In January, I had been looking for a job for several weeks ad was devastated wondering what I would do now. I saw an e-mail promoting "earn $300/day from home" Even though I knew it was probably too good to be true, being desperate, I ordered the program for $47.95.
As I was going through the information to get started, there was a large box - "Get your one-time free coaching session to get started." I thought it was part of the program and seemed like a good idea since I am completely new at the internet marketing business. The first person told me I could sign up for coaching sessions if they could determine that I was a good candidate for their course. He asked me a number of questions and using some clever techniques, which I should have recognized if I had not been in such a clouded upset frame of mind since I was desperate to find a job, he managed to get me to give him the amount of credit I had available on my credit cards. He did not ask for numbers, so it seemed harmless to give him that information. Tony Anderson set up an appt. To talk to me and my husband. We both had to be on the call.
From there it was a very slick, hard sell to get me to sign up for the program. Tony Anderson began this whole process.in hindsight, it is clear that the idea was to lead me (and anyone desperate enough) down "a path of commitment and consistency that would provide financial stability" - exactly what someone in my situation wanted.
When I told him that there was no way that I could afford to buy anything, the man manipulated me into believing that I could "because I could charge the amount (leverage debt) with no worries and would be able to pay off the total in just a couple of months through my earnings" (his words). He sounded smart and trustworthy and I bought his promises. He was so good that even though I know better, I fell for the pitch.
I made the horrible mistake of agreeing to pay $8,761.67 (with interest included) for the course, which I thought would put me back on a road of financial stability. Within the three day right to resend time period, I found one rip off report about a Tony Anderson. I faxed the right to resend letter right away and immediately got a call from Tony Anderson. He said this was not his company or the same Tony Anderson. He just didn't know who this was? Boy was I fooled! I believed him and continued on with the promise that I would be happy.
In retrospect, when I think about the course they sold me, I now realize that it was very loosely defined. I should NEVER have moved forward without getting a much clearer picture of what I was paying for - in writing. This man was VERY GOOD at what he did.
I am sick at heart wondering how many other unsuspecting, desperate people he has managed to hook. After doing some research on this, it seems that they charge whatever they think the person's credit card will allow. It could be $4,000, $6,500, $8,500. It is simply a sales scam that takes advantage of desperate people who have the credit to pay for empty promises.
Since signing up, I have received three other "coaching" phone calls to upsell me on Legal Services, Tax Services and Dropshipping Services - all between $1,000 - $2,000 each - and all connected directly to the same company, even though they have different names. Supplier source called and said I would need to pay $1,500.00 to get suppliers. I said there was not way. They talked me into the idea that I needed direct suppliers because most would not work with me easily without their exclusive list that they have contacted and compiled. They finally kept lowering the price and eventually I agreed to give supplier source $500.00 for whole sale suppliers that would work with me immediately. Afterwards, when I contacted them, most that I talked to had never heard of them and most would not work with me until I had a website and business up and running. I found the one wholesaler that I was working with on my own, so that was a waste.
Now - here is the worst part. For all that money, I have received practically nothing! I have had a total of eight 1/2 hour coaching sessions that provided very little information of value. A website that is so poor. It is a Mickey Mouse program that looks ridiculously out of date called applybuilder.
Basically the coaching conversation had two parts: Watch the videos online about "Choosing a Niche Market" and "Researching Demand and Competition" - information that I can find on the Internet either free or for a small monthly fee. He offered no step-by-step process to follow, not even a checklist of what to do - or pitfalls to avoid.
One part of his coaching was to watch the video on "How to Sell on Ebay"which would help me make some quick money. I already had tried that and no big bucks there, unless you have more money to spend and buy daily deals, keep products stocked, etc.
The webinars are supposed to have printed curriculum with them, but most do not have anything (during the eight weeks it has continued to say "curriculum coming soon"). I emailed and called asking for the curriculum. Anything in print I could follow? Nothing! I told them repeatedly that they are supposed to be giving me a plan and I have nothing. I did not know what to ask or how to proceed and the coaches are very hard to get ahold of. You have to wait until they can call you, so you are totally at their mercy as far as your time is concerned.
I have complained and asked for a refund and was asked to receive another coach. At this point (8 weeks later), I still have not received any materials to help me start my business. Only the 8 sessions and the 10-20 minutes webinars and a very poor website which I did ALL of the work on. That is absolutely ridiculous for almost $8,761.67
Because I was not receiving anything as promised - except for completely useless coaching sessions, I decided to research internet marketing training programs online again.in the process I have found multiple similar stories reported in the last three months just like mine. I have asked for my money back and they are using threatening tactics now - how my credit will be ruined, he has my recorded voice committment, etc. Someone needs to shut these guys down now! They are millionaires and they are ruining lives and lying all the way to the bank.
I am now working with my credit card companies to dispute the charges.
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