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CondoRebates.ca? Is this BS?

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casaguy

casaguy

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Got a letter in the mail today from "Canadian Condo Rebates". Never heard of them. They are writing to me "in regard to your condominium rebate eligibility." Sounds like some sort of phishing scam. Especially when you go to the website condorebates.ca. Anyone know anything about this?
 
I don't know if this is real or not or just a phishing site or scam.
However, if one reads the GST/HST legislation there is a rebate of part/all of the GST/HST if one either is a first time buyer (never owned a house) or one buys a condo for rental purposes. One must sign a a minimum 1 year lease and one applies I believe within the first 18 months or 2 years to get back the GST/HST (up to $24000). My suspicion is that a lot of buyers are unaware of this and hence never apply for the rebate.
This company probably makes an agreement with you to get "50%" of whatever it collects on your behalf and you don't pay if they collect nothing. All they would then do is apply for that which the buyer is entitled.
 
My friend received the same thing. If you notice that the title is in chinese, they are marketing to the asian investors. If you google the address at the bottom city place accord real estate brokerage pops up. I am not sure what they are doing with this but I am sure they are trying to cultivate some leads this way.
 
casaguy said:
This is a totally legitimate program, there are different rebates credits and abatements some of which I have personally been helped out with and many of my clients have also used there services. I got back over $10,000 last time. They only charged me 15% and to me that is a small fee considering my lawyer and accountant had no idea how to help me out and the system is much to complicated to figure out yourself, tried calling the gov't office myself and just did not understand or have the time to go through all the forms and details they required. I don't understand why some people are so confused when a company can reach out and help them to get their money back. They will even assist without taking your documents if you want, providing you pay them the 15% or they will do it for you and only charge once they get the refunds back, if your so sceptical why don't you just have your lawyer contact them and ask for the process? QUOTE]
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Why? how does it look like a scam just because a company is willing to work to get you money back?
 
These letters were dropped off on every door in my condo, and a week later property management posted notices telling us not to provide any personal information to these people. Property management said to speak to your real estate agent or your lawyer instead.
 
Aaaah! I received it yesterday and panicked and actually filled out the info on the site. Then thought to check the legitimacy. Now I'm worried about the info they've asked for. Is there any way that they could use this information legally? I've heard of people having their deeds "stolen" from them since there's an online database that apparently anyone with minimal information can access. Anyone knowledgeable about this? Or know what action I can take to protect myself now? Help!
 
To confirm, Canadian Condominium Rebates is a privately held company. We work with various government agencies on the recovery of applicable rebates for condo purchasers. A contingency fee of 10% of the recovered funds is applied on successful applicant claims.

The only "scam" with regard to this program is the $3000-$5000 (on average) that most condo owners will never get back, because they were not made aware of it.
 
How much does it cost for the service? Why does the letter say this is a second notice and that I need to contact you immediately? When was the first notice sent? This is the scam part in my eyes, you falsely claim that we are late to apply for rebates and that we must share our personal financial information with you IMMEDIATELY. The wording and logo on your letterhead makes it look like it is an official government of canada letter, which it is not. This is what I have issue with, you are misleading consumers!
 
wongnog said:
How much does it cost for the service? Why does the letter say this is a second notice and that I need to contact you immediately? When was the first notice sent? This is the scam part in my eyes, you falsely claim that we are late to apply for rebates and that we must share our personal financial information with you IMMEDIATELY. The wording and logo on your letterhead makes it look like it is an official government of canada letter, which it is not. This is what I have issue with, you are misleading consumers!
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Dear Sir/Madame:

As stated above, the fee for this service is a contingency of 10% of the recovered funds. The time sensitivity of these rebates has been put in place by municipal, provincial and government authorities. Canadian Condo Rebates is not an agency of the Government of Canada, nor does it claim to be. I would suggest some due diligence on your part before making false claims.
 
If you want your company to seem legit, how about adopting some new business practises? Entering a condo illegally to drop off your letters is quite suspicious.
 
Funny how "Keith" joined the forum to give a great review, right after messages about Canadian Condo rebates started turning negative. I got the letter too but not sure what to do with it.

Seems like this is a ploy to get a bunch of information from all the unsuspecting condo owners.
 
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