Wizard Lending Disapperars with the money- they're not called "wizard" for nothing Washington Iowa

I should have known it was a scam by the name alone! In October 2008 we paid an upfront fee of $1295 to Wizard Lending and signed a contract for assistance in a "short refi" loan modification on our home. According to them it was a simple process that would take about 6 weeks. It has been eight months and Wizard Lending has done absolutely nothing.

The owner, Loren Gingerich, has never even contacted the bank to attempt a negotiation. Three months ago he finally returned my email and gave me a bunch of bull as to why he wasn't able to talk to anyone yet (yes, 5 months after I paid the ridiculous fee) and why he took over a month to return my numerous emails and phone calls. He promised that he would be giving me weekly updates on the status of my case etc, etc.

It is now June and he and his agent Shannon Skalada have disappeared. No one has returned calls or emails for several months. I finally contacted the office of the supposed lawyer at Harding Law Firm which Gingerich advertises as being associated with Wizard Lending. The secretary who answered the phone said she has no idea who Loren Gingerich or Wizard Lending is but she has received several similar calls. These crooks must be stopped before more innocent people who are desperate to save their homes loose the last of their savings as I did. Wizard Lending seems to be alive and well as they continue to advertise online at www.shortrefi.com. These people are dispicable and should be put in jail. Where to turn for help?

Ripped off too
Richmond, California
U.S.A.