I responded to an add in the NYC Metro newspaper about a job for front desk attendants and guards (Hartford Security Group). I called and spoke with Ms. Williams who advised me that I would need to bring in $75.00 (cash or money order) to cover the cost of the NYC 8hr training class and I will later have to take a 16hr OJT class ($150) within 90 days of being hired, followed by another 8hr renewal class once a year. She did not mention any other fees. I went to the office and interviewed with Mr. Cross who advised me that I will have to pay an additional $150 (upfront) to cover the cost of the 16hr OJT class before being hired (1st discrepancy). When I returned to pay the $150, I was advised by another lady (Hispanic lady, can't remember her name) that the $75 was a registration fee and I would have to pay another $75 to cover the cost of the 8hr class (2nd discrepancy). When I returned with the additional $75, they gave me some documents and sent me to a school on 250 W. 40th st, 2nd floor (between 7th and 8th ave). On the way to the school I looked at these very unprofessional documents that I received from them and became suspicious. I also noticed that there were additional fees for licensing that they did not disclose to me. I guess that was going to be another surprise. When I arrived at the school with the paperwork, a black gentlemen looked at the documents and advised me to come back at 6:45am Mon for the class. The school looked like a basement warehouse or factory. When I arrived home I did my research and discovered that there were numerous (scam complaints) about Hartford Security Group and the security school (1st Security). Monday morning, I called the NYS Licensing Dept. And the NYS Criminal Justice Dept and confirmed my suspicions. The bogus security school that this company sent me to was not licensed and it's supposed to be closed. These criminal scammed me out of $300 and would have scammed me out of additional money and time if I continued this pursuit. The fees for the classes and training were much higher than the fees charged by any other school. I've read reports about situations where some people have been scammed out of as much as $1300 by these criminal. I am appalled at how bogus companies such as this can operate in the finest city in the country. Something has to be done about this. I'm not sure if I can get my money back but other people need to be protected from these scams. The company name is Hartford Security Group, 412 8th avenue, 2nd floor, NY, NY 10001,917-477-7003
Below is a link with information on the bogus training school that Hartford Security Group sent me to. The Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against this school:
Http://landing. Newsinc.com/shared/video.html? Freewheel=91044&sitesection=wpix_localnews&VID=24729430
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