FORTUNE BUILDERS Carolton Sheets Real Estate They charged my credit card for unauthorized order. They are associated with the Carlton Sheets Real Estate Course. Maryland
I ordered the Carlton Sheets Real Estate Course and then returned it. Of course the order taker tried to sell me a bunch of programs. I refused them but they sent some stuff and charged my credit card. I called them and they refunded the charge. This was in March. Now in August, they are at it again. They charged my account again, this time for over $94. I called them and once again they took it off. I asked them how they got my credit card number and was told that they were part of the Carlton Sheets organization. I guess once they get your credit card number, they feel they have the right to stick a charge against you, hoping you won't notice.
Fortune Builders Than Merrill $27,000 Ripoff Internet
I got a flier in the mail to come see how to invest and make money in Real Estate, this was my introduction.. The speaker was great and I got excited about the potential of making money in Real Estate. We were asked to pay $2000 for the opportunity to here how we can make money in Real Estate. This is where the promises came if you sign up specifically me you willl get rich in Real Estate. Doesn't matter what your credit is you will get lending and we will show you how. Never got money, in fact when I asked I was put down for my effort. The lady I signed up with Carley and she told me I would be able to replace our home and have enough income in the next 12 months from my investments that I wouldn't have to work other than Real Estate. I asked her straight up "Will I be able to get lending for a new house (our house was forclosed on)? Will I be able to get lending for investments? Both answers were yes. You can ask her she will tell you. They gave classes and directed you to buy into other investments. What can I say I am Bitter. They took $27,500 by then and we were all promised the world. They refunded $5,000 but I want all of it back and I want others to know about this rip-off. They openly say that 80% of the people that invest in this never invest in anything. All they do is take your money. After that night they asked me to join the"Inner Circle" for $15,000 more. Thank god I didn't do it.
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with federal regulation e.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was not to be charged! keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything!
Do not take no for an answer!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to report them the bank) and this situation to the banking commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the federal regulation e form! the bank can, must and will reverse the charge! but, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charges) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the federal regulation e dispute form.
Charges to your credit card
If the charge was to your credit card not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Fortune Builders Mastery Program Rip-off , Internet
My friend and I heard an ad on the radio to attend a free class on learning how to flip house from the guys who are on the A&E show Flip This House. I talked it over with my friend and we decided to register. During the class the speaker talked very little about flipping houses and more about their upcoming 3 day summit which would cost $1,197.00 per person but if we purchased the summit that evening it would be $197.00 for two people. He also mentioned that there was a chance to qualify for the mastery program which would be taught by experienced real estate investors. We decided to go for it since this has been an interest of mine for several years. When we signed up we were given a booklet (for homework) and also encouraged to purchase a book called the E-Myth (which I dont regret). The summit consisted of a full weekend. Friday and Saturday 9:00 - 7:30 and Sunday 9:00 - 5:00.
Friday was spent hearing in depth about the booklet and how we needed to apply for the mastery program with no guarantee that you will be accepted. Thus began the talking about the FortuneBuilders Advanced Training Programs (the mastery program). At the end of the day we filled out a card in order to be given the opportunity to fill in an application. The application was rather standard until you flipped to the last page where they began to ask very personal information such as credit score, how much money was in savings and/or retirement, and what type of credit limit you have on credit cards. I personally didnt feel comfortable answering some of the questions.
Saturday morning the application was due. Once submitted you were eligible for an interview. Then we were told that too many folks had applied for the mastery program (what a surprise) and that they would be going over the program and the cost after lunch. The rest of the morning was spent talking about information listed in the booklet. After lunch we were handed a worksheet to fill out with information on the different levels of the mastery program. I dont want to go into that other than to say it would be the price of a nice new car for the platinum level with no payment option. Money was all due up front. At this point we were given a break and told that we could choose not to go forth with the interview process. After talking it over my friend we decided to withdraw, disappointed with having to do so.
We decided to attend Sunday to find out additional information on things such as rehab and internet marketing. I received a follow up call from someone with the program a few days later reciting the same information that was given to me by email prior to the program about exciting news. I was busy at the time and they told me they would call back. Surprise, surprise they have never called back.
I guess my true complaint is this: I could have learned just as much in a shorter amount of time. I also feel that we should have been given the mastery program costs during the first, free class so that we could have decided if the summit was worth the time. I work a job with a varied schedule and had to request additional time off to attend (not cool). I learned some new things but truthfully I took more knowledge from reading the E-Myth book then I didnt from the three day class. Bottom line, the class is not worth the time spent to learn just how much a mastery program can cost.
Fortune Builders Jonathan Steingraber Charged $200.00 For a INFOMERCIAL SEMINAR. No real evidence of proof other than pictures with Blurbs. San Diego, California
Fortune Builders charges you $200.00 so you can go to a 9 hour a day, 3 day seminar that is nothing more than a seminar INFOMERCIAL. Once there, you learn that you have to spend another $20,000-70,000K to get and use their products, real estate programs and coaching to get rich.
They do not provide any solid verifiable proof of evidence from their past students AT THAT SEMINAR like local examples using the same MLS that anyone in California has access to, only pictures of their students with pictures of the properties they made money from and written blurbs not live videos.
BUT they do use pressure sales to try and get you to sign up during those three days by telling you that the price they are offering the program is for the seminar days only. They do have live videos of hyped up seminar attendees from past seminars, why not of their happy rich students.
At the initial meet and greet that is free, you are told that Fortune Builders lends their students money to purchase the homes. Once at the $200.00 INFOMERCIAL seminar, you learn that you will have to spend $20-70K to be their student, but Im not sure at which level you have to buy into for you to be considered for that loan, AND only at that INFOMERCIAL you just paid $200.00 to be at, you learn that they charge 14% for their loans to their students.
YIKES!!! That doesnt even make sense to me, if I were a student that just paid $20-70 to Fortune Builders and was using their program, coaching and was taught how to invest by their top pros in the company, Id expect to get a better rate than that.
Then they show you an automated program, whether that is included in the 3, 6 or 12 month cost of being their student, I dont know. I did look up the program on their website and it lists it for $300+ for the medium level. No mention of that cost was talked about, so whether it is included in the $20-70K price, I don't know. Maybe he forgot it was another "hidden" cost.
Here it is in a nut shell, NO ONE that shows me pictures of people that made money by spending $20-70K for a program, coaching and training isnt going to convince me to buy their program for any price no matter how many days and hours they keep telling me why I should buy it.
Example: I have a picture of me and a few other people standing next to a check made out to me with 7 figures on it or a couple of my students standing next homes I they bought and sold to make that checkand Ill only charge you $20,000-70,000K to teach you how they and I made thatso sign here and press hard, there are three copies, and make your check payable to my corporation. Spending 9 hours three days in a row telling you why you should give me $20-70k to coach you to make that same 7 figure or any income for that matter, isnt going to convince you is it?
Me neither and thats what you pay $200.00 for, a seminar INFOMERCIAL.
Does their coaching, programs and company really deliver on their promises for $20-70K? I dont know I didnt spend the $20K to find out, but I can tell you that Jonathan Steingraber, the speaker at the seminar told us he Under Promises and Over Delivers and promised to send us slides, what we received was worthless and when I emailed their company, they responded by saying thats all there was.
I emailed the company a few times requesting the slides; I ask that Than Merrill contact me, nothing. I'm not sure what Than Merrill's involvement is with these seminars but they use his and another guys large cardboard figures at the enterence door on the first day.
Then I posted my disgruntlement on a review website I thought was independent of Fortune Builders but later I think it is run by Fortune Builders because I got a call from Jonathan on my unlisted number, so apparently, they were able to trace my IP address. He wants to address my concerns but no calls from Than Merrill.
And, on the website that he posted his reply to my post, it wouldnt let me respond to himgiving me the impression that the website is run by Fortune Builders. Why else would the seminar presenter be able to give himself a raving and high rating review yet rebuttals cannot be posted.
His reply basically stated that I misunderstood that he would send us the slides of the seminar.
Dont worry about taking notes, I will send you the slides, I want your attention on mehow can that statement, repeated several times throughout all three days, be misunderstood?
Bottom line: the INFOMERCIAL SEMINAR should be FREE!!! NOT $200.00 And, if it is really that good, they need to do away with the pressure sales, provide evidence of proof and you should be able to sign up at any time for a reasonable price WITHOUT having to take out an equity loan on your home.
Fortune builders fortune builder ripped off low-income ederly women for over $12,000, internet
This company is a scam. They just took over $12,000 from a close friend of mine who is elderly and lives on a small amount of social security income Less than $12,000 a year) for her to attend a course. I wish legal recourse could be taken against a company that would be willing to take a year's income from an elderly women. It wouldn't surprise me at all if this company makes the national news for these scams shortly - i can already see numerous online complaints.
Fortune builders three day seminar--a sales pitch ordeal no agenda, over-promises, didn't do what was promised, insults and juvenile humor internet
There is some good content in this seminar--they have systems that are excellent and that obviously have made the owners and the presenter millions. Unlike what one is led to believe in the preliminary material that you will get this material at the 3-day training, you do not get any of unless you purchase their additional training. The amount of useful content was about a day's worth and the rest of the time was filler so that they could "interview" the people one-by-one that they were trying to sell their $15,000 and way up ($30,000 and more) training packages.
Additional critiques:
Ahead of time we requested an agenda and received one from the company. Our biggest complaint is that they did not follow it. They did not give out a schedule for any of the days. You never knew what would be covered, when the breaks or lunch would take place, or even when it would end each day.
We, along with everyone else, i'm sure, attend a seminar for specific content. To ask people to commit for 3 days is a huge investment for many people It was no small matter for us). People come to these things to learn what we were told we would learn. That is an immensely important, unwritten contract between people who come and the presenters. They broke that contract by giving bits of useful information, but not in a take-home form and hours of:
-- tony robbins knock-off, change your life rah, rah, positive thinking talks
--would-be actor impressions and dancing from the stage
--political, state of the economy reports This was especially offensive if one did not share those views and if you have read a newspaper or listened to any news in the last year)
-- lengthy personal stories--short is ok--over an hour and more not relevant
--again and again and again selling of the program which took hours of time--this was incredibly irritating. If the content of the program is truly worth it--people will buy it--and they didn't have to have to sell it that hard.
Most upsetting is that there were a lot of obviously disadvantaged people there who desperately wanted to buy into the american dream. These people most likely do not have parents with lots of money to fund their deals As did the presenter and other examples) and no matter what you told them, most of the people in that room will never get an investor to lend them money or make a huge deal. They were told to charge the training on credit cards. I found all that very upsetting and really borderline immoral.
In addition, for the $200 we got almost no handouts and in addition, no coffee, food or even tables for most of the people. Not only no agenda, but the forms and "systems" were quickly flashed on the screen and no one could take a picture of them.
The people managing it ranged from kind to mean to wierd. And if they did not like what you talked to someone about at breaks or lunch They had staff with no identification) you were rebuked in a public setting for what you said. Women were demeaned from the platform: numerous references to the little woman out shopping, and "yeah, gals you too can do this." when someone asked about a break Because no schedule) he was told "there is the door." if your phone went off, you had to come up to the stage and do the chicken dance—that is junior high behavior and many of us did not consider it funny.
All in all i would not recommend this 3-day ordeal to anyone. If you have piles of money or access to it, contact them directly--i'm sure their master's program for real estate investing is useful, but don't subject yourself to 3 days of sales pitches and juvenile humor sprinkled with tiny bits of useful information for this.
Fortune Builders You Don't Always Get What you Pay For Internet
I responded to an advertisement for a free informational session on real estate investing held by Fortune Builders. In the free session a lot of rehabbing success stories were used to entice newbies with the earning potential of the market and to ensure they spend $197.00 for the three day seminar wherein multiple subjects would be covered in great detail. One book and two worksheets were provided in addition to tickets to the seminar. After two days at the seminar I had taken fewer notes than an average day in a University general studies class in addition to enduring 16 of 20 hours pitching the Mastery Program to me at a cost ranging from 15-35K dollars.
I do not want to disparage the professionalism of the keynote speaker Jeremy Black or his sincerity, however, the seminar was disingenous to be sure. None of what was promised to be covered was taught with any depth, rather trully empowering information was held out like a carrot on a stick for Mastery student status and involvement. For a company that prides itself on the mantra of helping people and giving back, they seemed to have very little qualms about taking my hard earned 200$ and selling me snake oil and a continued promise of potential. Additionally, I was called out from the stage twice for pouring over my information rather than focusing on an exercise in waisting time that was going on on the stage. It was insulting to say the least since my family and friends had rallied on my behalf to afford me the opportunity to be there, everyone had pitched in to take my kids and cover my wife and I at work. Initially on the first day refunds were offered if anyone was dissatisfied, I will see if that offer is still available and perhaps send an amendment to this complaint.
If you have $200 to pay for information that is widely available with minimal research online, then by all means Fortune Builders seminars are for you, just be prepared for an infomercial experience of little substance beyond what a few dedicated hours of independent study can achieve. If you want an environment of positivity and encouragement where you learn enough basics to empower you to risk personal bankruptcy then these seminars are for you. Remember a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, these seminars are turning out real estate investors who are equipped with a feel good high and prepared for little more than risk and ruin.
Fortune Builders, Inc. Wants you to give up your CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS to get a refund San Diego and Nationwide California
Fortune Builders may be bullying or coercing people into printing retracttions or stopping them from posting negative reviews. This is my justification for that remark.
I signed up to do the Mastery Program and decided the very next daythat I was caught up in the hipe and that the amount we spentwould actually be a deficit on my family. Luckily I wrote a check and cancelled it. In my contract they say you have a 14 day period for refunds and termination of the contract with certain conditions. What they don't disclose is one very major condition. in the contract you agree to an exit interview (which I did and I answered all their questions with the answer of "I decline to answer that". They tried to offer me other options a a cheaper price. When this didn't work the gentleman told me that we were waisting each others time. which I agreed. I was told he would email me 2 papers which needed to be be signed (neither document was mentioned in my original contract and if they were I would have not signed the contract, therefore I believe we did not have a meeting of the minds
The first document sent was a Request for Refund on which was printed in Bold Capital letters and highlighted in yellow stating this form is" A REQUEST FOR REFUND ONLY - NOT AN APPROVA!". Now remember I was told I MUST sign it in order to proccess my request. This by itself may be of little consequence other than you may not get a refund.
It was this next document that they required my signature on that brought out great suspicion and brought me to outrage. Could this be that they are actually asking me to give up my Constitutional rights of Free speech and Free Press in order for me to rescend this contract
This is in basic terms what that Document stated that outraged me. It was a Mutual non-diparagement / Confidentiality / Liquidated damages document.
The first part of said document; Mutual Non-Disparagement states simply that neither party my disparage or criticize the other party, business, products or services, employees agents etc... This brings to point, What are reviews if not critiques or criticism for the public to be able to do due diligence in finding out the reputability of a company or product. Therefore if I had signed this document I would not be allowed to write this without risk of penalty. My rights would be in essence taken away.
The second part of the document; Confidentiality of Agreement basically states that the parties shall keep their Factual allegations and terms of this agreement to themselves. That they cannot disclose what refund if any were given to them. Hmmmm..... Most Confidentiality agreements are entered in when an agreement has been made not before hand. Basically if you get screwed you can't tell anyone about it. Leaving them to posssibly avoid sending you a refund. Now remember this was sent to me saying I must sign it to even be considered for a refund. There, at that point is no agreement for refund was made.
The third and final part of the document: Liquidated damages basically says that if either party violates either of the previous 2 clauses as stated above that there will be a $5,000 penalty per violation. At this point if I had signed it I would have violated these clauses at least seven or eight times by all the places I have put this information out. Now times that by $5,000. Liquidated damages at least in Real Estate are to be agreed upon in Advance. not after the fact as a scare tactic.
Four questions to ask yourself
1. Who does this form benefit and is it truly Mutual?
2. Would you sign into a contract if you knew this a head of time?
3. What do they have to hide if they use such tactics to keep the public from knowing about dissatified customers?
4. Does this practice allow the public to see true and valid reviews?
Though I don't know if their Mastery Educational program works or not I find it highly suspect that they would want to hush up anyone that could give a true an accurate review . Maybe someone might say yeah the program didn't work for me but hey they gave me all my money back. That probably is not the case here though, wouldn't you say.
If there are any attorneys reading this please contact to see if you can start a class action suit against them I believe there are many people out there that have been screwed by Fortune Builders and now have no voice because they signed this agreement.
FORTUNE BUILDERS SCAM SCAM SCAM SAN DIEGO Nationwide
SCAM SCAM SCAM.
They are masters at getting you all hyped up. They play very uplifting music, they get you beliving that they will take you in, making you part of their FORTUNE BUILDERS FAMILY. Yes, just like some family members they borrow money and u never see it again. Fortune Builders is worse, they make you believe that you can have a life of the wealthy. That for a small investment in yourself to have a almost perfect life, go where you want to go, buy what you want to buy at anytime. They almost get you under a Fortune Builders trance. By the time the weekend is over, you want what they have made you believe. They have a food collection from all the attendees making themselves look good, even tho they did not put one item in. Still you think good of them for helping the hungry.
By the second day(oh Also, you paid $197.00 to be here too) In my group there was over 300 people in attendance. That would be the lowest of the fees. You will actually feel like you want to go up and thank the spe Imagine that you thank them for making you want to give them more money lots of it. The program that they offered that day was $33, 000, and everyone in the room seemed to want to sign up. took two days to get thru all that signed up. Out of the over 300 people only I think only 30 people were selected to join. They were the only ones that could pay that amount of money. However fear not,,,,,, you more than likely receive a phone call the next week, to offer you another chance to invest in your self, for a fee of course. The even will tell you how to pay for it. They have a pretty good idea what you will be able to pay or not pay, or to give you ideas how to get it. In my case it was apply for additional credit cards and report back to them what you have been able to get. The credit cards came in, I maxed out the new cards to fortune builders. I had a pretty good credit score, now its down over 200 points. Plus I can't pay my bills, and funny no one from Fortune Builders calls me to see how I'm doing. How foolish was I? If I can help one person not fall prey to these vultures. I'll feel a bit better. Also what else I have discovered, is they have multiple, multiple programs with different prices. I got taken for $12,000.
I recently visited a three-day "Insider Workshop" for $197 that promised to provide the attendee with tools and systems necessary to be successful in real estate transactions and the entire three days was a sales pitch for their personal "Mentor" or "Mastery" program at an "investment" of $20,000 to 35,000, no useful information provided only showcased their tools and systems. It is disappointing and whether or not you consider it a fraud is your opinion, however; I need to make the point that if they cannot deliver on their promise and deliver tools and systems, not just showcase, then can you trust their “Mentor” or “Mastery” program at a hefty “investment”? I am disappointed with their content and feel that the $197 spent and not worth the time invested.
Fortune Builders took complete advantage of handicapped women. Taking the only money she lived and barely survived on. i am that woman. '
My family wants me to go to the local papers, call every agency out their telling them my story, Handicapped women in wheelchair taken advantage of company that states they do everything morally ethically correct.? My disease affects me mentally and physically. They took every dime I had and then told me where to get additional credit cards to max out for their fee, leaving me in more debt than I can ever pay back, I do not know how I will pay my medicine or my Dr appointments. Life is hard enough for the healthy people. Can you even imagine what is like for the handicapped? A hard life enough without being taken advantage of by money hungry mongrels. They saw me coming and knew taking my money was easy like taking candy from a baby.
Fortune Builders Reviews
FORTUNE BUILDERS Carolton Sheets Real Estate They charged my credit card for unauthorized order. They are associated with the Carlton Sheets Real Estate Course. Maryland
I ordered the Carlton Sheets Real Estate Course and then returned it. Of course the order taker tried to sell me a bunch of programs. I refused them but they sent some stuff and charged my credit card. I called them and they refunded the charge. This was in March. Now in August, they are at it again. They charged my account again, this time for over $94. I called them and once again they took it off. I asked them how they got my credit card number and was told that they were part of the Carlton Sheets organization. I guess once they get your credit card number, they feel they have the right to stick a charge against you, hoping you won't notice.
Carlton sheets, fortune builders rip-off! internet
Charged credit card after i had cancelled over 2 years ago.
Fortune Builders - Carlton Sheets ripoff Unauthorized Payment on my credit card, cancelled a year ago Burr Ridge Illinois
Fortune Builders part of the Carlton Sheets no down payment, billed my credit card for $115.00, a year after I cancelled.
Hopefully I can get my money back. I have called the credit card company to dispute.
Fortune Builders Than Merrill $27,000 Ripoff Internet
I got a flier in the mail to come see how to invest and make money in Real Estate, this was my introduction.. The speaker was great and I got excited about the potential of making money in Real Estate. We were asked to pay $2000 for the opportunity to here how we can make money in Real Estate. This is where the promises came if you sign up specifically me you willl get rich in Real Estate. Doesn't matter what your credit is you will get lending and we will show you how. Never got money, in fact when I asked I was put down for my effort. The lady I signed up with Carley and she told me I would be able to replace our home and have enough income in the next 12 months from my investments that I wouldn't have to work other than Real Estate. I asked her straight up "Will I be able to get lending for a new house (our house was forclosed on)? Will I be able to get lending for investments? Both answers were yes. You can ask her she will tell you. They gave classes and directed you to buy into other investments. What can I say I am Bitter. They took $27,500 by then and we were all promised the world. They refunded $5,000 but I want all of it back and I want others to know about this rip-off. They openly say that 80% of the people that invest in this never invest in anything. All they do is take your money. After that night they asked me to join the"Inner Circle" for $15,000 more. Thank god I didn't do it.
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with federal regulation e.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was not to be charged! keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything!
Do not take no for an answer!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to report them the bank) and this situation to the banking commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the federal regulation e form! the bank can, must and will reverse the charge! but, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charges) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the federal regulation e dispute form.
Charges to your credit card
If the charge was to your credit card not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Fortune Builders Mastery Program Rip-off , Internet
My friend and I heard an ad on the radio to attend a free class on learning how to flip house from the guys who are on the A&E show Flip This House. I talked it over with my friend and we decided to register. During the class the speaker talked very little about flipping houses and more about their upcoming 3 day summit which would cost $1,197.00 per person but if we purchased the summit that evening it would be $197.00 for two people. He also mentioned that there was a chance to qualify for the mastery program which would be taught by experienced real estate investors. We decided to go for it since this has been an interest of mine for several years. When we signed up we were given a booklet (for homework) and also encouraged to purchase a book called the E-Myth (which I dont regret). The summit consisted of a full weekend. Friday and Saturday 9:00 - 7:30 and Sunday 9:00 - 5:00.
Friday was spent hearing in depth about the booklet and how we needed to apply for the mastery program with no guarantee that you will be accepted. Thus began the talking about the FortuneBuilders Advanced Training Programs (the mastery program). At the end of the day we filled out a card in order to be given the opportunity to fill in an application. The application was rather standard until you flipped to the last page where they began to ask very personal information such as credit score, how much money was in savings and/or retirement, and what type of credit limit you have on credit cards. I personally didnt feel comfortable answering some of the questions.
Saturday morning the application was due. Once submitted you were eligible for an interview. Then we were told that too many folks had applied for the mastery program (what a surprise) and that they would be going over the program and the cost after lunch. The rest of the morning was spent talking about information listed in the booklet. After lunch we were handed a worksheet to fill out with information on the different levels of the mastery program. I dont want to go into that other than to say it would be the price of a nice new car for the platinum level with no payment option. Money was all due up front. At this point we were given a break and told that we could choose not to go forth with the interview process. After talking it over my friend we decided to withdraw, disappointed with having to do so.
We decided to attend Sunday to find out additional information on things such as rehab and internet marketing. I received a follow up call from someone with the program a few days later reciting the same information that was given to me by email prior to the program about exciting news. I was busy at the time and they told me they would call back. Surprise, surprise they have never called back.
I guess my true complaint is this: I could have learned just as much in a shorter amount of time. I also feel that we should have been given the mastery program costs during the first, free class so that we could have decided if the summit was worth the time. I work a job with a varied schedule and had to request additional time off to attend (not cool). I learned some new things but truthfully I took more knowledge from reading the E-Myth book then I didnt from the three day class. Bottom line, the class is not worth the time spent to learn just how much a mastery program can cost.
Fortune Builders Jonathan Steingraber Charged $200.00 For a INFOMERCIAL SEMINAR. No real evidence of proof other than pictures with Blurbs. San Diego, California
Fortune Builders charges you $200.00 so you can go to a 9 hour a day, 3 day seminar that is nothing more than a seminar INFOMERCIAL. Once there, you learn that you have to spend another $20,000-70,000K to get and use their products, real estate programs and coaching to get rich.
They do not provide any solid verifiable proof of evidence from their past students AT THAT SEMINAR like local examples using the same MLS that anyone in California has access to, only pictures of their students with pictures of the properties they made money from and written blurbs not live videos.
BUT they do use pressure sales to try and get you to sign up during those three days by telling you that the price they are offering the program is for the seminar days only. They do have live videos of hyped up seminar attendees from past seminars, why not of their happy rich students.
At the initial meet and greet that is free, you are told that Fortune Builders lends their students money to purchase the homes. Once at the $200.00 INFOMERCIAL seminar, you learn that you will have to spend $20-70K to be their student, but Im not sure at which level you have to buy into for you to be considered for that loan, AND only at that INFOMERCIAL you just paid $200.00 to be at, you learn that they charge 14% for their loans to their students.
YIKES!!! That doesnt even make sense to me, if I were a student that just paid $20-70 to Fortune Builders and was using their program, coaching and was taught how to invest by their top pros in the company, Id expect to get a better rate than that.
Then they show you an automated program, whether that is included in the 3, 6 or 12 month cost of being their student, I dont know. I did look up the program on their website and it lists it for $300+ for the medium level. No mention of that cost was talked about, so whether it is included in the $20-70K price, I don't know. Maybe he forgot it was another "hidden" cost.
Here it is in a nut shell, NO ONE that shows me pictures of people that made money by spending $20-70K for a program, coaching and training isnt going to convince me to buy their program for any price no matter how many days and hours they keep telling me why I should buy it.
Example: I have a picture of me and a few other people standing next to a check made out to me with 7 figures on it or a couple of my students standing next homes I they bought and sold to make that checkand Ill only charge you $20,000-70,000K to teach you how they and I made thatso sign here and press hard, there are three copies, and make your check payable to my corporation. Spending 9 hours three days in a row telling you why you should give me $20-70k to coach you to make that same 7 figure or any income for that matter, isnt going to convince you is it?
Me neither and thats what you pay $200.00 for, a seminar INFOMERCIAL.
Does their coaching, programs and company really deliver on their promises for $20-70K? I dont know I didnt spend the $20K to find out, but I can tell you that Jonathan Steingraber, the speaker at the seminar told us he Under Promises and Over Delivers and promised to send us slides, what we received was worthless and when I emailed their company, they responded by saying thats all there was.
I emailed the company a few times requesting the slides; I ask that Than Merrill contact me, nothing. I'm not sure what Than Merrill's involvement is with these seminars but they use his and another guys large cardboard figures at the enterence door on the first day.
Then I posted my disgruntlement on a review website I thought was independent of Fortune Builders but later I think it is run by Fortune Builders because I got a call from Jonathan on my unlisted number, so apparently, they were able to trace my IP address. He wants to address my concerns but no calls from Than Merrill.
And, on the website that he posted his reply to my post, it wouldnt let me respond to himgiving me the impression that the website is run by Fortune Builders. Why else would the seminar presenter be able to give himself a raving and high rating review yet rebuttals cannot be posted.
His reply basically stated that I misunderstood that he would send us the slides of the seminar.
Dont worry about taking notes, I will send you the slides, I want your attention on mehow can that statement, repeated several times throughout all three days, be misunderstood?
http://reviewopedia.com/workathome/fortunebuilders-com-reviews-is-fortunebuilders-legit/
Bottom line: the INFOMERCIAL SEMINAR should be FREE!!! NOT $200.00 And, if it is really that good, they need to do away with the pressure sales, provide evidence of proof and you should be able to sign up at any time for a reasonable price WITHOUT having to take out an equity loan on your home.
Fortune builders fortune builder ripped off low-income ederly women for over $12,000, internet
This company is a scam. They just took over $12,000 from a close friend of mine who is elderly and lives on a small amount of social security income Less than $12,000 a year) for her to attend a course. I wish legal recourse could be taken against a company that would be willing to take a year's income from an elderly women. It wouldn't surprise me at all if this company makes the national news for these scams shortly - i can already see numerous online complaints.
Fortune builders three day seminar--a sales pitch ordeal no agenda, over-promises, didn't do what was promised, insults and juvenile humor internet
There is some good content in this seminar--they have systems that are excellent and that obviously have made the owners and the presenter millions. Unlike what one is led to believe in the preliminary material that you will get this material at the 3-day training, you do not get any of unless you purchase their additional training. The amount of useful content was about a day's worth and the rest of the time was filler so that they could "interview" the people one-by-one that they were trying to sell their $15,000 and way up ($30,000 and more) training packages.
Additional critiques:
Ahead of time we requested an agenda and received one from the company. Our biggest complaint is that they did not follow it. They did not give out a schedule for any of the days. You never knew what would be covered, when the breaks or lunch would take place, or even when it would end each day.
We, along with everyone else, i'm sure, attend a seminar for specific content. To ask people to commit for 3 days is a huge investment for many people It was no small matter for us). People come to these things to learn what we were told we would learn. That is an immensely important, unwritten contract between people who come and the presenters. They broke that contract by giving bits of useful information, but not in a take-home form and hours of:
-- tony robbins knock-off, change your life rah, rah, positive thinking talks
--would-be actor impressions and dancing from the stage
--political, state of the economy reports This was especially offensive if one did not share those views and if you have read a newspaper or listened to any news in the last year)
-- lengthy personal stories--short is ok--over an hour and more not relevant
--again and again and again selling of the program which took hours of time--this was incredibly irritating. If the content of the program is truly worth it--people will buy it--and they didn't have to have to sell it that hard.
Most upsetting is that there were a lot of obviously disadvantaged people there who desperately wanted to buy into the american dream. These people most likely do not have parents with lots of money to fund their deals As did the presenter and other examples) and no matter what you told them, most of the people in that room will never get an investor to lend them money or make a huge deal. They were told to charge the training on credit cards. I found all that very upsetting and really borderline immoral.
In addition, for the $200 we got almost no handouts and in addition, no coffee, food or even tables for most of the people. Not only no agenda, but the forms and "systems" were quickly flashed on the screen and no one could take a picture of them.
The people managing it ranged from kind to mean to wierd. And if they did not like what you talked to someone about at breaks or lunch They had staff with no identification) you were rebuked in a public setting for what you said. Women were demeaned from the platform: numerous references to the little woman out shopping, and "yeah, gals you too can do this." when someone asked about a break Because no schedule) he was told "there is the door." if your phone went off, you had to come up to the stage and do the chicken dance—that is junior high behavior and many of us did not consider it funny.
All in all i would not recommend this 3-day ordeal to anyone. If you have piles of money or access to it, contact them directly--i'm sure their master's program for real estate investing is useful, but don't subject yourself to 3 days of sales pitches and juvenile humor sprinkled with tiny bits of useful information for this.
Fortune Builders You Don't Always Get What you Pay For Internet
I responded to an advertisement for a free informational session on real estate investing held by Fortune Builders. In the free session a lot of rehabbing success stories were used to entice newbies with the earning potential of the market and to ensure they spend $197.00 for the three day seminar wherein multiple subjects would be covered in great detail. One book and two worksheets were provided in addition to tickets to the seminar. After two days at the seminar I had taken fewer notes than an average day in a University general studies class in addition to enduring 16 of 20 hours pitching the Mastery Program to me at a cost ranging from 15-35K dollars.
I do not want to disparage the professionalism of the keynote speaker Jeremy Black or his sincerity, however, the seminar was disingenous to be sure. None of what was promised to be covered was taught with any depth, rather trully empowering information was held out like a carrot on a stick for Mastery student status and involvement. For a company that prides itself on the mantra of helping people and giving back, they seemed to have very little qualms about taking my hard earned 200$ and selling me snake oil and a continued promise of potential. Additionally, I was called out from the stage twice for pouring over my information rather than focusing on an exercise in waisting time that was going on on the stage. It was insulting to say the least since my family and friends had rallied on my behalf to afford me the opportunity to be there, everyone had pitched in to take my kids and cover my wife and I at work. Initially on the first day refunds were offered if anyone was dissatisfied, I will see if that offer is still available and perhaps send an amendment to this complaint.
If you have $200 to pay for information that is widely available with minimal research online, then by all means Fortune Builders seminars are for you, just be prepared for an infomercial experience of little substance beyond what a few dedicated hours of independent study can achieve. If you want an environment of positivity and encouragement where you learn enough basics to empower you to risk personal bankruptcy then these seminars are for you. Remember a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, these seminars are turning out real estate investors who are equipped with a feel good high and prepared for little more than risk and ruin.
Fortune Builders, Inc. Wants you to give up your CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS to get a refund San Diego and Nationwide California
Fortune Builders may be bullying or coercing people into printing retracttions or stopping them from posting negative reviews. This is my justification for that remark.
I signed up to do the Mastery Program and decided the very next daythat I was caught up in the hipe and that the amount we spentwould actually be a deficit on my family. Luckily I wrote a check and cancelled it. In my contract they say you have a 14 day period for refunds and termination of the contract with certain conditions. What they don't disclose is one very major condition. in the contract you agree to an exit interview (which I did and I answered all their questions with the answer of "I decline to answer that". They tried to offer me other options a a cheaper price. When this didn't work the gentleman told me that we were waisting each others time. which I agreed. I was told he would email me 2 papers which needed to be be signed (neither document was mentioned in my original contract and if they were I would have not signed the contract, therefore I believe we did not have a meeting of the minds
The first document sent was a Request for Refund on which was printed in Bold Capital letters and highlighted in yellow stating this form is" A REQUEST FOR REFUND ONLY - NOT AN APPROVA!". Now remember I was told I MUST sign it in order to proccess my request. This by itself may be of little consequence other than you may not get a refund.
It was this next document that they required my signature on that brought out great suspicion and brought me to outrage. Could this be that they are actually asking me to give up my Constitutional rights of Free speech and Free Press in order for me to rescend this contract
This is in basic terms what that Document stated that outraged me. It was a Mutual non-diparagement / Confidentiality / Liquidated damages document.
The first part of said document; Mutual Non-Disparagement states simply that neither party my disparage or criticize the other party, business, products or services, employees agents etc... This brings to point, What are reviews if not critiques or criticism for the public to be able to do due diligence in finding out the reputability of a company or product. Therefore if I had signed this document I would not be allowed to write this without risk of penalty. My rights would be in essence taken away.
The second part of the document; Confidentiality of Agreement basically states that the parties shall keep their Factual allegations and terms of this agreement to themselves. That they cannot disclose what refund if any were given to them. Hmmmm..... Most Confidentiality agreements are entered in when an agreement has been made not before hand. Basically if you get screwed you can't tell anyone about it. Leaving them to posssibly avoid sending you a refund. Now remember this was sent to me saying I must sign it to even be considered for a refund. There, at that point is no agreement for refund was made.
The third and final part of the document: Liquidated damages basically says that if either party violates either of the previous 2 clauses as stated above that there will be a $5,000 penalty per violation. At this point if I had signed it I would have violated these clauses at least seven or eight times by all the places I have put this information out. Now times that by $5,000. Liquidated damages at least in Real Estate are to be agreed upon in Advance. not after the fact as a scare tactic.
Four questions to ask yourself
1. Who does this form benefit and is it truly Mutual?
2. Would you sign into a contract if you knew this a head of time?
3. What do they have to hide if they use such tactics to keep the public from knowing about dissatified customers?
4. Does this practice allow the public to see true and valid reviews?
Though I don't know if their Mastery Educational program works or not I find it highly suspect that they would want to hush up anyone that could give a true an accurate review . Maybe someone might say yeah the program didn't work for me but hey they gave me all my money back. That probably is not the case here though, wouldn't you say.
If there are any attorneys reading this please contact to see if you can start a class action suit against them I believe there are many people out there that have been screwed by Fortune Builders and now have no voice because they signed this agreement.
FORTUNE BUILDERS SCAM SCAM SCAM SAN DIEGO Nationwide
SCAM SCAM SCAM.
They are masters at getting you all hyped up. They play very uplifting music, they get you beliving that they will take you in, making you part of their FORTUNE BUILDERS FAMILY. Yes, just like some family members they borrow money and u never see it again. Fortune Builders is worse, they make you believe that you can have a life of the wealthy. That for a small investment in yourself to have a almost perfect life, go where you want to go, buy what you want to buy at anytime. They almost get you under a Fortune Builders trance. By the time the weekend is over, you want what they have made you believe. They have a food collection from all the attendees making themselves look good, even tho they did not put one item in. Still you think good of them for helping the hungry.
By the second day(oh Also, you paid $197.00 to be here too) In my group there was over 300 people in attendance. That would be the lowest of the fees. You will actually feel like you want to go up and thank the spe Imagine that you thank them for making you want to give them more money lots of it. The program that they offered that day was $33, 000, and everyone in the room seemed to want to sign up. took two days to get thru all that signed up. Out of the over 300 people only I think only 30 people were selected to join. They were the only ones that could pay that amount of money. However fear not,,,,,, you more than likely receive a phone call the next week, to offer you another chance to invest in your self, for a fee of course. The even will tell you how to pay for it. They have a pretty good idea what you will be able to pay or not pay, or to give you ideas how to get it. In my case it was apply for additional credit cards and report back to them what you have been able to get. The credit cards came in, I maxed out the new cards to fortune builders. I had a pretty good credit score, now its down over 200 points. Plus I can't pay my bills, and funny no one from Fortune Builders calls me to see how I'm doing. How foolish was I? If I can help one person not fall prey to these vultures. I'll feel a bit better. Also what else I have discovered, is they have multiple, multiple programs with different prices. I got taken for $12,000.
I recently visited a three-day "Insider Workshop" for $197 that promised to provide the attendee with tools and systems necessary to be successful in real estate transactions and the entire three days was a sales pitch for their personal "Mentor" or "Mastery" program at an "investment" of $20,000 to 35,000, no useful information provided only showcased their tools and systems. It is disappointing and whether or not you consider it a fraud is your opinion, however; I need to make the point that if they cannot deliver on their promise and deliver tools and systems, not just showcase, then can you trust their “Mentor” or “Mastery” program at a hefty “investment”? I am disappointed with their content and feel that the $197 spent and not worth the time invested.
Fortune Builders took complete advantage of handicapped women. Taking the only money she lived and barely survived on. i am that woman. '
My family wants me to go to the local papers, call every agency out their telling them my story, Handicapped women in wheelchair taken advantage of company that states they do everything morally ethically correct.? My disease affects me mentally and physically. They took every dime I had and then told me where to get additional credit cards to max out for their fee, leaving me in more debt than I can ever pay back, I do not know how I will pay my medicine or my Dr appointments. Life is hard enough for the healthy people. Can you even imagine what is like for the handicapped? A hard life enough without being taken advantage of by money hungry mongrels. They saw me coming and knew taking my money was easy like taking candy from a baby.