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Tech Pros Group Complaints - Scamming ba***rds!

Review all Tech Pros Group complaints

Tech Pros Group

Posted: 2007-09-06 by Erika Lee [send email]
Scamming ba***rds!
Complaint Rating:  88 % with 41 votes
just going through a 4 month process of getting my refund. Been dealing with Peter Frivaldi and sent me to the account manager Loudres Torres. Loudres Torres does not have a contact number of course and is unreachable via telephone. Her email address is pretty much useless as the rest of the company is. She doesn't respond to any of her emails. I sent her multiple emails and just forwards them on for other people to handle. I.e. Peter Frivaldi. Peter has been the most professional at this point at returning calls and answering calls and emails. No one else has.

Steve Copeland who is the Director is not doing anything other than sitting on his ass. Lieing to me yesterday about being on a meeting; so he picks up the phone to see who it is, yea right, and said he would call me back on my 714 area code number. He knew my number off the top of his head. Because he must not answer it and has it blocked. He picked up his phone because i dialed him from a Arizona number. Gotcha bitch. Unexpected for him so he doesn't call me back. Now i call him today, picks up but doesn't say anything then hangs up. Call him back twice and get the voicemail. Left a voicemail and email simultaneously. called a 4th time and he picked up knowing who it was and told me to take legal action for my refund that THEY STILL HAVE NOT PROCESSED. Which Steve said last month he would look into. Which i bet is a f**king lie.

See you f**kers in court. Orange County Superior Court, Newport Beach.
Comments United States Job & Career
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Comments

198 days ago by Vw [send email]
Peter,

I in no way want this to become an argument back and forth, but I wish to clarify something you stated: "The individual above mentioned that successfully completing the hands-on training may be difficult within the time allotted. This statement is true if the individual did not have a background in IT and did not properly pre-load for the remote training as required by Tech Pros Group." I am sure you know who I am and you know that I have been in the technology field for many years and hold my CISSP certification. My "hands-on training" component (the lab books) was completed in two weeks of the four weeks you provided. When I spoke to the allotment of time, and something you do not mention in any of your posts, is that you only allow your students two sessions through the week. You make us chose a two day (Mon & Wed, Tue & Thr, Sat & Sun) morning or evening (4a-12p or 1p-12a, if I remember correctly) time slot that we will be allowed to use your virtual system. Not much time to perform any of the exercises in the books, especially if someone is working during the week and/or has a family to take care of. And no, your lab exercises are not anywhere close to enough alone to pass the exams. My passing of the exams comes from me studying the books. If you want to improve your company, improve your training. People are paying you a lot of money, make it worth it for them.

Do not make me out to be someone who was incompetent, unintelligent, or non-technical. I assure you that is not the case.

I posted on this board to give my honest opinion. I understand you have a job to do to get people interested in joining your company and getting your training. But don't make the posters here out to be people who don't know what they are talking about or just have a grudge to settle. I have no grudge against your company, but I will take offense to you belittling me just to make TPG look better.
195 days ago by Greazy [send email]
Wow, a lot to take in. I saw the ad in the CareerBuilder also this past week (2/17/08). I talked to somebody last night to schedule the phone call with Peter Frivaldi for Monday afternoon (2/25/08).

My situation -- I've been doing IT since 1990. Started on the HelpDesk and last position was a Network Admin. Got a BA from Rutgers but never got any certs; you didn't need them at the time. Figured this would be a good way to make me more marketable, the economy isn't exactly ideal right now.

Anyway, gotta give Peter a few credit points. The BBB was created basically for complaints; you never hear from the supporters. Same thing with this website and the Tech Republic website. So scam or not... it seems they give you a service of tutoring, training and setting up your tests... sounds like school.

Here's the part not making sense to me: Stage 2. If you don't make it through Stage 2 you owe them whatever amount of money they've invested in you, some $20-25k. But if you DO PASS, you don't owe them anything? If that's correct, then they're banking on you failing. Sounds like the casino. (I'm real close to Atlantic City.) I don't know if I'd put my trust in a company that's banking on you failing.

Right now I'm $95 in, like i said I have the phone interview coming on Monday. Honestly I was real sold on this company until I found out that Stage 1 is $935, 6 weeks long and you DON'T get paid for it. (Again, if I'm wrong please email me the correct info -- greazydeigo@netzero.net). I've been out of work for 2 months and unemployment isn't all it's cracked up to be. I know people that have been out of work for 6 months... like i said the economy isn't very strong and that scares me.
191 days ago by John [send email]
Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences with this company and for clearing up some of their fine-print and double-speak. I'm not going anywhere near this "opportunity". After reading their ad on careerbuilder.com and then their website, I could smell something fishy. I feel sorry for those of you who had negative dealings with this company, but at least you prevented countless others from suffering the same ordeal.

Thanks again,
John
190 days ago by Pxc [send email]
I'm glad I found this site. I also received the message from Brian Kim. I was wary of it when I sent my resume, as it sounded way too good to be true, but figured it was worth looking into. I'll pass.
188 days ago by Greazy Deigo [send email]
I'm gonna disagree.

I posted earlier -- quick summary: I found TPG through Courier Post in Philly. I'm 30, out of work about 3 months, BA but no certs.

I gave it a chance. I sent my resume; I sent my $95; I spent 30 min on the phone w Peter.

Not a bad conversation, and I actually applauded Peter. Within 5 min we agreed that this wasn't the opportunity for me and he refunded my money. No pain. No runaround. He didn't try to sell me on something that wasn't for me.

From what I understand, TPG in a nutshell:
Program is set up in Stages.
--Stage 1 is 6 weeks, you buy some books and study over the internet. At the end of the 6 weeks you take a test and go through some interviews.
--You start Stage 2 by signing a contract that says if you don't finish the program you owe them money. ***NOTE TO SELF: DON'T EVER SIGN ANYTHING WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING IT*** OK -- how many of you read your mortgage documents before signing them?
--Stage 2 is 8 more weeks over the internet and then 2 weeks in Sunny SoCal.
--The next stage is "unofficial Stage 3". You get back from SoCal and are placed with a MS Cert company to do hands-on training. THIS IS WHERE THE PAY STARTS. And it's not much, but it's the best paid internship I've ever seen.
-You take some tests, do a lot of studying, and when you get out your a wealth of knowledge waiting to explode on the job market.

HERES HOW THE DEAL DOESN'T WORK
Remember that contract you signed? It says something along the lines of 'if you finish the program the jobs wil come in, but if you don't you owe us a boat load of money'. What's that mean? That means that if you cancel, default, abort, quit, or anything other that FINISH the deal.... From what I heard there is a percentage of people that start floating their resume around as soon as they start racking up certs. Companies see that and make an offer, which any offer is going to be better than the internship salary, and people back out of the offer to accept the higher paying position. Congratulations, you're making $60k/yr... and as the fine print stated you now owe us $25k.

Peter's not a bad guy. He may hound a little and spent way too much time on this web site responding to all the haters, but he can carry a conversation and I give him credit for being a true business man, not a sales man. Yuo really think your $25k (minus court fees) is what they're after? Come on guys, there's a bigger picture than that.

So in a nutshell:
-I DON'T think this is a scam. It sounds too good to be true, but take it at face value. It's a school. They teach you something. You paid for college, didn't you?
-DON'T SIGN A CONTRACT THAT YOU HAVEN'T READ OR HAVE NO INTENTION OF COMPLETING. That would be true with this or any other credit card offer you get. That's why you have bad credit.
-DON'T believe everything you hear. It is true that by reading these posts I was better equipped to ask the questions that I did, and through my own deductions I was able to understand the company and make an educated decision. Like I said, Peter volunteered to give me my money back as I really was waiting for him to try to sell me. (I'm in sales, I know how it works).

Remember folks... the name of this web site is the "compaints board". There isn't going to be a lot of positivity on this board.
186 days ago by Anonymous [send email]
Everyone -

This school is NOT SANCTIONED by the California BPPVE. Eric Choi (fronted now by Peter) for years has pulled out all the stops to avoid complying with California law regarding secondary education. They would love to throw him in jail, but for whatever reason have not been able to as of yet. I thought for sure that encouraging employees at ICTP to take out fradulent education loans in their own names would do it, but evidently not.

The fact of the matter is - if this was a legitmate school, they would try and conform to California regulations regarding secondary education. Instead, they call classes "seminars", etc.

Stay away.
184 days ago by Rodeo [send email]
I am now kind of confused after reading this post. I have already paid $95 bucks for the registration. I know it is not easy to complete 5-6 certifications in 3 months. For me to finish one certification it took me almost 6 months. People on forum definitely says not to join this, but i am out of employment for quite some time. It is like a gamble for me to invest another approx 850 bucks get atleast training on Microsoft technologies.I know it will be tough in 2nd stage as few people mentioned abt the contract. Please let me know if the thing abt the contract for 2nd stage is correct.

"Stage 2 by signing a contract that says if you don't finish the program you owe them money. ".Peter can you please clarify if this is correct.
184 days ago by Rodeo [send email]
Thanks.Could you let me know if someone does enrol for 2nd stage and she/he could not finish the training or certification in time and drops out.In that case what are the liabilities?
183 days ago by Rodeo [send email]
They are cheaters. One you are trapped they don't refund your money at all. People over there right from jousha, carley are bloody useless. Once they take money there job is over. They don't reply back. They don't pick the phone at all. PETER R U LISTENING??I don't mind loosing $95.I feel that I have donated to POOR who are starving. God bless you with WISDOM.
180 days ago by Vinu [send email]
how come these companies post on career builder like sites.
Hoping career builder will scan the companies to the basic level before posting their ads.
I'm feeling for all those who got scammed. Please stick to basics and do your research else we will be just sitting ducks for these kinds of scammers
178 days ago by Vika [send email]
I tend to disagree with lot of people who have written comments about the TechPros.They are doing their business ,the first and important thing abut the business to make money but in ethical way.
I also signed for the same program and paid $95 bucks. But after realizing the time factor that it is too limited and pressure is quite high especially in 2nd stage. There is a contract in 2nd stage that you will have to finish MCSE,CCNP within stipulated time and then there is contract of one year. I considered the pros and cons of the course, but unfortunately after depositing 95 bucks with them. I was not sure whether I should to talk to them for the refund of money.
I sent emails to Peter and he called me twice and tell you a guy that is he is quite amazing guy. We spent almost 40 mins on phone. After conversation I realized that they did some mistakes in early years like in 2004-05.But they are trying to improve their image now. I can understand that if you loose one customer it is difficult to get him back and that lost customer will speak to other 10 people to convince that how bad the co is.
So my advice is all of the people who want to join techPros, please read the conditions carefully and realize that time factor is too important here. In simple terms let me explain how it works.
1. You fill the application form and give them $95 application fee which is refundable if you are not through first interview. Normally interview is conducted by Peter himself.
2. If you are accepted then you have to pay $(165*3 for the course fee) plus $295 reg fee and $49 for another fee. If after clearing the interview if you decide to back out (like what I did), normally $95 fee is not refundable.
3. If you decide to continue for 1st stage and pay $(495+295+49)=$839 then you got to finish the labs, certification (normally MCSA,MCP ) within 6 weeks. Note that you have to pay for your certifications. Co claim that they will be spending close to $4k on you during that period.
4. Lets assume that you have cleared 1st stage and then start the process which is quite rigorous and tough where they will conduct your interviews, background check and then you will be GIVEN a contract. I don't know the terms and conditions.Peter claims that very few people go to 2nd stage.
Co will spend close to $21k on you during 8 weeks of training. Then you will have to stick with them for one year as they will provide you job and start paying for internship.
If you decide to drop out or you get another job then you will have refund the total money which Tec pros have invested on you.
SO it is give and take business. I think they are in process of improving things. I think one needs to watchful before signing any contract.
There is lot of pressure on you to finish certifications, training in span of 14 weeks.
Today I have got an email from their billing department that they have refunded my money, but it is not showing in my acct.I hope it does so pretty soon.
Anyway I don't have any grudges against any one in Tech Pros as they are trying to rebuild the image.
169 days ago by Wow [send email]
WOW. I just got the email today. Being in sales myself, the minute I read the $95.00 application fee I jumped on Google. They won't be getting my $95.00 Too bad, it's actually a great idea. I wish an intern program like this actually existed. Looks like we would all be happy.
163 days ago by Brandy [send email]
The majority of the people on this complaint board obviously do not know what is required of you to become an Engineer/Tech. If you attended college, you should already know the cost of a Microsoft text book. If you have any certifications, you should know that there is a fee for taking an exam. You should also know in order to become MCSE certified, you have to pass 5 certifications exams in which Tech Pros prepare you for. I personally appreciate the Exchange Server 2003 Implentation and Management study guide by Sybex. Thank you, Tech Pros. The cost of the materials I received (Microsoft text study guides and books), is definetly worth what is it worth with or without a passing of any stages or acceptance to any internship. My materials will allow me to pass for certifications, thanks to Tech Pros. What you put into the program, is what you get out of it. Nothing is free, especially Microsoft text books...HEELLLOO!!. I studied HARD for an A+cert and got it after PAYING to take the exam. Network+ I studied HARD and it was a price to TAKE that exam.

To become an Intern through Tech Pros, you had better know what it takes to be placed with any of their partners. First, appreciate and understand the Microsoft materials you paid for to become an Engineer. Use the materials to you advantage, if you can't afford it, don't apply to the program. As for those people that applied three years ago, hey unfortunately they could not follow through and did not have patience throughout the program when Tech Pros was first established. N-E-Ways... I got what I wanted and I'm going to continue studying my materials whether I pass for internships or not. I got my cake and I'm gonna eat it too. For those people that is still stuck and do not understand my message: I PAID for study materials (official Microsoft books..5 of them if you don't know if they're official, simply go to the book store at your college) plus additional study material to get Certified and whether or not I pass the stages for the internship, I'm going to always have some certs under my belt.

Update on who?
Erika decided that she'll go back to becoming an HHA.
153 days ago by Brad [send email]
Its takes 7 certification exams to become MCSE certified... Just fyi Brandy
148 days ago by Anonymous [send email]
Yeah, everything seemed okay until I thought more about the 'free' part and then the asking of your complete credit card information and through a form! A legit company would never do any of this.
147 days ago by Jess [send email]
I just signed up for stage one of this process. I wish I had seen this page before i did because now I am out almost $1000. I have decided to opt out before losing anymore money. When I tried to tell them I would not be continuing they gave me a fake email address to contact. I tried to return their unopened untouched materials to them but they will not take my call. I though if I had not used the materials I could get a refund...totally stupid. I am not sure what would happen farther into this internship but I am not impressed with what happened so far and would not recommend this to anyone because the fees are so high. I feel like a shmuck who wasted money for nothing and no way to get it back. They are getting a $1000 bucks and all I got were some computer printed manuals I never touched and a t-shirt I never wore.
146 days ago by Pots [send email]
Hi Mr. Frivaldi,

I recently submitted my resume and I did get a reply back from Joshua Cheng. I will be graduating this coming May 4th with an ISM degree. Since finishing Business Data Communications class last semester my interest in network infrastructure has increased. When I did get the response it all sounded too good to believe so I did some research and I'm getting mix feelings about the offer. My questions for Mr. Peter Frivaldi vary and I hope you could answer them.

1. How exactly are you guys making money out of this? If a person passes stage 1, stage 2, and then goes through their 1 year paid internship by Tech Pros how are you making money?
2. If someone does not pass stage 2 and beyond, what is the liability? I know that Tech Pros will invest around $20, 000 on someone at stage 2. If for some reason one does not pass stage 2, would that mean one has to pay Tech Pros $20, 000? I know if one cancels out of stage 2 he/she has to pay back the $20, 000 invested by Tech Pros but my question deals with if the person FAILS to pass the certification exams for stage 2.
3. Paid internship is what sounds too good to be true. What is the catch? You are paying $30, 000 for someone that completed your boot camp in return for what? After the 1year internship is there any payment to be made? For example will Tech Pros be taking a percentage of my pay after the 1 year internship is over?
4. Are internships guarantee? How are your relationships with IT companies in United States? I read some where that companies don't want to deal with Tech Pros.

Bottom line is that I don't see how Tech Pros is making money from this besides them gambling on the person backing out from stage 2 in order to get $20, 000 for their investment Please I would like a reply as soon as possible since I only have until Tuesday to send the registration form.

Thank you,

Nik
143 days ago by Tracychandler [send email]
I was looking over their web site and it sounds really good. However after reading the complaints I am not sure what to do. It seems that the work is very difficult. are some of the hardships involving this program just due to the fact the amount of work you have to do . it seems to be a almost inhuman amount of work that needs to be completed. Can someone send me some comments to my e mail address involving the actual risks please.

thank you
141 days ago by William [send email]
This Is the email I sent to them.

I paid the 95 Dollars for the app fee. (I can get that back by filing a complaint with bank)

Then I get a email from them stating that it was going to Cost 344 for registration. 165 x 3 for training materials

"This document confirms that the above mentioned candidate is authorized to receive the network administrator remote training valued at $3, 995 for free due to the individual’s acceptance into stage one of the LAN/WAN engineer internship program. Please note that there is a registration fee of $295 plus shipping and handling fee of $49. The total amount of $344 will be processed upon receipt of this confirmation. Please note that the training materials fees ($165 X 3) will be processed upon shipping with the same method of payment provided below. Microsoft exams 70-270, 70-290, 70-291, and 70-284 can be scheduled and taken at any authorized Microsoft testing center in your area. Please note that you will be responsible for your Microsoft exam fees, the fees are payable directly to those centers at the time of testing and the CMNA exam is payable to TPG at the time of exam registration."

My Response:

"I am looking at this info on the pdf. It seems like altogether I will be paying 839 dollars for training materials 344 + 165 x 3 for the information. On top of that, I would have to pay for my own testing.

70-270 (By Friday – Wk 7) $125 Test
70-290 (By Friday – Wk 7) $125 Test
70-291 (By Friday – Wk 8) $125 Test
70-284 (By Friday – Wk 8) $125 Test

Altogether that's $1339.00 that I am paying for.

Does the Training Material come all at once or when needed?
Are we going to be informed when the money will be taken out for the materials?
What exactly are you guys paying for if I am buying all of this?
Why should I go into this program when it looks like I can do this on my own?

Just emailing you these questions for when I call today before I make my decision of giving $344"

I denied this offer.
129 days ago by Viper753 [send email]
As an IT aager mself, I am well aware of the costs ing there. But I encourage everyone out there to look at other means besides this obvious scam to enhance your training. Let me give you a few facts about the current IT situation.

1. Back in the early 1980s, The IT field was booming! I got my certs by self studying and attending an MCSE Boot Camp (approx 3500.00 paid by my company).
2. In the 1990s, places like this and many others started popping up and flooding the market with all of these "Booksmart" IT Specs that began to saturate the market with people that would take ALOT less than the people that had already been in the field, and had grew up so to speak with the emerging IT field.
3. Add to that the local Technical Colleges throwing together courses to even further saturate the market with even more people without any experience.
4. Now the business world knows that they can get by with the local techie that graduated the local Tech School and pay them minimum wage to run their network.
5. Now in current time, most businesses are either contracting their IT work out, looking for that young Tech School Grad to make ends meet in their IT envoronment.

My advice from 17+ years in the IT world is:

1. Get a college education from an accredited college or university.
2. If you plan on making IT your realm, then look into some of your local Tech Schools, or from a local company that specializes in the exact field your looking into.
3. Make sure you have another area or 2 to fall back on if you cant find that great IT job that TPG tells you is out there for you.
4. Find a job that will give you the environment that you can gain experience in. Dont wait on them to give it to you.

Or you can start a company that makes CD's teaching you everything you need to know about computers...oh wait that is already taken!

Good Luck to all prospective IT Managers

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