Complaint Review: CTRIP; Law Offices of Steven Haligas; Villa Group; SAT (Mexican Tax Authority)

In Dec 2017, I was contacted by CTRIP travel agent, 800-864-0116, Paseo de la Reforma 232, Renacimiento Tabacabra 02860 offering to purchase my timeshare in Mexico. We negotiated a price. CTRIP then had someone purporting to be the Law Offices of Steven Haligas, 407-205-0003, 301 E Pine St, Su 1900, Orlando, FL 32801 contact me in Jan 2018 to broker the deal. My main point of contact was Nathan Rogers with the law office-Nathan@lawofficesofsrh.com; Nathan@lawofficesofstevenhaligas.com; legalteam@lawofficesofstevenhaligas.com. Nathan claimed to act as the intermediary between myself and the buyer.

Nathan also emailed a copy of cashier's checks the buyer allegedly mailed in the amount of $26,000 as the purchase price. Nathan indicated he would call the timeshare company (Villa Group) to arrange the sale. On Jan 31, 2018, Alvaro Silveria, 877 353-5241 memberservices@thevillagroup.com.mx; memberservices@thevillagroup.mx impersonated a Villa Group employee and both called and emailed me to indicate he spoke with the law office and I would be required to pay a 10% fee in order for the transfer to be approved ($2425). He emailed wiring instructions and forms to me. On 2/21/18, I wired $2425 to the account indicated Banco Santander (Mexico) SA, Acct 014180655062068367.

I emailed a copy of the receipt to memberservices@thevillagroup.com.mx and Nathan@lawofficesofsrh.com. On 2/22/18, I received a call from Daniel Andrews at IBFC Bank in NY 917-341-2027 indicating a wire had been received. He asked questions about the source of he funds. A few hours later I received a second call from Daniel to indicate SAT (the Mexican tax authority) put a hold on the funds. I called the law office to inquire. I was referred to Antoinio Suarez Renteria 877-395-6924 x 265, who was purportedly from the SAT.

I also received an email from this same person at contacto@segobsat.com indicating I am required to pay an additional $5068.25 directly to SAT as Capital Gains taxes "Impuestos sobre Capital" for the profit of this sale. This person indicated if the money is not paid within 72 hours, SAT would seize the entire balance of $26,000 and I would be reported to the Mexican Attorney General's office and a warrant would be issued for me for tax evasion. He threatened should I return to Mexico, I could be arrested. I was requested to send the wire to Banco Santander, Acct #014180655062315515, Beneficiary Denni E Y Logistica SA De CV, Calle Luz Savinion No 305, Interior PH, Colonia Del Valle, Delegacion Benito Juarez, CD de Mexico, Mexico CP 03100.

After calling the FL State Bar and a Real Estate company in Mexico, I determined Attorney Steven Haligas is the victim of identity theft and the people calling were impersonating him. I also learned any money due to the SAT is paid to them directly from a notary in Mexico rather than a wire transfer. Once I determined, this was a scam, I contacted my bank in an attempt to recall the funds, but was told it is unlikely they would have success in doing so. I called the Villa Group directly and explained the situation--they indicated the person who called was not an actual employee and was an impersonator as well.