MONTREAL - Those swindled by Earl Jones have received some good news: Tax refunds are trickling in.
Former clients of the unaccredited West Island financial adviser paid taxes on interest for money they never actually earned by investing with him.
A year and a half after many lost their savings in a financial scheme, many after now seeing some relief.
"(Money) has started to trickle in from both the federal and provincial government," said former client Sue Brown.
Another client, Margaret Murnighan said her $13,000 refund is a welcome boost to her now dire financial state.
"I exist these days; I don't truly live because there's always this nagging concern about finances," she explained.
The tax refunds are a battle won in a larger war. Victims have launched a class action lawsuit against the Royal Bank of Canada for $40 million.
The bank offered to settle for $12 million, but Kevin Curran argues that's not enough.
"It's a $40-million claim and it's just a joke what they're offering," said Curran, whose mother is among the victims.
Curran said he has spent much of the last two years helping her put her finances back in order.
"People have been harmed, and I think it's important for the community to understand and I think it's important for the former Jones clients to have their voice heard," he said.
Earl Jones victims will rally on July 16 outside the Beaconsfield RBC Branch where Earl Jones did business for decades. The group said it will continue to fight to see as much of money returned to them as possible.
