I am writing because I feel I got ripped off. I would like to get your take on this scenario. When I was 22 years old, I was told that I could get into a training program that would educate me and show me how to make "at least $70,000 a year." I had to invest money up front and they said that their "experts" would teach me how to make it in business. I first was skeptical when I learned that these so called "experts" were only making about half what they said I would be making. But, being duped into thinking this was the only way to be successful, I agreed. I paid the initial $1,800 but then they tacked on extra fees, material costs, etc. And it totaled more than $2,400 for the first five courses. I was excited to learn the "secrets" to success. The first four months were o.K., but I didn't feel I was getting my money's worth. They told me that these "educational seminars" were necessary to be able to go on to the advanced material and there is where the real learning comes. I spent way more time involved in this scam than they said would be required.
The next series of "trainings" were even worse. Again, the initial $1,700; but in reality with all the additions around $2,500. Again, the numerous hours spent, and again the unsatisfying result. I kept going to these "expert" seminars because I didn't want to lose my money spent. Sure, they said I could get my money back, but that was a lie. I could only get a 100% return in I canceled after the first two weeks. For the materials only a 100% return after the first 7 days. From there it dropped to 70% to 50% to no return after three weeks. Even they said three weeks is not sufficient time to adequately evaluate their program. So, I continued on through the worthless information believing that I would receive the pertinent information that would make me rich. Soon, I was so wrapped up in the scheme that in order not to lose everything, out of desperation, I had to see this through to the end. Once they knew they had me hooked, they told me I had to invest in materials and workshops that I didn't even want to or else their initial claim of success would be null and void. They also were badgering me saying that people who did not go through their trainings were less likely to be successful and it was as though they looked down on any individual who didn't agree with their point of view and believe their way was the only sure-fire way to a happy life. They were requiring me to sit through lengthy, drawn-out discussions on things that had nothing to do with the "success principles" I signed up for... And charging me for it! Saying that I would better understand the world and how to be a more responsible and cultured person.
Not wanting to be known as a "quitter" I plowed on and on. I later found out the attrition rate for these guys is almost 50%. Finally four years and over $35,000 later (I had to pay for my own travel expenses, food, etc.) I wanted out. I did what they said all along and now I wanted results. I didn't see any. Fancy that! I talked to a few of the recruiters and they said they were not responsible. I was disgusted. I trusted them, I followed what they said down to the last dollar and the last seminar and now all I hear is "Good luck?" Their rational was they there was some "unexpected occurances" in the economy and that maybe some of their information was not sufficient any more for what I wanted. I was left to wait tables, just like I had before all this started. A few months later I received a phone call from an individual in the same industry, but different entiity. Apparantly I had made a good impression on the first company and they showed her some of my previous results. She said I had established a good foundation but had quit "just before I struck oil." She showed me reports and figures and other projections until my head spun. Little by little she got into my head telling me I wouldn't want to waste all that hard earned money and time I had spent and that if I would go to their "advanced educational workshops" she could all but guarantee me a six figure a year income. I didn't catch her slick verbage and with a huge debt still lingering on my hands from the previous experience and being tired of living like a pauper, her offer was irresistable. She said she would even help me find the money with "little or no interest" to atttend this "masters" training. It was like she was my best friend. Little did I know she was not my friend but a friend of the $43,000 I ended up investing in her group. I was with them for two grueling years and finally was at the end. Although their seminars were more invigorating, practical, and individualized, the whole time I was just "chomping at the bit" to go out and make the cash like they told me I would. What they didn't tell me is that even with their certification, it still required at least 40 hours a week, office politics and constant nagging and unapreciation to actually maintain that income. Remind me again why I went through all this? As for all the "tax benefits" they told me about, I found out that I can only write off $3,000 and even that goes down after a couple of years. They just took my money, gave me a cheesy certificate, and sent me packing like a red-headed step child.
Needless to say, almost one year later, I have yet to see anything close to what they said I would make, and when I try to influence others with my "certificate" they just say right now they don't have the resourses to invest with me, or they want to work with someone that has been in the industry longer, or any other excuse they can think of. They want me to come back later. Well, how am I supposed to create an experienced based "resume" if nobody gives me the chance? And don't think I haven't tried. I have talked with all my friends and family, and their friends and family to find someone interested. I have gone through hundreds of cold-market contacts and now I am left with almost $80,000 is debt (which I'm being harrassed about) six years of wasted time, no prospects, and a lot of frustration. Ironically, I am now employed at a company using skills I aquired from a different country! None of my "secrets of success" information apply. I want my money back or for them to deliver what they promised. At first I thought I was the only one stupid enough to fall for this but then I found out that thousands of others are in my same predicament. Of course you hear the success stories, but they are far outnumbered by the defeating failures. They never showed me those numbers while I was signing up with them. It is true that over 60% of the participants of these entities never even apply their training in there current occupation; training seminars they were forced to complete to remain in society's eyes as a contributing member. This is just like those pyramid schemes where thousands of believing people are at the bottom paying all the money and a few people, (presidents, vice-presidents, "trainers", and "experts") are at the top making all the money. Their product is bogus, overpriced, unmarketable, and useless. The first group I was ripped off by was the University of Utah. Then I was duped by the University of C... MBA program. I am as serious as a heart attack about this. You may or may not dismiss this complaint, but I have yet to receive a competent, objective, and satifactory response to this "higher education" hoax. I would welcome whole heartedly an answer as to how this is any different than any other scam (barring the obvious blatent lies and fictitional schemes) out there and if so what other measures can I take. They lied to me, took my money, and I have nothing to show for it. And what's worse, they want me to recommed their institution to my friends and family! Right now I am just writing from the hip so please excuse my grammatical errors and lack of details. I would be happy to share all the research and documentation that I have accumulated while working on this MBA capstone thesis. I think it would be a good challenge for you since you guys are in the business and maybe could shed some light on the situation. Thanks for your time.
Rich Horlacher
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