Hometrader Inc. Acknowledges No Partnership with RISMedia

 Print Article

Company apologizes for misleading information, files formal cease and desist against its public relations firm
RISMEDIA, Nov. 29 ? In response to RISMedia?s pursuit of legal action for distributing fraudulent information that stated that RISMedia had formed a partnership with Hometrader, Inc. and its alleged Internet-based real estate services company, Hometrader Inc. has issued an e-mail message to its subscribers stating that ?a terrible mistake was made on behalf of Hometrader Inc.?

The message went on to say that ?There is no relationship between the two companies RISMedia & Hometrader Inc. with any relations to partnerships or business venture, or joint marketing.?

Hometrader Inc. says it has now filed a formal cease and desist against its public relations firm in regards to this matter and asks its subscribers to remove and discard any prior correspondence received in respect to or marketing of the Relationship between RISMedia and Hometrader Inc.

On Nov. 22, Hometrader Inc. disseminated a fraudulent news release stating that RISMedia had formed a partnership with the company and its alleged Internet-based real estate services company. On that same day, RISMedia announced that it would take legal action against the company.

“RISMedia is neither partnering nor supporting Hometrader, Inc. in any fashion. In fact, we have never even heard of this company,” stated RISMedia President and CEO, John E. Featherston. “We are in communication with the States Attorneys in Connecticut, Maryland and California to take immediate legal action against Hometrader. Inc. This company’s illegal use of our company name and logo in its release is libelous and completely unauthorized. We will exercise our legal rights and hold Hometrader, Inc. fully accountable.”

When contacted by RISMedia legal representatives, a person claiming to be a managing partner of and an investor in Hometrader, Inc., Thomas Lally, denied any knowledge of the release and admitted that there was no relationship of any kind between his company and RISMedia. When asked for information as to who would have authorized the fraudulent press release, Lally stated, ?It must be our public relations firm,? however, he could not recall the name of the firm nor the contact person. Lally also could not recall the names of any executives or investors of Hometrader, Inc. He referred RISMedia to the company?s Web site for more information. The said Web site contained no further information.

“RISMedia has been and will always remain an independent news organization serving the real estate industry,” said Featherston. “We will pursue Hometrader, Inc. until it ceases and desists the illegal use of our name and credibility within the industry for its own personal gain.”

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to:
editorial@rismedia.com.