Desert Management Group Wealth Power Systems - Mark Thorn Stole $18,000! Real Estate investment, equity building scam. Says no money out of pocket, but wants money up front. St. George, Utah

Brenda J, an alleged employee of Desert Management Group, has rebutted most of Monte's report and updates. I responded above with additional information regarding my case with Desert Management Group. I also added "Consumer Comments" to the other two reports as well. Subsequently, Brenda J chose to rebut my comments in the report submitted by "G" from Hawaii. I've responded there, and am adding the same information here, so that readers will be able to get a true picture of the kind of information "manipulation" this company is engaged in!

Isnt it intriguing, that Brenda J chooses to rebut my Consumer Comment, within just four (4) days after it was posted, but never even attempts to address Gs original complaint, posted on November 16, 2009? The nine (9) complaints with the Better Business Bureau, were never responded to at all, so I guess we should all be pleased that any response from Desert Management Group is a sign of something. At least that someone is still working there, since Erik is gone, and now Cameron is leaving, the phones are no longer operable, and one of two web sites have been expunged. Its also intriguing, that the speed of Brenda Js rebuttal exceeds the speed of responses to all of the complaints by others, including me, about the fact that Desert Managements communication with its clients, is and continues to be at the very root of everyones complaints. Is this the only way that investor-clients can communicate with Desert Management Group? I guess we have Brenda J to thank for any response at all, even if it is false, misleading, misguided and blatantly manipulated and misrepresented!

So, Brenda J, what about Gs $18,000.00? Is this just another complainer, like Monte McConnaughy and his $18,000.00? What about Wilhelmina, from Custer, Washington and her $15,000.00 and shmyers21 and their $15,000.00? Were already over $80,000.00, when you add in my $15,000.00! How about Roy Ong in British Columbia, and his $17,000.00 reported to the Utah FBI, along with Monte and my complaints? The list is growing rapidly, and the dollars just in these complaints totals $98,000.00, not including the debt servicing costs (interest on our credit cards)!

And perhaps, Brenda J, you can address the fact that Mark and his wife have been the target of several lawsuits for fraud in the recent past, including a conviction for failing to deliver an automobile title upon the sale of the vehicle, and the fact that he, along with Big Bear Holdings, are co-defendants in a Federal Suit for Securities Fraud with total dollars of $343,500.00! When I read that complaint document, it is even more intriguing, since the modus operandi is nearly identical to all of our complaints must act immediately, inflated appraisals, failure to communicate in a timely manner, and failure to deliver.

You are correct, Brenda J, regarding me accepting the April 20, 2009 purchase agreement, but then you selectively present a completely false representation of all of the facts.

All of us entered into these contractual agreements with Desert Management, with the verbal and written understanding, that we would be building and/or improving our equity position and thus improving our net worth. Our initial investment was defined by Mark Thorn, as a down payment on the first of numerous properties that would be presented within the first 90 days, and then learn to leverage our holdings, to acquire more properties. Once we had attained $50,000.00 in profit, we would then pay a $15.000.00 fee to Desert Management.

Paragraph four (4) of the User Agreement, specifically states, We guarantee that within 90 days of your loan qualification Desert Management Group will provide you with a real estate investment opportunity. If after 90 days Desert Management Group is not able to provide you with an investment opportunity, upon your request, Desert Management Group will issue a full refund. Remember this provision, as well refer back to it again, later.

As stated in the addendum to our agreements, As per your conversation with Mark Thorn, Desert Management Group, LLC is prepared to make all mortgage payments on real estate acquired through/with Desert Management Group. This includes the entire mortgage payment or any negative cash flow as well as any HOA or community fees. This agreement will be in effect until Desert Management Group deems it necessary and completes the sale of the property or properties. Once a successful transaction has taken place and you have realized profits in excess of $50,000.00, [investor/client] agree to pay Desert Management Group, LLC a fee of $15,000.00 for services rendered.

This document goes on to state, If Desert Management Group is not able to place [investor/client] into investment property (s) that increase your NET worth, Desert Management Group will refund the initial $15,000.00 investment.

In September 2007, our Limited Liability Company was formally established in Illinois. The Desert Management Group web sites, one of which mysteriously disappeared after receipt of my October 3, 2009 letter of demand for a full refund, asserted that Desert Management Group was established in 1999, yet official records indicate that the corporate name, Desert Management Group Real Estate, LLC was reserved in the State of Nevada, on December 4, 2007 at 4:00:57 PM, and the Articles of Organization for Desert Management Group Real Estate, LLC, were finally filed with the State of Nevada, on March 14, 2008 at 8:00:00 AM. This means, that although Desert Management Group may have been loosely organized in 1999, it was not an official business entity until March 14, 2008, some six (6) months after our entity was established and formally recognized. Further, the initial cover letter we received, claims Desert Management Group has over 50 years of real estate investing experience, which would be difficult for Mark to claim personally, unless he began investing at age 2, and most of the employees weve dealt with are in their 20s and 30s. Therefore, this claim is questionable at best.

Now for the un-kept promises in the main agreement with Desert Management Group: all of the online claims made by Desert Management Group on its two web sites (one of which has now disappeared strangely), contended that New members to Desert Management Group should have 3-5 properties completed within the first 12 months. Our established members will complete 7-15 properties within a 12 month period, consistently. It hasnt happened yet not even the first property!!! How patient must we be?

It took Desert Management Group from April 12, 2008 until August 13, 2008, and three attempts, just to get the User Agreement correct. Thats right 121 days, and were guaranteed a property within the first 90 days, during which time, we were to be working and training with Mark Thorn and other staff and professionals, wherein WE were required, under the terms of the agreement, to work on assignments given to us, get paperwork, contracts, etc. done in a timely manner, but I guess this timeliness only held true for us. WE were to show up for appointments with Mark or other professionals. This would be a little difficult, since Mark was in Utah, we are in Illinois, and no appointments or training sessions were ever scheduled, even by phone or internet. WE were to complete all assignments as outlined (?) to get our entities established. Since we were already a formal LLC before Desert Management, we fail to understand what other entities needed to be established, since we never received any outlines, or other instructions, which we and our attorneys could have handled expeditiously.

Now lets look at the presented properties. On Friday, November 14, 2008, at 5:06 PM (Illinois Time), some seven (7) months 210 days into our Platinum Membership, we received a standard Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC), setting the sellers Time of Acceptance as 5:00 PM Mountain Time (Utah) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008. No other documents were included (e.g. MLS listing, property description, dimensions, photos, appraisals, comparables, etc.) NOTHING! We were expected to sign this contract for $142,000.00, without knowing anything about the property except the address, at Desert Dusk, and the name of the seller Big Bear Holdings, which we now find out that Mark Thorn is/was a principal in this entity. If you read the federal legal complaint where Mark and Big Bear Holdings (remember them?) are co-defendants to Securities Fraud, youll see that the modus operandi are generally the same act now or the deal goes away! Since we had nothing to go by, we didnt even know if the price was inflated! We took a chance, and signed the contract, and sent it back by fax, on Monday, November 17, 2008. On Tuesday, November 25, 2008, a week later, we received an email, indicating that Big Bear Holdings (youve got to read the federal complaint to understand their inflated appraisals), had countered the offer at a significantly higher amount. It was suggested, in this electronic communication, that we be moved to a Florida property with information forthcoming. We never heard another word about this Florida property.

On Thursday, December 18, 2008, we were presented with a package of information on a Las Vegas property, the Meridian, about a block off the strip. We knew this area well, and had actually seen the complex, and had a great deal of information about the property. We signed and returned the final and corrected REPC on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at a price of $152,000.00. The same evening, we found a listing for an exactly identical unit, in the same complex, for $89,000.00, more than $60,000.00 below the price we were going to pay. We made a phone call to Desert Management the next day about the extreme price difference, and this was the last we ever heard about that property.

Alright Brenda J, now its your turn.  On Friday, April 17, 2009, now over one (1) year, 365 days since my Credit Card charge of $15,000.00, 12 months of Debt Service costs, and still no property to show for it (remember the 90 day clause in the User Agreement?), we finally received a package, including the REPC, regarding a property in Detroit. The package included pictures, descriptions, and a certified appraisal. Since we were already looking at some other properties on the fringe areas of metro-Detroit, that we could purchase for $30,000.00, and rent immediately, as is, for $600.00 monthly, I was concerned about the $69,000.00 purchase price for an inner-city property.  As had been Desert Managements performance record to date, the REPC had clerical errors, as usual. The corrected REPC, once received, was signed and returned on Monday, April 20, 2009, and we sat and waited, again.

On July 14, 2009, almost 90 days later, after being repeatedly assured that we qualified and were approved for financing, we received a denial from Flagstar Bank, indicating We Do Not Grant Credit To Any Applicant On The Terms And Conditions You Have Requested. From my understanding, what this means, is that they dont grant Fannie Mae, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage loans for investment or rental properties. We knew that, and Desert Management should have known it as well. We are actively investing elsewhere, and through other sources, without Desert Management, and were making money. On July 31, 2009, we received a mortgage note for $48,300.00, showing Desert Management Group as the lender, a 7% interest rate, when the going rates were at or below 5%, and the deal breaker was (Article 6 - Occupancy), wherein, we were required to occupy, establish, and use the Property as Borrowers principal residence within 60 days after execution of this Security Instrument and shall continue to occupy the Property as Borrowers principal residence for at least one year after the date of occupancy. Although an occupancy exception was possible, such was required in writing from the lender (Desert Management Group). Immediately upon receipt of this document, we began attempting to obtain such an exception in writing, and to communicate directly with Mark with additional questions and concerns. Attempts were made by phone and electronic mail on July 30, August 6, August 7, August 13, August 14, August 18, and August 24, 2009. On September 3, Mark finally made contact, but not directly with me. He was rude and insulting, challenging even our attorneys. He indicated he wanted to talk directly to me, and would call at 6:00 PM CDST, on Friday, September 4, 2009. To date, he has not made this call, and now, given his current circumstances and condition, he may never make this call.

On October 3, 2009, after a full month of waiting, and since no part of our agreement had been accomplished on Desert Managements part, I demanded, in writing, the Guaranteed refund of my $15,000.00 initial investment.

You are correct Brenda J, the deal was to obtain investment properties. I dont consider a provision requiring me to reside in the property for one year, an investment. I already own my own residence, and Im not about to relocate to Detroit, when I work in Illinois.

Now lets just see! Brenda J contends that all contractual obligations were met by Desert Management Group, and I decided to change my mind, my initial investment of $15,000.00 was a FEE, my life has changed and I dont like the way things are going in my neck of the woods.

Perhaps Brenda J needs to go back and read the file again, along with the emails, the phone logs, the dates of the financial updates with Heather and the User Agreement as many times as it takes to sink in. Perhaps a remedial reading course might be helpful.

Remember, If after 90 days Desert Management Group is not able to provide you with an investment opportunity, upon your request, Desert Management Group will issue a full refund.

It took four (4) months 121 days just to get the User Agreement correct, seven (7) months 210 days for the paper work for the first property (Desert Dusk), received on November 14, 2008, signed and returned on November 17, 2008 3 days withdrawn by Desert Management Group on November 25, 2008 Florida property never submitted to us eight (8) months 240 days for the paper work for the second property (Meridian), received on December 18, 2008, signed and returned after corrections on December 28, 2008 10 days never culminated by Desert Management Group twelve (12) months 365 days for the paperwork for the third property (Detroit), received on April 17, 2009, signed and returned on April 20, 2009 3 days Flagstar mortgage denial received on July 14, 2009 fifteen (15) months 455 days Desert Management Mortgage note received July 31, 2009 fifteen and  one half (15 ) months 470 days. I dont consider that following through on every part of the agreement, and  I dont know of anyone else who would, unless theyre living in a turnip patch! To any sensible person,  that kind of extensive time, to meet the contractual obligations, is a dismal failure by Desert Management Group, if not an outright fraud. On July 30, 2009, I asked specifically for only three things a phone call directly from Mark, which I had to continually request seven (7) more times over the next month, the appropriate Occupancy Exception documentation, and an explanation of an interest rate that was at least 2% above the current  rate at that time. It took a month to get the call from Mark even though it was later than the prescribed time, and Im still waiting for the call-back and one-on-one conversation demanded by Mark, as well as the Occupancy Exception, and the interest rate explanation. Had Mark and Desert Management met its contractual obligations, and in a timely manner, these postings would not be necessary. Since I didnt change my mind, my life hasnt changed, except for the failure of Desert Management Groups to meet its contractual obligations, I am quite pleased with the way things are going in my neck of the woods, and all of the above clearly demonstrates that it was, without question, the failure of Desert Management Group, YES, I do demand my guaranteed refund, and until I receive it, I do consider it a swindle, since Im the one who has met EVERY provision of the agreement, in a timely manner, not Desert Management Group, as you have tried to misrepresent.

Now lets deal with the FEE. Since the fee was only due and payable, for services rendered, if and when we realized profits in excess of $50,000.00. Even with the $20,700.00 equity position on the Detroit property, if culminated, that equity/profit still falls $29,300.00 short of the contractual obligation, and is thus not due or payable as a FEE. I followed the agreement to the letter, and Desert Management Group has taken over 1 years to meet the obligation it had in the first 90 days, even if the Detroit property deal is ever culminated. I made my formal written request/demand for a full refund on October 3, 2009, have received no communication or refund from Desert Management Group or communication from Mark Thorn, nor the Occupancy Exception, since that time. Ive had no indication that these funds will ever be returned, and YES, Brenda J, I consider that a fraud and swindle.

Now that weve dealt with MY complaints, perhaps you should focus your efforts on responding to G and Wilhelmina, and Roy Ong, and shmyers21, and all of the rest of the victims of this scam and scam artist, because you certainly cant manipulate my facts, since Ive now shared them with everyone who reads these postings. Perhaps you could just pick up the phone and place a call to me, since we cant call you with your numbers changed or disconnected. You have my numbers in the file, and if you devoted as much time to providing the Occupancy Exception document I require, as you have manipulating the facts in all of the other complaints, postings and rebuttals, perhaps we could get the Detroit property resolved, but then well need to deal with the other $29,300.00 shortfall, before Desert Management Group is entitled to a FEE for services rendered.

Sue

Brenda J, an alleged employee of Desert Management Group, has rebutted most of Monte's report and updates. I responded above with additional information regarding my case with Desert Management Group. I also added "Consumer Comments" to the other two reports as well. Subsequently, Brenda J chose to rebut my comments in the report submitted by "G" from Hawaii. I've responded there, and am adding the same information here, so that readers will be able to get a true picture of the kind of information "manipulation" this company is engaged in!

Isnt it intriguing, that Brenda J chooses to rebut my Consumer Comment, within just four (4) days after it was posted, but never even attempts to address Gs original complaint, posted on November 16, 2009? The nine (9) complaints with the Better Business Bureau, were never responded to at all, so I guess we should all be pleased that any response from Desert Management Group is a sign of something. At least that someone is still working there, since Erik is gone, and now Cameron is leaving, the phones are no longer operable, and one of two web sites have been expunged. Its also intriguing, that the speed of Brenda Js rebuttal exceeds the speed of responses to all of the complaints by others, including me, about the fact that Desert Managements communication with its clients, is and continues to be at the very root of everyones complaints. Is this the only way that investor-clients can communicate with Desert Management Group? I guess we have Brenda J to thank for any response at all, even if it is false, misleading, misguided and blatantly manipulated and misrepresented!

So, Brenda J, what about Gs $18,000.00? Is this just another complainer, like Monte McConnaughy and his $18,000.00? What about Wilhelmina, from Custer, Washington and her $15,000.00 and shmyers21 and their $15,000.00? Were already over $80,000.00, when you add in my $15,000.00! How about Roy Ong in British Columbia, and his $17,000.00 reported to the Utah FBI, along with Monte and my complaints? The list is growing rapidly, and the dollars just in these complaints totals $98,000.00, not including the debt servicing costs (interest on our credit cards)!

And perhaps, Brenda J, you can address the fact that Mark and his wife have been the target of several lawsuits for fraud in the recent past, including a conviction for failing to deliver an automobile title upon the sale of the vehicle, and the fact that he, along with Big Bear Holdings, are co-defendants in a Federal Suit for Securities Fraud with total dollars of $343,500.00! When I read that complaint document, it is even more intriguing, since the modus operandi is nearly identical to all of our complaints must act immediately, inflated appraisals, failure to communicate in a timely manner, and failure to deliver.

You are correct, Brenda J, regarding me accepting the April 20, 2009 purchase agreement, but then you selectively present a completely false representation of all of the facts.

All of us entered into these contractual agreements with Desert Management, with the verbal and written understanding, that we would be building and/or improving our equity position and thus improving our net worth. Our initial investment was defined by Mark Thorn, as a down payment on the first of numerous properties that would be presented within the first 90 days, and then learn to leverage our holdings, to acquire more properties. Once we had attained $50,000.00 in profit, we would then pay a $15.000.00 fee to Desert Management.

Paragraph four (4) of the User Agreement, specifically states, We guarantee that within 90 days of your loan qualification Desert Management Group will provide you with a real estate investment opportunity. If after 90 days Desert Management Group is not able to provide you with an investment opportunity, upon your request, Desert Management Group will issue a full refund. Remember this provision, as well refer back to it again, later.

As stated in the addendum to our agreements, As per your conversation with Mark Thorn, Desert Management Group, LLC is prepared to make all mortgage payments on real estate acquired through/with Desert Management Group. This includes the entire mortgage payment or any negative cash flow as well as any HOA or community fees. This agreement will be in effect until Desert Management Group deems it necessary and completes the sale of the property or properties. Once a successful transaction has taken place and you have realized profits in excess of $50,000.00, [investor/client] agree to pay Desert Management Group, LLC a fee of $15,000.00 for services rendered.

This document goes on to state, If Desert Management Group is not able to place [investor/client] into investment property (s) that increase your NET worth, Desert Management Group will refund the initial $15,000.00 investment.

In September 2007, our Limited Liability Company was formally established in Illinois. The Desert Management Group web sites, one of which mysteriously disappeared after receipt of my October 3, 2009 letter of demand for a full refund, asserted that Desert Management Group was established in 1999, yet official records indicate that the corporate name, Desert Management Group Real Estate, LLC was reserved in the State of Nevada, on December 4, 2007 at 4:00:57 PM, and the Articles of Organization for Desert Management Group Real Estate, LLC, were finally filed with the State of Nevada, on March 14, 2008 at 8:00:00 AM. This means, that although Desert Management Group may have been loosely organized in 1999, it was not an official business entity until March 14, 2008, some six (6) months after our entity was established and formally recognized. Further, the initial cover letter we received, claims Desert Management Group has over 50 years of real estate investing experience, which would be difficult for Mark to claim personally, unless he began investing at age 2, and most of the employees weve dealt with are in their 20s and 30s. Therefore, this claim is questionable at best.

Now for the un-kept promises in the main agreement with Desert Management Group: all of the online claims made by Desert Management Group on its two web sites (one of which has now disappeared strangely), contended that New members to Desert Management Group should have 3-5 properties completed within the first 12 months. Our established members will complete 7-15 properties within a 12 month period, consistently. It hasnt happened yet not even the first property!!! How patient must we be?

It took Desert Management Group from April 12, 2008 until August 13, 2008, and three attempts, just to get the User Agreement correct. Thats right 121 days, and were guaranteed a property within the first 90 days, during which time, we were to be working and training with Mark Thorn and other staff and professionals, wherein WE were required, under the terms of the agreement, to work on assignments given to us, get paperwork, contracts, etc. done in a timely manner, but I guess this timeliness only held true for us. WE were to show up for appointments with Mark or other professionals. This would be a little difficult, since Mark was in Utah, we are in Illinois, and no appointments or training sessions were ever scheduled, even by phone or internet. WE were to complete all assignments as outlined (?) to get our entities established. Since we were already a formal LLC before Desert Management, we fail to understand what other entities needed to be established, since we never received any outlines, or other instructions, which we and our attorneys could have handled expeditiously.

Now lets look at the presented properties. On Friday, November 14, 2008, at 5:06 PM (Illinois Time), some seven (7) months 210 days into our Platinum Membership, we received a standard Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC), setting the sellers Time of Acceptance as 5:00 PM Mountain Time (Utah) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008. No other documents were included (e.g. MLS listing, property description, dimensions, photos, appraisals, comparables, etc.) NOTHING! We were expected to sign this contract for $142,000.00, without knowing anything about the property except the address, at Desert Dusk, and the name of the seller Big Bear Holdings, which we now find out that Mark Thorn is/was a principal in this entity. If you read the federal legal complaint where Mark and Big Bear Holdings (remember them?) are co-defendants to Securities Fraud, youll see that the modus operandi are generally the same act now or the deal goes away! Since we had nothing to go by, we didnt even know if the price was inflated! We took a chance, and signed the contract, and sent it back by fax, on Monday, November 17, 2008. On Tuesday, November 25, 2008, a week later, we received an email, indicating that Big Bear Holdings (youve got to read the federal complaint to understand their inflated appraisals), had countered the offer at a significantly higher amount. It was suggested, in this electronic communication, that we be moved to a Florida property with information forthcoming. We never heard another word about this Florida property.

On Thursday, December 18, 2008, we were presented with a package of information on a Las Vegas property, the Meridian, about a block off the strip. We knew this area well, and had actually seen the complex, and had a great deal of information about the property. We signed and returned the final and corrected REPC on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at a price of $152,000.00. The same evening, we found a listing for an exactly identical unit, in the same complex, for $89,000.00, more than $60,000.00 below the price we were going to pay. We made a phone call to Desert Management the next day about the extreme price difference, and this was the last we ever heard about that property.

Alright Brenda J, now its your turn.  On Friday, April 17, 2009, now over one (1) year, 365 days since my Credit Card charge of $15,000.00, 12 months of Debt Service costs, and still no property to show for it (remember the 90 day clause in the User Agreement?), we finally received a package, including the REPC, regarding a property in Detroit. The package included pictures, descriptions, and a certified appraisal. Since we were already looking at some other properties on the fringe areas of metro-Detroit, that we could purchase for $30,000.00, and rent immediately, as is, for $600.00 monthly, I was concerned about the $69,000.00 purchase price for an inner-city property.  As had been Desert Managements performance record to date, the REPC had clerical errors, as usual. The corrected REPC, once received, was signed and returned on Monday, April 20, 2009, and we sat and waited, again.

On July 14, 2009, almost 90 days later, after being repeatedly assured that we qualified and were approved for financing, we received a denial from Flagstar Bank, indicating We Do Not Grant Credit To Any Applicant On The Terms And Conditions You Have Requested. From my understanding, what this means, is that they dont grant Fannie Mae, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage loans for investment or rental properties. We knew that, and Desert Management should have known it as well. We are actively investing elsewhere, and through other sources, without Desert Management, and were making money. On July 31, 2009, we received a mortgage note for $48,300.00, showing Desert Management Group as the lender, a 7% interest rate, when the going rates were at or below 5%, and the deal breaker was (Article 6 - Occupancy), wherein, we were required to occupy, establish, and use the Property as Borrowers principal residence within 60 days after execution of this Security Instrument and shall continue to occupy the Property as Borrowers principal residence for at least one year after the date of occupancy. Although an occupancy exception was possible, such was required in writing from the lender (Desert Management Group). Immediately upon receipt of this document, we began attempting to obtain such an exception in writing, and to communicate directly with Mark with additional questions and concerns. Attempts were made by phone and electronic mail on July 30, August 6, August 7, August 13, August 14, August 18, and August 24, 2009. On September 3, Mark finally made contact, but not directly with me. He was rude and insulting, challenging even our attorneys. He indicated he wanted to talk directly to me, and would call at 6:00 PM CDST, on Friday, September 4, 2009. To date, he has not made this call, and now, given his current circumstances and condition, he may never make this call.

On October 3, 2009, after a full month of waiting, and since no part of our agreement had been accomplished on Desert Managements part, I demanded, in writing, the Guaranteed refund of my $15,000.00 initial investment.

You are correct Brenda J, the deal was to obtain investment properties. I dont consider a provision requiring me to reside in the property for one year, an investment. I already own my own residence, and Im not about to relocate to Detroit, when I work in Illinois.

Now lets just see! Brenda J contends that all contractual obligations were met by Desert Management Group, and I decided to change my mind, my initial investment of $15,000.00 was a FEE, my life has changed and I dont like the way things are going in my neck of the woods.

Perhaps Brenda J needs to go back and read the file again, along with the emails, the phone logs, the dates of the financial updates with Heather and the User Agreement as many times as it takes to sink in. Perhaps a remedial reading course might be helpful.

Remember, If after 90 days Desert Management Group is not able to provide you with an investment opportunity, upon your request, Desert Management Group will issue a full refund.

It took four (4) months 121 days just to get the User Agreement correct, seven (7) months 210 days for the paper work for the first property (Desert Dusk), received on November 14, 2008, signed and returned on November 17, 2008 3 days withdrawn by Desert Management Group on November 25, 2008 Florida property never submitted to us eight (8) months 240 days for the paper work for the second property (Meridian), received on December 18, 2008, signed and returned after corrections on December 28, 2008 10 days never culminated by Desert Management Group twelve (12) months 365 days for the paperwork for the third property (Detroit), received on April 17, 2009, signed and returned on April 20, 2009 3 days Flagstar mortgage denial received on July 14, 2009 fifteen (15) months 455 days Desert Management Mortgage note received July 31, 2009 fifteen and  one half (15 ) months 470 days. I dont consider that following through on every part of the agreement, and  I dont know of anyone else who would, unless theyre living in a turnip patch! To any sensible person,  that kind of extensive time, to meet the contractual obligations, is a dismal failure by Desert Management Group, if not an outright fraud. On July 30, 2009, I asked specifically for only three things a phone call directly from Mark, which I had to continually request seven (7) more times over the next month, the appropriate Occupancy Exception documentation, and an explanation of an interest rate that was at least 2% above the current  rate at that time. It took a month to get the call from Mark even though it was later than the prescribed time, and Im still waiting for the call-back and one-on-one conversation demanded by Mark, as well as the Occupancy Exception, and the interest rate explanation. Had Mark and Desert Management met its contractual obligations, and in a timely manner, these postings would not be necessary. Since I didnt change my mind, my life hasnt changed, except for the failure of Desert Management Groups to meet its contractual obligations, I am quite pleased with the way things are going in my neck of the woods, and all of the above clearly demonstrates that it was, without question, the failure of Desert Management Group, YES, I do demand my guaranteed refund, and until I receive it, I do consider it a swindle, since Im the one who has met EVERY provision of the agreement, in a timely manner, not Desert Management Group, as you have tried to misrepresent.

Now lets deal with the FEE. Since the fee was only due and payable, for services rendered, if and when we realized profits in excess of $50,000.00. Even with the $20,700.00 equity position on the Detroit property, if culminated, that equity/profit still falls $29,300.00 short of the contractual obligation, and is thus not due or payable as a FEE. I followed the agreement to the letter, and Desert Management Group has taken over 1 years to meet the obligation it had in the first 90 days, even if the Detroit property deal is ever culminated. I made my formal written request/demand for a full refund on October 3, 2009, have received no communication or refund from Desert Management Group or communication from Mark Thorn, nor the Occupancy Exception, since that time. Ive had no indication that these funds will ever be returned, and YES, Brenda J, I consider that a fraud and swindle.

Now that weve dealt with MY complaints, perhaps you should focus your efforts on responding to G and Wilhelmina, and Roy Ong, and shmyers21, and all of the rest of the victims of this scam and scam artist, because you certainly cant manipulate my facts, since Ive now shared them with everyone who reads these postings. Perhaps you could just pick up the phone and place a call to me, since we cant call you with your numbers changed or disconnected. You have my numbers in the file, and if you devoted as much time to providing the Occupancy Exception document I require, as you have manipulating the facts in all of the other complaints, postings and rebuttals, perhaps we could get the Detroit property resolved, but then well need to deal with the other $29,300.00 shortfall, before Desert Management Group is entitled to a FEE for services rendered.

Sue

You are not the only victim of this swindler, Monte. Weve discussed this already. My own story goes back over 18 months ago, and is virtually the same as yours, and everyone elses. At least he only got me for $15,000.00.

I personally, have no idea who Brenda J is, and during my 18-month relationship with DMGRE, & Mark Thorn, I have never dealt or communicated with, anyone by that name at DMGRE, and Ive dealt & communicated with many of them. It wouldnt surprise me if Brenda J, is really Mark Thorn, or some other phantom employee that Mark has put up to writing these rebuttals.

 After dealing with DMGRE, for over 18 months, I'm in the same situation as Monte & Huggins, and all of the others. Brenda J, or Mark, or whoever this phantom employee is, can attack you, Monte, but what about all the rest of us who have been swindled by this scam artist? There are many others out here that have been defrauded by Mark Thorn, Desert Management Group, and all of its officers and employees, and various phony companies, including Silver Ridge Mortgage, Applied Lending, Big Bear Holdings, Lake Shore 2, LLC, Lake Shore 6, LLC, and probably more. I have $15,000 of my money in Mark Thorn's pocket & nothing to show for it. And for clarity, Brenda, I terminated my contract with DMGRE on October 3, 2009, and demanded my "guaranteed" (in writing with Mark Thorns signature attached) refund, and I haven't received anything, not even a phone call or email since September 3, 2009. We know that the Certified Mail we sent, was received by DMGRE, and signed for by Kira H, but then maybe shes a phantom as well.

As for the rest of Brenda Js lies, the fact is, nine (9) complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau. 2 complaints were never resolved, and 5 more were never even answered.

Furthermore, I have also personally filed a complaint with the White Collar Crimes Unit of the Salt Lake City FBI, and learned of Roy, from British Columbia, who had also recently filed a complaint, and based on my personal conversation with the Utah AG, DMGRE and Mark Thorn are being investigated, by both the Utah AG and the White Collar Crimes Unit of the FBI. I was also advised that numerous other complaints and reports of Securities Fraud have also come forth and are under investigation against DMGRE & Mark Thorn. Hmmmm? British Columbia? Isn't that in Canada? Does that make this an International crime???????

One more point, for everyone, a suit was filed in Federal District Court in Utah, on Novenber 6, 2009, for securities fraud, by six other individuals, other than Monte, Huggins or me, and we know that there are many more that will be coming forward soon. The case is before Magistrate Judge Samuel Alba (2:2009cv00994) for $345,000.00. Just within the group of us who have connected with Monte, the amount is over $100,000.00, and therefore the total is either close to or more than a half-million dollars. I guess thats something to complain about!!

And lets not forget about Wilhelmina from Custer, Washington ($15,000.00) or G from Kaneohe, Hawaii ($18,000.00), both of whom have filed reports here at Rip-off Report. They must just be complainers also!!!

Further, lets also consider those who have connected with Monte (another six (6) with nearly identical stories. Is everyone just a complainer, Brenda J?? Is this what Mark has told you to say about all of us?? Dont you think a half-million dollars is something to complain about?? Or is that just chump change, compared to all the rest that you and Mark have swindled???

One more point for you Brenda J, Mark Thorn will be arrested, tried, found guilty and sent to prison for a long time for numerous federal and/or international criminal offenses, including mail fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, racketeering, as well as conspiracy to commit all of the above. Since you've now chosen to enter yourself into this matter, you have subjected yourself, and we'll make sure that you are charged as an "accessory during and after-the-fact," to all the above, as well as being a co-conspirator!!! Youll be joining Erik, Kiones, Cameron, Kira, Blake and all the rest, right alongside Mark.

One last thing, if everything were legitimate with Desert Management Group, why, then, did the DMGRE website mysteriously disappear, immediately upon receipt of my letter, on October 9, 2009, and after my complaint to the Utah AG & FBI??? Does that mean that we are all just complainers, and you and Mark Thorn are the only legitimate ones??? Or does it demonstrate what all of us are saying Desert Management Group is a scam, and Mark Thorn is a swindler and a fraud!!!!!!!

Monte McConnaughy's original report appears above. If you can find his Facebook page, we can all connect and pursue action. Reports have been filed with the Utah Attorney General and the FBI. A federal suit has also been filed in Utah by others, for securities fraud. We're trying to connect with all of these victims. It will be critical for all of us to work together, to get our monies back and end this consumer fraud.

Good luck and hope to connect with you soon. Check Facebook for Monte McConnaughy's page.

Sue

This situation has been dragging out now for almost a year.  In pure con-man fashion, Mark on December 12th, 2008 welcomed me to DMG and proceeded to tell me how great this was going to be.

That was the last time he called me, after he had my money.  After that I had to beg to get him on the phone and I do not even know where my $18,000 is.  Mark preys on those trying to better themselves and this is why my wife and I have been taken advantage of.  Handing this money over to him was one of the worst mistakes I have ever made in my life. 

Do not do business with Desert Management Group.  I am not a complainer, I am a client who was holding the company I intrusted with my money accountable.   I am currently in contact with eight other victims of this scam and I know there are plenty more out there. 

2009 was a rough year in business, and Mark put my wife and I $23,000 in debt.  He recieved our money and did nothing for us.  Now instead of reaching those goals for 2009, my wife and I are left holding the bag on this debt.  Shame on you Mark Thorn and Desert Management Group.  All those associated with the company are just as guilty.

Monte has never been an easy person to work with. At every corner he wants to complain. He wants to be your only customer. He paid a fee to get involved and as he said they investigated very carefully before committing. No pressure ever (he calls that a scam) (he says we are good at persuasion) what does that say about him. No scam just opportunity to own real estate. He was given real estate in a contract that he signed and that contract was submitted to Flag Star Bank for approval. They took too long so Monte got impatient "as usual" and started his complaining and deadline making. We elected to terminate our relationship with him. Consequently the credit card company he used took the money out of our bank to repay him. The fact that he doesn't have it in his hands is between the card company and Monte. We sure don't have it in our bank account.

He submitted his complaint to different state agencies that told him he had no case against us so he turned to "ripoff report".  This is indicative of Monte and his nature to complain over not being the center of attention. He wants to garner support so he is not alone. There is no FBI investigation. No AG investigation. No problems other than Monte. We wish him good luck in his investing strategies.  

This is in reponse to the rebuttal posted by Brenda. 

We have not recieved a refund and are 18,700 in the hole plus all the out of pocket $5,000 over the year that we used to service the debt while we were being strung along. 

This is a real estate equity building scam and I know of six other victims so far that are in the same boat I am.  I'm currently trying to get a refund through the credit card company but so far have not and I have the statements to prove it. 

If you call wondering where in the hell our $18,000 is complaining, then yeah I guess we are!  

Further more, the Utah Attorney General does agree with me, but they do not have jurisdiction over this case.  The FBI will be investigating though and the more victims that come forward the easier it will be to prosecute.  We are building our case right now.

Mark Thorn and Desert Management Group personel are very good at scamming people and stealing their money.  Do not do business with this company and if you are a victim them please post a report, call the FBI and Utah Ag's office.

My wife and I put in much thought in regards to this business and I'm sorry we did move forward.  As far as I'm concerned everyone involved on the DMG side is guilty because you know what is going on, and again I have six others with the same story as me.  We did this for our sons, one that wasn't even born yet and now all the promises that were made have not been kept. 

Brenda, if you are going to get me a refund then please do so we would really appreciate it and need the help.   You obviously have my phone number so give me a call and let me know when this is going to happen.  If not then look me up and give me a call I would like to know why, or how you think we have a refund when we do not.    Please help.

I know for a fact that Monte McConnaughy received a refund from the credit card company he chose to use to enroll in our program. Furthermore, Monte complained to different state agencies that found his complaints erroneous.  As you can read, Mr. McConnaughy is a complainer with no basis of fact.  We wish him well. 

My name is Monte McConnaughy and I live in Hutchinson, KS.  Do a search for me on facebook and get in touch with me that way.  I have also been in contact with another victim and we all need to get together on this.   Since they will not let us post email info or phone numbers here is another thing you can do.  

Contact Kent Nelson with the Attorney Generals Office in Utah and let him know that you want to file a complaint.  Give him your phone number and let him know to give me a call or send me an email I will send him an email now and let him know there is another victim.  I have also spoke with the FBI out of the Salt Lake office and the guy that took my report there is named Adam. 

The best thing to do is get in contact with me directly through Facebook if you can.  I check it everyday.   

I cannot find your contact info.  I do not want to put my phone number on this website so send me an email with your number and I will call you.  If you are not comfortable with that send an email and I will write you back.  I am also having problems with DMG. (((ROR REDACTED)))

                                         
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.