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SMS.com review: sms, roi-na, ipa, abs, gps are all a scam 106

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7:12 pm EST
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SMS offers a complete business analysis compiled with a one day study on your business and it takes 45 minutes or so to talk to them and that's it. SMS is known to increase profits. Better known for giving an analysis on their own merit, hoping that you will hire them and pay for their services should you feel you need them. I own a contracting company in Arizona and just in the first 15 minutes I knew the analyst had an eye for my business and much experience.
There is no catch. Instead of sending someone by to try and sell you, they basically give you a free analysis (done on their time and their own money) that shows you how to increase profits not modify your operations. If you don't see benefit in the analysis you don't have to pay or ever talk to them again.
I didn't pay for the analysis because the first few things I learned from the analyst in our focus meeting before the analysis opened my eyes to a few things and honestly, I make cabinets. 80% of my business is operational and 20% is financial. These guys study many businesses every week and they are proven to increase profits. I have never seen a company do this kind of work and put so much money up front to try and impress and they did.
No development/resource firm gives you a no obligation benefit. I was very wary of who they were. I figured out they have 3 different divisions and that there were a few issues they ran into in the past, but since I am open minded and looking for way to improve constantly (even though i make money every year) I gave it a shot and learned a few very good things about the business side I didn't understand. I guess it's true, you can't teach a guy how to make cabinets (been doing it for 40 years) but you can teach him how to run a business (which I always hated doing but I love making my cabinets and seeing people happy). After a month I am going to try and get some tax work done from them to educated my CPA (who is just a compliance officer).

Love SMS and I would recommend them to anyone.

Everyone has issues with the other firms out there but I honestly didn't see a drawback and they have a database of where I'm actually saving around 34, 000 a months by using other venders for my glue and nails. Very much knowledge contained there. If you have any questions they will answer them in the meeting and make sure you ask A LOT of questions. Good firm especially for their Tax division which helped my CPA tremendously.

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106 comments
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A work in progress
, US
Aug 04, 2021 12:40 pm EDT

Thank you guys for the true info about this SCAM. They called me being very pushy that they are in the city for 1 day and will come to visit me. I told them to email me their info first I will research and decide if I want to meet them, and they where pushy to come to my office, than I googled them and found this page and told him - you guys have bad reviews so just leave me alone.. at which they where pushy to come to me for just 4 minutes, told him to get lost..

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Charles.O
, US
Nov 06, 2019 5:05 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This a scam, we had one [censored] the first day by the second day we had two more [censored]. The second day they just repeated what I said the fist day. High pressure, arrogant jerks. What a waste of $20K to help out with our cash flow!

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stevenParker540
, US
Feb 14, 2016 10:58 pm EST

SMS NA is Frud Company.
This company mangers always cheat with people.
f u c k Off SMS-NA.com

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Steve Suderman
, US
Apr 03, 2017 5:23 pm EDT

What is so unbelievable about IPA is that after cheating me and my ailing business out of what little assets we had 10 years ago that they would dare return as SMS and attempt the same scam. It had such a familiar ring that when I finally got the guy moving toward the door and he gave me his business card with the Buffalo Grove I laughed out loud. When pressed, the "Senior Area Manager" said his company had bought out IPA. It was all I could do to not grab the guy by the lapels and throw him down the stairs. SMS...run away, run away!

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Abdullah
, PK
Jan 29, 2009 3:31 am EST

I think you can send free sms to pakistan from this website, try it and let me know if it works

Www. Freesmspk. Co. Cc

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Dont be a sucker
Milwaukee, US
Dec 10, 2014 12:34 pm EST

These people are just con artists. Read the inc magazine article "Im John Burgess and I am here to help". What SMS does is come to your business and sell you fake business consulting. I say fake because the information they sell you can be had for free off many financial websites. Calculations like inventory turnover and how much your advertising expense is as a percentage of sales. They will come up with garbage like "Well increase your advertising and your sales will go up." That's the revelation they will sell you. And how do they get paid? In my town what they did was get business owners to post date checks. They tell you the checks cant be cashed because they are post dated. That's a lie. They want to see your bank accounts so they can figure out how much they can steal from you. They simply cash the post dated checks right away. There is story after story about this on the internet. They came to my business and I just played along. I am a CPA and quite familiar with financial statements and tax returns. I played dumb while the SMS (at that time International profit associates) consultant pulled out general financial analysis sheets you can get most anywhere on the internet and tried to sell them to me as "high level" financial analysis. It was just comical. He asked me questions like "Do you know what your inventory turnover is?" expecting me to say of course no. At that point I opened my desk drawer and pulled out my sheet that I do each month showing various financial ratios including my inventory turnover that I tracked. The guys face turned white. He asked for my tax returns. I refused saying that was private. He asked for my financials. I refused saying that's private. He asked for my bank statements. I said why so you can see if I am a good target? Finally exasperated (Isnt it fun when the guy ripping you off is the one that gets upset?) he said in an angry tone "How am I supposed to help you if you wont show me anything? I said that's your problem. He produced a sheet he wanted me to sign. He said it was to show SMS he was at my business and doing his job. The problem is right above my signature there was very small print that said I agreed to pay SMS a $150 dollar consulting fee for his time. I ripped it up and told him to get out. They now call me probably every couple months and I just received my quarterly call from some bozo down at SMS. Even though I tell him I am not interested and have talked to other small business people in my community who have been ripped off, he wont get off the line. Not until I tell him I am prepared to waste all day with him, then he hangs up on me. What they do is what any qualified bookkeeper (I wont even say CPA) can do for your business or you yourself if you just want to take a little time to do some research on the internet. They stay in business because they have learned how to just stay inside the technicalities of the law. They sell you a worthless financial product and you get an expensive lesson. Stay away.

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Shital
,
Apr 20, 2008 8:21 am EDT

I am receiving msges from [protected] Can you please tell me the persons details who are sending me the MSG

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Tired of BS CEO
Lake Charles, US
Sep 25, 2014 9:53 am EDT

I have listened to their pitch a couple of times - it is hard sell and to me pure BS. I have repeatedly asked for specific references, but these are "confidential" and not available. This last rep used the "you are questioning my integrity" and "you are calling me a liar" defense to try and make me feel bad.

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Foley6211
Wauconda, US
Aug 19, 2014 8:09 pm EDT

I personally have worked there a long time. Must of these people can't even
complete a sentence. Also aren't business owner they are just loser employees that
got fired because they suck!

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losingmyfaith
Redlands, US
Aug 07, 2014 7:14 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am so bummed. I met with a guy from SMS today and thought I found a badly needed lifeboat for my struggling business. He was very nice and understanding and seemed to have a great business background. And I could really use the help that it seemed SMS could offer. No choice but to cancel the appointment with the business analyst. Can't afford to lose anymore money.

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Stacey75
Kingman, US
Jun 19, 2014 9:44 am EDT

I used a consultant after a recommendation by an Account Executive from GPS. The business consultant was exactly what I needed for my continued company growth. To me, the business consultant was like an "app" for company improvement. They see room for improvement, oh, they have an app for that!

Business consultants offer constructive criticism. Not everyone is prepared to take it, especially if they are in a bad position with their company.

Maybe I am an exception to the rule, but I had to speak up after reading all the negative commentary.

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DontBeDumb1994
, US
Mar 06, 2014 10:16 am EST

An SMS agent just came into our place of business, the owner of the business showed him these reviews and the FOX news report and the man quickly got on his feet to leave. SMS is a true SCAM & a piece of work. They are a waist of time & money & are not welcome in small businesses! Don't be fooled by this scam.

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D.B. Ca
, US
Feb 11, 2014 8:38 pm EST

I worked for SMS for about 4 months. I have always worked comm base jobs so that didnt scare me away and they paid for my flight and hotel for a week in IL. It is really a lame job. They wont pay you for any comm after you leave the company but that is standard. Once i got the hang of it I did land a HUGE sale it was about 300 hrs billed at $300 per hr. I generated the sale myself so i got 5% of that plus my $1500 for the survey. I am just glad I was able to B.S them for 10 weeks on why I couldn"t go to the field everyday but stay employed with them so I got all of my comm. Meanwhile I was out there findng a new career that is paying well over six figures. So if you have the time jerk them around but if you don"t DON"T waste your time. Just glad I could take from them god only know they take from so many. I hope they go BK and loose it all because they don"t care if there so called client does.

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Former Stooge
Valencia, US
Feb 08, 2014 3:06 pm EST

I worked for SMS. Worst experience ever. They micro-manage you and expect you to call into at least 3 to 4o different supervisors on an hourly basis from 7:00 a.m. to 6 pm. Then they started Saturday morning conference calls! All this for slow paying commission. Worst company ever.

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bifazz
Oswego, US
Oct 07, 2013 2:38 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My first contact with this organization was with IPA years ago. As a small business owner I don't have the time to visit with everyone that wants to meet with me so I fell for the "I'll just have someone drop off some information" scam. Long story short for the first time in my life I had to throw someone out of my office. On his way out he calls me a complacent coward for not signing up for his scam. 3 weeks later they send someone else by to "drop off some information" and ask to see me...unbelivable! I Googled them and found that their MO was to sign you up and within days send a bunch of consultants in to analyze your business. By the time you question what is going on you have a huge bill which you will probably refuse to pay...but no worries...you will be contacted immediately by their collection attorneys.

I would let this all go by without saying a word except that every week for the last 6 weeks I have been contacted by SMS (different callers) whose approach now is to say as little about themselves as possible unless pushed.

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ET61
Hampton, CA
Oct 03, 2013 8:07 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

October 3, 2013
The latest iteration of rip-offs from this address is GPS. Their slogan, Navigating Profitability. Filipe Pimentel (Major Account Executive) and his sidekick came into my office yesterday to tell me all the wonderful things that they could do for me if I just opened my books to them for an inspection. I told them that I had had experience with GSM, IPA, IBA and more and thought they were all a bunch of scammers. Why should I think different of another company doing the same thing from the same address with the same people? He tried to answer, but kept going off on a tangent to get away from the line of questioning. I politely told them that there is no way that his company would ever be hired here, no matter what name they come in under or what tactics they use. It was amazing that he could defend the fact that it was the same BS from the same address but but insisted that the companies certainly couldn't be compared!

Their tactic is to use their sales tactic to get a business analyst into your company to inspect your cash position. Lo and behold, they manage to come up with a 'project' that costs about 25% more than the cash you have, but don't be worried, "We are the only company who will guarantee you a 300% return on your investment. If we can't see a way to guarantee that you will make back three times what we charge you, we won't even start the project!" How freaking' benevolent. I asked if I was to believe that the company would still be there in a year to back up that guarantee. He paused, then changed subjects.
They are scammers! Look locally for a good business analyst and find an honest company if you need that help. There are lots of them out there.

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VIRUSE DETECTOR
Clovis, US
Aug 01, 2013 7:41 pm EDT

Charles you were a professor at FIVE Universities and also a major ad agency exe? Yet you are a Senior area manager? Not a analyst why just a SAM also IBM, GM, General Mills ect, , DO NOT USE SMS who are you trying to fool just yourself you are a looser.

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VIRUSE DETECTOR
Clovis, US
Aug 01, 2013 7:20 pm EDT

For anyone concerned I am still owed over 4, 000.00 from this company and this is over a year ago so I am now going to the commissioner BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY WATCH YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNTS AND FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS THESE GUYS ARE SENDING OUT VIRUSES IT STARTS AS A FRIEND AND SAYS YOU GOT TO SEE THIS WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT IT KILLS YOUR COMPUTER BE VERY CAREFULL EVEN IF YOU KNOW THE PERSON CONTACT THEM FIRST TO SEE IF THEY REALLY SENT YOU SOMETHING TO LOOK AT JUST A MESSAGE AGAIN BUT WAS TOLD IT DID NOT RECONNIZE ADDRESS AND SHOWED ME WHERE EXACTLY IT WAS COMING FROM IT WAS THESE ###S!

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charles littleton
Sandy Springs, US
Jun 20, 2013 2:12 am EDT

I work for SMS as the Senior Area Manager for the Atlanta Georgia DMA. I read the complaints above and I am sure some individuals and some results of their efforts were not up to our standards, but so far as I have experienced the main issue is not SMS but the willingness of small business owners to use outside help to get them what they want from their business. I believe as a former Professor of Business (5 universities) and major ad agency executive (Y&R, JWalter Thompson, Ketchum) that the people I advised in large corps like IBM, GE, General Mills, etc were seeking to keep their job or advance up the ladder based on success from my advice. It is much different to be a small business owner and have everything at stake every day. I see pressure in the eyes of these brave people. I have had business owners, successful ones at that, break down in tears when they admit they are afraid for their future and the future of their company. This is a very emotional situation for a small busienss owner. Their ego is in the business. Their pride is in their business. SMS is very aware of this and very flexible about time and budgets. If the small business owner is honest with himself and us we can definately help. Look at the testimonials on our website. Those are real people telling what they gained from their experience with SMS. Think about it folks, who in the USA today is helping the small business owner. Not the banks. Not the IRS, Not government reglulators. Not the Congress. Certainly not the White House. After the 2008 debacle on Wall Street did small business get a TARP deal. No.
So we, SMS, stand alone in helping small businesses in the USA. Is that wrong to do. I think not.

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Angry chick!
Des Plaines, US
May 13, 2013 12:50 am EDT

Look at Former BC. He's right. Look at his post. I was treated the same way.

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anon2121
Chicago, US
May 02, 2013 1:34 pm EDT

I just got an Interview at SMS. Job posting on craigslist said I'd get paid $1, 000 a week for full time. Guy at interview didn't even bother to explain the pay but told me he was going to set me up for a higher position and was quick to set up a phone interview and training for me. He gave me a booklet and told me to read through it and memorize their little slogan. While reading through it I saw how the pay works it is 8.25 an hour (same I'd get paid working at McDondals ). You get commission if you are on of top 25 Buisness Coordinators and if I make under 1 mil in sales I get $0 commission.. So, basically this is a compition of scaming people and I'd only get a nice paycheck if I scammed lots of people. At this point I felt the guy was taking advantage of me because I am an honest person and I am young and am just starting out so I would probably be his new lab rat... I was feeling very sceptial if I should go hrough with this because I am in need for a job but felt this was not worth it. Especially after reading all of your posts on this company. I am glad I found this page.

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SMS SCAM
Alamo, US
Apr 05, 2013 2:43 pm EDT

These guys have have pestered me for a couple of months now. I have received nearly 10 calls from them, and each time I have asked them to take me off their list. I want to do my part and file a complaint, but there are several SMS companies on the Better Business Bureau. How do you know which SMS is the fraudulent one? Does anybody know?

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Former BC
Bellwood, US
Mar 08, 2013 3:13 pm EST

I am a college grad that has been struggling with finding a job. One day I was on a job search sight and sent my resume to a company called SMS. They said that the position was an Appointment Setting position and you would work Monday-Friday. I got a call back from them 2 days later asking me to come in for an interview the day after Christmas. When I got there, Joe, the man who I talked to, was not available, so I ended up talking to Ron. He looked over my resume and saw that I had previous sales experience and said he was not sure what Joe wanted to hire me for. He asked that I call Joe back the next morning to see what he wanted to do. There were a lot of placards on the wall with several initials. When I asked about it Ron stated that they were the names of other companies. Long story short, after having to call Joe 3 times for him to say absolutely nothing of value to me, I was told that I would start training that following Monday. Showed up for training Monday and Joe told me that I would start Tuesday instead. This is when I became suspicious, but I needed a job. Went in for the 4 day training class on Tuesday. I immediately realized that my resume or background in sales meant nothing because it was clear that this company hired everyone. When the question was asked what does SMS stand for, the trainer, Grant, said these exact words: "Absolutely nothing!" So that guy earlier who said that it stands for whatever crazy name he said, I know full well who you are and why you are on here! After finishing the training I was put in a zone. I was responsible for calling the west coast. Everyday I was given a new area to call. I see a lot of people complaining about harassing phone calls. The person who is calling you most likely does not know that you were just called the day before. In fact, the person calling you might be a new employee since they hire new employees every week for this appointment setting (Business Coordinator) position. The do not call list is a sham as I have put a person on the DNC list only to have them show up on my screen the next day, and in some cases the next hour or two. After a while I realized that a lot of the customers were not really interested on hearing the pitch that I was given in training, or in the "West Coast Pitch" that I was given by my zone assistant manager. The real eye opener was when a man that I called Googled the company while I as on the phone with him. He saw some very negative reviews and decided to not go forth with meeting the SAM (Senior Area Manager). He then advised me to do some research on my employer. After about 2 more weeks of negative reactions, I decided to look up SMS. I found nothing. Then I decided to use one of the initials that pops up when we log into the system, IPA. That is when I decided that it was time to leave this company. It is definitely what you have read on here. They have helped some businesses, but it is mostly a scam, and some of you business owners will never see it coming. Some of these BC's are very good and will dupe you into allowing these SAM's into your place of business well they will spend way more than the promised "5 or 10 minutes of your time!" With some of the better BC's, you will never even hear the name of the company SMS. There are a few key words to look out for when you guys get one of these phone calls:

First, their information is usually pretty good since your business has already been called a few times and some good info has already been gathered from whoever answers the phones there. So they will ask for you by first name as if you are friends. If you have a good secretary (we called them gatekeepers), she/he will ask who they are. They are trained to give the GK as little information as possible, so they will probably give just a name which is probably not even their real name. If the GK asks to purpose of the call, they will say something along the lines of setting up an appointment for their boss. A lot of them never use SMS as I said before. The will use the name of their SAM. So you will hear something like, "I am calling from John Smith's office." Once they get past your GK, you will hear some of the most convincing things to make you agree to meeting with the SAM. The good BC's will also know a lot about your industry, probably more than the SAM coming in to see you.

When you hear the buzz words: So and so's office, 5-10 minutes of your time, drop off information, so and so will be "in your area", business development, and questions about how much did you make last year, this is definitely SMS!

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statman
Marietta, US
Mar 07, 2013 12:56 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I believe the latest company name for the "Buffalo Grove" bunch is International Services, Inc. I had responded to a job post for a Sr. Business Consultant and interviewed with Gerri DeRubeis this week. Will give her some bad news tomorrow.

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SCAM @ 1260 Barclay Blvd Buffalo Grove
South Elgin, US
Feb 14, 2013 2:18 pm EST

Over the years we have received numerous phone calls from every affiliation; IPA, SMS, GPA, CBS, ABS, etc., as well as walk-ins leaving business cards. The latest was Bob Haass (Major Account Executive & very doubtful that is how you spell his name) from GPS USA Division, 1260 Barclay Blvd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 – PH [protected]. Just a few minutes ago I received a follow up call (didn’t catch his name) saying this is so and so from Bob Haass’ office wanting to set up an appointment next Tuesday. Of course I stopped him right there and said we are not interested and he said why. I replied that your company reputation is awful, just go online to review. He said “what do you have to lose?” with a cocky attitude. I simply said money. Then he said with a condescending attitude that their company did $200 million last year WHAT DID YOURS DO? Then rudely placed me on hold as I tried to tell him to f-off. Then I called back and talked to Client Services (Elaina) and she was extremely apologetic. Just reading all of the complaints and all of the experiences over the years just proves this is all a SCAM. IF you decide to do business with these people after seeing all of these complaints, then you’re a dumb ###.

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spelling is important
13 plum ct, US
Feb 12, 2013 10:00 pm EST

Dear "needed a job",
What you really need is an English lesson. If your résumé looks anything like your post, it's obvious why you don't have a job. Learn how to write before you comment. No one can take your post seriously with all those gramatical errors...

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Needed a job
Portland, US
Feb 04, 2013 10:15 pm EST

Everything written here is all true from the business owners side, and the ones who have experieced being a SAM. I too was drawn in by the promise of high earnings, offering a needed professional and respected service. What I learned was once involved with them was eye opening.

I saw an ad on line, and applied as I was desperate to have a job, I did do a preliminary check, but did not find anything (perhaps I really did not want to find anything negative). Did the telephone interviews, which did not seem to be very detailed for the position being offered, maybe they were just that good at asking just a few questions. Got "hired" and got to tell my wife that I had a job, finally! She was of course happy till I explained that I had to pay for the plane ticket up front, but all I had to do was make a sale and it would be re embursed, how difficult can that be with 2 or 3 "confirmed" appointments a day?

So I went to their school, and the week was very good sales training, what I did observe was everyone was like I was, desperate for a job, young and old, spending money they most likely did not have. On return to my area I started going on calls, mostly no one was there, others were upset that I was there, as they said they were not expecting me, or they said all they agreed to was to allow me to "drop off some infomation" and threw me out. Finally got into an office to talk to the owner, he said the same thing, he only agreed to allow me to drop some literature as he was too busy to visit, but he had a couple of minutes so we visited, and I attempted to get him to agree to the business analyist to come to his business, he kept saying no as he had operated it for well over 20 years and was just not interested. So as per instructions I called into the company to get a senior manager on the phone with him, that conversation went on almost 30 minutes, till the business owner got disgusted and hung up on SM. The SM called right back and was on for another 10 minutes, at the time and I still feel bad for wasting so much of the business owners time that day. When I called the SM to review he told me all I did wrong and wanted me to go back into the business again! I then had an opportunity to listen in on several home office outbound sales calls to set appointments-if the BC got a business owner on the phone and he said yes to anything it was considered an appointment, after part of the way the BC gets paid is appointments.

Then I did lots of research and what I found here and other sites as well as what I experienced I quit the next day, no sales and out for lots of gas and a plane ticket.

A summary of what I learned: High pressure direct sales job, scams most of their own sales staff, and most of their customers. May work for some, and I am sure some business may bennifit. Run do now walk for these guys, don't talk to them, if you own a business don't let them in the door or call from your phone!

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O B D
Burlington, US
Jan 11, 2013 4:54 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DarthProphet has been in business 17 years and never aquired the common skills
of spelling and grammar?

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Atl_Architect
Atlanta, US
Jan 08, 2013 2:35 pm EST

Stay away, they are a scam. They called. We said we were not interested. They showed up at our office uninvited. No legitimate business would conduct themselves in this manner. End of story.

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SMS scammed in Colorado
any town, US
Dec 22, 2012 12:24 am EST

I got scammed by SMS, NA LLC in 2011, I was told I would be trained as one of their Sam's (senior area managers) I called and started to ask more questions about the company and all I got was the run around and they became very arrogant, I had already paid for a plain ticket to Buffalo, ILL (ended up using it to go some where else), so canceled my reservation at there hotel/school, they then tried to charge my account another $250.00+ but I had already put up a block to stop them, I was then contacted by the AG office of ILL, and gave them all my info, was told that SMS was under investigation for racketeering and other pending charges. I advise anyone looking to gain employment with SMS, IPA, Global ?, and many other names that have come up with this organisation, to stay clear from them as they are a complete scam.

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Maine IT company
Brunswick, US
Dec 17, 2012 4:56 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They are operating in Maine, using the same tactics. I let them visit once, and after 15 minutes politely showed the SMA the door. He showed up 2 months later claiming to have an appointment, I threw him out. Got a call from his "boss" who proceeded to try and tell me I was not professional, and needed to let them in the door to "fix" my business, which is just fine. I still get calls regularly, and while I used to be polite, I now tell the caller they should be ashamed at what they do and to remove me from their list, but they just keep calling.

If an SMA shows up again... I'll do like a previous poster suggested, park him in a conference room and call the cops.

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Alert Business Owner
Monrovia, US
Dec 05, 2012 8:08 am EST

If anyone wonders about this SMS company it's a total scam. Business owners beware! Look what I just found about them:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

2.http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2009_04/20090422.html

3. http://www.learwerts.com/Investigations/IPA-Consultants/

4. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-22/business/ct-biz-0222-chicago-law-20110222_1_eeoc-sexual-harassment-individual-class-members

5. A disbarred New York lawyer (John Burgess owner of SMS, GPS) with a criminal record for attempted larceny and patronizing a "16-year-old" prostitute, Mr. Burgess owns International Profit Associates, a management consulting company in Illinois.

A 16 year old? (What a dirty old man! That’s absolutely disgusting, what a Pervert!) Guess its easy to see why they lost the Sexual Harassment lawsuit and had to pay out $8, 000, 000.00

Please Note; That Rico “Criminal investigation” is alarming and disturbing. That's really bad but that's a Chicago Company for you. I don't think I'd want Al Capone looking at my books anytime soon. These guys are just really bad news and not the people I would want my little daughter with either.

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Weary1
Chattanooga, US
Nov 30, 2012 1:03 pm EST

These guys are relentless. I spoke with a guy at IPA over 6 years ago. They called and they were going to come in and evaluate our business. They were going to fly 3 guys in from Chicago to evaluate. The morning they were to arrive, I googled Scam and IPA. I read all the complaints. When they arrived, I wouldnt let them in the door. They said they were going to sue and they said that we owed for the time that it took to come there and plane tickets. I had never said they were hired or signed anything!
I received a call from the guy in Chicago and he threatened me and cursed. I told him I wasnt going to let them in and he said I better watch my back! They also did some work for a competitor and he ended up in a law suit. Thye gave him a bill of non approved billing.
They called me back a few years ago and I told them not to bother with calling and why. Yesterday I received a call from GPS usa. They told me they would help us with tax info and help find people who needed employment. I didnt put realize it was the same Company. He said some guy would be coming by to drop off some info and let us know who they were about. He was talking to my partner and I decided to Google "GPS IPA Scam" and discovered its the same company. I approached the guy and he denied he was with IPA or had any association with IPA. He gathered his stuff and left quickly.
I will stay on my toes for now on.

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Heidelberger1212
Easton, US
Nov 26, 2012 9:45 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Things that make you go: hmmmm...
I have a telephone interview with them this week, (they reached out to me, responding to my resume posted with an employment website), so I figured I would just do some research on them to get ready for the interview and here's where I landed, (and Thank you for all the information.)
It sounds like a lot of folks out there were preyed on by these individuals, and I am surprised that no one (especially the ones applying for employment or accepting an appointment for a consultation) missed this blog...
Looking forward to my phone interview... ;)

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Seasoned-Sales Pro & Entrepeuner
McMinnville, US
Nov 02, 2012 7:58 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was to call 'Keith' today with my yes or no about SAM employment. I wanted to speak with a SM, so I phoned their offices. I was transferred to another person that answered, "ABS". I had called SMS-NA, so I was alerted. I then asked nicely, "What does ABS stand for?" The reply was, "It stands for nothing, sir." My call was then immediately placed on hold to the sound of Muzak. I hung up and found this site.

Thank you, all.
Current, future, and past Non-Employee

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Small businessowner
, US
Oct 26, 2012 1:34 pm EDT

BEWARE! These people called us to say they were interested in purchasing our product. They made an app't to come to see us. Then they started asking a lot of questions, which we answered because we thought we were explaining our stability to a customer. Afterward, we became suspicious and called them back to confirm their business contact information. We were told they are in Illinois (we are in California) and when I asked to speak to the person who had called, I was connected to a guy who sounded like he was on drugs, and answered, "Naughty Landscaping". When I asked who it was, he said, "Come on bro, you callin' me, who dis?" I asked for the last time and he said, "Come on bro, don't be playin' wit me". I called back the receptionist and this time got someone who said they were calling to cancel our appointment. I told her we were going to report them to the police unless I got some evidence from them that they were not trying to do us harm. I asked what address the person was going to go to before he canceled, and she said, that's why we were calling, the address we have is incorrect. I hung up and called the police. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THESE PEOPLE - THEY MAY BE TRYING TO ROB YOU FOR ALL WE KNOW.

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SMS is a demon from Hell
Dallas, US
Sep 24, 2012 1:08 pm EDT

They called on Monday and tried to make an appointment. I very clearly and plainly told them to NOT send anyone out. The next day someone came out while I was out of the office. He told my secretary he had an appointment with him and when she got me on the phone, I said no, that I had told the young man to NOT send anyone out and I would not be back. He left. On Wednesday someone called again to make another appointment and I had to hold myself back from screaming into the phone. NO, NO under NO circumstances come out here. Thursday when the guy got there I pulled a big chunk of my hair out and told him everything that had happened and showed him the door. Friday when I was out of the office, my son intercepted a call from them and told them to jump in a lake. The guy asked for my cell # and my son said forget it. The next Monday when they called he asked if I met his Senior Manager last week and when I said I had, he began telling me the manager said I had expressed an interest in doing business. NO, NO, NO I responded. You go back and ask your team what I said, there are about five of them. I raised my voice like Ray Lewis does when he sacks an opposing quarterback and the guy said "You need to have a nice day" and hung up. I swear to you, the American public that if someone else shows their disgraceful ugly face over here again, I will literally (Im not exaggerating here) open the door and kick them in the butt on the way out. This is the worst abuse Ive ever taken.

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ScamGPS-ABS-SMS
Fjyee, US
Jun 30, 2012 7:48 am EDT

That idiot that claims he had nothing but praise is clearly a fraud. (An employee pretending to be an owner.) No one in the right mind could possibly say that SMS or GPS or whatever other names IPA and so forth is ANYTHING LESS THAN A SCAM OR TOTAL FRAUD!
The sales staff also need to be sued cause they are in on the scam. If your aware that GPS/SMS/IPA is a little scary (scam) and you continue to be part of it, you deserve what's you have coming and lawsuits will be coming I assure you. I was scammed by the salesman and the company, but don't worry I'll be suing! This company after further research is a total scam! I hope the attorney general sends them all to jail and especially that fat disgusting child molester owner.

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DBLTROUBLE
Little Rock, US
May 24, 2012 10:13 am EDT

[redacted] IS THE SCAM - HERE IS THE REAL TRUTH: http://youtu.be/MHAcf1fYknE

I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PRAISE since they are truly excellent in the real time information that save a $40k tax bill due and turn it into pennies on the dollar. GAVE REAL TIME INFORMATION TOOLS AND SYSTEMS. Also they put together a marketing plan that is working AND INCREASING SALES and it did not cost much. But it working and I would advise you not to listen to all this non-sense but make a informed decision with real information and not rhetoric and non-sense. This a our livelihood business and they have some solution look at it. It does not cost you to look. You make your own decision just like when YOU started the business you are in. I am sure you had many of people tell you it would not work, or that It would fail, etc. However no one can estimate, FAITH, DRIVE, & DETERMINATION of one's HEART. GET THE SURVEY and have the ANAYLST TO COME OUT THEN JUDGE FOR YOUR SELF. DON'T LET ALL OF THESE YEAH-Hews, NEGATIVE PEOPLE STOP YOU FROM TRYING A NO RISK OBLIGATION REAL WORLD ASSESSMENT of your BUSINESS. IT WAS EYE OPENING TO ME TO KNOW SOME OF THE AREAS IN WHICH I WAS FAILING AND WHICH AREAS I WAS SUCCEEDING. GET IT DONE. AS ALL OF YOU SMALL BUSINESSES KNOW IS THAT INFORMATION IS POWER AND THE LACK THERE OF COULD RESULT IN MISTAKES OR EVEN WORST FAILURE. IT TOUGH OUT HERE TO MAKE IT AN ANYTHING THAT CAN HELP I AM ALL FOR LOOKING INTO. DO BE SWAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION THEN RELYING ON SOME INTERNET NAYSAYERS AND DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES. BIBLE - KJV 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

NIV 2 Timothy 2
An Unashamed Workman

14Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ;The Lord knows those who are His, and;Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness, HERE IS THE REAL TRUTH: http://youtu.be/MHAcf1fYknE

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DBLTROUBLE
Little Rock, US
May 24, 2012 10:02 am EDT

[redacted] IS THE SCAM - HERE IS THE REAL TRUTH: http://youtu.be/MHAcf1fYknE

I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PRAISE since they are truly excellent in the real time information that save a $40k tax bill due and turn it into pennies on the dollar. GAVE REAL TIME INFORMATION TOOLS AND SYSTEMS. Also they put together a marketing plan that is working AND INCREASING SALES and it did not cost much. But it working and I would advise you not to listen to all this non-sense but make a informed decision with real information and not rhetoric and non-sense. This a our livelihood business and they have some solution look at it. It does not cost you to look. You make your own decision just like when YOU started the business you are in. I am sure you had many of people tell you it would not work, or that It would fail, etc. However no one can estimate, FAITH, DRIVE, & DETERMINATION of one's HEART. GET THE SURVEY and have the ANAYLST TO COME OUT THEN JUDGE FOR YOUR SELF. DON'T LET ALL OF THESE YEAH-Hews, NEGATIVE PEOPLE STOP YOU FROM TRYING A NO RISK OBLIGATION REAL WORLD ASSESSMENT of your BUSINESS. IT WAS EYE OPENING TO ME TO KNOW SOME OF THE AREAS IN WHICH I WAS FAILING AND WHICH AREAS I WAS SUCCEEDING. GET IT DONE. AS ALL OF YOU SMALL BUSINESSES KNOW IS THAT INFORMATION IS POWER AND THE LACK THERE OF COULD RESULT IN MISTAKES OR EVEN WORST FAILURE. IT TOUGH OUT HERE TO MAKE IT AN ANYTHING THAT CAN HELP I AM ALL FOR LOOKING INTO. DO BE SWAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION THEN RELYING ON SOME INTERNET NAYSAYERS AND DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES. BIBLE - KJV 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

NIV 2 Timothy 2
An Unashamed Workman

14Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His, ” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”, HERE IS THE REAL TRUTH: http://youtu.be/MHAcf1fYknE

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Adam Tax Res
Phoenix, US
May 20, 2012 11:35 pm EDT

Does anyone have a copy of their analysis their are willing to share? I am thinking about working for them and I want to see for myself what all the fuss is about.

If you do please email me at AdamTaxRes@gmail.com

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