I too am a victim of the fraudulent acts of Career Developers Consulting Group-specifically Michael Pozd and Steve Maltzman. My story is not so different from those I have read on this website. I was contacted by them in October after they found my resume on Monster.com. They promised that with their contacts as well as my background and expertise, they could find me a job in a few short weeks. They were able to coerce me into signing up with them and paying a $7300 fee by using some very aggressive sales tactics. They asked me to bring my soon-to-be-fiance' in, taped a mock interview and brow beat me. I was about to lose my job so I was in a vulnerable position at the time.
In the very 2nd meeting with my Career Counselor, Michael Lynch, I asked alot of questions about why we were embarking on rewriting my resume when the sales guy had burned into my brain that they "don't use resumes" as they "have so many contacts at major corporations". 2 months into my relationship with these crooks, I asked for my money back. They had not done one thing for me that I could not have done for myself.in addition, I did not have any evidence that they had made any contacts with corporate hiring managers on my behalf. Also, weeks would go by with no contact from them. Michael Pozd said they would not give my money back because they did not break the contract in any way. He convinced me to give them another chance an assured me that he would be keeping close tabs on the progress with my case.
So, I began meeting with Michael Lynch again. Several weeks later, Michael Pozd called to invite me to work with Franklin Van Weezendonk simultaneously on the "Psychology of Achievement" program by Brian Tracy. This was Michael's way of, I believe, stalling for time. I am an extremely motivated person and didn't need a coach to take me through this program.in April, Michael introduced me to a 2nd Career Consultant, Pauline Schambo, who would replace Michael Lynch as my consultant. I hope Pauline was not involved in this scheme but I cannot confirm this. Pauline began putting me through the same resume rewriting exercise that I had already been through with Michael Lynch. Pauline seemed frustrated with me but also with CDCG.
In June, after 2-3 weeks with no contact from anyone at CDCG, I called and left 2 messages for Pauline and Michael Pozd respectively. These messages were never returned. Several days later, I was able to contact Franklin Van Weezendonk who informed me that the office had downsized and moved. I was furious that I had paid so much money and they had not informed me of their new location. Franklin gave me Michael Pozd's phone # and suggested I call him. A very heated discussion ensued between me and Michael. Michael was smug and condescending. I informed him of proper client service behavior. He suggested a follow-up conversation with my Career Consultant which I agreed to. This occurred in late June.
In this conversation, after Michael tried to blame the lack of communication on me, I informed him that he had 2 choices-1-refund my money 2-I would take action. He told me that a board member would contact me. Nobody did. After several days, I sent him an e-mail informing him that he had 24 hours to send me a check or I would take action. He didn't refund my money within the 24 hours but said that he had talked to several board members and it looked favorable for me but that they couldn't make a final decision until their meeting on July 17th. I had an attorney write 2 letters on my behalf which have not been responded to by Michael Pozd.in addition, I have filed a complaint with the BBB. I have also disputed the charge with my credit card company.in addition, I have filed a complaint with the NJ Dept. Of Consumer Affairs and have contacted the media. I have not yet filed a lawsuit.
If anybody can give me advice on this situation, please contact me at (ROR REDACTED E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR SECURITY PURPOSES)
Laura
Bedminster, New Jersey
U.S.A.
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