European mediation (Fortuna/oanna)
We've also been contacted by European Mediation with a view to being compensated for money we invested in Fortunaland. The guy who rang me out of the blue, said they want 10% of the amount we have invested up front to cover their costs, this would then be added to the amount of the claim from the (so called) European Compensation Fund. When (if) we receive our compensation they would then invoice us for a further 8% of the original amount.
If this organisation is not on the level, does anyone out there know of an organisation that would be able to help. Any advice on how to proceed would be very welcome.
European Midiation Limited (EML)
I spoke with Jessica Walker from EML yesterday. I quizzed her about the company and yes she got a little defensive. I also requested a 'proposal' from them i.e. what I get for my 10% upfront fee, but was only offered a 'process' document - not really what I had in mind!
She also referred me to The Sun newspaper of last week by way of a reference - I didn't waste my time.
She did however point me at the following website which appears to be the European Commission website and gives details of the European Compensation fund or 'Compensation to crime victims' as it is referred to //ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/comp_crime_victim/comp_crime_victim_gen_en.htm
It would appear to be a member state funded plan (click on 'UK' on the right to see further details) and from an initial glance would appear that you can do it yourself and legal aid could be available.
On EML as a company, interestingly the address on the website and the address to which the domain name is registered is actually a semi-detached leasehold property on a residential estate in Rochdale bought for £118k in June '04. Is this the profile of a high flying hot shot with a proven track record or perhaps a rental property?
The Manchester address seems OK but is occupied by a number of businesses (including a off plan property business selling in units in Portugal - could not find any other connection - but interesting)
As a note their website lists J C Bufete; C/. San Rafael 32-A; Edificio Juan Pablo II; 2a Piso, Oficina 5-6 as their legal team
Now I guess the key questions are:
- Have we been victims of a crime? I anticipate this has to be in the eyes of a court so has Mr Moore actually been done for mis-selling?
- Is this 'Compensation to crime victims' program intended for these sorts of instances?
- Are EML actually going to leverage this process to its max or just take your money and make a half hearted attempt and then come back in 6 months with a "Sorry, we lost the claim" or just disappear altogether?
- are there other organisation with a track record out there?
Lawbird and everyone - would appreciate your comments
European Mediation Limited
I am an IAP member (or was) and I too was contacted out of the blue from EML. A Mrs McNally has offered to fully refund our membership fees through the same process everyone here has been offered. I would like to thank people for voicing this scam and in particular Lawbird for offering up the facts.
We were interested but nervous of this not being legit which is when I started searching on the web. I feel sorry for people who maybe aren't so clued up on the internet and may now be losing even more money. Something should be done.
Luckily, we never bought from IAP but it still cost us £10,000 to become a 'member'.
Any lingering doubts that this is a scam?
I posted yesterday, and today looked at the EM website. If you have any doubts that this is a total scam, please note the following.
For me personally, I would prefer my legal representatives, if they are competent, to at least check the spelling of words they would surely be familiar with........ (This taken directly from their home page)...
"European Mediation is a mediation company that liases between multiple clients and lawyers to persue compensation for fraud victims. We are not a brokerage house, no-one from European Mediation will offer to buy, trade or switch any investment you have.."
In case you didn't spot them, "liases" should be spelt "liaises" and "persue" should be "pursue", small points perhaps, but proof for me that these are legal representatives I would not want to work for me.
(Unless they go for no money up front and "no win, no fee")
European Mediation Company
There is no European Fund for victims of fraud.
The European Commission website shows that all member states must have a national scheme in place (ref. new EU legislation adopted 29 April 2004). If you read on you can find that this only applies to violent crime i.e. 'a physical attack on the person, a wounding or a sexual offence'.
The European Mediation co. are quoting 'section 706/14' on the European Commission civil justice section of the website. This refers you to the information and small print above.
I'm in no doubt this is a scam.
Amusingly Jessica Walker called me again yesterday and after having a polite go at her she threatened to shred my file if I didn’t take up their offer before Friday.
I hope it’s a big cross cutter!
Thanks all for saving my dosh.:)
European Mediation expands to purchasers in USA
Just before Christmas, I received a telephone call from Jordan Adams about our property in Grand Palisades Florida USA, still to be completed and bought through Instant Access. I asked all the usual questions about the source of my name, unsual to canvas for clients, no-win/no-fee, successes with other clients, solictors used, all that everybody else appears to have asked.
Mr. Adams gave me little time to ask questions and has pursued me ever since until today I emailed the company detailing what I expected before I would consider any 10% up front. I am looking forward to the reply!
During one call, a reply to my question referred me to a company called Glovistared from which Mr. Adams said they were an 'off-shoot' and, when I asked, said they had been in operation for eight years when, in fact they have been running for two years. Today, having found your site, I have emailed the company to ask about E.M.Ltd.
The website is poorly constructed, as indicated by one of your writers, and none of the claims have any proof of legitimacy.
I only discovered your website by chance after still worrying about whether to act or not and sending the email to EM Ltd. I would like to thank you for highlighting this 'scam' and all those who have contributed their experiences as it has certainly helped me to decide DEFINITELY NOT!
If anybody knows of a bonafide company acting on behalf of purchasers in Grande Palisades USA, I should be very grateful to hear about it.
European Mediation Limited
I too was contaced by the above so called company first on 22-1-09 that's when the bombshell fell of Fortunaland on me...! I guess I was a bit ignorant and had not kept up with the news! I am so grateful to have read this thread and now know that EM Ltd is a scam.
Many thanks to all and Lawbird.