Easton Consulting Group

[KarenH]

I recived a urgent gram in the mail about Government grants. This is what it said...............
It's Offical!

You have been identified as a possible recipient of a government grant of at least $5,000.00. Unlike a loan, a grant is money the recipient never has to pay back.

There are grants that provide for many different needs. Here are just a few that you may be interested in applying fo

Education
Job Training
Housing
Health
Business
Disaster Relief

One of our grant advisors is standing by to help with your FREE application. You may be eligible to recive at least $5,000.00 in financial assistance!! 30 minute program approval!! Don't delay; take advantage of money that is rightfully your!

Monday-Friday 9:00AM until 10:00PM(EST)
Saturday 10:00AM until 6:00PM(EST)

Call toll free 1-800-935-4591

Well I did call and went through the whole thing and then we got to where they wanted my ss or drivers lic. and then he said well there is a one time fee of $350.00, but if you cant pay that right now you can set up for next week. I said o no I dont have the money, and what happen to the word free in the post card I got. He said well you dont pay we cant help you and then he was gone. Just wanted to see if anyone else got something like this??

The name on the card:

Easton Consulting Group
1320 State Route 9
Champlain, NY 12919

When is the scaming every going to stop I am really getting mad this is like the 20th so called company has tryed to scam me.

I recieved and applied. I have been on line before on goverment sites. and they ask for the same info. They claim that the fee is for their lawyers. I believe it is for them. Other companys offer the same service for a fee and they will apply for you once you provide them the proper info. They also said that they would refund the $350 if they could not provide the grant or we were not approved. the account I gave them has just enough to cover the cost and no more. lets see what happens.

Likewise, we were contacted, and their offer sounds great. If anyone has been successful in their effgorts through this company, please let me know, as I have several days to make up my mind. Did anyone ever get anything in writing from them besides the card? It sure would be nice to find out they are serious.

I just applied too because I need the money for college. Have any of you gotten any money from them yet? My parents are very suspicious of it all and now I'm going to check with the financial aid department of my school to see if this company is valid or not. I hope so. Christina

I recieved one of these post cards in the mail and
went on line to check it out. I was trying to help my son
with his loans for school, I learned that when they say you get a
full ride that isnt what they mean, so we have had to get money for him to go to school, ANYWAY THIS SO CALLED COMPANY I FOUND ON THE BBB OF NEW YORK , I LEARNED FROM EXPERIANCE TO CHECK EVERYTHING THROUGH THEM BEFORE YOU DO IT HERE IS WHAT THERE FILE SAID: cHECK IT OUT FOR YOUR SELF I HAD TO LOOK UNDER NATIONAL NAMES TO FIND THEM I HOPE I HAVE HELPED SOMEONE OUT

BBB Definition:
Report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB membership information, and Bureau complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.


Better Business Bureau, Inc.
741 Delaware Avenue
Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 881-5222

EASTON CONSULTING GROUP
1320 State Route 9
Champlain, NY 12919
View Location Map



Local Phone Number: (800) 935-4591
Membership Status: This company is not a member.
TOB Classification: Government Grant Services


The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.

Customer Experience

Easton Consulting has an unsatisfactory report with the Bureau because the file contains a pattern of complaints and the company has not responded to the complaints.

Consumers report that they received a postcard from Easton Consulting advising them that they are eligible for free government grants. Consumers who have called the company report that they are required to give personal information such as their social security and driver's license number as well as their bank account number. They are then charged $349.97. Consumers who requested a refund have been unable to receive their money back. Consumers also report that they were treated rudely by employees.

The Bureau has requested background information from the company that includes substantiation that any consumers have actually received a grant as a result of their service. No response has been received to date.

When evaluating complaint information, please consider the company's size and volume of business. The number of complaints filed against the company may not be as important as the type of complaints and how the company handled them.

Closed Complaints
Number of complaints processed by the BBB since the firm's BBB file was opened in August of 2006: 36
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in last 12 months: 36

Complaints Concerned
Sales Issues: 34
Outcome of all complaints -
Company did not respond: 34

Refund or Exchange Issues: 2
Outcome of all complaints -
Company did not respond: 2



Educational/General Comments

The following is general information and not intended as a report on any specific company:

You've probably seen the ads:

Free Money! Never Repay Cash Grants for Personal Needs, Medical Bills, Education, Business, Debt Consolidation and more. These ads claim that anyone can get an interest free cash grant.

Often consumers are required to pay application fees with the promise that their financial needs and requirements will be matched with the most suitable private foundations or government programs. Or, they may promise to provide a list of available grants.

Generally, obtaining a grant is a complicated process, requiring documentation and research.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice:

* Watch out for phrases like free grant money. Grants do not have to be repaid; thus there is no need to use the word free.

* Organizations do not usually give out grants for personal debt consolidation, or to pay for other personal needs. Grants are usually given only to serve a social good, such as bringing jobs to an area, training under-employed youth, preserving a bit of history, etc.

* Always remember to check out any company you plan to do business with by contacting the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Also check with a regional or state economic development office to see if they know of grant programs for which you might qualify.

* Visit your public library. Ask a librarian to help you
find reference books describing foundations and the criteria they use in awarding grants.

* Be wary if you are asked to provide money up-front to an unknown company before the company will provide the services promised.

* If you are having financial problems, there are local
non-profit credit counseling services who may be able to assist you with your problem at no charge.

The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.



Report as of: 11/29/2006

Copyright: 2006 Better Business Bureau, Inc.

As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB reports may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.

You can help support the BBB with a tax deductible donation. For more information, please click here.
Helping Consumers and Business to Maintain an Ethical Marketplace

Just 3 hours ago, at 4:45pm, I revised the same phone call from 1800-935-4591 as well. And went threw the process and gave I them my information. I went threw with everything and the man gave me his name (Frank Conners) and his extension (133). They spoke about the $349.97 fee for the so called grant and told me that it had to be paid for by, December 12, 2006. Then he told me that if the fee was not paid by that date the will be a cancellation fee of $19 and some change. Once everything was confirmed and I hung up the phone, I felt Concerned that the grant was not true. Then I called my parents and spoke to them about the situation and they didn't believe it at all. They told me they will figure things out; I gave them the phone number so they could call to see for them selves. They called me back and told me that they gave fake information and were approved for the grant. That's when I accessed Google to put in the number and it led me here. Now I'm sitting here thinking the guy's name is Frank Conners.... AKA "PRANK CONNERS"... I can't believe this happened. I don't understand why they would go after a college student and try to take money when there is nothing to take when all my money is already in college, it's stupid but then again i feel for it. Fortunately I hardly have any money in the account. I am also going to remove the money from the account.
- I need Advise on what I should do. Is there anything else I can do?

[KarenH]

ok guys I got some information. I talked to the goverment as well as the attorney general and they told me that this so called company is fake and that the goverment would never every send something like a post card like that. I was mailed all these forms I need to fill out and take care of so they can do something about it. If anyone has any ? I have all the information that you would need. IF YOU HAVE GAVE THEM ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, YOU NEED TO REPORT IT>>>>>>>

[Frazzle]

Well done to KarenH and the rest of you guys for figuring out this scam!

I've done a bit of research into the address:
If you look at "1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919" with Google Earth, it looks like a farm, way out in the countryside. I was dubious, to say the least!

A reverse lookup on the address at Infobel gave me this:

Can Us Courier
1320 State Route 9
Champlain, NY 12919-5007
(518) 298-2712

Their website is at http://www.liaisoncanus.com/canus/index.asp
DNS lookup says

Record expires on 15-Apr-2010
Record created on 15-Apr-1999

THIS LOOKS TO ME LIKE A LEGITIMATE COMPANY.

I also did a Google for "1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919" and found 657 hits...

Here's a sample, from the first page of Google results:
* Freeport Forwarding Inc (ph 518-298-8582)
* Magna Plan Corp (church supplies ph 518-298-8404)
* MacRAE's Blue Book (business directory ph 518-298-8404)
* Toys on Fire Returns Department (maybe Can US collects returns and ships them to Canada? -- no US phone number)
* Maris Freighter and Specialty Cruises (no US local phone number)
* TOURMONDE (tour operators -- ph 518-298-3352)
* Dynamic Mixers USA (kitchen equipment -- no US local phone number)
* Trans-Pro Logistic (mobile homes -- no US local phone number)

The phone numbers that are there all look legit to me... they're in the right area code, and the ones I checked are landlines. These all look legit to me. Who knows about the ones without local US phone numbers?

So there are several legit companies being run from 1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919. And I guess that the "Easton Consulting Group" scammers have arbitrarily chosen this address as their fake address.

I'll leave it to someone else to contact Can US Couriers and the rest to let them know that their address is being abused.

Hi all....i really would like to thank you for all the help you guys have done...i went thru this grant stuff....and i decided to research this so called company, and found out all this stuff.....so yesterday, i went and canceled my account, and reopened another one, so they couldnt take out that 349.97, they will probably call today lol, if they do, ill just say to them, you guys are fake, unless you can prove me otherwise. But once again thank you for all the help.

I received the same postcard back in the summer and fell for it. It is now december and I have yet to hear from anyone or receive any money. This place is definitely a scam and I did pay them the $350.00 in hopes of getting more money (never again). I contacted the BBB and they said the compay had not responded so I could hire a lawyer or go to small claims court. I am considering small claims court. This is not right or ethical - they should not be able to do this and apparently no one is doing anything about it. I will fight this to the end and do whatever I need to do to get my money back.

Originally Posted by KarenH

I recived a urgent gram in the mail about Government grants. This is what it said...............
It's Offical!

You have been identified as a possible recipient of a government grant of at least $5,000.00. Unlike a loan, a grant is money the recipient never has to pay back.

There are grants that provide for many different needs. Here are just a few that you may be interested in applying fo

Education
Job Training
Housing
Health
Business
Disaster Relief

One of our grant advisors is standing by to help with your FREE application. You may be eligible to recive at least $5,000.00 in financial assistance!! 30 minute program approval!! Don't delay; take advantage of money that is rightfully your!

Monday-Friday 9:00AM until 10:00PM(EST)
Saturday 10:00AM until 6:00PM(EST)

Call toll free 1-800-935-4591

Well I did call and went through the whole thing and then we got to where they wanted my ss or drivers lic. and then he said well there is a one time fee of $350.00, but if you cant pay that right now you can set up for next week. I said o no I dont have the money, and what happen to the word free in the post card I got. He said well you dont pay we cant help you and then he was gone. Just wanted to see if anyone else got something like this??

The name on the card:

Easton Consulting Group
1320 State Route 9
Champlain, NY 12919

When is the scaming every going to stop I am really getting mad this is like the 20th so called company has tryed to scam me.

[Frazzle]

Originally Posted by Teresa

I received the same postcard back in the summer and fell for it. It is now december and I have yet to hear from anyone or receive any money. This place is definitely a scam and I did pay them the $350.00 in hopes of getting more money (never again). I contacted the BBB and they said the compay had not responded so I could hire a lawyer or go to small claims court. I am considering small claims court. This is not right or ethical - they should not be able to do this and apparently no one is doing anything about it. I will fight this to the end and do whatever I need to do to get my money back.

Teresa,
Before you can go to small claims court, you need to identify who the crook is... "Easton Consulting Group" is a sham, and the address they gave was false. I see only 2 ways to do that: the phone number, and your payment.

How did you pay the $350, and where to?

The 1-800 phone line must go to a phone somewhere, and maybe you could ID someone that way, but I'd guess probably not. You could perhaps send information about the scam to their phone company and get the line disconnected.

If it was me, I'd get all my friends to call the 1-800 line, thus burning up all the money they've scammed.

I also recieved the postcard and paid for it. Went thru the whole process. And now it is December 8th and they told me I was going to recieve it between the 5th and 12th. Its now the 8th and I'm **** out of luck. **** out of money. And **** on again. Someone please reply on how I can possibly get this money back or something worse. Thank you.

[Nyla]

If you paid the money by Western Union, it's gone. It's the equivalent of mailing cash. However, you should still report the fraud to Western Union. When they receive reports on fraud, they can and do intervene when a clear pattern of fraud emerges with a particular receiver name and address.

If you paid by some other method, there is perhaps a chance of recovery.

I also emailed this response and removed your address from your post.

Originally Posted by Chris

Likewise, we were contacted, and their offer sounds great. If anyone has been successful in their effgorts through this company, please let me know, as I have several days to make up my mind. Did anyone ever get anything in writing from them besides the card? It sure would be nice to find out they are serious.

I recieved a book, sent it back, Iwas jacked up from 5 thou to 10 thou, have to wait another 15-20 days (month) on another package to sign, then (?)???

Originally Posted by KarenH

ok guys I got some information. I talked to the goverment as well as the attorney general and they told me that this so called company is fake and that the goverment would never every send something like a post card like that. I was mailed all these forms I need to fill out and take care of so they can do something about it. If anyone has any ? I have all the information that you would need. IF YOU HAVE GAVE THEM ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, YOU NEED TO REPORT IT>>>>>>>

I gave them information on me and they took 349.97 out of my bank account.

[Nyla]

Shemika, you need to report this to your bank, first. Then it would probably be best to file a police report if you can. If there is further action that can be taken, the police and the bank would be first in line to assist you.

I too have recieved an un solited post card offering to get me money for whatever,,ETC.

I also received a post card containing the very same information comfirmed in several of the messages I read. At first, I started to contact Easton Consulting Group about the $5,000.00 government grant, but my surspicion led me to do some research on the internet to see if it was worth making the call. I am glad I stumbled on this website while doing my doing my research. After reading all the replies, I am convince making the call to Easton Consulting Group would have been a big mistake.

Thanks for your replies!

Originally Posted by Frazzle

Well done to KarenH and the rest of you guys for figuring out this scam!

I've done a bit of research into the address:
If you look at "1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919" with Google Earth, it looks like a farm, way out in the countryside. I was dubious, to say the least!

A reverse lookup on the address at Infobel gave me this:


Their website is at http://www.liaisoncanus.com/canus/index.asp
DNS lookup says


THIS LOOKS TO ME LIKE A LEGITIMATE COMPANY.

I also did a Google for "1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919" and found 657 hits...

Here's a sample, from the first page of Google results:
* Freeport Forwarding Inc (ph 518-298-8582)
* Magna Plan Corp (church supplies ph 518-298-8404)
* MacRAE's Blue Book (business directory ph 518-298-8404)
* Toys on Fire Returns Department (maybe Can US collects returns and ships them to Canada? -- no US phone number)
* Maris Freighter and Specialty Cruises (no US local phone number)
* TOURMONDE (tour operators -- ph 518-298-3352)
* Dynamic Mixers USA (kitchen equipment -- no US local phone number)
* Trans-Pro Logistic (mobile homes -- no US local phone number)

The phone numbers that are there all look legit to me... they're in the right area code, and the ones I checked are landlines. These all look legit to me. Who knows about the ones without local US phone numbers?

So there are several legit companies being run from 1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919. And I guess that the "Easton Consulting Group" scammers have arbitrarily chosen this address as their fake address.

I'll leave it to someone else to contact Can US Couriers and the rest to let them know that their address is being abused.

I'd bet not one of those are legit companies. The Blue Book is the one they've been trying to scam us with. They send a cd-rom with a bill for about $500. A couple months later they'll call to let you know the account is past due. Basically they're fishing for someone to pay up. Use your imagination as to what kind of scams they could be running with each company.

I fell for this scam and would like to know if anyone was able to get their money back? If so how did you get your money if you used a credit card?