# Background Check Report: Newton Group **Report Date:** December 15, 2024 **Last Updated:** December 15, 2024 --- ## Executive Summary 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 --- ## ✅ About Newton Group 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:** September 1, 2003 - **Incorporated:** October 15, 2003 (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 --- ## 🔗 Affiliated Companies **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. --- ## 👤 Owners or Principals **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 --- ## 👥 Owner-Affiliated Companies **Gordon Newton Affiliations:** - Forbes Real Estate Council (Member) - Various industry publications and media appearances - No additional business entities directly affiliated with principals identified --- ## ✅ BBB Profile **BBB Accreditation:** ✅ Accredited (Since September 2, 2016) **BBB Rating:** A+ **BBB File Opened:** May 23, 2014 **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 Profile Link](https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/timeshare-transfer/newton-group-transfers-1126-1000032661) --- ## ⭐ Reviews: BBB + Third-Party **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 --- ## 📰 Media & Legal Issues **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 --- ## ⚖️ Fines & Enforcement Actions 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) --- ## 📊 Summary Table | Metric | Value | |--------|--------| | **BBB Rating** | A+ | | **BBB Accredited** | Yes (Since 9/2/2016) | | **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 | --- ## 🧭 Assessment **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. --- ## 🔧 Recommendations 1. **For Consumers:** - Carefully review all contract terms and potential additional costs - Understand that initial payment may not cover complete service - Be prepared for potential law firm referrals requiring more money - Request detailed written explanation of all process steps - Consider the high complaint volume when making decisions 2. **Due Diligence:** - Verify all claims about success rates and timelines - Understand the difference between "exit" and "transfer" services - Get written guarantees about what initial payment covers - Research alternative companies with lower complaint volumes 3. **Red Flags to Watch:** - Pressure to pay large upfront fees - Vague promises about guaranteed results - Lack of clarity about potential additional costs - Quick referrals to law firms requiring more payment --- ## 📘 Disclaimer This background check report is based on publicly available information as of December 15, 2024. 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. --- ## Sources & References - https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/timeshare-transfer/newton-group-transfers-1126-1000032661 - https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/grand-rapids/profile/timeshare-transfer/newton-group-0372-38114318/complaints - https://www.trustpilot.com/review/newtongrouptransfers.com - https://newtongrouptransfers.com/ - https://www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/newton-group-transfers.html - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/better-business-bureau-sits-down-with-nations-leading-timeshare-exit-expert-newton-group-302349915.html - https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2025/05/06/trust-is-earned-says-gordon-newton-on-surviving-over-20-years-in-the-wild-west-of-timeshare-exit/83476981007/ - Arizona Secretary of State Business Registry - Federal Court Records (PACER) - FTC Consumer Sentinel Database