Jonathan Jackson, President Of Freedom Tax Advisors WILL STEAL MONEY FROM ELDERLY PEOPLE and TAKE YOUR RETIREMENT EVEN CHANGE CONTRACTS WITHOUT PERMISSION Lakeland Florida
I went to a seminar held by the president of Freedom Tax Advisors, Jonathan Jackson. We then went to his offices to find out more information about how to invest the money from the sale of our home for our retirement.
He was very friendly and very helpful. I trusted him completely. He was to set up an anuity for 5 years. When I came back to pick up the paperwork, I found out that he had changed the terms - I wouldn't be able to touch my money until I was over 90!
I asked him why he changed things, he said he did what he thought was best for me. Later I found out that it is illegal for him to even sale that to someone my age in the state of Florida!
I tried to get my money back and cancelled the policy. Then he informs me of all the hidden terms of cancelling the policy and how much money I will lose.
I went ahead and cancelled my policy and I'm looking into filing official charges against him/company but I want to warn anyone else that I can not to use this company!!
Alfred
Lakeland, Florida
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Freedom Tax Advisors
Lakeland,Florida,
U.S.A.
Some people never tell all the facts.
#2REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, July 08, 2008
I am the president of Freedom Tax Advisors. "Alfred" came to see me several years ago and was concerned about his investments. He wanted part of them in something safe whereby he did not have to worry (at his age) about any loses. He told me that he did not need this money at this time but would be perfectly happy if he could withdraw partial amounts in the future if he needed it. I told him he could do that with this annuity and he was very happy.
He decided to put some of his money into a fixed annuity. He understood all the particulars of this product after our conversation and was sincerely happy upon delivery. I explained the liquidation factors along with all the other features and benefits. He was satisfied and after delivery I never heard from him for several years.
I received a call several years later from "Alfred" asking me to liquidate his annuity and send him a check. I reminded him that because this was an annuity, if he took ALL the money out at one time (he could take out partial amounts each and every year without any penalty) there would be a surrender penalty. I reminded him about how we had this conversation when he decided to go with an annuity, and how we had given him supporting documentation along with his policy that clearly explained this. I reminded him of our conversation and how he was fine with this change.
He became "very abusive at this point" over the phone and started "using very foul words" and started threatening me! I have literally hundreds of satisfied clients and have never been talked to in such a foul way. He decided to file a complaint with the insurance company of record. They saw no evidence of wrong doing after a thorough investigation and notified him. He then filed a complaint with the Department of Insurance. Again, all supporting documentation supported that nothing was done wrongfully on my part and they notified him as well.
I told him that I wish I could help him but the companies have rules and I am powerless to change them now that he wants to do something different with his money. What he wanted several years ago was much different than what he wanted now. That was not my fault! Virtually most investments have some type of fees up front or penalty for early withdrawal.
"Alfred" is a man that had changed his mind midstream and wants the rules changed for him at this point. He has made money in his annuity and I do not see what he is upset about.
Unfortunately, false information draws attention! That is what he is trying to do here! I would not be in business for 24 years and have nothing but satisfied clients. If there was any wrong doing on my part I would not be in business. My record is clean and I always pride myself on doing what is best for my clients.
I feel bad for "Alfred" because he is not being honest and forthright. Slandering a person's name and company is a serious thing to do. If I had known the caliber and lack of character of this individual and the lengths he would go, to hurt another person's reputation because of his change of heart, I never would have done business with him.
In closing, don't judge a company or an individual by one BAD apple. He is just an "angry" man that ultimately changed his mind and wants to discredit all persons that tried to help him.
Sincerely,
Jonathan R. Jackson
To answer his accusations:
I never changed any of the terms of the annuity? That is not something I could or would do.
He could start taking money out of his annuity every year. That was thoroughly discussed. He decided not to. As far as not being able to touch his money until 90, that absolutely is not true. Like I said he could take 10% out yearly PENALTY FREE or withdraw the full amount (minus a surrender penalty) at any time which we discussed in detail.
He never asked my why I had changed things, because I NEVER DID. The product (annuity) was legal to sell in FL and still is today. It is a great product and he had done well with it. The fact that he decided to cancel it was his choice. I do not agree with what he did but again it was his choice.
We went over all the surrender charges "IF" he were to cancel during the surrender period. He understood and had all documentation to clarify this given to him.
I do not know what charges he could file. Everything was done in accordance to what he wanted and in compliance with the Department of Insurance guidelines.
Many times people change their minds. Ultimately, this was the case with "Alfred". In this case there were consequences. (PENALTIES) I am sorry about his change of heart, but I did my job to the best of my ability in accordance to what he wanted.