A group claiming to be a Nashville-based realty business used the promise of timeshares in Mexico to scam victims out of tens of thousands of dollars, according to reports from the Better Business Bureau.
The website for Your New Tennessee touts hundreds of happy customers and hundreds of home sales, but spokesperson for the BBB said it's all a facade. Consumer complaints state the business defrauded victims out of thousands of dollars with no way to recuperate the loss.
"This is an organization that's identified themselves as a full service commercial realtor," said Robyn Householder, president and CEO of BBB of Middle Tennessee. "Bottom line is the consumers are being scammed out of large amounts of money. We've researched this organization, unfortunately the licensed realtors name is not affiliated with the organization. It appears it's an identity theft situation."
According to complaints from victims, the scam works like this. Callers from Your New Tennessee reach out via phone to try to sell the timeshare, but once money changes hands, the group demands large sums of money to pay for Mexican taxes.
Your New Tennessee's website also claims its offices are located in the Fifth Third Building in downtown Nashville. However, building managers said the business has never held an office there. They've also reached out to Your New Tennessee and asked them to remove the office listing. It didn't happen.
When reached for comment about these issues, a representative for Your New Tennessee said where the office is located is "personal information." The representative said they were a legit business and that they don't recognize the Better Business Bureau as an organization.
On the Your New Tennessee's website, there are listings for homes in Tennessee. However, searches for several listings showed that they were under contract with other realtors.
"This company has earned an 'F' rating which is the worst rating you can get from better business bureau. So, consumers who are checking with us are being made aware, stay away. The attorney general also has negative information about them," said Householder.
The BBB recommends doing background research on a realty company before doing business with them.
