Introduction
Ron DeHavillan has become a central figure in a web of financial and real estate controversies, with allegations of misconduct stretching from Foothill Ranch, California, to Dix Hills, New York. A Ripoff Report filed on May 26, 2021, under report number 1535896, accuses DeHavillan of engaging in fraudulent appraisal schemes under the Liberty Funding brand. Reports suggest he has manipulated property valuations, defrauded investors, and engaged in financial exploitation. This investigation examines the accusations in detail, scrutinizing DeHavillan’s operations and assessing the credibility of claims against him based on available data as of March 18, 2025.
Analysis of the Ripoff Report (Report #1535896)
The Ripoff Report, titled “Ron DeHavillan – Liberty Funding steers all borrowers to one appraisal company”, was authored by an anonymous complainant from Laguna Beach, California. The complaint alleges:
- Collusion with a Single Appraisal Firm – DeHavillan, through Liberty Funding, allegedly forces borrowers to use a single appraiser, allowing him to manipulate valuations for personal gain.
- Financial Exploitation – The report claims he specifically targets vulnerable individuals, though it lacks detailed evidence.
- Possible Money Laundering – The structuring of deals raises suspicions of illicit financial activities.
Despite the severe allegations, the report lacks transaction specifics, documents, or identifiable victims. However, similar claims against DeHavillan in other forums suggest a broader pattern of misconduct.
Who is Ron DeHavillan?
DeHavillan is linked to financial and investment activities in Dix Hills, New York, with operational footprints in Foothill Ranch, California. Despite his claimed financial expertise, public records reveal minimal verifiable information about his business dealings. Notably:
- No SEC Registration – Searches in the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database reveal no licensed professional under his name.
- Liberty Funding’s Murky Status – California’s Secretary of State records do not show a registered entity named Liberty Funding in Foothill Ranch.
- Discrepancies in Business Identity – No credible website, client reviews, or official filings substantiate DeHavillan’s supposed financial credentials.
Allegations and Scam Reports
Beyond Ripoff Report, additional warnings about DeHavillan’s activities have surfaced on various platforms:
- Social Media Warnings – Multiple posts on X (formerly Twitter) between 2021 and 2023 describe high-pressure sales tactics and fraudulent investment schemes associated with his name.
- Investor Complaints – An X user in 2022 claimed, “Ron DeHavillan promised 12% returns on a property fund, took my $50K, and ghosted me.”
- Pattern of Deceptive Practices – Forums such as PissedConsumer list similar cases of real estate appraisal manipulation and excessive fees tied to Liberty Funding, suggesting a broader fraudulent operation.
- No Legal Scrutiny Yet – Searches in PACER and local court records in Suffolk County, NY, and Orange County, CA, reveal no pending lawsuits, though this could indicate effective avoidance rather than innocence.
Red Flags in DeHavillan’s Business Practices
The allegations against DeHavillan expose several critical red flags:
- Opaque Business Operations – The lack of registration, documentation, and verifiable online presence is suspicious for someone claiming financial expertise.
- Manipulated Appraisals – Steering borrowers to one appraisal company suggests unethical collusion and potential kickback schemes.
- False Investment Promises – Reports indicate promises of high returns without legitimate backing, a classic sign of a Ponzi scheme.
- Geographic Discrepancy – Operating across state lines while maintaining no clear business presence raises further concerns.
- Silence in the Face of Accusations – Unlike legitimate businesses that address complaints, DeHavillan has made no effort to dispute or clarify allegations.
Risk Assessment: Engaging with DeHavillan is Dangerous
Investors or borrowers considering dealings with DeHavillan face substantial risks:
- Financial Ruin – The lack of oversight suggests potential for lost investments, inflated loan costs, and outright scams.
- Legal Trouble – Involvement in possibly fraudulent dealings could expose victims to unintended legal consequences.
- Reputational Damage – Anyone linked to DeHavillan risks association with financial misconduct.
- No Recourse for Victims – If Liberty Funding is unregistered or an alias, there may be no way for victims to recover losses.
Negative Reviews and Adverse Media
While no mainstream media outlets (e.g., Bloomberg, Forbes) have covered DeHavillan as of March 2025, other sources offer insight:
- Ripoff Report Remains the Key Complaint – Though unverified, the consistency of allegations is concerning.
- Consumer Sentiment is Overwhelmingly Negative – Posts on X and other forums consistently warn against dealings with him.
- Industry Comparisons Suggest a Common Fraud Pattern – Similar real estate lending frauds, like Liberty Lending’s reported scams in Newport Beach, CA, suggest DeHavillan’s business fits a known exploitative model.
Final Analysis: A Suspicious and Risky Operator
The case against Ron DeHavillan remains circumstantial but highly troubling. The combination of financial fraud allegations, lack of verifiable business operations, and past complaints paint a picture of a high-risk individual operating in the shadows of the real estate and investment industries.
Conclusion: Avoid Ron DeHavillan at All Costs
While no court has formally convicted DeHavillan of fraud, the sheer volume of red flags, combined with a lack of transparency, strongly suggests deception. Investors, borrowers, and financial professionals should steer clear, as engagement with DeHavillan could lead to significant financial losses and legal complications. Until concrete evidence emerges to the contrary, DeHavillan should be considered a dangerous figure in the financial world.
