NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit Thursday against a Dominican Republic-based company, its principals and its affiliates for allegedly engaging in a scam related to the sale of residential properties.
The Dominican Republic-based Consorcio Empresarial Emproy-Divisa, Danilo Diaz, the company's president, Julio Balbuena, the company's sales manager, Rivas Travel and Multiservice Inc., a New York company, and David Rivas, Rivas Travel's owner, allegedly engaged in deceptive practices and false advertising in the promotion of the Pueblo Bavaro residential development in the Dominican Republic.
The defendants marketed Pueblo Bavaro and entered into purchase agreements with customers who visited Rivas Travel. After paying between $40,000 and $90,000 for residential units in Pueblo Bavaro, purchasers allegedly got a residence without title or no residence or title. Additionally, promised security services allegedly went unprovided, with some customers reporting thefts and others reporting squatters occupying their residence.
"As a result of intentional and blatant deceptive practices, dozens of New York families have lost thousands of dollars and their hopes of acquiring a safe and secure residence in the Dominican Republic," Schneiderman said. "My office will pursue anyone, whether based here or abroad, who unlawfully conducts business in our state and scams New Yorkers. This lawsuit starts the process of helping these families obtain the restitution they deserve."
Emproy-Divisa allegedly failed to supply customers with titles or refunds. Schneiderman's office received more than 40 complaints from Emproy-Divisa customers.
Schneiderman's lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, restitution for affected consumers, fines and penalties.
N.Y. AG files lawsuit against Dominican Republic-based property seller
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY