Warriors Pls Do Not Fall For This Scam!

93 replies
Hi everyone. I just had a pretty crazy ordeal and want to warn you guys not to fall for the same thing.

Basically I purchased a course from a well known Guru and a week later I got a call supposedly from his team saying that they are looking to mentor one person for free and get them to 10K a month.

In exhange for the mentoring they will document the whole process and build a real live 6 months case study and testimonial which they will then use in their own business and of course make a lot more money so it's a win win.

I thought Wow! I do not really want to get side tracked from what I am doing now but who would pass up an opportunity to get mentored by this GURU's team? I mean I'd have to pay at least 50K for this retail.

Anyways, they spent an hour with me on the phone making sure I write down my goals, my why I want this so bad. Finding out how much credit card debt I had because their first goal would be to get me out of debt.

They then told me that because I have experience already I would make a great candidate but it all depends on the senior manager's decision and her name is Deborah I think it was. They would schedule a final interview with Deborah the next day and me and my wife needed to put an hour aside for this. The only problem they said was the fact that I was 28 years old and normally they only work with people that's at least 35 and then they explained to me the whole action taking thing blah blah.

At this point the whole thing started to sound a bit scripted to me and I got a bit skeptic about the whole thing so I asked him if this was gonna cost me anything. He said no, it's free. So I said ok, I trust the Guru who's name they are using so let's set up the meeting with Deborah.

Next day I get on the phone with Deborah and she is really good at what she does. Ever been to a time share presentation? This reminded me a lot of a time share presentation.

She went over our goals again and what it would mean to earn 10K a month residual and be debt free, travelling the world etc. She kept working on the emotional triggers just like good copywriters would do it.

She then went on and explained how people need to invest money into their businesses etc and that this business is no different. I had to invest $3120.00 because I was chosen but I have to PROMISE to take action, my wife had to promise to support me through this whole 6 month training thing etc etc. These peole are GOOD and a big congratulations because I was chosen.

So I asked her what the 3K was gonna go for because I thought the coaching was free?

She said not to worry it's for marketing expenses etc.

I got hesitant and didn't want to do it because it sounded like I am buying another high dollar program. But because I am assuming they are from this well known Guru's company I trusted them and gave them the money.

10 minutes later I get an email with my receipt for the package 1 I just bought from a company name I have never heard of before.

I Googled them and came across this

[link removed]

I Immediately called them back and asked for a refund because they obviously mislead me and this was obviously a massive sales pitch. The guy at resolutions was a real D..k! He told me that I had a real 28 year old mentality and will always be a quitter etc. I ws like Damn dude you can't talk to me like that. If this thing is so good why are u working on the call center? etc etc. We got into it pretty bad because he didnt want to give me my money back. He even hung up on me a few times.

I was persistent though.

The next day I called hime back and told him that this call is recorded and I talked with my attorney and bank and they are all ready to take swift action if you don't want to give me my money back which he then started talking to me like a 3 year old again. The hung up and then called me back saying. " Mr Roos I am going to refund your money. Good luck with your future if you have one because u r a quitter and hung up" LOL

Damn!

I am now waiting for the refund to be processed. I never looked at the training they have but it seems like it's all about Ebay etc so I can't comment on that. I also called the GURU's office to see what the hell is up with this. If they are affiliated and how did they give these people my phone number. They didn't answer and I left an urgent voicemail.

The guru's office still haven't called me back.

There ya go, Don't fall for this one people. It sucks. These people are very good. I am a marketer and I fell for it pretty good. Newbies do not stand a chance.

It's such a shame these companies are even allowed to operate like this.

Cheers
#fall #pls #scam #warriors
  • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
    I've heard of this happening before, to the tune of $10,000! As you say, what a shame.

    Any marketing expenses you should have been able to pay for directly yourself, not via the coaching.
    I really doubt the $3k was going towards "marketing expenses".I think they meant "New suit and steak dinner for us".

    If you used a credit card, I don't think you should have any trouble getting your money back.
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  • Profile picture of the author forfun_cash
    Hey i recieved the same email sometime back about 6 free months training provided to catapult me to 10k/mth income without any charges in exchange for them to document the whole process.

    They used the scarcity tactic by asking us to do an application via email. I sent 2 applications, 1 as a complete newbie, 1 as an expert and both got accepted. Immediately i knew it was complete bull****.
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    • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
      Originally Posted by forfun_cash View Post

      Hey i recieved the same email sometime back about 6 free months training provided to catapult me to 10k/mth income without any charges in exchange for them to document the whole process.

      They used the scarcity tactic by asking us to do an application via email. I sent 2 applications, 1 as a complete newbie, 1 as an expert and both got accepted. Immediately i knew it was complete bull****.
      LOL! Nice way to catch them!
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by forfun_cash View Post

      Hey i recieved the same email sometime back about 6 free months training provided to catapult me to 10k/mth income without any charges in exchange for them to document the whole process.

      They used the scarcity tactic by asking us to do an application via email. I sent 2 applications, 1 as a complete newbie, 1 as an expert and both got accepted. Immediately i knew it was complete bull****.

      Normally I would see right through it as well but the only thing that kept me interested was the fact that I was under the impression they were from this Guru's company. I even asked them twice and they said yes.

      My concern is that they can seriously hurt this Guru's reputation online because of this crap.

      Cheers
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      • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
        Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

        Normally I would see right through it as well but the only thing that kept me interested was the fact that I was under the impression they were from this Guru's company. I even asked them twice and they said yes.

        My concern is that they can seriously hurt this Guru's reputation online because of this crap.

        Cheers
        Well, three possible scenarios here I suppose.

        1. The Guru did NOT hire them, and they are just using the Guru's name for credibility.

        2. The Guru DID hire them, but is NOT aware of the misleading sales tactics.

        3. The Guru hired them, and IS aware of their misleading sales tactics.

        1 isn't the Guru's fault. 2 the Guru isn't 100% to blame, but I still place some blame on the Guru for not managing and keeping track of their sales force. If I found out it were 3, I'd never listen to that "Guru", or purchase any of their products again.
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        • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
          Another possiblility is the Gury LICENSED his name/company name to them to use. He would have no or very little idea of what they d0 with it - its a bit like 1 and 2 combined below. Happens all the time and some Gurus come to regret licensing their names out. But the lure of earning tens of thousands of $$$ just for letting someone use their name is tempting. And of course some folks don't care about their reputation anyway.
          --Jack



          Originally Posted by LegitIncomes View Post

          Well, three possible scenarios here I suppose.

          1. The Guru did NOT hire them, and they are just using the Guru's name for credibility.

          2. The Guru DID hire them, but is NOT aware of the misleading sales tactics.

          3. The Guru hired them, and IS aware of their misleading sales tactics.

          1 isn't the Guru's fault. 2 the Guru isn't 100% to blame, but I still place some blame on the Guru for not managing and keeping track of their sales force. If I found out it were 3, I'd never listen to that "Guru", or purchase any of their products again.
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        • Profile picture of the author F1SEO
          Aren't you by law allowed to have a cooling-off period off any purchases on the phone or internet?

          Ring the GURU and tell them that a company using their name is selling stuff and and ripping people off using that name that they've spent a lot of time building, and give the phone number and names across.
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          • Profile picture of the author jan roos
            Originally Posted by F1SEO View Post

            Aren't you by law allowed to have a cooling-off period off any purchases on the phone or internet?

            Ring the GURU and tell them that a company using their name is selling stuff and and ripping people off using that name that they've spent a lot of time building, and give the phone number and names across.
            They made me esign a contract and in it it states I have a 3 day refund policy. The contract even has the Guru's name in it and I have it here on my hard drive.

            I called the Guru's office and left a voice mail but never got a return call.

            It's sad because almost all of us here on the forum has bought from his company before. I'll wait a couple of days to see if they get back to me.

            Cheers
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            • Profile picture of the author F1SEO
              If get no joy then:

              Sometimes I've seen this work - if they don't respond. Any email correspondence you cc to editor@cnn.com, the email address of your mayor, and also to the business editor of the biggest newspaper in the area (editor@nytimes.com).

              Of course, any legit biz wouldn't mind but a dodgy biz might get a bit jumpy.
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      • Profile picture of the author thebitbotdotcom
        Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

        Normally I would see right through it as well but the only thing that kept me interested was the fact that I was under the impression they were from this Guru's company. I even asked them twice and they said yes.

        My concern is that they can seriously hurt this Guru's reputation online because of this crap.

        Cheers
        That SUCKS. Keep us posted on developments.
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        • Profile picture of the author Eddieheli
          I reckon the guru probably sold your name to them because I was on a guru private seminar and he mentioned this way of getting money for your list, he mentioned about $10k per thousand people on your buyer list, and he mentioned a call centre selling training, so I think they are probably all in the same thing. Once they've sold you everything you are going to buy from them they hand your name over to the call centre to make one last chunk of commission.
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    • Profile picture of the author MarieDi
      Originally Posted by forfun_cash View Post

      I sent 2 applications, 1 as a complete newbie, 1 as an expert and both got accepted. Immediately i knew it was complete bull****.
      B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T !

      Thanks! (I thanked you bcs I'll be using this in the future - brilliant!)
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    • Profile picture of the author Perseus Shearer
      Nice way to weed out a scam; hats off to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
    Originally Posted by Black Magick View Post

    That sounds like a lot of so-called "guru" companies, especially on infomercials.

    Let me tell you my own story about a so-called success guru. I saw his late-night informercial. He was offering a system that supposedly puts money in your pockets quickly. I ordered the books. And shortly after I received them, I was being bombarded with phonecalls from his staff trying to sell me additional products. They even tried to get me to sign up for something called a Success Academy — which was supposed to be some sort of a school the guy was holding. Costed somewhere around $6,000. I told the customer service rep that I don’t have $6,000, and besides, I had just lost my job around the time and was living off of my savings. So he begins to ask if I owned a house, and if I did, could I put it up to pay for the course. I told him no, I didn’t own a house. Then he asked if I could sell my possessions to raise the money to pay for the course. Again, I told him no. He, then goes on to tell me how important it is to have a success coach in order to make the system work. So I asked him — “Could you give me a little background information about yourself and how you’ve been successful in this field?” This is when it hit the fan. He told me that he’s never done any work in this field. So I asked him, “If you’ve never done any work in this field, then how can you coach me on how to be successful in this field?” He begins to get rude with me, starts cursing and then hangs the phone up in my face.
    WOW! Asking you, who at the time has no current job and is living off savings, to put up your house to pay for the course!

    UNBELIEVABLE!

    Scum of the Earth right there.
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by LegitIncomes View Post

      WOW! Asking you, who at the time has no current job and is living off savings, to put up your house to pay for the course!

      UNBELIEVABLE!

      Scum of the Earth right there.

      Here's what they do. They charge different amounts for their course based on how much credit a person has available to them. I had around 4K of credit available on my CC and they went with that number.

      Other people get charged 10 or even 12K for the coaching because they have more credit available to them.

      Just typing this is making my blood boil again

      Cheers
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      • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
        Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

        Here's what they do. They charge different amounts for their course based on how much credit a person has available to them. I had around 4K of credit available on my CC and they went with that number.

        Other people get charged 10 or even 12K for the coaching because they have more credit available to them.

        Just typing this is making my blood boil again

        Cheers

        Jan, you should report it to the FTC. The whole bait and switch (it's free until suddenly you have to pay 3K for "marketing") is illegal. As is the putting you through hoops and hurling insults at you during the refund process. The only way to stop this pond-scum is to report them to the authority so they can't do this to other people.

        It's like you said, newbies don't stand a chance. Someone could lose their house.

        We'll never know if this guru knew or not but more than likely he doesn't care since he probably gets a commission per sale or a licensing fee to use his name and he should do his due-diligence anyway before sending his customers to the slaughter so he can make make more money.

        Please file a complaint:

        https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

        Here is a good video about these fraudsters...

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      • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
        Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

        Here's what they do. They charge different amounts for their course based on how much credit a person has available to them. I had around 4K of credit available on my CC and they went with that number.

        Other people get charged 10 or even 12K for the coaching because they have more credit available to them.

        Just typing this is making my blood boil again

        Cheers

        A few years ago at an IM event, one of the speakers mentioned this system of finding out how much credit the potential buyer had, and going for that amount! He said you start by getting potential customers to commit and pay for a small purchase.

        Then you have one person (an initiator) call to "see" if that customer "can qualify" for the coaching program - including asking how much credit they have and how much they are willing to invest in the IM business they wish to start.

        Then the "initiator" claims not to know the pricing, but says he will have someone else call back to take care of the details and discuss the price of the coaching.

        The fellow on the stage at the event then bragged about how he had personally taught this technique to another well known IM trainer/coaching company owner.

        Of course I found my self on the phone list of the other well known IM trainer/coaching company, and every thing began to happen just like the fellow had said from the stage.

        It stinks.

        Also seems to me there is an FTC investigation of 3 TV infomerical gurus - one teaches info marketing, and the other two teach real estate investing. Apparently these three fellows all use the same coaching company (located in Salt Lake City). The coaching company was using the same tactics Jan described.

        It sure gets ugly.

        :-Don
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        • Profile picture of the author DianeBrandt
          The thing about doing business online is that you have to take risk, but that's in everyday life. It really sucks when people scam you, however what goes around comes around, and that person must not believe it, but trust me... it will come back to him.
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          • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
            I had a very similar experience a few years ago. But I out Foxed them...

            ~Bill
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            • Profile picture of the author slowrider
              Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

              I had a very similar experience a few years ago. But I out Foxed them...

              ~Bill
              Me too. lol I started throwing questions back at them just as fast and the poor guy got so flustered he just hung up. I actually just got another call like this lately and did the same. The more I threw questions at them, the more frustrated the person got.

              Then he asked to speak to my husband. I told them he was just out shooting gophers but he could call us back tomorrow. Never did call back. :p
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        • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
          Originally Posted by Don Schenk View Post

          A few years ago at an IM event, one of the speakers mentioned this system of finding out how much credit the potential buyer had, and going for that amount! He said you start by getting potential customers to commit and pay for a small purchase.

          Then you have one person (an initiator) call to "see" if that customer "can qualify" for the coaching program - including asking how much credit they have and how much they are willing to invest in the IM business they wish to start.

          Then the "initiator" claims not to know the pricing, but says he will have someone else call back to take care of the details and discuss the price of the coaching.

          The fellow on the stage at the event then bragged about how he had personally taught this technique to another well known IM trainer/coaching company owner.

          Of course I found my self on the phone list of the other well known IM trainer/coaching company, and every thing began to happen just like the fellow had said from the stage.

          It stinks.

          Also seems to me there is an FTC investigation of 3 TV infomerical gurus - one teaches info marketing, and the other two teach real estate investing. Apparently these three fellows all use the same coaching company (located in Salt Lake City). The coaching company was using the same tactics Jan described.

          It sure gets ugly.

          :-Don
          This is like the [deleted] seminars. They sell you the idea they can make you richer instantly in the initial free workshop and they deliver on this promise by teaching you how to increase your credit card and overdraft limits. they then take a break for everyone to go call their banks and credit card companies then when they come back after the break go round the room asking how much people managed to increase their credit by.

          They then run you through several activities getting you used to complying with their instructions. To someone who is switched on to how its working its an amazing thing to watch, and see just how people get fully caught up in the belief system that they create. Personally I don't agree with it and wouldn't ever want to be part of anything similar, but they have got the art of seperating people from the contents of their wallets/bank accounts/savings to a fine art.
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        • Profile picture of the author txconx
          Originally Posted by Don Schenk View Post

          A few years ago at an IM event, one of the speakers mentioned this system of finding out how much credit the potential buyer had, and going for that amount! He said you start by getting potential customers to commit and pay for a small purchase.

          Then you have one person (an initiator) call to "see" if that customer "can qualify" for the coaching program - including asking how much credit they have and how much they are willing to invest in the IM business they wish to start.

          Then the "initiator" claims not to know the pricing, but says he will have someone else call back to take care of the details and discuss the price of the coaching.

          The fellow on the stage at the event then bragged about how he had personally taught this technique to another well known IM trainer/coaching company owner.

          Of course I found my self on the phone list of the other well known IM trainer/coaching company, and every thing began to happen just like the fellow had said from the stage.

          It stinks.

          Also seems to me there is an FTC investigation of 3 TV infomerical gurus - one teaches info marketing, and the other two teach real estate investing. Apparently these three fellows all use the same coaching company (located in Salt Lake City). The coaching company was using the same tactics Jan described.

          It sure gets ugly.

          :-Don
          What strikes me as particularly ballsy is that they use the exact same techniques they taught in the seminar! And that so many of the people who attended the seminar actually fall for it.

          I am extremely skeptical of "gurus" of any kind.

          Bottom line - don't let anyone pressure you into doing anything. My standard response is "send me something and I'll look it over." If they can't or won't do that, then there's nothing more to talk about. If I have to make a decision RIGHT NOW - then my decision is that the conversation is over. I can't tell you how liberating that is, or how much money and time it's saved me.
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      • Profile picture of the author CanuckWarrior
        Originally Posted by dremora View Post

        Report them to the FTC, BBB, ripoff reports, consumer complaints sites even if you don't purchase (I always do). The more of you submit complaints, the better chances of FTC freezing their assets and taking them to court.
        I'm truly surprised the tow the line sycophants haven't chimed in yet to call you a hater, whiner, etc. for saying something like that.
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  • Profile picture of the author jan roos
    Originally Posted by Black Magick View Post

    That sounds like a lot of so-called "guru" companies, especially on infomercials.

    Let me tell you my own story about a so-called success guru. I saw his late-night informercial. He was offering a system that supposedly puts money in your pockets quickly. I ordered the books. And shortly after I received them, I was being bombarded with phonecalls from his staff trying to sell me additional products. They even tried to get me to sign up for something called a Success Academy -- which was supposed to be some sort of a school the guy was holding. Costed somewhere around $6,000. I told the customer service rep that I don't have $6,000, and besides, I had just lost my job around the time and was living off of my savings. So he begins to ask if I owned a house, and if I did, could I put it up to pay for the course. I told him no, I didn't own a house. Then he asked if I could sell my possessions to raise the money to pay for the course. Again, I told him no. He, then goes on to tell me how important it is to have a success coach in order to make the system work. So I asked him -- "Could you give me a little background information about yourself and how you've been successful in this field?" This is when it hit the fan. He told me that he's never done any work in this field. So I asked him, "If you've never done any work in this field, then how can you coach me on how to be successful in this field?" He begins to get rude with me, starts cursing and then hangs the phone up in my face.

    Yeah I can't believe how rude these people are especially if you are trying to get your money back. We got into it pretty good. I told him he should be ashamed of himself for doing this to people.

    Yeah, I started asking them if my money is going to go for PPC or Backlinks or web design, content creation etc. He just said, no u don't understand, It's going for marketing expenses lol

    I then keep saying. Dude! You just sold me a coaching program and your sales process is highly misleading. That pissed him off even more.

    Dang, I would love to meet this guy face to face

    He truly deserves an ass whipping! lol
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    I've always maintained that if someone has to call you to sell their coaching program and use these tactics on you then buyer beware! I've been in sales for a long time and have never had to resort to high pressure tactics or treat people rudely. I actually love it when they call me now because I chew them up and spit em for breakfast. Thx for sharing your experience.
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    Man if I was you I would be alot more aggressive in getting your money back. Just because they say they are refunding your money doesn't mean they are. Call back and say you want your money day in your account(you need to see your bank statement saying the money is xxxx), by tommorrow(or maybe monday since weekend is upon us) or you are going to call the FTC, and, report them to attorney generals office. ASAP and you're not kidding.
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    • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
      I've been on the receiving end of this sort of thing several times. The experience (I didn't fall for any of them) was the impetus for me to formulate my standard response any time I am contacted by a telemarketer: "Does this involve me giving you any of my personal information?"

      There's usually a lot of evasion at this question, so I repeat it, and when the caller has to admit that "yes, it does", then I just say, "I'm sorry, but my policy is to never, under any circumstances, to give any personal information over the phone." No matter what they say, I just stick to my guns, and it's over.
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  • Profile picture of the author neodarth
    so you receive "The Call", seems to be a trend for many so called 'gurus' who outsource the 'one on one coach' to call centers and then forget about it.
    Every time when I purchase a product and have to enter my email and phone number I prepare myself mentally to receive "the call".

    They are pretty persuasives and push the right emotional triggers, they talk to you by "the scammer manual" and usually use sales tactics like:

    "I want to take a pen and write dow my name and phone", "write your goals and dreams", etc.
    Just like Vince Vaughn did in the movie "The Prime Gig"

    Normally those "coaching" cost you depending on how good is your credit. They told you that you need to invest money to make money, the coach itself is some asigments that they give you weekly like.

    -find 3 passions niches (call me when you're done),
    -research 30 keywords on each niche (call me when you're done),
    -buy a domain and a hosting (call me when you're done),
    -write 30 articles (call me when you're done),
    -create a website (call me when you're done),
    - buy ads (call me when you're done),
    - do your site again is wrong (call me when you're done),
    - Give me more money oh don't bother I've already have your credit card info I'll do it myself.
    - make a PPC campaign (call me when you're done).
    - you are finish with your coaching (don't call me ever again)

    For some people this kind of 'coaching' is the right approach, they always need the 'human reinforcement' even if they are telling you exactly what you books says word by word.

    PS there are others cases where they take your money and leave period.
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  • Profile picture of the author skibbz
    we must be careful of these scammers...you lucky you even got a telephone response after paying for the package...lol

    some of them would be long gone sipping pina colada on a beach in hawaii :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
    I had a similar call after buying a piece of software from a "guru" who will remain nameless. The price and pitch sounds almost identical.

    It involved lots of name dropping and a hard sell. They missed the mark with me as I am not new to the game. The guy came across as a bully and made several incorrect assumptions about me. It reminded me of when I was 16 working for a shady double glazing outfit. Sheer persistence and making every effort to throw you off balance and make you feel like you are missing out.

    Any salesman that does not even take the time to run me through proper opening questions instantly looses my respect, but the biggest giveaway for me was the fact that they would not provide in writing exactly what they were offering. They were making it sound like I would become this guru's new best mate, but would not tell me what that involved and when i pressed them for answers they tried a takeaway pitch which they completely blew as when I let them take it away they 180'ed back to the hard sell.

    I imagine the sales office is comission only with a high employee burn rate. Make a sale or go home kinda thing. I worked in a few of those when I was a teenager so I know 90% of what they say is BS as they just want the sale as they aren't even sure if they will be in the job after the next paycheck.
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  • Profile picture of the author dremora
    I always get scam calls/emails (cause I posted a resume on yahoo hotjobs ages ago, even though I disabled it, I still get calls/emails from scammers who find me via hotjobs). One of them was trying to sell me a doba dropshipping web store package. They cold called me and threw the doba name to sound credible (they always throw some big name to build rapport...)

    They said they set up a web store, index it in google, they were promising to rank it too... when I asked few simple SEO questions, it was pretty clear they knew nothing about SEO at all.


    The whole thing would cost only a couple hundred bucks and a small monthly fee, however when I looked up the company name, I found out they get people in with a couple hundred, then charge them thousands for various upsells and empty scams.

    They charge $2000-5000 for professional web design and SEO, however according to the reports I read on ripoffreport.com and consumercomplaints.com, they use cheap $50 templates with no custom design and no SEO at all. When you call to cancel/refund, they insult you and call you names.

    Here is the email i got after the cold call:

    3 MONTHS FREE DOBA TO LAUNCH ECOMSTORE!!

    Now again here is what you will get with this promotional package:

    100 product website with your choice of products to sale [sic]

    Free inventory updates daily
    Free coaching for as long as you need help [coaching means some sleazeball salesperson trying to upsell you more crap... there is no coaching]
    Merchant account to except [sic] credit card payments on and offline
    Pay-pal [sic] integration

    Free search engine submission so you will be listed and findable on-line
    Free technology upgrade
    And finally, the first step to reaching financial freedom

    There are 92 diffrent [sic] templets to choose from as far as what you would like your website to look like

    We will set you up with a web traffic analysis to monitor your traffic on your website for free for a limited time only [that is google analytics... bah!]


    Check out our website at [link removed] you can see sample websites that are already up and running if you go to the orange bar on the top of the home page and go to client gallery and it will show you 9 websites we have built that are up and running and making great income for our clients.

    [name removed] is an accredited with the better buisness beureau. [sic] www..bbb.com so you will start your buisness [sic] with trust with us.

    We are seemlessley integrated with the doba product line so you can add any product with the click of the mouse, inventory levels are updated daily, and processing orders is so simple.

    This package is valued at $1500.00 [really? some cheapo web template and google analytics setup at 1500?] but I have the ability to lock you into the promotional
    price of $124.90. $99.95 is a one time set up fee paid in full, $24.95 would be a reoccurring monthly fee. [that is a lie, according to the victims, they charge you thousands once they get your credit card#]
    Such terrible spelling and bad grammar raised the red flags right away. For crying out loud, even Nigerian lottery scammers use copy pasted scripts with beter grammar than this! They are so eager to get my money they aren't even trying to look at least halfway professional. It smells of 'SCAM'. No reputable professional business would send such a terribly written email.

    They tried real hard to sign me up on the phone but I said I have to run off to a meeting and they should call me on Saturday morning to complete the registration. They said the promotional price may not be available, tried to pressure me into signing up with the scarcity and time limit tactics which I am immune to. Anyways I hung up and told them to call me back on Saturday (obviously there was no meeting! Why should I be honest to scammers anyway, blah!)


    So I looked them up and one of the top 3 google search results for the company name was a complaints.com scam alert. In fact Google page 1 results for their company name was full of scam alerts and complaints. If they are so great at SEO, why are the top SERP results are screaming scam? LOL. I even found court documents showing various indictments and convictions of their company... unbelievable! All this info on Google page 1!

    So after doing my due diligence, I sent them this email:



    I did a google search on [name removed] and all of the customer reviews I saw were pretty negative. In fact, the first google results were '[name removed] scam' and '[name removed]complaint'. Here is a very detailed and enlightening customer experience report from multiple people (the second post is outstanding in detail)

    [name removed], Total Scam, Avoid like Plague

    I paid $4550 to [name removed]. My credit card, as I noticed the next month, had been charged for just about $5000! For the first two weeks, the people were helpful in getting my store up and running. After two weeks out, I could not get anyone to help me with anything. My coach was not a coach at all but actually just another salesperson - she just tried to sell me more features. When I insisted that the features I paid for do not work and I need help, she would just lose interest, give me no help and hang up, always very abruptly. My store, today, still does not have a single customer. After 8 weeks, I had had enough. I wanted my money back. Guess what their money back policy is? Of the $5000, if I "quit," as they kept calling it, here are the terms - I would get less that $1,500 back and I would lose my store (no one is actually allowed even to have their store, ever - if that is not a reflection of this megascam I surely the heck don't know what is!). That is astounding in light of the fact that I paid for what I never even received and moreover for 52 weeks, meaning that I should get back at least (even by their crazy idea of customer service) 52 weeks minus 8 weeks divided 52 weeks which is )0.85 x 5000 or $4,200 or more dollars. This company is the worst company I have ever encountered.

    -------------------
    [there was another very long and detailed post which I am not going to copy paste here.... ]

    This alone tells me everything I need to know. I don't have thousands of dollars to throw away, if the whole cost was as you wrote earlier I would consider it but there are dozens of people out there who say they have been ripped off by [name removed] with 3000 to 5000 set up and coaching fees. I also saw the court documents where your company has been sued and found guilty of infringement of another company's intellectual property. If [name removed] was a reputable business there would not be so much negative publicity about it. If you guys really knew how to
    rank your customer sites on google, you would rank your own site above the rip off reports and complaints. I really doubt you can rank any web site on google if you can't even rank your own site to the top!


    Please go ahead and cancel the Saturday appointment, and remove my contact information from your list.


    Best regards
    Obviously, I never heard from them again
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  • Profile picture of the author Butters123
    Wow thanks for the heads up glad your getting the refund!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Don,

    I don't know if this is the same company, but one of them was based in Las Vegas and they changed their company name, address, and tax ID number several times over the years! It made it very tough for any government agency to track them down. In fact, it took Dateline several months to finally find them and then they were...POOF!....gone the next day. I wish I could remember the name of the blasted company. Probably wouldn't matter since they've probably already changed it. Some of these guys are really slick.

    I'm not saying that this is the company that the OP mentioned, but they are out there, which is why I never buy anything when someone calls me. If my business needs it then I will seek it out on my terms.

    RoD
    Signature
    "Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."
    - Jim Rohn
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  • Profile picture of the author connect2pro
    Moderator edit: Stop with the specific names, especially when the transactions had nothing to do with this forum.
    Signature
    Outsourcing Magic!
    Top Outsourcing Expert Shows You How to Manage Your Business in 60 minutes a Day- Free Report
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  • Profile picture of the author Janice Sperry
    I don't enter my phone number on any optins. If it is something I really want to optin to and the telephone is not optional I just put 555-555-5555. If telemarketers do call I don't even give them 30 seconds - I just hang up without saying a word.
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  • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
    Banned
    Originally Posted by jan roos View Post


    It's such a shame these companies are even allowed to operate like this.

    Cheers
    It is a shame, but it's equally(if not more so) a shame that you thought it made sense to pay $3,000 for free training. What part of free and paid is confusing to you? If people would just use a little common sense, they wouldn't fall for stuff like this.
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

      It is a shame, but it's equally(if not more so) a shame that you thought it made sense to pay $3,000 for free training. What part of free and paid is confusing to you? If people would just use a little common sense, they wouldn't fall for stuff like this.
      You are right 100%. The reason I fell for it was

      1. Excitement for being chosen to be {enter guru name here} new testimonial for an upcoming product.

      2. When I asked why I had to pay 3K. She said it was for sales and marketing of my business and not for the training. So I ask, is this gonna be for PPC, SEO, Product development etc she said yes that would be correct.

      3. I trusted Mr (enter guru name here} been on his list fir quite a while now. Even if it did cost me 3K to really be mentored by him an his team it would be a bargain.

      Cheers
      Signature

      I'll teach you how to make money like a Mamba.

      Sign up for the free money mambas newsletter!

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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        I've gotten a couple of these calls, usually after buying a product with a 'free coaching session with one of my team'. I won't mention any names, but you would all recognize them.

        The last time, I actually enjoyed playing cat and mouse with the guy. I knew the script, so I knew I could play him. I kept him going for over half an hour. When he finally caught on that he was never going to close me, he started with the abuse.

        That's when I dropped the bomb on him. I didn't hang up, and I didn't get heated. I just started laughing at him. He asked what I was laughing at...

        "Wrong answer. Flip the card over, dummy, this is where you tell me I'm a loser, but you're going to give me one last chance. Come on, I know you can do it..."

        At that point, he let loose with a very impressive string of cuss words in one long breath.

        I haven't heard from them yet...
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    • Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

      It is a shame, but it's equally (if not more so) a shame that you thought it made sense to pay $3,000 for free training. What part of free and paid is confusing to you? If people would just use a little common sense, they wouldn't fall for stuff like this.
      100% agree! unless people start applying common sense and some smarts into their business, they will be nothing but food for the sharks.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dave d
      Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

      It is a shame, but it's equally(if not more so) a shame that you thought it made sense to pay $3,000 for free training. What part of free and paid is confusing to you? If people would just use a little common sense, they wouldn't fall for stuff like this.
      Im afraid I have to agree with BHC on this. Somebody said BHC may be a bit harsh but if being harsh stops somebody who is reading this thread from being the next victim then so be it.

      If you are ever asked to pay a large sum of money then take a few days to think it over and do some research into it or get some second opinions.

      If the person pressuring you says its now or never then its obviously not legit and you should run for the hills. Any legimate or responsible business to whom you need to pay money to will always allow you time to think over any type of financial commitment.

      Personally I am really sorry that Jan went through this drama but I cant understand how he decided to hand over money to some random person on the phone who told him it was free when it obviously wasn't. Maybe the alarm bells were broken.

      Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    happens to often and yes you qualify past the big boss if your credit card is good, the only requirement needed to pass and gain entry with this stuff as i am sure has been said.
    Signature
    | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    Black hat cat I must say I respect your opinion alot and you have made some fabulous comments in the past, but, man everyone doesn't have your aptitude. I think you being a bit harsh.

    I notice Jan took the high road. He must be one nice guy.

    Keep the peace.

    PEACE!
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I think you'd better document your refund request rather than sitting on it for a few days when the refund period runs out. If you used a credit card, start the chargeback now ... if you used Paypal ... start a dispute now. Get it in writing that you have requested this refund now. I seriously doubt that it will be that easy to get it from them. They are scammers. This is what they do for a living.
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      I think you'd better document your refund request rather than sitting on it for a few days when the refund period runs out. If you used a credit card, start the chargeback now ... if you used Paypal ... start a dispute now. Get it in writing that you have requested this refund now. I seriously doubt that it will be that easy to get it from them. They are scammers. This is what they do for a living.
      I called my CC company right away and they said that as soon as the payment cleaed we can start the chargeback. They also documented the date I called with the issue and I also requested a refund in writing like the contract states. I saved a receipt from UPS that the document was mailed 1 day after my charge.

      I hope that will be enough.

      Cheers
      Signature

      I'll teach you how to make money like a Mamba.

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      • Profile picture of the author Sheila Atwood
        Always pay with your credit card. Not Debit Card. Even through PayPal. Then it is easy to get your refund.
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        • Profile picture of the author netkid
          Jan,

          I feel your pain.....

          Is it my imagination or am I starting to get more and more pre-recorded call messages from IM related "get rich quick" plans?? I can recall leaving my phone number with one "opt in" for a guru free report and now they "sold" my phone number to about 7 different companies that are all IM related products.

          Lesson learned here is stay away from ANY guru high priced products. I would tend to think they are rehashed methods anyway.

          Could it actually be that the gurus ran out of innovative product ideas???

          Personally I am finished with any and all guru products. This is my 4th year in IM and I bought all the IM products that I could ever want and learn from.....
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        • Profile picture of the author yukon
          Banned
          [DELETED]
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          • Profile picture of the author TiffanyB
            I got one of these phone calls earlier this year after buying a product from a well known guru who was offering a 7 day free trial that came along with one free coaching session. The call I got said that they were releasing a new product later that year and they needed testimonials so they were going to give me training for free that way both of us benefited from it.

            They said it was completely free, but I am one of those people that don't trust anything, even if it is true. I told him that I was not interested and he asked why. I told him at that point I only did IM part time since I am a stay at home mom and had other projects I was working on. He then went on to say basically that if I didn't do this I could never make it on my own and that I wouldn't be able to provide for my family. This is the part that started getting me very angry and I told him I was not interested and to never call me again. (The number he called me from was the same number that called every day and wouldn't leave a voicemail for about a week). After that I hung up on him.

            I think the worst part about this is that they use the guru's name so you do think it may be legititmate at first, but I can tell you that once someone starts asking about your debt and house payments and things of that nature, I wouldn't go near them at all. I'm sorry but my debt and house payments and things of that nature have nothing to do with you training me in making money online. That to me would raise the red flag right there. Also, the way that the guy on the phone talked to me saying I would never make any money without their help was another red flag.

            I think it's sad that we have to say "well-known guru" instead of the actual name. These people that do this should be called out on it.
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            • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
              Banned
              Originally Posted by TiffanyB View Post

              I think the worst part about this is that they use the guru's name so you do think it may be legititmate at first, but I can tell you that once someone starts asking about your debt and house payments and things of that nature, I wouldn't go near them at all.
              They use the Guru's name because the Guru either sold them the leads or are getting commissions or some benefit from it and have allowed it. Gurus who do this are putting their own reputations at risk IMHO.

              Hint: I give out a fake phone number. That puts a stop to this kind of crap pretty well.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizousoft
    I had the EXACT SAME thing happen to me, these guys sound like real dicks too when you don't want to buy it! He told me "well it IS free! you're not leveraging YOUR money you're using your BANK's money"... what a scam and a joke... I didn't buy anything though, so they transferred me back to the other person who originally "warmed me up" to the whole thing, I gave him a peace of my mind to a point where he had to hang up lol!

    They kept calling me afterwards, I try not to put my phone number on any form I feel up ever since...

    I won't name names but its the same team mentioned buy connect2pro ^^
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Originally Posted by bizousoft View Post

      They kept calling me afterwards, I try not to put my phone number on any form I feel up ever since...
      And this is one of the many negative side-effects of these
      boiler room operations.

      People become increasing skeptical and less willing to give
      their real details to genuine marketers.

      Dedicated to your success,

      Shaun
      Signature

      .

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      • Profile picture of the author REHughes
        Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

        And this is one of the many negative side-effects of these
        boiler room operations.

        People become increasing skeptical and less willing to give
        their real details to genuine marketers.

        Dedicated to your success,

        Shaun
        That seems to be the problem with so many of these.
        And it seems to be more lately than less that are employing these tactics.
        It has gotten to the point that we really don't know who to trust anymore.

        We THINK they are genuine marketers, until we purchase from some of them.
        Then, we seem to become just another poor stupid face in the crowd.

        I have had a couple of times that I did use my REAL phone # on a purchase similar to this scenario. (not any more. I likewise use a "dummy" #! Sorry!)

        Within a week, someone from a "call center" was calling to offer me their coaching.

        Regardless of my insistence that I am not interested, or that I simply cannot afford that kind of investment at this time, I still get hammered until I hang up about the importance of their coaching.

        Well...
        #1 -if I needed it that badly, why wasn't it mentioned when I bought the product?

        #2 - if I need it that badly, why make it SO HARD for ME to contact THEM so that when I do realize I need it I CAN CALL THEM?

        I never see these types add to their sales page in bold letters, if you need coaching with this, CALL ME AT ###-####!

        I believe I am capable of determining whether I need their coaching or not.

        We ALL know how hard it is to contact most companies with any questions.

        I'm not saying all, but most of them all you can do is submit a support ticket and WAIT! And if you are lucky, they MIGHT respond, or not!

        And, yes, I realize that this is a business based on sales, but we should also realize that many, if not most, of these "so called" coaching professionals are nothing more than commission based "salesmen or women" on the other end of the line.

        It is their job to get the sale regardless of the cost.

        Again, many if not most of them have never been in internet marketing, or ran any kind of business for that matter. They are trained "sales people"!
        They have been taught a system, given a manual, and turned loose on the world!

        Trust me, been there, done that! (not call center, but similar phone sales)
        I lasted just a short time in that arena and had to get out because I wasn't cut out for that type of "high pressure" sales.

        It is sad that many marketers do resort to these tactics when otherwise many of them have great products and would do well with them marketing them in a more genuine manner.

        Sorry, but I don't trust "call centers". Period! I have to deal with them on occasion, but only when necessary.

        But, as someone stated earlier, buyer beware. We must ALL take responsibility for our actions when we whip out the plastic. It is a DANGEROUS ANIMAL that often bites the hand of the owner!

        JMHO
        Robert
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
      They kept calling me afterwards, I try not to put my phone number on any form I feel up ever since...
      That's why I have two telephone (land line) numbers. One I always use and answer, one I use when I fill in the suspicious forms. Both have different ring tones and connect to a different set of telephones.

      The latter I only answer when I have time on my hands and want a little free live entertainment!

      Regards,
      Jeff.
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  • Profile picture of the author PvPGuy
    I agree with above poster, get the ball rolling from every direction you can. This kind of "marketing" is at best, unethical, and at worst, fraud. Don't wait too long to "...give the benefit of the doubt"

    Thanks for the heads up and sharing your story. Hope you get every cent back. And for the record, I'd be plastering this guru's name everywhere. G/L

    -perry
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  • Profile picture of the author dremora
    I am going to put reviews on IM report card (IM Report Card - Internet Marketing Ratings, Reviews and Discussion), rip off report (Ripoff Report | Scams, Frauds, Reviews And Consumer Complaints.), complaints.com and various other places and I strongly urge anyone who has gone through or witnessed this kind of ordeal to do the same.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

      Normally I would see right through it as well but the only thing that kept me interested was the fact that I was under the impression they were from this Guru's company. I even asked them twice and they said yes.

      My concern is that they can seriously hurt this Guru's reputation online because of this crap.

      Cheers
      I'd lay odds the "guru" is in on it and gets a healthy commission.


      A relative of my son-in-law got sucked into one of those ecommerce scams where the company supposedly builds you a website filled with products. When they found out what I did for a living they asked me to come over and check it out. They started with a small purchase and had been suckered into spending over 10k and they still didn't have a working website. It was always "one more thing" they needed to buy.

      I told them to cut their losses and sue them. They cut their losses but didn't sue. For their 10 grand they got squat. I wish they would have contacted me sooner, but at least I saved from the next hit. I offered to build them the website they wanted at my cost, but they declined. The dream they had was dead.

      Oh how I'd love to have 5 minutes alone with scammers like that.
      Signature

      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Sorrell
      It's the same sort of pitch for timeshare, fake shares, fake vintange wine etc - money up front and then run. I imagine your details just got sold on.
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    • Profile picture of the author Trish Mullen
      I was never a sceptical sort of person but I'm quickly becoming one now in this industry with the many sharks that are out there circling around.

      Could someone please define 'guru' for me in terms of internet marketing and is this a self-appointed title. I stopped going to IM seminars because they just became a huge pitchfest for these so called 'gurus'.

      Now I'm all for someone selling me a product, we are in IM after all. What I want to know though is 1) how is this product going to help me when I don't have a bunch of outsourcers working 8 hours a day for me and 2) am I going to be hounded to death by you and your team once I buy?

      I feel for you getting conned by them and the sooner we all sign up to a code of ethics, the better.
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      • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
        Since all of our activity can be found online almost instantly, 24/7, you'd think that this type of high-pressure sales and scamming would be go down, not UP! And since so many people have cell phones with cameras -- even small cameras like the FLIP camera -- with them, you can even find yourself on-camera at a moment's notice.

        Makes me a little wary of doing, well, almost ANYTHING in public. :/ Unlike some, I'm VERY concerned with my online reputation. Even an honest, good-faith transaction can go bad for any number of reasons and one unhappy customer on the loose can cause BIG problems. There have been any number of posts here about difficult customers and since my previous job was in customer service, I'm acutely aware of how difficult one unhappy, irate customer can be.

        I love all of the opportunities of our electronic world. But the loss of privacy (and being "on camera" almost 24/7) also concerns me.

        As for what I buy and who I buy it from...

        There's a steep learning curve in IM and I've bought THOUSANDS of dollars worth of stuff, some of it not worth the money I paid for it. As I bought and learned, I learned what to look for and consequently, what to avoid.

        I've now found my niche and business model and really only follow/buy from about 6 people, MAX. That kind of clarity and focus in immensely valuable, both in the time and frustration it saves me and in the money it saves me. And I've been following them for several years now.

        I NEVER go to "introductory" seminars of any type, but have been to them in the past (think MLMs). The whole MLM thing always came off as scammy and hypey to me, so I avoid any type of biz op seminar like the plague. I can be very susceptible to the high-pressure, emotional tactics used by such people. (And of course, it's helpful now that I'm out of the whole "What kind of business do I really want to start" phase!)

        The problem is, the type of direct marketing described in this thread (introductory seminars, follow-up calls, coaching, etc.) is all completely legitimate. The high pressure, the insults, the deception, etc. is NOT legitimate, but it makes it SO difficult for honest, legitimate marketers out there. I think that once legitimate marketers can get past the initial skepticism, there's a tremendous opportunity to grow a big, stable business simply by following good direct marketing and treating your customers with respect and building a long-term relationship with them.

        To me though, the biggest crime these scammers commit is not the money they take. It's the hopes and dreams that they kill in the process. Some people are investing their very last dollar with these scammers. Some people are desperate, for one reason or another. Maybe they've lost their home. Maybe they have a sick relative.

        With entrepreneurs, it's not just a business. It's a dream, a hope -- usually a lifelong, closely-held dream or hope. And once they've been scammed, some people aren't able to pick up and move on to try again. Maybe it's because they've been scammed one too many times and can't afford to try again. Or maybe they've truly lost their faith that ANYONE can actually make money online or just with their own business in general.

        To me, that's the cruelest thing of all.

        There's a lot of talk on the forums about people who need to take responsibility for themselves, take action and not expect things for free. That's all legitimate and often, you have to train your customers to recognize the value of what you offer and not just expect things for free or super cheap. The flip side of that coin, though, is providing the very best product or service you can with the very best service you can to your customers -- not as one business to another, but as one person to another.

        I saw this quote from William Butler Yeats some time back:

        "But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
        I have spread my dreams under your feet;
        Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."


        I think I saw this in the book Credit Card Nation which talked about how credit cards exploit the poor and serve the rich.

        I think the same thing applies to those who start a business too. Not everyone who starts a business or buys a biz op is down to their last dollar, certainly. People's self-image, self-esteem and faith in themselves is generally very, very fragile. Whether you're selling a biz op or it's kissing cousin, marketing services of any type, you need to be sensitive to the fact that you're not just dealing with a business, with products and services, facts and numbers. You're dealing with people's hopes and dreams. To me, that's an awesome responsibility.


        Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author bettybakebake
    Yes happened to me the other day, after a 20 dollars purchase of a marketing product. Then the operator, i won't dignify him by calling him a guru, called me about training with him and writing reviews. Then wanted money - I just laughed at him and told him he had gotten all the money out of me he was going to. He called me names too.
    michele
    if you want to know who it was you can pm me.
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  • Profile picture of the author zulfnore
    Lol, I went through the same experience about 8 months ago after having bought a product from a top "Guru" that asked for my number on the order form. 2 months into the calls the guy dropped a clanger - "Oh by the way, in order to get you up and running with your business, there will be a small investment". OK, how much? He replies first of lets work out how much credit line you have at your disposal and I'll get my manager to call you back and see if he can authorise it.

    A day later I get a call - it was quick and abrupt to the tune "Hello Mr Z its me, the one after your money. I am realy busy for the next 2 days, can I make an appointment to call you back then?" Hmmm, feeling important I agreed. And sure enough, 2 days later the phone rings and we go through some number crunching and I get pushed to raise more.

    A week later am already very sceptical but go along - and the hard sell continues and now am being rushed to make a decision. So I said "OK, since I am going to be coached by "Mr Guru" and he is going to help me build my business I would like to speak to him and clarify a few things". Sorry he is out of town at the moment - why don't we get this all thing wrapped and we'll get him to call you back as soon as possible.

    It's ok, I can wait till he is back - "Do you know how much you could potentially loose out if you wait too long Mr Z?" .....Yes, none the less I'll wait and we hanged up.

    And 6 months late I am still waiting for the call from my would have been mentor - thats a shame I missed out big time

    But hey, my wallet is still safe though

    Damn freakin scammers they don't get my number ever again - now when I see a form like that my mouse is on the red x in double time. lol, I then spend 5 minutes fighting the exit pops and splash and what have you.

    DISCLAIMER: Names of persons involved weather innocent or guilty have been ommited on purpose. If there is any resemble to any one or company, then its entirly accidental or "YOU" have just realised who you are <<<This one is for the search engines when the "GURUS" get to read about it (Secondary disclaimer: Not intended for anyone on the WarriorForum)
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by zulfnore View Post

      Lol, I went through the same experience about 8 months ago after having bought a product from a top "Guru" that asked for my number on the order form. 2 months into the calls the guy dropped a clanger - "Oh by the way, in order to get you up and running with your business, there will be a small investment". OK, how much? He replies first of lets work out how much credit line you have at your disposal and I'll get my manager to call you back and see if he can authorise it.
      I went through a very similar experience as well. I had bought a mid-ticket item from a well-known Guru sometime ago, and was fairly satisfied with what I received. All was going well until I received this important phone call from someone on his "team" who wanted me to get into an exclusive mentoring program that would guarantee me 10k a month in 30 days (very similar to what the OP was told). I knew what was coming, so I had a little fun with him and feigned interest in this opportunity.

      Fortunately, this person on the phone was fairly good natured, and wasn't a foul mouthed boiler-room salesman. Our conversation was actually pretty pleasant for the most part, and even when I put my foot down and said that I wasn't going to spend a penny more on anything else, he didn't get flustered or aggravated. He did try his best to persuade me to see his side of things though.

      I eventually found out that they were just an internet marketing coaching company that the Guru passed leads on to, so there'd not be any personal contact or coaching with the Guru himself. Why Gurus do this, I have absolutely no clue. Even though they may earn thousands of dollars extra by subcontracting coaching to an outside company, the damage to their reputation will be lasting and irreparable.
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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    Hey, anyone want to buy the Eiffel Tower? I have an exclusive contract to sell it but you better be quick. The French government desperately needs the money so they'll take the first decent offer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kevin Caldbeck
      Originally Posted by Metronicity View Post

      Hey, anyone want to buy the Eiffel Tower? I have an exclusive contract to sell it but you better be quick. The French government desperately needs the money so they'll take the first decent offer.
      Howdy

      I might be interested in your tower thing. I need something to put outside my trailer to put the TV antenna on. What do you think the chances of putting a Windmill up there too? I need to get some electricity to my trailer desperately.

      Please send more information about this thing, height, shipping, where it is located now, and any other information you may have.

      Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author rhinocl
      Originally Posted by Metronicity View Post

      Hey, anyone want to buy the Eiffel Tower? I have an exclusive contract to sell it but you better be quick. The French government desperately needs the money so they'll take the first decent offer.
      Would they be willing to disassemble it and ship it to me COD?
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Ambrose
    I had to invest $3120.00 because I was chosen
    Chosen? Why?

    This alone screams of a scam to me.

    It's like one of those mail shots you can get sent that goes something like this:



    Congratulations you have been chosen to be sent $1,000,000!

    PS. You must first purchase this lovely gold necklace for $99. You may or may not receive the $1,000,000.



    Stay well away from people who say you were chosen for absolutely no reason whatsoever!

    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author M Mark
    Blessings to you for sharing this disgustingly shameful practice. It seems to be popping up more now that the broad economy is in the dumper and people are really looking for some kind of success out of pure necessity, if nothing else!

    Please post your 'response' received (if ever) from the GURU's office, thankfully there are a number of people who are exposing some of the shady tactics of Greed utilized by some of these people and what to watch out for...a real bonus for those of us who are newer to all this stuff for sure!
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  • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
    Had THE call about 3 years ago when I paid for a very popular ebook.

    The owner who "licensed" his name, has very recently come out and publically apologised for his part in it.

    I was fortunate enough that although I was very impressionable at the early stages in my IM career, I had no credit available.
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    • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
      Originally Posted by Joe.Mc View Post

      That's nice of him, did he compensate the victims that he profited from as well?
      Two words... No chance.
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  • Profile picture of the author Owen Smith
    Never never never hand over any money without a written and signed contract, especially if it is a sum that high. In my opinion it is your falt for being a little naive.

    Regards
    Owen
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  • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
    The whole thread make me sick. The last thing i want is whole internet marketing turning into amway like stuff. This is really sick.
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  • Profile picture of the author shabit87
    I had a similar expierence, but I wasn't charged anything, but the tactics these people use are almost sickening.

    What bothers me the most is the way they treated you after the "mistake" was made. THe hang ups, the good luck or rather bad luck to your future. If the guru you're referring to is making the type of money he claims (and I'm guessing its a good bit to offer you coaching) then he or she can afford to pay for his team to be trained to treat each and every potential client with the highest regards and respect. No excuse!
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  • Profile picture of the author woodymcgrath
    Thanks for the heads up.

    I hope I don't receive calls like that...
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Rodman
    Banned
    On the one hand, shame on the guru.

    On the other hand, come on! Do you think there is any value getting coached by some flunkie in a call center?

    I remembered hearing stories back a few years ago when Corey Rudl's company was really popular. They would sell coaching services. All their advice was "Create an ebook and then get an army of affiliates to sell it for you". ha
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  • Profile picture of the author altoro80
    i have receive those calls before, and of course i get exited and everything but the good thing is that i have just started a few months ago without money so i don't have money to invest so i did get sad that i could not invest to make more money but i am happy that i did not give them nothing
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  • Profile picture of the author profitsforall
    Jan,

    If i had bought a product from a guru then been targeted by a company using his name, I would have requested a refund from the original product too ( so long as it was a no questions asked policy) and I would have given my reason.

    Unless you were the first one to mention the guru's name it is almost completely certain the company was given your details by the guru - and regardless of whether he knew how they operated or didn't research them, he obviously doesn't care one iota for you as a customer.

    So, given that money is their only motivation hit them where it hurts and request a refund.

    I would also log in to every consumer website and leave your candid review on the whole thing.

    I have a policy that if i am phoned up, and anyone is trying to sell me somethign (or give me something for free) of saying "Not interested" and hang up.

    A good few years back my wife fell for the "You've won a holiday, all you have to do is turn up to our presentation" phone call.

    I told her it was a trick - she phoned them back up to cancel and told them that her husband thought it was a scam. They got very irate, asking why someone would be so stupid as to pass up a free holiday. At which point my wife responded "If it's free and no strings attached, why are you so upset that we don't want it - why not just move on and give it to someone else". There wasn't much he could say to that.
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  • Profile picture of the author upgradereality
    THat's messed up man.
    I really want to pay for coaching and I don't mind if it costs a few $k but I'm scared of all these scams.

    How and where can I find reputable people who know what they are doing and whose coaching will actually help me make money?
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Oh how I'd love to have 5 minutes alone with scammers like that.
      If you ever get that 5 minutes, let me know. I'll watch the door for you...
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      • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        If you ever get that 5 minutes, let me know. I'll watch the door for you...
        All you need to do is go to the next big IM event. I am sure there will be a couple there.
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    • Profile picture of the author dbarnum
      I've run into a scheme or two over the years at some Internet marketing events. At one, a couple was on stage telling people to max out their credit cards as a way to give you that reason to push yourself ahead, some type nonsense like that.



      Originally Posted by upgradereality View Post

      THat's messed up man.
      I really want to pay for coaching and I don't mind if it costs a few but I'm scared of all these scams.

      How and where can I find reputable people who know what they are doing and whose coaching will actually help me make money?
      I'm a fan of good coaching programs and have been in some excellent ones. Do this every year to help get to new levels - with biz and personal life issues

      Here are some tips to help find good programs that I've posted in another thread recently (at: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-coaching.html )

      See what's involved. Get a proposal or agenda in writing (electronic format is fine) that lists what and who you get: resources / tools, etc. And seek a trial period and / or payments, if that makes you more comfortable, to make sure you like what you get and also find it beneficial.

      Take time to review this info. If you are rushed, walk away.

      While you review the info, some issues to watch are:

      - who the coach is.

      - how you are coached (i.e. some tech platforms are excellent; others are awful).

      - access to resources / tools (similar to the above: some places offer super long videos you can't download or pause / stop, and who has time for that?)

      - goals: set some goals for yourself first (what do you want to get out of the program?) This would be an investment, so what ROI would you like? How would you evaluate your work together to make sure you were getting value? Ask yourself things like this.

      - milestones (be proactive & set up check points each week to make sure you print out any materials you can and place them in a 3-ring binder, use them, meet your goals, etc.)

      - compare other coaching programs with what's offered here. Example: some that go for $10,000 - $25,000 include tickets at Internet marketing events, networking and JVs with people who are already making 6-figures, a package of print materials, DVDs of past events, etc.

      - coaching testimonials / experience in what you want to learn - are there testimonials from others who have been in the coaching program before, learning what you'd like to learn? Don't be afraid to ask for references & check them.

      - what are alternative packages available? There may be other options that fit your plans, time and budget now. Then consider this later. Don't use money you don't have.
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  • Profile picture of the author Henri J
    Wow.

    This is crazy, and they acted like babies.

    They should not be in business.
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  • Profile picture of the author iron1
    "New suit and steak dinner for us".
    That's the truth!

    I had this same thing happen to me a couple of years ago, like you said a well known "Guru" was the catalyst of the pitch, I almost fell for it until the whole telemarketing style ponzai call center people started trying top convince me that this was the only TRUE way to make money online.

    It took around 6 months but I did finally get the "Guru" they were basing this scheme around over the phone and he said he had heard of this before but, he was in no way affiliated with this company or any of these people. I gave him all the numbers and names I had gathered from this ordeal and he made it very clear he was going to take action against these scammers.

    Be careful with these people, some of them are very convincing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Angela Wills
    Wow that is a crazy story and it sounds like they were very, very slick!

    Such a coincidence because I literally JUST posted on my blog about whether high end coaching programs are worth it and how one time many years ago I did sign up for a 10K coaching program I really couldn't afford but immediately came to my senses and got out of it.
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  • Profile picture of the author jonibravo
    You are right. I also got this sort of email like 2 months ago. I ignored this due to some other reasons. But now i came to know actual fact about this. Thanks a lot for your post. It will help other people to understand this scam as they might receive this sort of email in their email accounts. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author bobby_shahzad
    Sick and Tired of these Gurus and their BS. I think they have ripped us off enough. Its time we raise up against them and boycott their products all together
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