CP International
Scammed me into taking a course by promising me a job afterwards

I responded to an ad on craigslist.org about a security guard position. The contact person named in the ad was one Mr. Robinson. I made a call to the company and left a message on Mr. Robinson's voice mail. I later received a return call from him, and set up an appointment for that upcoming Saturday, which was the 19th of July. I was told to bring in $80 for the background check.

That Saturday, I went to the appointment and spoke to Mr. Robinson, who informed me that there was a new client site that he was closing out (filling all positions for) that very same day. Unfortunately, I did not have my 8-hour annual certificate (standard requirement for security work in New York State), and because of my rigid work schedule, I wasn't able to come in that upcoming Tuesday to take the 8 hour annual course, so I wasn't able to get a position with that. I left, still having the $80 with me.

I later learned that I could take my 8 hour annual training on Saturday, and so I rushed back that Monday, at which time Mr. Robinson told me that he already closed out that site. Then, he told me about ANOTHER site which he was in the process of filling positions for, (which would be good for me because I have two years of experience in security) but that position required me to have MD (metal detector) training, which was Federally recognized. I asked how much that training would cost, and he told me in a somewhat hesitant manner (like he was breaking bad news to me) $319. I said Well, I know it's a lot of money for me, but if there's "ALREADY A POSITION AT HAND" (which paid $12/hour), then it will probably be worth it. Mr. Robinson then told me that the $80 for the background check was included in the $319, which made it sound a bit better. So, I handed him the $80 which I was going to pay anyway were I to be placed that Saturday (two days ago) that I was just there. I received a receipt for the $80, which showed the balance owed of $239.

I took the 8-hour annual at a different school (Haganah, where I took my original 8-hour class) the following Saturday, and the professor (who is extremely knowledgeable about the security industry) told me that he never heard of any Federally recognized certificate for Metal Detection. He also said that most companies generally train their people themselves after they are hired. I went back to CP, International, spoke to Mr. Robinson, and he changed his story, then saying that the client requires this certification, so I need to take it if I'm going to get that position. On a hunch, I asked him if it would be possible to re-route the $80 down I gave them, to be used for the background check for another security guard position—one which did not require me to take the metal detection course. Somehow, I was not surprised when he told me That would not be possible. Feeling a bit uneasy, I tried to get his reassurance that there was actually a position waiting for me, and that it was only my having to take the metal detection course that was holding things up. I asked him again about the pre-existent position that was available. He said (I quote) when you take the course, you'll be properly placed.

At a later time (a couple of days before the day of the course), I went in to make the payment (which my brother had to help me out with, using his credit card). I again requested him to confirm that there was a position available for me. Being somewhat annoyed, he told me Why else would I have you take this course? Then, after I, out of curiosity, asked him to confirm that there is no possibility that all positions would be filled up while I'm waiting to take this metal detection course. He responded You'll be placed pending on position. This was supposed to mean that, even though he already closed the site out (filled all open positions), I was already registered for that site, and would be placed as soon as I took the course. That Saturday, the 2nd of August, I took the course, a five-hour course, which turned out to consist of about one hour of metal detection, and four hours of loss prevention. All I got was a 5-page, poorly photocopied handout (although the course description on the invoice said with "manuals").

On the day of the course, I was given a date on which to come in for placement, which was the 7th of August (8:00am). I was told to speak with one Mr. Ken Pollard, who was their human resource director. I wondered how I would get that day off (because where I work, the company is very rigid, and doesn't allow people any chance to get a day off, paid or unpaid). Well, I figured out a way to get the day off (almost forcing it on the company), but had to agree to come in for the night shift instead (4:00-midnight, instead of my usual 8:00-4:00 shift). I arrived at CP International at 8:00am, and was escorted to a classroom, where others were waiting. Shortly after that, Mr. Pollard (who appeared as a smooth-talking, sharply dressed "dandy" with a bow-tie), walked in into the room and asked everyone for their name and phone number, whether they were working, and what their desired salary was. I thought this was strange, especially since there was already a position lined up for me. Mr. Pollard then distributed the certificates to everyone in the classroom. He then proceeded to write up these referral forms with names of guard companies on them and their contacts, and give them out (including to me), suggesting that we apply at those different guard companies to find work. I tried to ask about the position THAT I WAS ALREADY REGISTERED FOR, but I was brushed off.

Mr. Pollard then proceeded to escort everyone out of the room, and down to a lower floor in the building, where one of the referral guard companies, Top Guard, happened to be (they happened to be in the same building), for everyone to begin filling out applications with that company. Feeling discouraged, I began to fill out one of the applications. When the representative from the guard company asked each individual what salary they were looking for, I said $12/Hour. The person at theTop Guard agency, "Drew said that they don't have anything that pays that high at their company, and not even their staff earn that much. He said this in a manner that sounded like he was putting me in my place, and then reminded me that Top Guard has no affiliation with CP, International.

When I finished the application at Top Guard, I marched back up to CP, International, and asked to speak with Mr. Robinson, to question him about what happened to the $12/hour position. Mr. Robinson escorted me to where Mr. Pollard's desk was, and had me speak with Mr. Pollard (as if to suggest I'm done with you—from now on, you need to deal with Mr. Pollard). I explained to Mr. Pollard that Mr. Robinson had promised me that there was a position available, and all I had to do was take this metal detection course in order to get placed there. Mr. Pollard's reply was well, I never told you that, and now you're dealing with me. I'm the human resource director. He then made some kind of remark about me always complaining. He told me he'd make good on the $12/hour position, and went ahead and wrote up another referral sheet, which I took to the company (US Security Associates), They didn't have anything available either at the time. I felt totally SICK and DISGUSTED as to what was going on. I asked Mr. Pollard why, then, Mr. Robinson would have me take an expensive course if there weren't any position for me to go after. His reply was Mr. Robinson felt that it would make you more marketable.

In summary, these slicksters have a bait-and-switch scam going on, where one makes the pitch, selling the victim a high-priced course he can't afford, and then after he takes the course, he's switched off to an accomplice, who changes the story completely around, refusing to take any responsibility for what the first guy says or does. I have heard through the grapevine that others have been scammed by this outfit in the exact same way.

I strongly feel that a refund is in order, considering that I've been taken, BIG TIME!

Company: CP International
Country: USA
State: New York
City: New York
Address: 90 John Street, Suite 602
Phone: 6464423789

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