Arrest on a Friday, extortion, blackmail

Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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Its taken me a while to decide whether to post this, but I dont want other newbies to go through what we went through, and I wished I had been warned about people like this and how it works in DR. We ran around like mad things- 18 hour days doing up our house, finding workmen furniture etc, but DR is beautiful and so are some of the people, so we enjoyed.. until we met the Angel of Hell and his mouthpiece, Richard Hunt. Before we arrived we bought our house from Century 21 and we were put through to Margaret Hunt. We asked to ensure the house was clean for our arrival. We later found out that agents usually do this anyway at their cost for their clients. She told us the house only needed a lick of paint and tlc and "trust me you've got a real bargain". I know what everyone is thinking, its our own fault for buying without seeing, but that was our gamble. We arrived to find it was a bargain, its now worth about 2/3 times what we paid, so the gamble was good. Apart from the fact she omitted to tell us about the cracks from the earthquake., the place was filthy, the pool had about 8mths of dirty infested water, loads of frogs and other yuks, you couldnt live in the house it was so bad. We returned to Century 21 and Guido Perdomo acted fast and referred us to Dean Brown, they arranged for a structural engineer to examine the next day and luckily the crack was superficial. Then we were sent a man called Angel by Margaret Hunts' husband, Richard, who told us he'd cleaned the house and presented us with a bill for 9811 pesos for 2 people for 1 day, (even if they did the work the max should have been 700pesos) I took him around and showed him the filth. Im shortening this, as this man plagued us for days, when we finally referred him to Mags Hunt to sort it out. Some hours later we received the nastiest foulest call I have ever had from Richard Hunt, who was determined to get his commission from the deal with Angel. The first words were "You are going to f...... jail on Friday", in Dr this is the way people are threatened as lawyers dont work weekends... The call continued in the most evil threatening manner, pure extortion and blackmail, unless we handed over the money. We were stunned, but not surprised as this mans character and behaviour had already been made known to us. It was unfortunate for him that he didnt know who we really were or our background. The wheels moved very quickly the next day, a phonecall to a powerful person in the UK, a meeting at the British Consulate, who called Juan Perdomo and the matter was completely taken out of our hands. We were offered to have the extortionist/s arrested, but we thought we'd leave that offer on the shelf should there be any further incidents, and only take it up ON A FRIDAY. We cant thank Juan Perdomo enough and Century 21 for stepping in and dealing with this and we have continued to buy property from 2 good trustworthy sales agents, Dean Brown, Century 21 and Sandeep from Remax.. both reputable companies. (Sandeep put us up at his lovely home until ours was habitable). One of the lessons we have learnt is to do things the Dominican way, get a quote in writing, agree, then order the work. Its queer really that most of the warnings we had read before our arrival were against some dishonest Dominicans, and it was a lowest class Brit that was the worst.
 

Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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Good post, ladybird. If nothing else, it helps underscore the necessity of dealing only with honest, knowledgeable people. Dean Brown is the realtor I recommend because I know you can trust him. Nice of you to confirm that.

Though you didn't mention lawyers, for anyone considering the purchase of property it is equally essential to engage a very reputable attorney. Just putting up a sign on an office isn't enough.
 

appleman

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Dec 18, 2003
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A very interesting and worthwhile post Ladybird. It took some courage to put your nightmare in writing and name names, but anyone who reads this will benefit from it. It also reminds us that these things DO happen to some of us who think it won't happen to them, and to only use trustworthy people recommended by others with firsthand knowledge of them or their businesses. Thanks for the dose of reality.
 

Hillbilly

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Jan 1, 2002
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I applaud your spunk, and congratulate you

For putting the SOB in his place.

I have a friend or two that breaks legs if needs be....don't ask..

Excellent information and very positive post.


HB
 

Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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Thank you, yes I felt we had to name them to warn others, however should they try to interfere in our lives in any way now we've posted this, we have been provided with very experienced back up security,,we;re waiting.,, apart from this we have had the usual glitches, no power no water for days on end as the elect co. burnt out our wires TWICE. ruining new inverter, fridge freezer, tv etc etc and of course robbed by our guard, didnt want to feel like an outsider..so that was a must. On the whole the regulars' advice on DR1, especially Ken, Eddy, Tom, Robert. has been invaluable and helped us bypass a few other glitches. Of course the insults from CC made us feel quite at home. We love the place.
 

JanH

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Dec 26, 2002
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Ladybird - I did a search to see what your original posts were about - to fill in some of the details - and I didn't see any.

Who is M Hunt? Is she a property manager? Did you buy the house from Dean? Is the house in a subdivision - where?

Just curious. We bought from Dean. The first few months, we arranged thru him to get house cleaned up, repaired, etc. You're usually safe having reputable company handle the up-front renovations.
 

Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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M Hunt

Jan, Margaret(Mags) Hunt is a part time sales person that I was put through to when I first called C21, woe the day.. Thank goodness we were transferred
to Dean when the probs started. I think she only works on Fridays (or did).
 

Ben

Member
Feb 2, 2004
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We had the opposite experience

I was very surprised by your post since my wife and I recently bought through Mags Hunt and couldn't have had a better experience. Mags and her husband Richard went out of their way to be helpful, and provided a wealth of good information. During construction, Mags sent us regular updates and even digital photos. When we came Sosua, Richard and Mags drove us to Puerto Plata and Santiago where the larger stores are located. They helped us save quite a bit of money on air conditioners (compared to the prices we'd gotten independently). Just last night my wife and I were saying how fortunate we feel to have found such good people here.

I'm not saying there have been no trying moments. For example, the expected completion date came and went. But that's hardly the sales agent's fault and after all, this is the DR.

I hope this post provides a little balance. I'd heartily recommend Mags to anyone shopping for real estate in the Sosua area.
 
Mar 21, 2002
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I've got to give it to all you foreigners living in the DR. You guys got GUTS. To move to a country and culture which is totally alien to your own, to go to a country which doesn't speak your language. Some people like Tony C , Hillbilly though not dominican do speak the same language and there are cultural similarities but for people like Rob, yourself, Bushbaby, Hllywud, Colonitis etc you are a special breed of people. My hat goes out to all of you.

AZB I'll include you with the hispanics since you're paki. Look similar, act similar


Well you brits at one time did have an empire in which the sun never set.
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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Ben said:
I was very surprised by your post since my wife and I recently bought through Mags Hunt and couldn't have had a better experience. Mags and her husband Richard went out of their way to be helpful, and provided a wealth of good information. During construction, Mags sent us regular updates and even digital photos. When we came Sosua, Richard and Mags drove us to Puerto Plata and Santiago where the larger stores are located. They helped us save quite a bit of money on air conditioners (compared to the prices we'd gotten independently). Just last night my wife and I were saying how fortunate we feel to have found such good people here.

I'm not saying there have been no trying moments. For example, the expected completion date came and went. But that's hardly the sales agent's fault and after all, this is the DR.

I hope this post provides a little balance. I'd heartily recommend Mags to anyone shopping for real estate in the Sosua area.

Just out of curiosity, are you in the DR right now?
 

Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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Blind faith

Dear Ben, you sound exactly as we felt when we first dealt with Mags, I feel very sorry for her, as I dont blame her for the others' actions, but we have experienced the awful way he speaks and treats his wife. As for the savings he got for you, he did the same for us until one of the storekeepers told us to return alone for "better deal", then we realised from other stores also the prices were cheaper without him because of the commission he charges the stores to take you there. You have to barter the price yourself. Please be careful, this man is not liked nor trusted from anyone in "the know" .
 

Larry

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Mar 22, 2002
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Ben said:
I was very surprised by your post since my wife and I recently bought through Mags Hunt and couldn't have had a better experience. Mags and her husband Richard went out of their way to be helpful, and provided a wealth of good information. During construction, Mags sent us regular updates and even digital photos. When we came Sosua, Richard and Mags drove us to Puerto Plata and Santiago where the larger stores are located. They helped us save quite a bit of money on air conditioners (compared to the prices we'd gotten independently). Just last night my wife and I were saying how fortunate we feel to have found such good people here.

I'm not saying there have been no trying moments. For example, the expected completion date came and went. But that's hardly the sales agent's fault and after all, this is the DR.

I hope this post provides a little balance. I'd heartily recommend Mags to anyone shopping for real estate in the Sosua area.

Funny how when someone posts criticism of a buisness person on here exposing deciet like the OP did, a mysterious person like Ben appears out of nowhere the next day to give an opposite, glowing review of the same person. I'll bet we never hear from phantom "Ben" again.
Larry
 

Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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support

Larry said:
Funny how when someone posts criticism of a buisness person on here exposing deciet like the OP did, a mysterious person like Ben appears out of nowhere the next day to give an opposite, glowing review of the same person. I'll bet we never hear from phantom "Ben" again.

""" Thank you Larry, I really really appreciate all the support from you and the others. This thread was very difficult to go ahead with for obvious reasons, but I couldnt have lived with the thought that if I didnt and someone else was stung, it would have been awful. I didnt tell all to show how bad it really was. This man is a bad bad character.
 
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marjoe

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Feb 25, 2004
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from Ben's wife

Larry said:
Funny how when someone posts criticism of a buisness person on here exposing deciet like the OP did, a mysterious person like Ben appears out of nowhere the next day to give an opposite, glowing review of the same person. I'll bet we never hear from phantom "Ben" again.
Larry

Hi! My husband Ben (he really does exist) and I have recently bought a condo in Sosua with the help of Mags Hunt. When we were nervous about the purchase back in Boston, we really appreciated reading the DR1 postings and hearing advice about where to buy furniture and what to expect as home owners here. We found the writers to be a friendly group of well meaning people. Now I am very upset at how easily the responders to the posting about Mags Hunt are ready to condemn a resident who has been living and working here for some time. As my husband Ben wrote earlier, Mags and her husband Richard have been incredibly kind and generous with us. They have bent over backwards to help us and to make our experience here positive and comfortable. I have always been a good judge of character and have no doubt that they will be two of our most treasured friends here in Sosua. I also feel a little uncomfortable writing, but I feel strongly enough to do so in this situation where I feel a great injustice is being done to someone's reputation.

Our daughter is now living in this country serving in the Peace Corps, and we plan to spend a lot of time here. We hope to make friends here and also hope that not all Dr1 people are so ready to believe the worst about good, honest people like Mags and Richard. I feel very fortunate to have met and spent time with them.
 

Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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and fiddlers three

Amazing the first we hear from you 2 people is very late at night, and after a report on Hunt. Queer you have had nothing to contribute before now. If you are genuine, you will hang your head in shame when you find out what this man gets up to late every night whilst his wife stays at home alone.
Pathetic!
 

Ben

Member
Feb 2, 2004
151
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In reply to several messages questioning my identity, location and very existence

I've been reading the DR1 forums for several months, since learning about them from (if I recall correctly) Guido Perdomo's website. I appreciate the wealth of useful information.

I guess I would be amused by the postings questioning why mysterious supporters (me) show up whenever someone is attacked publicly. Would be amused, that is, if some very nice, honest people were not being dragged through the mud.

To answer your questions

Larry: I am a real person. I live in Boston and (as stated in my earlier message) bought a condo in Sosua through Century21 and specifically, through Mags Hunt. If you'd like to double check, you can find me at Sosua by the Sea until Sunday. My cell phone is 962-5716.

Robert: Yes I am in the DR - feel free to call me as well.

Ladybird: I just arrived last Thursday so, unless you are referring to the last few nights I don't believe I'm the same person who hangs out every night with Richard Hunt. As I said in my previous posting, Richard and Mags have spent time with my wife and me during our visits. I don't appreciate your tone so please do not call me.

Is DR1 the Wild West? Are a few people forming a lynching party so quickly, based on one unhappy story? I used to be in sales, and there are certain customers you can never please no matter what. Has anyone checked the facts? Is it possible there's another side to the story?
 

BushBaby

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Jan 1, 2002
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Ben said:
Ladybird: I just arrived last Thursday so, unless you are referring to the last few nights I don't believe I'm the same person who hangs out every night with Richard Hunt. As I said in my previous posting, Richard and Mags have spent time with my wife and me during our visits. I don't appreciate your tone so please do not call me.

Is DR1 the Wild West? Are a few people forming a lynching party so quickly, based on one unhappy story? I used to be in sales, and there are certain customers you can never please no matter what. Has anyone checked the facts? Is it possible there's another side to the story?

I have been following this thread & would certainly be interested to hear the opposing argument! It is unlike a Brit to immediately go into a foul mouthed demand for payment etc (especially to a fello Brit) without some form of misunderstanding or cause being present. I have never met Richard Hunt & can not (WILL not) make judgements as to his character until I have done so, & therefor I have no need to support either party. If there IS a middle ground, then let's get it sorted out before both parties cause irreputable damage to each other by maligning reputations & insisting on "Time served" in the local "nick". The other alternative is to cool the inflamed nature of the situation & let it die a natural death!! - Grahame.
 

AlaninDR

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Dec 17, 2002
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Since i'm invested in DR real estate, commercial paper, CD's and mortgages, I like to find the truth as defined by me so I will make these observations for what they are worth to anyone reading.
I've known Richard for about one year, his wife who's name I previously thought was Max for about eight months. The Perdomo group (Guido and Juan) also for about one year and have bought several properties through them. Guido handles all my north coast business. To my way of thinking they are all a credit to the north coast and DR in general and are welcome in any of my homes at any time. I have never heard a derogatory comment about any of them before this thread.
It's interesting to me that Ladybird is concerned about "earthquake" cracks. I've never seen a structure in DR that didn't have cracks to some extent. Whether caused by an earthquake, natural settling or structural design is always open to question. It's one of those things that will always be present in my opinion.
If she (Ladybird) was billed specifically for 2 people for 1 day, 9811 pesos is quite high. Another reason to get an agreement in writing in advance (i've been screwed on that myself). As a side note, I was told US$350 to paint all the inside of one condo only to be told later that doors and cabinets were not included. A better definition of "inside" will be included in all future agreements.
Also of interest is that the property is now worth apparently 2/3 times what was paid for it. Personally i'll take a lot of headaches for a short term double or triple profit, but that's just me.
As for Richard making a commission, so what? Do you expect people to work for free? I certainly don't. With that line of reasoning then realtors should never charge for sales and a business should not mark up prices. Perhaps there is a socialist country that is more suited to you.
I don't know who Ladybird is or care about her connections to "powerfull" people in the UK. I'll make a personal note to "name drop" some of mine in the future.
With respect to going to jail on Friday. One of my south coast lawyers called me on Christmas eve telling me he was going home and this was my last chance to have two people that had cheated me put in jail for Christmas. I declined but there is always next year.
In closing i would remind all that "Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore", nor are you in the UK. This is the Dr with a sometimes different set of rules. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.