Ryk Oliver Corporation Robert Van Eyk Promised to raise startup funds. Took the "retainer fee" and disappeared. Rochester, New York

I am an entrepreneur and owner of the start-up company LEDMore Farms. Like many people with limited investment capital, I took to the internet looking for grants.

I applied to a few grants, one of which asked if they could forward my business plan and grant application to an associate. After giving my consent, I received a call a few days later from this associate, Robert Van Eyk of the Ryk Oliver Corporation. 

After numerous, readily answered phone calls and emails over a few weeks, beginning in October of 2011 AND checking out his credentials, we agreed to enter into a contract with the Ryk Oliver Corporation with the goal of raising a minimum of $200,000 in start-up funds, through grants and potential private investors. I paid the upfront retainer fee of $5,000 plus $650 in taxes. 

Since the payment was submitted, Robert Van Eyk has become increasingly evasive. He does not return phone calls. He does not return emails. When, by chance, I do manage to get him to answer his phone, it's always the same old story. "They're working diligently to complete my applications and they take time."

Well sir, how much time does it take? And if you really were working on them, couldn't you produce something for the customer? A simple draft? Even an excerpt? 

I have the materials to back up everything I stated here. I have been fooled by Mr. Robert Van Eyk and his apparent scam. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. RUN!!!