ATLANTA — An Atlanta woman says she and three friends lost a combined $80,000 after investing in what they believed was an oil and gas company.
Monticha Hawkins told Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln she invested what she described as her life savings after her former business partner, Vincent Carter, presented what she believed was a lucrative investment opportunity.
“I gave him my life savings,” Hawkins said.
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According to Hawkins, she and three friends collectively invested $80,000 in the venture. She said Carter promised investors a substantial return in the amount of $800,000. She told Lincoln, she trusted the opportunity because she had known him for years.
“It’s been hard,” Hawkins said, describing the financial and emotional toll of the investment.
Hawkins said she expected to receive a return on the investment in February. When the payment date passed, she said she repeatedly contacted Carter seeking answers.
“I’m always calling, ‘Hey, where’s the refund? Where’s the money coming from?’” Hawkins said.
In a phone recording provided by Hawkins, a man identified as Carter tells Hawkins investors they would be repaid.
“Everybody will get their money by the end of the month, or I will do payments. I’m refinancing the home,” the man says in the recording.
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Hawkins said the payments never arrived. After communication stopped, she filed a police report.
In cellphone video of the report filing, Hawkins is heard telling an officer, “I just need to do a police report on my past business partner.”
Channel 2 Action News contacted Carter by phone Thursday. He declined an on-camera interview and said his official response was “no comment.”
An investigation into the company involved found Hawkins sent money to Ward Holdings International LLC. Records show the company is registered in Michigan. The company’s website describes its operations as economic development and agriculture-related, with no indication that it operates as an oil and gas investment business.
Hawkins said she now questions whether she was misled by someone she trusted.
“I wanted us to have a better life… I thought he’s trustworthy. If we can have a deal to make more money than $80,000, and it just went left,” she said.
The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to be cautious of investments promising unusually high returns. The agency recommends researching investment firms, verifying licenses and registrations, and remembering that all investments carry some level of risk.
Hawkins said the financial loss has significantly impacted her household and forced her boyfriend to take on additional work to help make ends meet.
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