground. I want to apologize for the people dealing with Consumer Retrieval services. The 2 women branched off and started a truthful and honest company that does work.

  11. Unknown on Fri, 26th Jun 2009 6:26 pm

    12. Now I read above about National Retrieval Services, LLC with a "Paul Rosenberg" this is not his name FYI. He was one of the top sales reps at Consumer Retrieval Services as well. Consumer Retrieval Services, LLC failed as a company and my guess is they are trying again at the expense of the gullible consumers out there looking to finally catch a break. They truly don't know what it takes to help you get your money back. Unfortunately the documents used with Consumer Retrieval Services, LLC and my guess also with National Retrieval Services, LLC are the original documents created by those 2 intelligent women. To be honest they don't have the knowledge to truly help you get your funds back! (this is the truth).

  12. Unknown on Fri, 26th Jun 2009 6:26 pm

    13. It truly upsets me that people out there are so oriented around the next $ they could care less who it hurts in the end. I really feel like it is my social responsibility to inform and educate every one of you and possibly help as many people I come across as I can. This is not a sales pitch what so ever, however if you are truly looking for the right people to help you get your money back please go to the website capitalretrieval.com… Please be aware most of the information and or prices might seem a bit familiar, it is required to have a call to action and those 2 women are the brains behind all of this!
    Also mentioned above is Business Recovery Services. Business Recovery Services with my experience does not have the best reputation. Brian Hessler is the CEO of this company and I've heard many complaints from consumers directly.
    I truly hope this has maybe helped a few of you and hope to hear some of your stories soon! I will be checking back on this blog periodically.
    Thank you all for your time!

  13. Terri Sproats on Thu, 2nd Jul 2009 8:23 pm

    14. I am helping a friend who was contacted by CRS. My friend had me review her credit card statements to find her expenditures. I found some from New Age and some that looked like new age (nwkag.com). She also has another from NORTHAM that I am wondering about. My friend states she did 2 separate transactions from 2 companies regarding making money on the internet. Can anyone tell me if this NORTHAM is another one? As I write I am expectiong a return call from Trishia at CRS. I thought I would surf to see if this was legit. So foar CRS still looks questionable, am I right? My friend is retired and poor. I would like any advice you can give me to help.

    Thank You from the Palm Springs area in California.

  14. summer on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 5:22 pm

    15. Yes, they contacted me a few weeks ago, but we did not get into payment details, I told them I would have to call them back. But now that I read this, there is no way I am calling them ack. I had no odea I would be charged up front. Who do they think we are? We already got scammed once. SHAME ON THEM for trying to do it to us again. They should definitely only take a commision of what they win back for you. It's obviously a sign they most likely won't get your money back. HORRIBLE.

  15. summer on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 5:27 pm

    16. DAmn it BRIAN QUIT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS THAT does the same scammy thing!

  16. Unknown on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 9:13 pm

    17. Well taking payment up front isn't HORRIBLE as you might say. You have to understand that there is a business to still be ran. However they should be running an ethical business not another scam. Lawyers are basically doing the same thing. They take a look at your case, review it, give you his/her opinion and offer his help for a cost. But can not guarantee whether or not you will win. But he has the expert opinion so you trust that. Same concept!

  17. Unknown on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 9:15 pm

    18. I would really like to speak with you please email me at capitalretrieval@gmail.com about your friends options. (free consultation)

  18. bart on Mon, 13th Jul 2009 6:24 pm

    19. Terri Sproats i am waiting on a call back from trishia From CRS there number is 866-454-5114 is that the same number they called you from. There trying to send me a packet for $199 dollars to get my money back. has anyone had any luck with them. have you noticed the trend that all the scam companies are in AZ

  19. bart on Mon, 13th Jul 2009 6:32 pm

    20. These people are good they have a lot of information about what happened to me. its got to be a scam. if someone has had contact with them email me at bblack316@gmail.com

  20. Ashley on Mon, 13th Jul 2009 6:50 pm

    21. These are the same people from Consumer Retrieval Services. If you do your research you will notice their website looks extremely familiar to http://www.capitalretrieval.com. Made from the same company web.com and so on. Their packages are almost completely the same. Just be careful. Capital Retrieval, LLC is original and really do work. It worries me because i did work with CRS and all the people following. Find out why Consumer Retrieval Services is no longer in business and why they had to transition their name. Is this to start over? Why should they need to start over? Are they really in it for the consumer? Are they still helping those that paid CRS? Or are they leaving them in the dark like many failed business opportunity companies do?

    These are all very important questions. And the more information posted the better for future possible buyers.

    Hope this helps! Good luck!

  21. Peter on Sat, 5th Sep 2009 3:49 pm

    22. The Red Alert Light flashed in my head right away when this company called me and my caller ID said Phoenix AZ. The guy told me he was aware of my complaints about New Age Marketing Solutions that he somehow got a hold of my phone number. After I explained how much I've been scammed, he offered the package that will include forms I can send to the IRS, BBB, Arizona Attorney General, Credit Card Company, FBI, etc. It would cost about $150. I had already contacted most of the above already and could be done freely online. I actually agreed to pay it over the phone, but when I got switched to another person, they said they could not do it with my credit card, but requested my checking account number. I said I had to contact my bank first and get back to them.

    They are from the same outfit as New Age Marketing Solutions and is used the same database to try scamming people for more money.

    What gets me the most is that the Credit Card Companies are doing nothing about these people. If they are caught, I would not only like to see all their assets removed to pay back all the people they scammed. I would like to see them thrown into prison. The level of scam they had done will result in several life terms.

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