Last Updated: July 21, 2025
Newton Group is a well-established timeshare exit company founded in 2003 with over 21 years of experience in the industry. Led by Gordon Newton, who is recognized as a prominent figure in timeshare exit services, the company maintains BBB accreditation with an A+ rating. However, despite their longevity and industry recognition, the company faces significant customer complaints about misleading promises, additional fees, and lengthy processes that often result in referrals to law firms requiring more money. With 31 BBB complaints in 3 years and mixed Trustpilot reviews (3.8/5 stars), the company shows a pattern of customer dissatisfaction despite some successful exits.
Key Risk Indicators: - ⚠️ 31 BBB complaints in 3 years (high volume) - ⚠️ Pattern of additional fees and law firm referrals - ⚠️ Customer allegations of misleading promises - ✅ 21+ years in business with BBB accreditation - ✅ Industry recognition and media coverage
Newton Group (also known as Newton Group Transfers and The Newton Group ESA LLC) is a timeshare exit and transfer company founded in 2003 by Gordon Newton. The company positions itself as the "#1 Trusted Name in Timeshare Exit" and claims to have served thousands of clients over its 21-year history. Gordon Newton is widely recognized as a leading timeshare exit expert and has been featured in major publications including USA Today, U.S. News, and Forbes Real Estate Council.
Business Information: - Founded: July 21, 2025 - Incorporated: July 21, 2025 (Arizona LLC) - Headquarters: 1811 S Alma School Rd Ste 225, Mesa, AZ 85210 - Phone: (877) 354-4321 - Website: https://newtongrouptransfers.com/ - Alternate Names: The Newton Group ESA LLC
Primary Business: - Newton Group Transfers (Arizona) - The Newton Group ESA LLC (Alternate name)
Additional Locations: - Multiple corporate-owned locations across the United States - Headquarters in Mesa, Arizona with branch offices
No additional subsidiary companies or DBAs were identified beyond the primary business entity.
Primary Leadership: - Gordon A. Newton - Member and President - Theodorus Panopoulos - Manager and CEO - Todd Johnson - Manager - Anthony Kirlew - Administrator
Background Check - Gordon Newton: - Widely recognized industry expert with 20+ years experience - Author of "The Consumers Guide to Timeshare Exit" - Featured in major publications (USA Today, U.S. News, Forbes) - No bankruptcy filings found - No significant legal issues identified in public records - Active in industry advocacy and consumer education
Background Check - Other Principals: - Limited public information available for other management personnel - No bankruptcy filings found for listed principals - No significant legal issues identified
Gordon Newton Affiliations: - Forbes Real Estate Council (Member) - Various industry publications and media appearances - No additional business entities directly affiliated with principals identified
BBB Accreditation: ✅ Accredited (Since July 21, 2025)
BBB Rating: A+
BBB File Opened: July 21, 2025
Years in Business: 21
Local BBB: BBB of Central, Northern & Western Arizona
Complaint Summary: - 31 total complaints in the last 3 years - 9 complaints closed in the last 12 months - Mix of resolved, answered, and unresolved complaints
BBB Reviews: Limited customer reviews on BBB profile
Trustpilot Reviews: 3.8/5 stars (683 reviews) - Mixed feedback with both positive and negative experiences - Common complaints about additional fees and law firm referrals - Some customers report successful timeshare exits - Company responds to 14% of negative reviews
Google Reviews: Unable to access comprehensive Google Reviews
Yelp Reviews: No significant presence found
Consumer Affairs: Positive coverage noting legitimacy and combined services
Significant BBB Complaint Patterns: Multiple complaints follow similar patterns: 1. Customers pay $4,000-$8,000 upfront for timeshare exit services 2. Company provides limited initial services (letters to resorts) 3. Customers are offered additional paid options or referred to law firms 4. Law firms require additional payments to continue representation 5. Customers feel misled about the original scope of services
Recent Media Coverage (2025): - Featured in BBB interview as industry expert (January 2025) - USA Today profile highlighting consumer protection efforts (May 2025) - Various press releases about industry advocacy
Industry Recognition: - BBB Torch Awards for Ethics finalist (2018) - Regular media appearances and expert commentary - Author of consumer education materials
No Major Legal Issues Found: - No federal court cases identified - No FTC actions found - No state attorney general actions found - No bankruptcy filings found
No fines or enforcement actions identified from: - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - State Attorneys General - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) - State regulatory agencies - Arizona Department of Real Estate (regulatory oversight noted)
Metric | Value |
---|---|
BBB Rating | A+ |
BBB Accredited | Yes (Since July 21, 2025) |
BBB Complaints (3 years) | 31 |
Years in Business | 21 years |
Trustpilot Score | 3.8/5 (683 reviews) |
Google Reviews Score | Unable to access |
Yelp Score | No significant presence |
Legal Issues | Multiple customer complaints |
Bankruptcy Filings | None found |
FTC Actions | None found |
Strengths: - Extensive industry experience (21+ years) - BBB accredited with A+ rating - Industry recognition and expert status - Some documented successful customer exits - Transparent about process complexity - Active in consumer education and advocacy
Concerns: - High volume of BBB complaints (31 in 3 years) - Consistent pattern of additional fees and referrals - Customer allegations of misleading initial promises - Mixed Trustpilot reviews despite volume - Complex multi-step process often requiring additional payments - Law firm referrals that may not guarantee results
Risk Level: 🟡 MODERATE TO HIGH RISK
While the company has longevity and industry recognition, the pattern of customer complaints about additional fees and unmet expectations raises significant concerns about their business practices.
Consider the high complaint volume when making decisions
Due Diligence:
Research alternative companies with lower complaint volumes
Red Flags to Watch:
This background check report is based on publicly available information as of July 21, 2025. Information may change over time, and this report should not be considered as legal or financial advice. Consumers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with appropriate professionals before making business decisions.