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I am sorry FFGOers but it hurts me alot to see FFGOers hard earned life savings stolen and used by others for personal use. Others that do not even have the personal fortitude to pay a dividend to replace FFGOers hard earned dollars. I am sorry......
Federal Bureau of Investigation pending seizure of two gold mines an associated assets. Liquidation and sale of said assets for the purpose of reimbursing investors.
Federal Bureau of Investigation securities fraud is notified with associated request for federal arrest warrants. Securities and Exchange Commission is notified. President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force energized. United States Executive branch (White house) notified.
This action is in accordance with the charter of President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
a separate investigation of possible civil violations of the U.S. securities laws to ensue.
My God! 20 to 99 year prison sentences being imposed as we speak! My Gosh! The theft is not worth the time. Hopefully FFGOers can receive their long awaited investment returns one way or the other. Through a company dividend pay out or by a Federal Bureau of investigation seizure, sell, and distribution of FFGO/NMGL assets to FFGO investors! Go FFGOers! Win one way or the other! More prosecutions and imprisonments on the way!
President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force is on the move to prosecute and incarcerate those company officials that steal investors funds. Beware FFGO / NMGL, you are reported and on the scrutiny list. Hold on FFGOers, the cavalry is on its way!
Shelton Resident Admits Defrauding Investors of $300,000
U.S. Attorney’s Office February 27, 2012
District of Connecticut (203) 821-3700
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN H. GOLDSMITH, 57, of Shelton, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of securities fraud stemming from a $300,000 investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2005 and 2010, GOLDSMITH devised and executed a scheme through which he solicited investments from victims in various nonexistent companies. In one instance, GOLDSMITH claimed that some of the investments were to be used to purchase stock in a publicly traded company at discounted rates. In another scheme, GOLDSMITH claimed that invested funds were to be used to set up a video-sharing website. Through these schemes, GOLDSMITH defrauded investors of approximately $300,000 by converting a significant portion of invested funds to his own personal use. GOLDSMITH concealed his activities by fabricating checks and bank records, and also by using one investor’s funds to repay another investor.
Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2012, at which time GOLDSMITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $5 million.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Securities, Commodities, and Investor Fraud Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Liam Brennan.
The Connecticut Securities, Commodities, and Investor Fraud Task Force investigates matters relating to insider trading, market manipulation, Ponzi schemes, investor fraud, financial statement fraud, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and embezzlement. The task force includes representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section and Antitrust Division; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP); Office of the Chief State’s Attorney; State of Connecticut Department of Banking; Greenwich Police Department; and Stamford Police Department.
Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an e-mail to ctsecuritiesfraud@ic.fbi.gov.
This case was brought in coordination with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which was established to wage an aggressive and coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
To report financial fraud crimes, and to learn more about the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
Citizens / FFGO Investors are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an e-mail to ctsecuritiesfraud@ic.fbi.gov.
This law enforcement action is part of President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The SEC has conducted a separate investigation of possible civil violations of the U.S. securities laws, and in December 2010 reached a non-prosecution agreement with Carter’s and filed a civil enforcement action against ELLES alleging securities fraud, insider trading, and other securities violations. That case remains pending.
Investigation: Correspondence from the NWCCC
Thank you for your interest in the National White Collar Crime Center. Your information has been submitted successfully and will be processed within 24 hours. A representative will be in contact with you shortly.
---------------------------------------------------------
For: NWCCC
National White Collar Crime Center
10900 Nuckols Road,
Suite 325 Glen Allen, VA 23060
Request National White Collar Crime Center cooperation with Federal Bureau of Investigation and Securities and Exchange Commission action for the apprehension of the principles of Fortress Financial Group (Stock Symbol FFGO.pk) via Federal arrest Warrant.
The following request referred to Federal Bureau of Investigations headquarters located:
Contact Director
FBI Headquarters
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
(202) 324-3000
The principles of Fortress Financial Group (Revoked Stock Symbol FFGO) have violated Federal and state securities laws. I request Federal arrest warrants be issued for the principles of Fortress Financial Group maintaining the following reported addresses:
Fortress Financial Group, Inc.
2780 South Jones Blvd.
Suite 3532
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Phone: 954-623-7409
Fax: 702-479-7214
Corporate Inquiries (E Mail): admin@fortfinancegroup.com
Investor Relations- Global Investor Relations
Email: IR@fortfinancegroup.com
Phone: 407-403-5565
Transfer Agent- Quicksilver Stock Transfer, LLC
6623 South Las Vegas Blvd.
Suite 255
Las Vegas 89119
Phone: 702-360-0652
Following contact information on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Mailing Address 1903 60TH PLACE E. SUITE M2240 BRADENTON FL 34203
Business Address 1903 60TH PLACE E. SUITE M2240 BRADENTON FL 34203 (954) 840-6961
Fortress Financial Group, Inc. / WY CIK#: 0000802206 (see all company filings)
SIC: 6770 - BLANK CHECKS
State location: FL | State of Inc.: WY | Fiscal Year End: 1231
formerly: ADVEN INC (filings through 2004-09-15)
formerly: GREAT WEST GOLD, INC. (filings through 2007-12-10)
formerly: WEST AFRICA GOLD INC (filings through 2005-06-16)
(Assistant Director Office: All)
Get insider transactions for this issuer.
Request Federal arrest warrant issuance at the earliest. Review Securities and Exchange commission file numbers HO::~00201643~::HO. / HO::~00179184~::HO.
Contact Ms. Kerry McGovern
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
Request for Federal Arrest warrants
The following request referred to Federal Bureau of Investigations headquarters located:
FBI Headquarters
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
(202) 324-3000
The principles of Fortress Financial Group (Revoked Stock Symbol FFGO) have violated Federal and state securities laws. I request Federal arrest warrants be issued for the principles of Fortress Financial Group maintaining the following reported addresses:
Fortress Financial Group, Inc.
2780 South Jones Blvd.
Suite 3532
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Phone: 954-623-7409
Fax: 702-479-7214
Corporate Inquiries (E Mail): admin@fortfinancegroup.com
Investor Relations- Global Investor Relations
Email: IR@fortfinancegroup.com
Phone: 407-403-5565
Transfer Agent- Quicksilver Stock Transfer, LLC
6623 South Las Vegas Blvd.
Suite 255
Las Vegas 89119
Phone: 702-360-0652
Following contact information on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Mailing Address 1903 60TH PLACE E. SUITE M2240 BRADENTON FL 34203
Business Address 1903 60TH PLACE E. SUITE M2240 BRADENTON FL 34203 (954) 840-6961
Fortress Financial Group, Inc. / WY CIK#: 0000802206 (see all company filings)
SIC: 6770 - BLANK CHECKS
State location: FL | State of Inc.: WY | Fiscal Year End: 1231
formerly: ADVEN INC (filings through 2004-09-15)
formerly: GREAT WEST GOLD, INC. (filings through 2007-12-10)
formerly: WEST AFRICA GOLD INC (filings through 2005-06-16)
(Assistant Director Office: All)
Get insider transactions for this issuer.
Request Federal arrest warrants be issued at the earliest. Review Securities and Exchange commission file numbers HO::~00201643~::HO. / HO::~00179184~::HO.
Contact Ms. Kerry McGovern
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
Investigations: Correspondence with the SEC
Thanks Ms. McGovern,
In cases where a crime has been committed, all no-arbitration agreements with share holders do not apply. Arbitration and mediation with FBI are not options and criminal prosecution with associated forfeiture and seizure of Fortress Financial Group company and personal assets a must to repay FFGO stock holders that have suffered tremendously throughout this terrible derailment of compliance. The mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of valuable investment capital, and damages experienced by FFGO investors is tremendously due to Fortress Financial Groups Non-compliance with Federal and state securities laws. Fortress Financial Groups Company assets include, but are not limited to, two gold mines. It is urgent that criminal prosecution be initiated at the earliest. A federal warrant for the arrest of company leadership can be initiated overnight with subsequent arrests within 24 hours. FBI can conduct seizure of company assets upon the arrest of company officials with intent to repay stock holders.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Investigations: Correspondence with the SEC
From: "\"Help\" <help@sec.gov>" <help... [&contactid=1751003341&x=-708882907">Edit Address Book]
Subject: Correction: Your new file number SEC Response - File HO::~00201643~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030K8ETN:ref ]
Date: Mar 13, 2012 11:14 PM
Attachments: E_TRADE FINANCIAL - Trading & Portfolios.pdf
Dear Mr. Hill:
We had to establish a new file number for you and it is HO::~00201643~::HO. Please disregard the previous file number HO::~00179184~::HO.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kerry McGovern
--------------- Original Message ---------------
From: "Help" <help@sec.gov> [help@sec.gov]
Sent: 3/13/2012 11:10 AM
Subject: SEC Response - File HO::~00179184~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030K8ETN:ref ]
Dear Mr. Hill:
This is to confirm receipt of your follow up complaint against Etrade and your shares of Fortress Financial. We have forwarded your complaint to the firm?s compliance department and asked that a response be sent directly to you, with a copy to our office. Please understand that this process may take two to three weeks.
Our efforts to facilitate informal resolutions of complaints often succeed. In some cases, however, the firm may deny wrongdoing or it may remain unclear whether any wrongdoing occurred. If that happens, we cannot act as your personal representative or attorney. Instead, you will then have to decide whether you wish to pursue legal action on your own. I enclose a set of materials outlining the steps you may wish to take if you choose that option, including information on arbitration, mediation, and sources of potential legal assistance. Please read these documents carefully. They describe your rights and important deadlines.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kerry McGovern
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
--------------------------------------------------------------
STEPS FOR PURSUING A COMPLAINT
Know your legal rights
You should know your legal rights and be prepared to take action on your own, even while waiting for the firm?s response. Federal and state securities laws allow you to start legal proceedings against those who may be engaged in wrongdoing. If you believe the firm?s response inaccurate or incomplete, consider writing a second letter to the firm, laying out the problems with the firm?s response and including copies of documents that support your views.
Act promptly
Time restrictions, called ?statutes of limitations,? require you to begin legal action promptly. For example, the federal securities laws require you to bring action within two years of the date you reasonably should have discovered the wrongdoing, but no later than five years from the date it occurred. If you sue any later, you may lose the right to recover. Limitations vary from state to state and may differ depending on whether you claim a violation of state law or federal law.
Use arbitration, if agreed to
When you opened your brokerage account, you probably agreed to use arbitration (and only arbitration) to settle all disputes with your broker or the firm. But even if you did not, you may choose to use arbitration to settle disputes. If you use arbitration, arbitrators will apply either a federal or state statute of limitations, depending on the nature of your claim. You generally cannot pursue an issue through arbitration if it is more than six years old. For older cases, you will probably want to consult with an attorney. When deciding whether to arbitrate ? or, if it is a choice, to sue in court ? bear in mind that if your broker or brokerage firm goes out of business or declares bankruptcy, you might not be able to recover your money ? even if the arbitrator or court rules in your favor.
Learn about low-cost arbitration
If you use Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and your claim is $25,000 or less, you generally will not have to appear in person at a hearing and an arbitrator will make a decision on your case by reviewing documents and written descriptions of what happened from you and your broker. You should carefully review the rules governing simplified arbitration before filing a claim. To obtain information about arbitration procedures, please go to: http://www.finra.org/. Again, you should weigh the costs of arbitrating against the likelihood of being able to collect any award, especially if the brokerage firm has left the industry or gone bankrupt. Firms that stay in business typically pay the arbitration awards levied against them, but defunct firms may not.
Consider Mediation
Mediation is also an option you should consider before going to arbitration. Mediation allows you to save time and money because it is quicker than arbitration and voluntary. If you can?t reach an agreement through mediation, you can still go to arbitration. To learn about mediation, please go to: http://www.finra.org/.
If you decide to hire a lawyer and need help in finding one, please go to: http://www.sec.gov/answers/lawref.htm. Remember you do not have to have a lawyer to file an arbitration claim.
--------------- Original Message ---------------
Thanks Ms. McGovern,
In cases where a crime has been committed, all no-arbitration agreements with share holders do not apply. Arbitration and mediation with FBI are not options and criminal prosecution with associated forfeiture and seizure of Fortress Financial Group company and personal assets a must to repay FFGO stock holders that have suffered tremendously throughout this terrible derailment of compliance. The mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of valuable investment capital, and damages experienced by FFGO investors is tremendously due to Fortress Financial Groups Non-compliance with Federal and state securities laws. Fortress Financial Groups Company assets include, but are not limited to, two gold mines. It is urgent that criminal prosecution be initiated at the earliest. A federal warrant for the arrest of company leadership can be initiated overnight with subsequent arrests within 24 hours. FBI can conduct seizure of company assets upon the arrest of company officials with intent to repay stock holders.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Investigations: Correspondence with the SEC
From: "\"Help\" <help@sec.gov>" <help... [&contactid=1751003341&x=-708882907">Edit Address Book]
Subject: Correction: Your new file number SEC Response - File HO::~00201643~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030K8ETN:ref ]
Date: Mar 13, 2012 11:14 PM
Attachments: E_TRADE FINANCIAL - Trading & Portfolios.pdf
Dear Mr. Hill:
We had to establish a new file number for you and it is HO::~00201643~::HO. Please disregard the previous file number HO::~00179184~::HO.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kerry McGovern
--------------- Original Message ---------------
From: "Help" <help@sec.gov> [help@sec.gov]
Sent: 3/13/2012 11:10 AM
Subject: SEC Response - File HO::~00179184~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030K8ETN:ref ]
Dear Mr. Hill:
This is to confirm receipt of your follow up complaint against Etrade and your shares of Fortress Financial. We have forwarded your complaint to the firm?s compliance department and asked that a response be sent directly to you, with a copy to our office. Please understand that this process may take two to three weeks.
Our efforts to facilitate informal resolutions of complaints often succeed. In some cases, however, the firm may deny wrongdoing or it may remain unclear whether any wrongdoing occurred. If that happens, we cannot act as your personal representative or attorney. Instead, you will then have to decide whether you wish to pursue legal action on your own. I enclose a set of materials outlining the steps you may wish to take if you choose that option, including information on arbitration, mediation, and sources of potential legal assistance. Please read these documents carefully. They describe your rights and important deadlines.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kerry McGovern
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
--------------------------------------------------------------
STEPS FOR PURSUING A COMPLAINT
Know your legal rights
You should know your legal rights and be prepared to take action on your own, even while waiting for the firm?s response. Federal and state securities laws allow you to start legal proceedings against those who may be engaged in wrongdoing. If you believe the firm?s response inaccurate or incomplete, consider writing a second letter to the firm, laying out the problems with the firm?s response and including copies of documents that support your views.
Act promptly
Time restrictions, called ?statutes of limitations,? require you to begin legal action promptly. For example, the federal securities laws require you to bring action within two years of the date you reasonably should have discovered the wrongdoing, but no later than five years from the date it occurred. If you sue any later, you may lose the right to recover. Limitations vary from state to state and may differ depending on whether you claim a violation of state law or federal law.
Use arbitration, if agreed to
When you opened your brokerage account, you probably agreed to use arbitration (and only arbitration) to settle all disputes with your broker or the firm. But even if you did not, you may choose to use arbitration to settle disputes. If you use arbitration, arbitrators will apply either a federal or state statute of limitations, depending on the nature of your claim. You generally cannot pursue an issue through arbitration if it is more than six years old. For older cases, you will probably want to consult with an attorney. When deciding whether to arbitrate ? or, if it is a choice, to sue in court ? bear in mind that if your broker or brokerage firm goes out of business or declares bankruptcy, you might not be able to recover your money ? even if the arbitrator or court rules in your favor.
Learn about low-cost arbitration
If you use Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and your claim is $25,000 or less, you generally will not have to appear in person at a hearing and an arbitrator will make a decision on your case by reviewing documents and written descriptions of what happened from you and your broker. You should carefully review the rules governing simplified arbitration before filing a claim. To obtain information about arbitration procedures, please go to: http://www.finra.org/. Again, you should weigh the costs of arbitrating against the likelihood of being able to collect any award, especially if the brokerage firm has left the industry or gone bankrupt. Firms that stay in business typically pay the arbitration awards levied against them, but defunct firms may not.
Consider Mediation
Mediation is also an option you should consider before going to arbitration. Mediation allows you to save time and money because it is quicker than arbitration and voluntary. If you can?t reach an agreement through mediation, you can still go to arbitration. To learn about mediation, please go to: http://www.finra.org/.
If you decide to hire a lawyer and need help in finding one, please go to: http://www.sec.gov/answers/lawref.htm. Remember you do not have to have a lawyer to file an arbitration claim.
--------------- Original Message ---------------
Investigations. Correspondence with the SEC
To: "\"Help\" <help@sec.gov>" <help@sec.gov>
Subject: Re: SEC Response - File HO::~00179184~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030K8ETN:ref ]
Date: Mar 14, 2012 2:59 AM
Attachments: FBI — Stock Fraud Case Offers Lessons.pdf
Thank you Mrs. McGovern
Review the attached documentation at your leisure
Evidence indicates that both Fortress Financial Group and Phantom Entertainment conducted the federal crime of stock fraud not limited to Pump N Dump. Our complaint is ongoing with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center (NWCCC)in addition to the Securities and Exchange Commission for disposition and investigation. I have provided the responses of the SEC to the FBI and NWCCC to facilitate a corroboration of evidence. I have included the SEC file numbers you referred to.
Our intent is to pursue criminal prosecution of offending parties in lieu of lengthy and costly law suites and legal proceedings. In cases where the crime is clear and apparent, i.e. Fortress Financial Group and Phantom Entertainments negligence in not reporting as required by federal law, forced a SEC revocation of their stock. Due to FFGO and PHEI willful negligence, the associated stocks were revoked thus forcing a purposeful derailment of promises made to stock holders. Intent is proven by non reporting as required. In cases where a crime has been committed, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducts arrests and can initiate the sell of Fortress Financial Group and Phantom Entertainment assets via seizures and forfeitures with intent to pay affected stock holders. Fortress Financial Groups assets include, and are not limited to, two Gold Mines. Phantom Entertainment assets include, and are not limited to, the rights to the Phantom Gaming Lapboard and contracts with current points of sale. Fortress Financial and Phantom Entertainments willful non-compliance makes them negligent and liable to pay stock holders with the sale of current assets.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has provided the following case examples in reference to the Fortress Financial and Phantom entertainment situations:
"From the FBI. Investors Beware Stock Fraud Case Offers Lessons
If you're not familiar with “pump-and-dump” fraud schemes, it might be a good time to get educated.
That's because the FBI and its partners are now wrapping up an investigation of such a scam that was so massive it took the better part of a decade to unravel.
So far, our joint investigation has uncovered more than 40 schemes, convicted 40 perpetrators, identified thousands of victims in nearly every state and several foreign countries, and discovered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.
In Operation “Shore Shells,” so-named because it involved fake (or shell) companies and began in the coastal area of southern New Jersey, a group of co-conspirators—CEOs, stock brokers, CPAs, financial advisors, attorneys, etc.—had been engaging in pump-and-dump and other schemes for years.
How 'Pump and Dump' Works
First, there’s the glowing press release about a company, usually on its financial health or some new product or innovation.
Then, newsletters that purport to offer unbiased recommendations may suddenly tout the company as the latest "hot" stock. Messages in chat rooms and bulletin board postings may urge you to buy the stock quickly or to sell before the price goes down. Or you may even hear the company mentioned by a radio or TV analyst.
Unsuspecting investors then purchase the stock in droves, pumping up the price. But when the fraudsters behind the scheme sell their shares at the peak and stop hyping the stock, the price plummets, and innocent investors lose their money.
Fraudsters frequently use this ploy with small, thinly traded companies because it's easier to manipulate a stock when there's little or no information available about the company. To steer clear of potential scams, always investigate before you invest.
Steps You Can Take
- Don't believe the hype.
- Find out where the stock trades.
- Independently verify claims.
- Research the opportunity.
- Beware of high-pressure pitches.
- Always be skeptical.
- Learn more about "pump and dump" schemes at SEC.gov.
How do these scams work? In this case, the ringleaders created shell companies whose penny stock (worth less than $5 a share) was traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (not on the more widely known New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ). They secretly issued most of the shares for themselves in fictitious names, then touted their companies’ stock through false statements in press releases, electronic bulletin board postings, online newsletters, and the like.
Often using their retirement funds, unsuspecting investors purchased the highly-touted stock—or their unscrupulous financial advisors did so without their knowledge—driving or “pumping” up the price. Then, the fraudsters “dumped,” or sold, their stock for thousands or millions of dollars, causing the stock to plummet and innocent investors to lose their shirts.
In many cases, the losses were significant. And while running an undercover operation and gathering enough evidence to put the criminals behind bars, our focus has been on helping victims get some of their hard-earned money back. We spent years interviewing more than 600 mainly elderly victims, painstakingly documenting their sometimes heartbreaking losses. For example:
We assisted a doctor from a prestigious hospital who began suffering from severe depression after learning of the scam and became unable to work. To help a husband and wife who had both developed dementia during the investigation, our agents traveled to their nursing home and spent hours with them, their family members, and their accountants to substantiate their financial losses.
We worked with a man suffering from multiple sclerosis whose stockbroker had liquidated his pension and IRA and left him nearly penniless. We learned of another victim who not only invested her savings and her pension, but also took out a second mortgage to invest more. Needless to say, she lost everything.
It was worth the effort. So far, more than 100 seizures and forfeitures totaling over $70 million in cash, artwork, jewelry, homes, cars, and other valuables have been made, and criminals have been ordered to pay more than $130 million in restitution. We expect millions more to be forfeited and repaid to the victims.
Because of their work on behalf of the victims in this case, the investigative team—comprised of special agents from our Atlantic City Resident Agency (out of the Newark FBI office), a Criminal Investigation agent from the Internal Revenue Service, and the Newark FBI’s victim/witness specialist—was awarded the FBI Director’s Annual Award for Distinguished Service for Assisting Victims of Crime."
As the Federal Bureau of Investigation realizes, we are victims of a crime and are due a repayment of our investment Dollars.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hill
-----Original Message-----
>From: "\"Help\" <help@sec.gov>" <help@sec.gov>
>Sent: Mar 13, 2012 11:10 PM
>Subject: SEC Response - File HO::~00179184~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030K8ETN:ref ]
>
>Dear Mr. Hill:
>
>This is to confirm receipt of your follow up complaint against Fortress Financial and your shares of Phantom Entertainment. We have forwarded your complaint to the firm?s compliance department and asked that a response be sent directly to you, with a copy to our office. Please understand that this process may take two to three weeks.
>
>Our efforts to facilitate informal resolutions of complaints often succeed. In some cases, however, the firm may deny wrongdoing or it may remain unclear whether any wrongdoing occurred. If that happens, we cannot act as your personal representative or attorney. Instead, you will then have to decide whether you wish to pursue legal action on your own. I enclose a set of materials outlining the steps you may wish to take if you choose that option, including information on arbitration, mediation, and sources of potential legal assistance. Please read these documents carefully. They describe your rights and important deadlines.
>
>If you have any questions, please contact me.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Ms. Kerry McGovern
>Investor Assistance Specialist
>Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
>U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
>(800) 732-0330
Condolences from E-Trade:
Sent: 02/21/2012 09:17 AM
Subject: Portfolio
Topic: Dividends
Reference Number: 1835906
Message:
Dear Mr. HILL,
Thank you for your message regarding Fortress Financial Group and Phantom Entertainment.
Fortress Financial Group was delisted on 12/07/11 and Phantom Entertainment was delisted on 07/16/09. The reason provided for each security was 'registration revoked by the SEC.' Generally the company will be the best contact for a history of dividends.
Sincerely,
Ryan Ogden
M-F 7 am - 4 pm EST
1-800-ETRADE-1 (1-800-387-2331)
Trading Inquiry Specialist
E*TRADE Securities, LLC
President Barak Obama versus Fortress Financial Group
President Obama established the inter-agency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.[color=red][/color]
Attorney General Eric Holder Launches Consumer Protection Working
Group to Combat Consumer Fraud
Working Group Created Under President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force Brings Together Federal, State, and Local Partners
U.S. Department of Justice February 13, 2012
Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007/TDD (202)514-1888
WASHINGTON—The Consumer Protection Working Group, formed under President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), convened its first meeting in Washington, D.C., today to address consumer fraud, which can financially cripple households and can cause extensive losses to our economy. The newly created group will work across federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, and with state and local partners, to strengthen efforts to address consumer-related fraud, including schemes targeting vulnerable populations, such as the unemployed, those in need of payday loans, and those suffering from the burden of high credit card and other debt. The new working group will also focus on scams that exploit prospective students, active-duty military personnel, and veterans.
“The schemes we are combating are as diverse as the imaginations of those who perpetrate them, and as sophisticated as modern technology will permit. Thanks in large part to the leadership of the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force we are tackling financial fraud, in all its forms, head on,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Through the extensive and coordinated partnership we start today, we will strengthen our collective efforts, enhance civil and criminal enforcement of consumer fraud and educate the public in an effort to prevent consumers from being victimized in the first place.”
Attorney General Holder delivered remarks at today’s meeting which was convened by FFETF Executive Director Michael Bresnick along with the working group’s co-chairs: Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division Lanny Breuer, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California André Birotte and Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) David Vladeck. Another co-chair, Director of Enforcement for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Kent Markus, was unable to attend the meeting.
“We know all too well how opportunistic fraudsters have adapted their schemes to take advantage of consumers facing financial hardships, using false promises of mortgage modification, debt relief, and job placement, to name a few. Since 2009, the FTC has brought over 90 cases to stop these scams,” said Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the FTC David Vladeck. “This partnership will only serve to enhance our collective efforts to protect consumers.”
The Consumer Protection Working Group will address several areas of concern, including payday lending and other high-pressure telemarketing or Internet scams, business opportunity schemes, for-profit schools that engage in fraud or misrepresentation, and fraudulent third party payment processors that facilitate payments on behalf of other fraudsters without the permission of the customer.
At today’s meeting, the Consumer Protection Working Group members set priorities and discussed taking collaborative steps to continue to seek out and prosecute consumer fraud as well as protect consumers from fraud before it happens through outreach and education. The new working group plans to establish a best-practices tool kit, legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives, and an information sharing structure.
Other members of the Consumer Protection Working Group include representatives from the Department of Treasury, FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, U.S. Secret Service, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, Department of Education’s Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Trustee Program, the National Association of Attorneys General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the National Credit Union Administration. The state attorneys general are represented on the working group by Attorney General Lisa Madigan from Illinois, Attorney General Greg Zoeller from Indiana, and Attorney General Roy Cooper from North Carolina.
The Consumer Protection Working Group is part of ongoing enforcement efforts by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions, and other organizations. Task force members have charged a record number of mortgage fraud cases in the past two years, trained more than 100,000 professionals responsible for awarding and overseeing Recovery Act funds and held regional summits around the country to discuss strategies, resources and initiatives, as well as to meet with communities most affected by the financial crisis.
Learn more about the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force at www.stopfraud.gov.
The SEC can seize assets with litigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation can seize assets without litigation once it is determined that a crime was committed and the associated parties intend to flee the country. If the FBI seizes Fortress Financials gold mines, the mines would be sold at auction and the proceeds given to the investors of FFGO. The FBI does it routinely. If the gold mines are sold at auction, the mines would be bought at a much higher price than the current FFGO/NMGL agreement. Reason being the price of gold has sky rocketed since the original FFGO/NMGL agreement and there are many individuals as well as organizations that would buy the mines because of the increase in value due to the increase in the price of gold. An FBI auction would bring a large amount of potential buyers because an FBI auction is a no strings attached outright sell for a profit to pay the original investors. No complicated legal entanglements like the FFGO/NMGL agreement. Go FBI and be millionaires in less than six months. Go FBI.
Listening to the ups and downs as to whether FFGO has scammed everyone and if FFGO has committed a crime, induced me to infuse a some reality from the FBI. I will simply post a few cases that are similar to the FFGOers situation. Simply read thru the next 5 to ten FBI cases I post and then provide commentary as to whether FFGOers are caught in a similar situation.
An FBI Investigation can extend in excess of twelve years.
No. It says proposed. As i said before.
Investor FAQ
(Updated 9/8/2010- 9:43 AM)
The various subjects covered in this section are in response to the most pertinent questions being asked by our stockholders. We are of the opinion that we have covered all of the various topics of interest and will add to this list as additional topics become relevant:
Additional Questions and Answers Concerning the Sale of the Company’s Gold Interests and the proposed payment of an Extraordinary Dividend
Fortress Financial Group, Inc. (“Fortress”) has now successfully concluded on September 8, 2010; the sale of the company’s gold interests to North American Gold & Minerals Fund (“NMGL”) for Preferred Series “A” and Preferred Series “B” shares of NMGL stock.
With that said, the following Federal Bureau of Investigation article outlines the results of what occurred with the last group of folk that simply took everybody money with a bum penny stock and departed.
Securities Attorney and Former Stock Broker Each Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for $43 Million Pump-and-Dump Stock Manipulation Scheme
U.S. Department of Justice October 29, 2010
Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007/TDD (202) 514-1888
WASHINGTON—A securities attorney and a former stock broker were sentenced today to 188 months and 151 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in an extensive pump-and-dump stock manipulation scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas Scott Woodward of the Northern District of Oklahoma. The two defendants were also ordered to forfeit more than $43 million.
G. David Gordon, a securities attorney, and Richard Clark, a businessman and former stock broker, both of Tulsa, Okla., were convicted by a federal jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma on May 3, 2010. Gordon was found guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering; nine counts of wire fraud; five counts of securities fraud; five counts of money laundering; and one count of making a false statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the pump-and-dump scheme. Clark was found guilty on one count of conspiracy, seven counts of wire fraud, five counts of securities fraud, and one count of money laundering. Gordon, 48, and Clark, 62, were originally charged in a 24-count indictment unsealed on Feb. 10, 2009.
According to evidence presented at trial, between April 2004, and December 2006, Gordon, Clark, and other conspirators devised and engaged in a scheme to defraud investors known as a “pump-and-dump,” in which they manipulated three publicly traded stocks. The evidence at trial established that the conspirators obtained approximately $43 million in proceeds from the manipulation of the three penny stocks. A penny stock is a common stock that trades for less than $5 per share in the over the counter market, rather than on national exchanges. Two companies based in Tulsa at the time of the scheme were among those whose stock was manipulated: Deep Rock Oil & Gas Inc., and Global Beverage Solutions Inc., formerly known as Pacific Peak Investments. Clark is the former chief executive officer of Global Beverage. The third company, National Storm Management Group Inc., is based in Glen Ellyn, Ill. According to evidence presented at trial, Gordon and Clark executed the scheme by obtaining a majority of the free-trading shares of stock they intended to manipulate, using fraudulent and deceptive means to acquire the stock and/or remove the trading restrictions on the shares they obtained.
Evidence at trial showed that the defendants hid and “parked” their shares with various nominees, such as friends, relatives or other entities that they owned and controlled. Subsequently, they engaged in coordinated trading in order to create the appearance of an emerging market for these stocks, after which they conducted massive promotional campaigns in which unsolicited fax and e-mail “blasts” were sent to millions of recipients. According to evidence at trial, these blasts touted the respective stocks without accurately disclosing who was paying for the promotions, omitted that the defendants intended to sell their shares, and induced unsuspecting investors to purchase stock in the companies. E-mail and fax blasts promoting two companies, National Storm and Deep Rock Oil & Gas, touted investment opportunities purportedly created by Hurricane Katrina. Evidence at trial showed that the defendants and their nominees obtained significant profits by selling large amounts of shares after they had artificially inflated the stock price. For each of the three manipulated stocks, the defendants’ sell-off caused declines of the stock price and left legitimate investors holding stock of significantly reduced value.
“The scheme that sent these two individuals to prison was basic in its goal—to create profits at the expense of unknowing victim investors,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division. “Not only did the defendants defraud investors, but they also exploited the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. We will not allow our stock markets to be hijacked by people intent on artificially manipulating them.”
“Mr. Gordon used his expertise as a securities lawyer and Mr. Clark used his experience as a former stock broker to exploit unsuspecting investors of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Woodward. “The investing public must depend upon the integrity of our financial markets. Today’s sentence sends a strong message that securities professionals who illegally manipulate our financial markets will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Gordon was also convicted of one count of wire fraud and one count of obstruction of justice in connection with a fourth penny stock, that of International Power Group Ltd., based in New Jersey.
The February 2009, indictment also charged Dean Sheptycki, 43, at the time a resident of Florida and the Bahamas; and Dallas-area resident Joshua Wayne Lankford, 36, for their participation in the scheme. Sheptycki and Lankford remain fugitives. An indictment is merely a charge and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Four other individuals have pleaded guilty in related cases.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Andrew Warren of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Depew for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Muhlendorf, who is detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the SEC. The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Today’s sentences are part of efforts underway by President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
Fortress Financial Group beware......
As I said it is a proposed dividend but you may read the exact verbage here:
http://www.fortfinancegroup.com/faq.html
According to the FAQs, it is payable at the sell of property.
I would say proposed dividend. But in reading the information on their website, they are basically promising it.
http://www.fortfinancegroup.com/dividends.html
I have read the agreements you speak of. I have also read the so called weasel clauses and easy outs for insiders. The key thing to remember when reading those agreements is that the agreements are not in compliance with the law which make the agreements mute in a court of law if Fortress was sued by its investors.
For example; You and I sign an agreement to burglarize a 7-Eleven store. We add weasel clauses and easy outs. We agree to divide the money evenly, agree to pay the driver of the get away car, agree to pay the accountant, agree to pay the gun store owner, agree to deposit the loot in a specific bank, and finally agree that law enforcement must release us immediately in lieu of prosecution if we are captured.
Would that be a legal agreement that a Federal court would uphold? No it would not be. What you must understand is that businesses like Fortress Financial write agreements all day everyday but that does not make the agreements legal. The agreements written and signed by Fortress ad its principals do not appear legal. Fortress cannot simply take your money and not return it if Fortress failed to comply with the law. If Fortress failed to pay you due to its willful non compliance with the law, then Fortress is negligent thus liable for the lost of your money. If fortress had complied with the law, maybe your investment would have eventually appreciated and or increased in value.
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no one has sued FFGO
there are no grounds to sue them .. the Divvy/NSS believed everything the fluff PR's, 8K's and website claimed .. each and every fluffy PR, 8K and agreement were full of weasel clauses and easy outs for the insiders
everyone was well warned years ago this was going to happen .. and they would lose every sub penny invested in
FFGO
and NMGL
There is a statute of limitations for complaining to the SEC reference Fortress Financial WRONG DOING in their failure to pay a promised extraordinary dividend that was allegedly guaranteed.
My understanding is that Fortress is not charged with a crime as of yet. The Securities and Exchange Commission reserves the right to refer criminal charges to a federal court if it discovers that Fortress committed a crime.
In addition to SEC, FBI and NWCC can apply criminal charges if Fortress Financial commits a crime.
You stated "FFGO delayed paying the divvy .. because they never had any intention of paying it in the first place."
That is a crime.
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there is no such thing as a statues of limitations for not paying a divvy
where in the world are you getting this from .. FFGO has not been charged with any civil or criminal crime
- except under SEC section 12J and was revoked
FFGO delayed paying the divvy .. because they never had any intention of paying it in the first place
they knew well in advace they were going to be revoked
you really need to do some DD on FFGO
You stated FFGO still registers a value in your account? E-Trade, Ameri-trade, or ShareBuilder.
I don't think they all came out clean Alan. I think they became subjects for a further investigation thus no publicity on them. No news is not necessarily good news in the investigative world.
No better time than the present. As you know, there is a statute of limitations reference the complaint process.
According to the SEC, STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IS 2 YEARS AFTER REALIZATION of Fortress Financial wrong doing. That would explain why Fortress has delayed the extraordinary dividend for more than two years. 5 years at the most per SEC. I think the original extraordinary dividend payment date was scheduled for year 2008?? If so, we are now entering the fourth year of waiting and Fortress delays for another year to avoid being caught within the statute of limitations????
Allegedly
Although Fortress Financial as a company, may declare no assets, the owners may have maintained millions in personal assets.
Long arm of the law to protect the American consumer my friend. The United States government maintains an embassy within each country around the globe. Each embassy is considered United States soil regardless the country it is located. Within each United States Embassy around the globe exist a Federal Bureau of Investigation office. Each of these FBI offices, by international agreement with the host nation in which it resides, obtains arrest power and power to extradite to the United States for prosecution, via international agreement with the host country to return fugitives to the nation where they may have committed a crime. Long arm f the law. As a matter of fact, these are the telephone numbers to FBI So Africa and FBI United Kingdom.
Pretoria, South Africa
American Embassy: 011-27-12-431-4000
Cape Town Suboffice
American Consulate: 011-27-21-702-7300
Nations covered: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte (French Territory), Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion (French Territory), Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa.
London, England
American Embassy: 0-11-44-207-894-0007
Nations covered: United Kingdom ( England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands (Guernsey, Jersey)
Those are the telephone numbers to FBI South Africa and FBI United kingdom including jurisdiction. Once notified of a crime, FBI South Africa and FBI United Kingdom both activate the international agreement and immediately freeze assets. FBI then activates host nation law enforcement to apprehend the owners of the assets and subsequently extradites them to the United State for prosecution.
Sadaam Hussein maintained billions in assets within hidden bank accounts in Switzerland and within the United States. Those assets were frozen when the war in Iraq started.
And last but least, if Fortress Financial has committed a federal crime such as Stock Fraud(Pump and Dump), one of the powers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the seizure of property, such as two gold mines, the liquidation thereof, and payment to the victims of Fortress Financials crime. Can FFGOers get paid regardless of Fortress Financials decision to go mute, dissolve, and hide? Absolutely!! If a crime has been committed, the mines, in addition to associated property and assets, can be seized, liquidated and payment made to the victims of the crime. It would be very difficult for Fortress to take two gold mines and hide them off shore. Go FFGOers!!!
Fortress Financial has not gone out of business nor declared bankruptcy which makes it vulnerable to law suit and
liable to pay FFGOers. Allegedly they are now successfully in the pre-paid debit card business, making big profits,
under the same business name. It is alleged that the reason Fortress Financial has waited so long to pay FFGOers is because
the statute of limitations to sue fortress can be 2 to 5 years according to the SEC. When there is proof that Fortress Financial Group has violated the securities laws, the sanctions may include financial penalties, orders to surrender profits, cease and
desist orders, or an injunction by a court to prevent further violations. The SEC can refer a case to the Department
of Justice for possible criminal prosecution. For example, the federal securities laws require FFGOers to bring
action within two years of the date they reasonably should have discovered Fortress Financial wrongdoing, but no later than five years from the date it occurred. If FFGOers sue any later, they may lose the right to recover. Limitations vary from state to state and may differ depending on whether FFGOers claim a violation of state law or federal law. That is what the SEC can do. The Federal Bureau of Investigation can do much more. The FBI can simply freeze Fortress Financial assets, confiscate property such as gold mines, seize bank accounts, conduct arrests, and
incarcerate Fortress Financial Group personnel for stock fraud (Pump N Dump). Generally the statute of limitations with the
FBI is twelve years giving FFGOers plenty of time to act. I am head over heels to get FFGOers paid the extraordinary dividend.
Unfortunately Fortress has not cooperated timely.
Assets? At a minimum, two gold mines and a van.
Can FFGOers recover their investment dollars? Absolutely! If a crime has been committed. All associated evidence shows that a crime may have been committed. The SEC can make that determination and institute criminal charges. Once that is done, FBI is notified to freeze FFGO assets, bank accounts, and material wealth with intention of distributing proceeds to FFGO investors. So either way, FFGOers can win. Either Fortress Financial pay the dividend or they run the risk of imprisonment long term, and a confiscation of assets. To get the ball rolling, FFGOers must complain. Filing complaints at the following listed complaint forms will corroborate current FBI and SEC information resulting in positive activity for FFGO investors.
Securities and Exchange Commission:
https://tts.sec.gov/oiea/Complaint.html
National White collar Crime Center:
http://www.nw3c.org/contact_us.cfm
Federal Bureau of Investigation:
https://tips.fbi.gov/
Each organization maintains a database of complaints. As FFGOers complain, these databases will chronologically match the complaints under the file name "Fortress Financial Group" or similar configuration.
Yes the responses are generic due to the sensitive nature of the situation. The questions are, did FORTRESS FINANCIAL GROUP commit the crime of investment fraud(Pump n Dump). The Fortress Financial Group web site is clear and convincing evidence of the Pump. Now, was there and intentional dump? Records show that Fortress Financial Group Leadership willfully did not comply to reporting requirements and did know the penalties for not reporting. Subsequently FFGO stock symbol became suspended and ultimately revoked which means that the stock symbol FFGO will not increase in value. Did Fortress Financial Group leadership realize that a delisting of stock symbol FFGO would result in not only a loss of value but also the inability for investors to recover their invested funds. If they realized that, and knowingly chose not to report resulting in an initial suspension and a revocation and delisting, then they would be considered negligent and liable.
As we remain positive throughout this more than five year investigative process, lets hope that Fortress Financial Group will comply with federal regulations, federal law, and comply to the payment of an extraordinary dividend to its shareholders who have waited so very patiently over the many years. And kudos to the moderators of the Fortress Financial Group message board that have a flame of hope burning for those that have sacrificed a lot and waited so very long for a payment.
The SEC conducts its investigations on a confidential and nonpublic basis and neither confirms nor denies the existence of an investigation unless the SEC brings charges against someone involved. We do this to protect the integrity and effectiveness of our investigative process and to preserve the privacy of the individuals and entities involved. As a result, we will be unable to confirm whether an investigation exists or provide you with any updates on the status of your complaint or of any pending SEC investigation. Information on our policy is enclosed. You may wish to check our website, www.sec.gov, for information about pending SEC civil actions, administrative cases, and other matters.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Amy Rosenthal
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
www.sec.gov
FFGOer's have been positive in the sacrifice of their investment dollars and deserve answers. I will not post everything from the investigative database but the sampling should give FFGOer's a sense of hope that they will get their long awaited dividends. The moderators of the FFGO discussion group have been positive and professional and deserve answers.
Ongoing Investigative activity
Simply a small sampling of the correspondence with the SEC. Correspondence with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center I will not post due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. We intend to prosecute if Fortress Financial Group does not pay the Dividend. Investment fraud is a minimum of twenty years prison.
A Sampling of investigative correspondence with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as early as year 2007. Five and a half years of investigative correspondence with the SEC. Several of the many received from the SEC. Five year investigation finding Fortress Financial Group both negligent and liable. Investment fraud can result in excess of a 20 year prison term for Fortress Financial representatives if found guilty.
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From: "U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission" <oiea... [Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response - File SFDO1211738/E*Trade Securities, Inc.
Date: Mar 21, 2007 4:39 AM
Dear Mr. Hill:
I am confirming that we received your complaint concerning the above-name firm. We take investor complaints very seriously and try, whenever possible, to provide some form of assistance.
We have sent your complaint to the firm?s compliance department and asked them to respond directly to you. We also asked the firm to send us a copy of their letter to you. Please understand that this process may take four to eight weeks.
Our efforts to facilitate informal resolutions of complaints often succeed. But, in some cases, it remains unclear whether any wrongdoing occurred, or the dispute boils down to one person?s word against another?s. If that happens, we cannot act as your personal representative or attorney, and you will then have to decide whether you want to pursue legal action on your own. The following portion of this email outlines the steps you may wish to take if you choose that option, and includes information on arbitration, mediation, and sources of potential legal assistance. Please read this information carefully. It describes your rights and important deadlines.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
CHERYL M LAWSON
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
44 Montgomery Street, Ste. 2600
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 705-2479
STEPS FOR PURSUING A COMPLAINT
Know your legal rights
You should know your legal rights and be prepared to take action on your own, even while waiting for the firm?s response. Federal and state securities laws allow you to start legal proceedings against those who may be engaged in wrongdoing. If you believe the firm?s response inaccurate or incomplete, consider writing a second letter to the firm, laying out the problems with the firm?s response and including copies of documents that support your views.
Act promptly
Time restrictions, called ?statutes of limitations,? require you to begin legal action promptly. For example, the federal securities laws require you to bring action within two years of the date you reasonably should have discovered the wrongdoing, but no later than five years from the date it occurred. If you sue any later, you may lose the right to recover. Limitations vary from state to state and may differ depending on whether you claim a violation of state law or federal law.
Use arbitration, if agreed to
When you opened your brokerage account, you probably agreed to use arbitration (and only arbitration) to settle all disputes with your broker or the firm. But even if you did not, you may choose to use arbitration to settle disputes. If you use arbitration, arbitrators will apply either a federal or state statute of limitations, depending on the nature of your claim. You generally cannot pursue an issue through arbitration if it is more than six years old. For older cases, you will probably want to consult with an attorney. When deciding whether to arbitrate ? or, if it is a choice, to sue in court ? bear in mind that if your broker or brokerage firm goes out of business or declares bankruptcy, you might not be able to recover your money ? even if the arbitrator or court rules in your favor.
Learn about low-cost arbitration
If you use NASD Dispute Resolution, Inc. and your claim is $25,000 or less, you generally will not have to appear in person at a hearing and an arbitrator will make a decision on your case by reviewing documents and written descriptions of what happened from you and your broker. The New York Stock Exchange also offers simplified arbitration for claims under $25,000. Simplified arbitration can be a less costly alternative because you typically do not have to travel to a hearing and appear in person to give testimony and answer questions. You should carefully review the rules governing simplified arbitration before filing a claim. To obtain information about arbitration procedures, please go to: http://www.nasdadr.com/default.asp. Again, you should weigh the costs of arbitrating against the likelihood of being able to collect any award, especially if the brokerage firm has left the industry or gone bankrupt. Firms that stay in business typically pay the arbitration awards levied against them, but defunct firms may not.
Consider Mediation
Mediation is also an option you should consider before going to arbitration. Mediation allows you to save time and money because it is quicker than arbitration and voluntary. If you can?t reach an agreement through mediation, you can still go to arbitration. To learn about mediation, please go to: http://www.nasdadr.com/default.asp.
If you decide to hire a lawyer and need help in finding one, please go to: http://www.sec.gov/answers/lawref.htm. Remember you do not have to have a lawyer to file an arbitration claim.
---------------------------------------------------------
COMPLAINT
---------------------------------------------------------
Submitted: 2007-03-15
Send Copy: A copy of this may be sent to the entity.
ENTITY INFORMATION
Name: E*TRADE Securities LLC
Type: On-Line Trading Firm
Rep.: Tom Lee
Address: 671 N. Glebe Road, 11th Floor
Telephone 1-678-319-7400 x2237705
Arlington, VIRGINIA (VA) 22203
UNITED STATES
SECURITY INFORMATION
Name: Great West Gold
Symbol: GWGO
Type: Penny stocks
COMPLAINT INFORMATION
Providable Documents:
- Correspondence to and from Firm
- Notes of conversation with Firm
Description:
E*TRADE Securities LLC
STOCK SYMBOL GWGO (GREAT WEST GOLD)
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
From: "U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission" <oiea... [Edit Address Book]
To: Compliance@etrade.com,
Subject: SEC Response - File SFDO1211738/
Date: Dec 20, 2007 7:22 AM
Dear Compliance Officer:
We have enclosed additional correspondence received from Mary E. Taulbee concerning her complaint against your firm. Please review this matter further and provide Ms. Taulbee with a final report of your findings, addressing the issues raised within 30 days of the receipt of this letter. In addition, please send a copy of your reply to our office. Your response continues to be governed by SEC Form 1661 that accompanied our original letter to you.
Sincerely,
CHERYL M LAWSON
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
44 Montgomery Street, Ste. 2600
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 705-2479
Complaint E-Form Submission
Contact Date: 2007-12-17 18:33
Send to Entity: Yes
Entity Information
Name: E-Trade
Type: Broker-Dealer
Representative: Broker
Address: PO BOX 1542
Merrifield 22116
Security Information
Name: Fortress Financial Group
Symbol: FFGO.pk
Type: [Code 02]
Complaint
Providable
Documents: Correspondence to and from Firm
Details: My E-Trade brokerage account numbers 6098-9574 and 6102-2848 in my own name, were not credited with the 25% Dividend as promised by Fortress Financial Group (FFGO.pk) and as of this date, has not been credited to my account by E-Trade financial. E-Trade Financial may be contacted at 1-800-387-2331. Fortress Financial Group may be contacted at Fortress Financial Group, Inc.Fortress Financial Group, Inc. Mr. Peter J Bezzano, 1-914-462-3475
investor@fortfinancegroup.com
As this date., they have stolen the funds from my dividend payment and failed to deposit to my brokerage account.
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From: "U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission" <oiea... [Edit Address Book]
To: Compliance@etrade.com,
Subject: SEC Response - File SFDO1211738
Date: May 3, 2008 5:08 AM
Dear Compliance Officer:
We have enclosed additional correspondence received from MR Hill concerning his complaint against your firm. Please review this matter further and provide Mr. Hill with a final report of your findings, addressing the issues raised within 30 days of the receipt of this letter. In addition, please send a copy of your reply to our office. Your response continues to be governed by SEC Form 1661 that accompanied our original letter to you.
Sincerely,
CHERYL M LAWSON
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
44 Montgomery Street, Ste. 2600
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 705-2479
Complaint E-Form Submission
Contact Date: 2008-04-22 10:23
Send to Entity: Yes
Entity Information
Name: E-Trade Financial
Type: Broker-Dealer
Representative:
Address: P.O. Box 1542
Merrifield, VIRGINIA (VA) 22116-1542
UNITED STATES
Security Information
Name: Fortress Financial Group
Symbol: FFGO
Type: Penny stocks [Code 02]
Complaint
Providable
Documents: Correspondence to and from Firm
Advertising or Marketing Materials
Notes of conversation with Firm
E*TRADE Securities
P.O. Box 1542
Merrifield VA 22116-1542
-------------------------------------------------------------
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From: Help <help@sec.gov> [Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response
Date: Sep 4, 2011 8:37 AM
Dear Mr Hill,
Thank you for submitting your online contact to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. A representative of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy will respond to you shortly.
In order to ensure that you receive your subscription e-mails and announcements from the SEC, please add us to your contact list, adjust your spam settings, or follow the instructions from your e-mail provider on how to prevent our e-mails from being marked "Spam" or "Junk Mail."
Please do not reply to this message directly.
Thank you,
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
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From: Help <help@sec.gov> [Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response
Date: Sep 4, 2011 8:49 AM
Dear Mr Hill,
Thank you for submitting your online contact to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. A representative of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy will respond to you shortly.
In order to ensure that you receive your subscription e-mails and announcements from the SEC, please add us to your contact list, adjust your spam settings, or follow the instructions from your e-mail provider on how to prevent our e-mails from being marked "Spam" or "Junk Mail."
Please do not reply to this message directly.
Thank you,
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
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From: Help <help@sec.gov> [Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response
Date: Sep 11, 2011 12:51 PM
Dear Mr HILL,
Thank you for submitting your online contact to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. A representative of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy will respond to you shortly.
In order to ensure that you receive your subscription e-mails and announcements from the SEC, please add us to your contact list, adjust your spam settings, or follow the instructions from your e-mail provider on how to prevent our e-mails from being marked "Spam" or "Junk Mail."
Please do not reply to this message directly.
Thank you,
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
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From: OIG <OIG@SEC.GOV> [Add to Address Book]
Subject: RE: Extraordinary Dividend Payment
Date: Sep 13, 2011 4:14 AM
Dear Mr. Hill,
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Office of Inspector General (OIG). We appreciate your providing your concerns to us.
Please be advised that the OIG’s primary functions are to perform audits of internal SEC operations, programs, activities, functions and organizations, and to conduct investigations of alleged SEC staff (and contractor) misconduct. Based on our review of the information you have provided to us, your matter does not appear to fall within our jurisdictional purview.
The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA) is responsible for addressing certain general questions about the securities laws and complaints relating to financial professionals or a complainant’s personal financial matters. We believe that OIEA would be better able to address the issues you raise, and we have forwarded your concerns to that Office for review. You may also contact OIEA directly at help@sec.gov and may obtain additional information by visiting http://www.sec.gov/investor.shtml .
Thank you again for contacting the OIG.
Respectfully,
Raphael Kozolchyk,
Inquiry Specialist
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Ph 202.551.6061 | OIG@sec.gov
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From: "\"Help\" <help@sec.gov>" <help... [&contactid=1751003341&x=15663994">Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response - File HO::~00160658~::HO [ ref:00D3JxQy.5003G0f9g:ref ]
Date: Sep 20, 2011 1:22 AM
Dear Mr. Hill:
Thank you for your correspondence dated September 3, 2011, which has been forwarded to the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA).
We appreciate your alerting us to your concerns regarding Fortress Financial Group. OIEA processes many complaints received from individual investors and others. We keep records of the correspondence we receive in a searchable database that SEC staff may make use of in inspections, examinations, and investigations. In addition, some correspondence received by OIEA is referred directly to other SEC offices and divisions for their review.
The SEC conducts its investigations on a confidential and nonpublic basis and neither confirms nor denies the existence of an investigation unless the SEC brings charges against someone involved. We do this to protect the integrity and effectiveness of our investigative process and to preserve the privacy of the individuals and entities involved. As a result, we will be unable to confirm whether an investigation exists or provide you with any updates on the status of your complaint or of any pending SEC investigation. Information on our policy is enclosed. You may wish to check our website, www.sec.gov, for information about pending SEC civil actions, administrative cases, and other matters.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Amy Rosenthal
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
www.sec.gov
INFORMATION ABOUT SEC INVESTIGATIONS
Each year, thousands of investors ask the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate the activities of other investors, financial professionals, corporations, brokerage firms, investment companies, stock exchanges, and others. These complaints generally suggest some impropriety or misconduct and sometimes make a plea to the SEC for direct assistance in resolving a grievance.
The SEC has the authority to investigate whether violations of the federal securities laws have occurred, and we make every effort to evaluate promptly and thoroughly the information provided by investors. But we cannot investigate every investor complaint. While many investor complaints do lead to full investigations and, if appropriate, to enforcement actions, we cannot guarantee that our review will lead to further investigation or that the SEC will take any legal action.
We also cannot provide you with updates on the status of your complaint or your request for an investigation. The SEC conducts investigations confidentially for two main reasons. First, we can conduct investigations more effectively if they are not announced publicly. For instance, important documents and evidence can be destroyed quickly if people hear of an investigation. Second, we keep our investigations confidential to protect the reputations of companies and individuals if we find no wrongdoing or decide we cannot bring a successful action against them. The SEC will not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation unless, and until, it becomes a matter of public record as the result of a court action or administrative proceeding.
When there is proof that someone has violated the securities laws, the sanctions may include financial penalties, orders to surrender profits, cease and desist orders, or an injunction by a court to prevent further violations. The SEC may also bar individuals from working for a securities firm, investment adviser, or investment company. We can also ask a federal court to bar individuals from being officers and directors of publicly held companies. In some situations, we may refer a case to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution.
The SEC publishes news releases about its lawsuits and administrative actions, and the news media often report on them. You can read and download the SEC?s ?Enforcement Actions? on our website at www.sec.gov/divisions/enforce/enforceactions.shtml. Or you can obtain hard copies by reviewing ?How to Request Public Documents? at:
http://www.sec.gov/answers/publicdocs.htm
Or
Submit a written request to:
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Office of FOIA/PA Operations
100 F Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20549-2736
Fax: (202) 772-9337
Tel: (202) 551-8300
ref:00D3JxQy.5003G0f9g:ref
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From: Help <help@sec.gov> [Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response
Date: Nov 30, 2011 8:23 AM
Dear Mr Hill,
Thank you for submitting your online contact to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. A representative of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy will respond to you shortly.
In order to ensure that you receive your subscription e-mails and announcements from the SEC, please add us to your contact list, adjust your spam settings, or follow the instructions from your e-mail provider on how to prevent our e-mails from being marked "Spam" or "Junk Mail."
Please do not reply to this message directly.
Thank you,
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
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From: "\"Help\" <help@sec.gov>" <help... [&contactid=1751003341&x=1611822617">Edit Address Book]
Subject: SEC Response - File HO::~00189319~::HO [ ref:_00D30JxQy._50030IXrTb:ref ]
Date: Feb 13, 2012 10:23 AM
Dear Mr. Hill:
Thank you for your recent correspondence to the SEC in further regard to your investment in Fortress Financial Group.
The SEC?s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA) processes many comments from individual investors and others. We keep records of the correspondence we receive in a searchable database that SEC staff may make use of in inspections, examinations, and investigations. In addition, some correspondence received by OIEA is referred directly to other SEC offices and divisions for their review. If they have any questions or wish to respond directly to your comments, they will contact you.
Once again, thank you for contacting the SEC.
Sincerely,
Amy Rosenthal
Investor Assistance Specialist
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(800) 732-0330
www.sec.gov
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Simply a small sampling of the correspondence with the SEC. Correspondence with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center I will not post due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. We intend to prosecute if Fortress Financial Group does not pay the Dividend. Investment fraud is a minimum of twenty years prison.