Star Exception Advisor FYI: Lawsuit update

For those who were scammed: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/nassau-company-star-restitution-1.16291184



I contacted the AG's office and was told by a rude woman on the phone that they won't give me any details and if I am entitled to compensation I will get a letter in the mail in the near future. No timeline was given or anything. I got a letter awhile back saying I would be entitled to compensation and was asked to fill out a form with my name and other details, in addition to any proof that I paid him. I sent all that in and it was confirmed they received it, but other than that I was not told any details. Hoping I get a letter in the mail soon!


ETA: Just saw someone already posted about this, lol... Sorry!

Message edited 1/22/2018 9:51:41 AM.

Star Exception Advisor FYI: Lawsuit update

ALBANY — A state court has ordered full restitution for homeowners who paid a Nassau County company a total of at least $1.5 million for help in completing a form for the state’s STAR tax exemption, which is free to submit, according to state Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.

Schneiderman said a tax preparation company called YCA Corp., based in East Meadow, operated as a “STAR exemption advisor.” Through mailers, the company offered to help homeowners complete forms to receive the state property tax break.

Schneiderman said YCA Corp. submitted bills to residents that often equaled the entire first-year tax break due the taxpayer. If the homeowner refused to pay, the company threatened to take the case to small claims court. That often prompted the customers to pay a settlement to avoid court, he said.

An accounting is underway to find customers who are due full restitution. The company also will face civil penalties under the state Supreme Court decision, Schneiderman said.

“Preying on and deceiving New Yorkers by manipulating the STAR program — one of the few forms of financial relief available to homeowners — is shameful and illegal,” Schneiderman said.

A spokesman for the company didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Meredith Long, a teacher living in Levittown, said she believed at first that she was dealing with a county or state government worker because the envelope and letterhead appeared to be official.

“When the company sent out the mailing, I had just requested to see if I was eligible from the state,” Long said in an interview.

She said the company ultimately provided no service because she filled out the STAR benefit application herself. Yet she was hit with a bill from the company for $1,707, equal to the first year of the STAR break.

Message edited 1/22/2018 9:49:21 AM.

Star Exception Advisor FYI: Lawsuit update

Hi,
I just spoke with Brian Stieglitz who is a reporter from the East Meadow Herald. He would like to speak with anyone who has been scammed by this company. They will be running an article in the herald. Let's all try and contact him!! You can reach him at 516 569 4000 ext 246.

Star Exception Advisor FYI: Lawsuit update

thanks but I'm gonna pass on it lol- I don't want people talking about how stupid we are for getting caught up in it. Nobody realized how well she disguised it!