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  • Report:  #203044

Complaint Review: BEXT - Test My Loan

BEXT - Test My Loan - Scott Messina - Melissa Sikes - Bruce Meringolo ripoff This company makes promises takes LARGE sums of money and does not perform thus having the consumer to file complaints with Visa, Lawyers and the BBB - WE ADVISE NOT TO USE THIS COMPANY! Stuart Florida

  • Reported By:
    Ft. Myers Colorado
  • Submitted:
    Wed, July 26, 2006
  • Updated:
    Mon, December 31, 2007
  • BEXT - Test My Loan
    300 Colorado Avenue Suite 209
    Stuart, Florida
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
    772-463-8377
  • Category:

I contacted BEXT, Inc AKA Test My Loan through the advice of a colleague who stated this company has a good marketing campaign and can provide good leads for individuals in the Mortgage Industry. I started by speaking with the owner, Scott Messina, (who also puts out a publication called the Originator Times trying too make himself look professional - which is ridiculous being that his company seems to be scamming people out of money)and then was given over to Melissa Sikes, supposedly the Vice President.

At that time (this was May 8, 2006) Ms. Sikes gave me all the wonderful details of their services and what not and sent me information. She stated they do large campaigns for Mortgage Professionals and the leads are sent out very timely.

Well, after I signed a contract stating the services they would provide for me they took my $2,000 on June 2, 2006. Then both Mr. Messina and Ms. Sikes avoided me like the plague. I hardly got through to anyone by phone. Scott Messina was always on vacation and they kept stating that my campaign was to go out shortly. This went on for weeks. Now we are at the end of July almost into the third month of dealing with these fradulant people and I had to retain a lawyer.

They stated I could have asked for a refund a long time ago, but the fact of the matter was I DID!! They just kept saying we will get back with you. Then the last person I am now dealing with is someone named Bruce Merigolo who said I just had to write refund request letter by e-mail and I could have had my refund. The owner nor the VP ever told me that over the course of this whole ordeal. However, I did write that e-mail and even got a receipt reply that the owner got the e-mail. I gave them an ample amount of time to return the funds to my account, 3 business days and included two days over the weekend so a full five days.

I am now on the 6th day and still nothing. I left a message with ALL three individuals and no one will call me or e-mail me!! I contacted my Bank and they are returning my money and filing formal complaints against this company as being fradulant!!

BUYER BEWARE! They do not do what they say they are going too do! The owner avoids you the VP, Melissa makes excuses and they use Mr. Meringolo as their strong man to wihthold us angry consumers who just wanted are services rendered in the beginning!

I ADVISE TOO NEVER DEAL WITH BEXT, INC OR TEST MY LOAN! There have been other complaints through the BBB about this company which I found out. However, I am sure you do not want to have too fight for your money back or have to report them to the BBB and go through 3 months of hell as I am going through now!

BEXT, INC. AND TEST MY LOAN ARE ONE IN THE SAME AND NOT THE COMPANY TO USE FOR MORTGAGE LEADS!!

There are MANY, MANY Mortgage Lead Companies out there I advise to use someone other than these people!!

Heidy
Ft. Myers, Colorado
U.S.A.

9 Updates & Rebuttals


Long Hill Observer

Gillette,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

Can this be verified?

#10Consumer Comment

Mon, December 31, 2007

I have no problem believing anything about anyone. Meringolo is on the Board of Education in Long Hill Township, New Jersey and is running for re-election. His reputation is in question. can any of the complaintants verify that he was the "strong arm" man for BEXT?

Howard


Scott

Stuart,
Florida,
U.S.A.

You just proved this is a false claim

#10UPDATE Employee

Tue, May 29, 2007

Even though I said I wouldn't respond again, after you just caught yourself in several lies I couldn't resist...

As now is apparent you seem to be working for a lead company and are bent on claiming our service was inferior to sell leads from your company. You claimed "I will not EVER trust another lead company because of you." And in the very next sentence you plugged your own company, "The only lead company so far that has never ripped me off and has actually given me free money and leads is LENDING UNIVERSE!"

How transparent can you get.

Additionally, you outed yourself as a lier by making up a story that you used a debit card instead of a credit card. First of all we never have accepted debit cards as a form of payment, ever. If you in fact used a VISA card linked to your account you are afforded the SAME protection your VISA credit card offers.

Here's a quote directly from the VISA website: (link:http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/security/visa_security_program/zero_liability.html?it=c|/personal/cards/debit/index.html)

"Visa's Zero Liability policy took effect April 4, 2000, and is a great improvement on the previous policy. The former policy required that you report fraudulent activity within two business days of discovery. After this two-day period, you could be held responsible for up to $50 of the unauthorized charges. With the new Zero Liability policy, you're no longer required to report fraudulent activity within two days and you're not responsible for any fraudulent transactions made over the Visa network.

The Zero Liability policy covers all Visa credit and debit card transactions processed over the Visa networkonline or off. The only transactions not covered under the Zero Liability policy are commercial card, ATM, and non-Visa-branded PIN transactions."

So when you said, "If I had used a regular credit card and not my debit card through my real checking account I would have gotten my money back from your company! I have documentation reflecting that you were at fault but because you were an unwilling business not willing to give me my leads or my money they could do nothing. If I were to have used a VISA credit card you would have been forced to give the money back because you were found to not have fullfilled your side of the deal and that was through e-mails you and your VP Melissa Sikes sent to me. I have the paperwork stating that I was right and you were to pay but you DID NOT!!" is completely untrue as well. If we had fraudulently taken your money (which we did not) VISA would have paid your claim. Yet another lie you've been caught saying.

Let's be honest here, you don't give your name, because you were either never a customer, are from the company we fined for ripping off consumers, or work for LENDING UNIVERSE and feel you need to lie about our services and reputation.

This is a false claim - Case Closed.


Scott

Stuart,
Florida,
U.S.A.

You just proved this is a false claim

#10UPDATE Employee

Tue, May 29, 2007

Even though I said I wouldn't respond again, after you just caught yourself in several lies I couldn't resist...

As now is apparent you seem to be working for a lead company and are bent on claiming our service was inferior to sell leads from your company. You claimed "I will not EVER trust another lead company because of you." And in the very next sentence you plugged your own company, "The only lead company so far that has never ripped me off and has actually given me free money and leads is LENDING UNIVERSE!"

How transparent can you get.

Additionally, you outed yourself as a lier by making up a story that you used a debit card instead of a credit card. First of all we never have accepted debit cards as a form of payment, ever. If you in fact used a VISA card linked to your account you are afforded the SAME protection your VISA credit card offers.

Here's a quote directly from the VISA website: (link:http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/security/visa_security_program/zero_liability.html?it=c|/personal/cards/debit/index.html)

"Visa's Zero Liability policy took effect April 4, 2000, and is a great improvement on the previous policy. The former policy required that you report fraudulent activity within two business days of discovery. After this two-day period, you could be held responsible for up to $50 of the unauthorized charges. With the new Zero Liability policy, you're no longer required to report fraudulent activity within two days and you're not responsible for any fraudulent transactions made over the Visa network.

The Zero Liability policy covers all Visa credit and debit card transactions processed over the Visa networkonline or off. The only transactions not covered under the Zero Liability policy are commercial card, ATM, and non-Visa-branded PIN transactions."

So when you said, "If I had used a regular credit card and not my debit card through my real checking account I would have gotten my money back from your company! I have documentation reflecting that you were at fault but because you were an unwilling business not willing to give me my leads or my money they could do nothing. If I were to have used a VISA credit card you would have been forced to give the money back because you were found to not have fullfilled your side of the deal and that was through e-mails you and your VP Melissa Sikes sent to me. I have the paperwork stating that I was right and you were to pay but you DID NOT!!" is completely untrue as well. If we had fraudulently taken your money (which we did not) VISA would have paid your claim. Yet another lie you've been caught saying.

Let's be honest here, you don't give your name, because you were either never a customer, are from the company we fined for ripping off consumers, or work for LENDING UNIVERSE and feel you need to lie about our services and reputation.

This is a false claim - Case Closed.


Scott

Stuart,
Florida,
U.S.A.

You just proved this is a false claim

#10UPDATE Employee

Tue, May 29, 2007

Even though I said I wouldn't respond again, after you just caught yourself in several lies I couldn't resist...

As now is apparent you seem to be working for a lead company and are bent on claiming our service was inferior to sell leads from your company. You claimed "I will not EVER trust another lead company because of you." And in the very next sentence you plugged your own company, "The only lead company so far that has never ripped me off and has actually given me free money and leads is LENDING UNIVERSE!"

How transparent can you get.

Additionally, you outed yourself as a lier by making up a story that you used a debit card instead of a credit card. First of all we never have accepted debit cards as a form of payment, ever. If you in fact used a VISA card linked to your account you are afforded the SAME protection your VISA credit card offers.

Here's a quote directly from the VISA website: (link:http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/security/visa_security_program/zero_liability.html?it=c|/personal/cards/debit/index.html)

"Visa's Zero Liability policy took effect April 4, 2000, and is a great improvement on the previous policy. The former policy required that you report fraudulent activity within two business days of discovery. After this two-day period, you could be held responsible for up to $50 of the unauthorized charges. With the new Zero Liability policy, you're no longer required to report fraudulent activity within two days and you're not responsible for any fraudulent transactions made over the Visa network.

The Zero Liability policy covers all Visa credit and debit card transactions processed over the Visa networkonline or off. The only transactions not covered under the Zero Liability policy are commercial card, ATM, and non-Visa-branded PIN transactions."

So when you said, "If I had used a regular credit card and not my debit card through my real checking account I would have gotten my money back from your company! I have documentation reflecting that you were at fault but because you were an unwilling business not willing to give me my leads or my money they could do nothing. If I were to have used a VISA credit card you would have been forced to give the money back because you were found to not have fullfilled your side of the deal and that was through e-mails you and your VP Melissa Sikes sent to me. I have the paperwork stating that I was right and you were to pay but you DID NOT!!" is completely untrue as well. If we had fraudulently taken your money (which we did not) VISA would have paid your claim. Yet another lie you've been caught saying.

Let's be honest here, you don't give your name, because you were either never a customer, are from the company we fined for ripping off consumers, or work for LENDING UNIVERSE and feel you need to lie about our services and reputation.

This is a false claim - Case Closed.


Scott

Stuart,
Florida,
U.S.A.

You just proved this is a false claim

#10UPDATE Employee

Tue, May 29, 2007

Even though I said I wouldn't respond again, after you just caught yourself in several lies I couldn't resist...

As now is apparent you seem to be working for a lead company and are bent on claiming our service was inferior to sell leads from your company. You claimed "I will not EVER trust another lead company because of you." And in the very next sentence you plugged your own company, "The only lead company so far that has never ripped me off and has actually given me free money and leads is LENDING UNIVERSE!"

How transparent can you get.

Additionally, you outed yourself as a lier by making up a story that you used a debit card instead of a credit card. First of all we never have accepted debit cards as a form of payment, ever. If you in fact used a VISA card linked to your account you are afforded the SAME protection your VISA credit card offers.

Here's a quote directly from the VISA website: (link:http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/security/visa_security_program/zero_liability.html?it=c|/personal/cards/debit/index.html)

"Visa's Zero Liability policy took effect April 4, 2000, and is a great improvement on the previous policy. The former policy required that you report fraudulent activity within two business days of discovery. After this two-day period, you could be held responsible for up to $50 of the unauthorized charges. With the new Zero Liability policy, you're no longer required to report fraudulent activity within two days and you're not responsible for any fraudulent transactions made over the Visa network.

The Zero Liability policy covers all Visa credit and debit card transactions processed over the Visa networkonline or off. The only transactions not covered under the Zero Liability policy are commercial card, ATM, and non-Visa-branded PIN transactions."

So when you said, "If I had used a regular credit card and not my debit card through my real checking account I would have gotten my money back from your company! I have documentation reflecting that you were at fault but because you were an unwilling business not willing to give me my leads or my money they could do nothing. If I were to have used a VISA credit card you would have been forced to give the money back because you were found to not have fullfilled your side of the deal and that was through e-mails you and your VP Melissa Sikes sent to me. I have the paperwork stating that I was right and you were to pay but you DID NOT!!" is completely untrue as well. If we had fraudulently taken your money (which we did not) VISA would have paid your claim. Yet another lie you've been caught saying.

Let's be honest here, you don't give your name, because you were either never a customer, are from the company we fined for ripping off consumers, or work for LENDING UNIVERSE and feel you need to lie about our services and reputation.

This is a false claim - Case Closed.


D

Phoenix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

SCOTT - I AM NOT A LENDER BUT AN ORIGINATOR WHO TRUSTED YOU!!!

#10Author of original report

Mon, May 28, 2007

Scott-

Keep rebutting. Yes, I don't give my real name because you cannot be trusted. I am completely scared of you and what you do with your company. If you were truly a GOOD businessman I would have never been ripped off by you. If I had used a regular credit card and not my debit card through my real checking account I would have gotten my money back from your company! I have documentation reflecting that you were at fault but because you were an unwilling business not willing to give me my leads or my money they could do nothing.

If I were to have used a VISA credit card you would have been forced to give the money back because you were found to not have fullfilled your side of the deal and that was through e-mails you and your VP Melissa Sikes sent to me. I have the paperwork stating that I was right and you were to pay but you DID NOT!! Unlucky me used my checking account because I trusted you.

Keep rebutting but I will keep telling people not to use your services. They don't either after I show them all my paperwork. You will never NEVER be the business I thought you were and you took advantage of a simple person trying to make money who got ripped off. You ripped me off and I lost money. Go back and fullfill ALL your contracts you never did since the inception of your business and maybe you will feel better about yourself.

I will not EVER trust another lead company because of you. The only lead company so far that has never ripped me off and has actually given me free money and leads is LENDING UNIVERSE! So, I will never ever give you a good name, EVER!! Who knows what else you do and that is why I do not give my real name. You have scared me into that Scott Messina - you and that so-called business. You are one of the fraudalent individuals in the Mortgage Industry that give it a bad name!


Scott

Stuart,
Florida,
U.S.A.

BEXT's official response to the alleged complaint

#10UPDATE Employee

Mon, May 28, 2007

First off, we have no record of ever doing business with a Heidy of Ft. Myers, Colorado.

A Little background, Test My Loan was a service offered by BEXT to consumers and mortgage lenders. Test My Loan was a free service to consumers that analyzed the good faith estimate provided by lenders. The analysis flagged any "junk" fees being charged by lenders and informed consumers of these unnecessary fees. Once the analysis was complete Test My Loan offered to refer them to a certified lender that had already agreed contractually to not charge consumers any junk fees.

In fact the agreement the lenders signed with Test My Loan said that the lender would be fined four times the amount of any junk fees charged to any consumers referred to that lender by Test My Loan. The fine would then be turned over to the consumer and not kept by Test My Loan. Additionally once fined the lender would be banned from the Test My Loan service for ever and forfeit any fees paid.

Only once did we have to enforce the above clause and it was for a $500 junk fee charged by the lender and coincidentally resulted in a fine amount of $2,000. Perhaps it is this lender making the accusation here? Interestingly, the lender to whom we issued the fine was using a Bank of America credit card as well. In that case Bank of America upheld our right under the contract to issue the fine and charged the lenders card. A coincidence or a pissed off unscrupulous lender?

With fake information being contained in the original complaint, including the name of the complainant how can anyone be sure if in fact anything Heidy says is true? Heidy, herself admits in a follow up response that's not her real name. She won't even disclose the company's name where she allegedly worked. Why? What is SHE hiding?

Perhaps the only thing Heidy said was true is that "I contacted BEXT, Inc AKA Test My Loan through the advice of a colleague who stated this company has a good marketing campaign and can provide good leads for individuals in the Mortgage Industry." Funny if her colleague had such a good experience why was hers so bad?

In regards to the claim of us having "many complaints with the BBB." Our BBB rating is excellent, although we have received a very limited amount of complaints, as any business does, we have always responded and resolved our complaints in good faith and in complete observance to the BBB guidelines.

The Test My Loan service has currently been suspended, due to the overwhelming demand by lenders. We are in the process of determining how to increase consumer usage to meet with the overwhelming lender demand.

This is our last official posting to this alleged complaint.


Dana

Simi Valley,
California,
U.S.A.

Rebuttal to the person Stating that the Report was B.S.

#10Consumer Comment

Wed, March 21, 2007

Hello-

I am actually a person involved with the report you say was B.S. - I do know the person who filed the complaint. And you DO NOT!! Shall I lay it on the line that it was my money also used to buy these leads. My name is Dana and I am with my fathers company and he is a lawyer however I was buying leads with the indivdual becasue I was doing Mortgages at the time.

We did file a COMPLETE and ACCURATE fraud report with Bank of America and Scott Messina was found to be at fault (we have the letter from B of A) and only because B of A cannot force idoiots like him to give back money they took and DID NOT complete their contract there was nothing B of A could do!! Yes, I was advised to take them to small claims court and was told we could win.

Does it matter if we give a fake name? I am giving my real name and I was involved!! I do not care what you say but they are rip-offs!! As so many other LEAD COMPANIES!! Maybe you have a vested interest in ownership. As long as you keep re-butting I will keep coming back to tell the truth. I do not give my money out to be taken for free and that is What Test My Loan and BEXT did!!! So, you can give them your money all you want.

I am still spreading the word this compnay did not live up to their requirement! If and when they contact me and the other person involved to give us the money back ($2,000)or to give the us the proper leads I will see this company as a RIP-OFF!!! I did not have the energy to to take them to small claims so they got to keep our money!!

The person who wrote that is NOT a weasel! Speak for yourself. If you knew this person and our situation you would have never stated that. Try contacting us first for the proper information. You have no clue what happened and we did not get ANY leads! So most definitey we wanted our money back for them breaching their contract. Who wouldn't?


Bill

Long Island City,
New York,
U.S.A.

This is B.S.!!

#10Consumer Comment

Wed, March 21, 2007

I know the guy that made this report and its complete BS! He doesn't live in Colorado and has isn't using his real name. That's how much of a spinless weasal this guy is!

I don't know if this company is good or bad but I do know that the guy making this claim is a scam artist and is doing to try and force the company to pay him off.

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