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American Senior Benefits

American Senior Benefits review: Job scam 34

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5:53 pm EDT
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I am so disgusted with companies today taking advantage of so many unemployed individuals looking desperately for a job. The latest scam I have unraveled is American Senior Benefits. I was interviewed years back by Bankers Life and Casualty, who sit you down in a room with several people, make it feel like you are singled out and then "selected" for a second interview. You then are told you will make lots of money. The kicker is that it is a commission-only position, driving all over using your own gas, and selling expensive life insurance, mostly preying on Seniors! Well their reputation must have gotten the best of them, (I have since worked for a much better company who sold higher-quality products) because I have spoke with people who have worked for them, and had nothing but negative things to say. So what did they do? They changed their name to American Senior Benefits! They even went as far as to move to a different office! I was invited to an interview this afternoon, and when I came into the room, I saw several people sitting down, anticipating an interview as well, all at the same table. On the board were names written: Shannon Nelson, and Ryan. These two guys were the main guys for Bankers! I immediately knew what was going on and needless to say, I did not stick around for the interview. I am hoping that other people who are looking for a job don't fall for this trick, and get sucked into this cult! Beware! And good luck to all of you honest-working people looking for a good job!

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34 comments
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Charles...
Hernando, US
Aug 22, 2023 8:51 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

An "agent" from out of state just left, after writing my mother a new policy. They entered under the guise of medicare type benefits (asking similar questions), but my mother said she contacted them so I let it be. Regretting that decision now. So I can only assume the policy they sold her will never payout due to their out of state status?

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ree kiamil
, US
Jan 11, 2023 4:08 pm EST

Have waited over a month for the agents in the Jacksonville office to cancel my Medicare Supplemental and as of Day 35 nothing has been done

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Gary Sharp
, US
Nov 21, 2022 12:40 am EST

Numerous calls every day. Even after telling them i'm not interested.

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Lcarson282
, US
Nov 12, 2022 3:18 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This company calls me ever 30 min. Every day. The people on the phone calling have Indian accents. Robo calls!

I usually don’t answer it but sometimes I do asking them not to call. If I don’t answer, they keep calling back.

I now have to turn my phone sound off.

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Freakzilla660
La Porte, US
Oct 29, 2022 3:43 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Won't stop calling me. Continuously calling six to eight times per day. Harassment.

Senior benefits etc same thing.

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ASBsucks
, US
Oct 24, 2018 7:14 pm EDT

No, it's an absolutely terrible place to work, especially some of the Florida offices. The one manager sexually harrassed me and eventually left to open up his own office. When I left that office, there were two main managers left there. The one is very nice and helpful and the other one is an arrogant, a-hole. I wish, I could give it negative stars.

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Creator
, TR
Aug 15, 2018 4:33 am EDT

Wanted any info about OJI PAPER company. IF anybody deal with them. Is them real or fake?
http://www.ojipaper.co.th

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Emitch15
, US
Jun 27, 2018 6:19 pm EDT

all this bs comes down to is folks not liking what they are not good at OR not understanding it. So stop hating on something you do not understand. a commission job is the BEST job you can have. if you cant handle it then get off the damn pot and move on. Haters going to hate sure.. but yall just sound ignorant.

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KevinO2
, US
Aug 14, 2018 8:34 am EDT
Replying to comment of Emitch15

Yeah, I get it, people need to have a job. But what about the consumers? When your company uses disguised numbers and calls the same # incessantly even after repeated requests to stop and remove from the call list, I feel like you have to take a step back and wonder what you're doing with your life. Maybe you feel like you've helped some people, enough to outweigh the nuisance factor. My vote is firmly on the other side. If the product is that good, then show some respect for people.

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ASBandPROUD
, US
May 30, 2018 1:47 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Kind of interesting hearing both sides. Sure I work at ASB. Been there over 8 years. The owners are like family. I probably wasn't the best agent but they still treated me fairly. I took charge of my own career because I love what tools I have at my disposal to help other families out so they don't have the same trials my family did in planning for the future. Reviews are so one sided. It's like you got a bad meal at a restaurant or bad service so you want to complain. But on the other hand if you had a great meal and service, you're reluctant to post, you just know you'll go back. The job isn't for everyone. You actually have to have some work effort. I don't mind commission. I'm paid what I'm worth. Which is quite a bit. Do the right thing for the right people at the right time and you will be rewarded. I sleep good at night knowing I helped more families. If this isn't for you, the burgers won't flip themselves. Don't complain about a business you had no business being in. And no, I'm not in Michigan, but I know them.

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Emitch15
, US
Jun 27, 2018 6:20 pm EDT

YYYYAAAYYE ASB! :) i love my job!

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Happybroker
, US
Sep 15, 2017 9:31 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

You have NO idea what you are talking about! Hahaha! Most of the people at ASB came from Bankers Life, yes... because they wanted something BETTER! It is not a scam; it is a better way of living. You have access to better products and better prices for the clients. I suggest you do better research before you make false accusations, especially with a license such as yours... You should know better.

- sincerely, a happy ASB broker

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KarmaIsComing
, US
Aug 06, 2017 6:59 pm EDT

American Senior Benefits is definetly one you want to stay away from.They are out to make money off of Agents. They do not care about Clients at all.If you're sales quota is not met they keep all you're Renewals.You do the work they reap the rewards.Then they want you to pay a monthly fee for old used up leads and internet crap leads.
They are former Bankers Management. It's a shame that this is how they do business. I am mortified that they are getting away with this. In everywhere they have an office. We need to get together and find out just how many of us they have ripped off. I'm afraid to find out. All that driving, meeting with clients for practically nothing. I dont care if its $5.00 a month in renewals, the Agent worked for them not you.You already get a huge percentage.You all should be ashamed of yourselves. KARMA will come one day!

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Ethical person
katy, US
Nov 28, 2023 9:01 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Absolutely. Any company that has minimums and certain number of years to be vested is out to steal renewals from hard working agents. ASB is unethical and will harass you to write business and hope you don't make it 3 years so they can steal your business. They won't even hire experienced agents because they are too smart. Look for newer insurance agents to rip off. Should be a lawsuit against them and guess there probably already is.

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user1653513
, US
Apr 04, 2017 2:04 pm EDT

literally the worst place you can ever work for. Read the bad reviews, those are the ones with truth. As a former employee I've actually seen and heard of them doing the reviews above "proving those bad reviews wrong". If you like cold calling you're gonna be better to go work at a telemarketing agency. Stay away at all cost. Managers are running a scam, and using new agents as their test rats. All you need to know is that the managers were taking into court and being investigated. That is obviously a good sign...

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DAISY 777
, US
Jun 27, 2016 4:21 pm EDT

First time ever hearing of these people. They sent me a letter in the mail containing a five dollar check. "This check is to notify you that you may qualify for help." i didn't trust them.

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Jhacker
, US
Oct 23, 2015 2:40 pm EDT

I just recently worked for this place now called Modern District Financial. I knew what it entailed after day one. The interview makes you feel like if you are selected that you have exceeded their standereds. However they hire everyone capable of talking on a phone. You are told there wont be door to door but you quickly find out other wise. As for their base 450 they offer as pay for your first two months its all for gas because you have to drive 250 miles a day. Tuesdays are a joke you work for 13 hours all on the phone until you reach a goal even if you live 2 hours away. I could go on and on but feel free to take there word for it. But in your first day ask how many people they train through each year and theyll say 50 to 100. Shannon even says himself dont worry about how the office works just make your calls. Which are just cold calls.

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jondoe5789
Traverse City, US
May 17, 2015 4:07 am EDT

All sounded great and different than other sales jobs so gave it a try. Multiple people in first interview with writing yes or no on piece of paper regarding your interest. You are made to feel it is your business to run as you wish. You find out quickly you are fully EXPECTED to work much more (and sometimes even more than that if you haven't hit one of the numerous goals they seem to make up as you go along).

You could start out your office day getting kudos for exceeding in one thing, then be held accountable and singled out and embarrassed in the next meeting. You could earn the right to go out to lunch rather than training on Friday, yet be mocked and hassled diring your meal. If you're not dialing the phones (on speaker) at precisely the right time, Senior Agents are roaming the office, clapping hands, yelling they don't hear the phones going.

The products are great. Customers, have no fear. Just know you aren't treated very well as an agent. And it's not about you "putting your time in" either, as I thought it would be. Agents there for years were degraded and disrespected every day WORSE than rookie agents. You definitely get the "nothing is EVER good enough" complex, that's for sure.

So, these are reasons why I left. I'm not willing to stay in that constant stressful environment with no end in sight. I feel better about myself being out of that toxic workplace. There's no amount of money worth it. Also, I can be who I am and speak how I see fit, which has always been "high caliber" enough for me and the professional person I am and always have been. They try to break you down to build you back up to how they want you to be. Sick.

Final note, if that environment drives you, God Bless and give it a whirl. My mission here was only to describe my experiences so people, like most, could not waste their time. It takes some time to de-ASB and shake it all off to get back to yourself, believe it or not. I was angry and really let down and felt lied to. That doesn't mean I'm a disgruntled employee that just couldn't make it. Don't let them tell you that. That's what they told me too.

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rebbeka
Grand Rapids, US
Apr 28, 2015 11:06 am EDT

Shannon nelson is a scammer...along with ryan and Kelly...these people are all about money and looking good...they do not care who they are scamming into buying their foolish products...I suggest you do some research on all of these people before you even walk in the building...because after you do...you will not want to be around this ###...also I wonder how my kids teacher is doing...who happens to be Shannon nelsons wife after her 3rd drunk driving...

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jester29
Omaha, US
Feb 23, 2015 1:36 pm EST

I am currently employed by American Senior Benefits. It has been a great place for me. I am not an insurance agent, nor do I want to be. When I was hired, there was no "group interview". It was one on one, just like any normal interview. I was hired & started the next day. My point is don't let others determine what you are doing. Everyone's experience may be different, but you won't know unless you try.

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curious1984
Pocatello, US
Feb 16, 2015 7:44 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

OK...would like to call some bluffs here...I am interested in working for ASB but all the negative reviews of the company are coming from former/current Traverse City, MI employees. Anyone else that works for ASB happy with their job? Just wondering...

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LACSABA
Huntington Beach, US
Mar 07, 2014 12:23 pm EST

This is a sales job. If you like sales and can handle it, try it. You will like it. If you don't like sales, go somewhere else. There is no guarantee but again no ceiling. You work as hard as you want for as much as you want. Good luck to all, whether you try this or not.

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GlassIsHalfFull
Maple City, US
Nov 12, 2013 6:25 am EST

If you read the court case, the management that went from Bankers Life to ASB were disciplined for trying to take their clients to the new business. If Bankers works like ASB, and agents are independent contractors, this isn't such a strange action. If you had worked with clients over time, wouldn't you think to bring them over to your new location? Apparently, Bankers Life must have had something in the employee agreement that didn't allow this, because the final judgment found that the former employees couldn't contact Bankers Life clients for 2 years. This all seems a little blown out of proportion - if you read this carefully it looks like a fall out between a company and management (who knows why) and the management got in trouble for trying to keep their clients. Generally, clauses that prevent competition hurt us, the consumer, by limiting who we can go to for services. If you had someone managing your account for a period of time and were happy with the services, why wouldn't you want to switch to go where they go?

Secondly, I find it humorous that so many people are bashing on the working conditions. You'd find out very quickly if the job is or isn't for you, and could walk out the door. I used to slave away on political campaigns, 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week, and I found it incredibly invigorating. It wasn't for everyone, but the amount per hour I earned or the hours and hours on the phone never bothered me... I loved what I was doing! It certainly wasn't for everyone and it wasn't for me long term, but it was incredibly rewarding while I was there. People would probably say the same things about me...being unethical trying to trick people into voting for a politician. It never felt that way - I always felt like I was promoting the best person for the office. The point is, not everyone likes every job, but it isn't fair to lash out at someone because they happen to love something you don't.

Finally, I can understand the distrust of the insurance like business, I hate insurance companies. However, it is the system that is in place right now, so it is what it is. Is ASB really a scam or any worse than any other insurance company? The case brought against former Banker management doesn't show this. Almost every insurance company out there has unhappy customers. I don't think a viable argument has been made that they are any worse than the next...

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Lou in Rockford, Michigan
Grand Rapids, US
Sep 20, 2013 2:11 pm EDT

Hey - I just found the following site... http://glisteningquiveringunderbelly.blogspot.com/ and there is very interesting stuff in there on the arrogant jerks who run the American Senior Benfits office in Traverse City, Michigan. Apparently the local Bankers Life and casualty office got shut down or something so these scammers opened up shop as an American Senior Benfits office. I'd avoid that place like the plague. When you get to above site simply search at the top for AMERICAN SENIOR BENEFITS (or Bankers Life)

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GT911
Traverse City, US
Aug 28, 2013 2:54 pm EDT

Ok, lets be clear about a couple things. ASB and Bankers are two different companies although ASB is made of primarily of former Bankers employers. I was actually called three times by these jokers, I had my resume up but was currently employed. Additionally I have two co-workers that were briefly employed by ASB. "American Senior Benefits" is in absolute stain on the TC landscape, none of them are part of the community or take any part in local fund raisers, its impossible for them to sell locally so they send their agents to the other side of the state to dole out unstable policies to clueless seniors. They bring you into a room with a dozen other people and tell you how much money you can make! Sounds exciting, then they have you write yes or no on a piece of paper and call you up and act as though you were "selected". The then tell you to essentially drop everything and attend an insurance licensing class that lasts a full week. You pay for the test yourself and if you pass your asked to start "work" the following day. This is where it gets interesting. You spend 12-14 hours 2-3 days a week cold calling setting up appointments with unaware seniors all over the state all under the guise of "helping" seniors. You travel all around michigan with a "Partner" Whom you supposedly split commissions with. Don't worry Your "partner" will make sure he submits all applications and business under his agent number so he gets all the commission renewals. The top agents here are word smiths and use clever lingo to try and keep the uneducated folk producing. You'll be asked if your ok with working 40 hours a week, naturally you'll agree but in reality you'll be working or traveling for over 12 hours a day plus saturdays too. I would have never went to the interview anyway but I'd rather get this info out there, the two people I work with are law enforcement officers and we joke about these guys all the time. The funniest thing is they actually call themselves professionals, last I checked professionals don't slander the unemployed via internet forums. I'm told the way that they refer to former employees in the office is far worse. ASB is the insurance equivalent of a puppy mill, with an above average turnover for an insurance agency. Is it a scam? You decide for yourself but at least know what your getting into.

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Gminnesota
Robbinsdale, US
Jul 17, 2013 7:16 pm EDT

The post from "anonomous555" has no basis in fact to support his complaint. The real fact is that ASB is most likely very happy that he did not work for them because he would have failed. Insurance is not for the weak or frail because it takes a lot of hard work, study and commitment in order to respresent ethical companies. ASB only hires ethical sales agents. I can understand why he has been unemployed for so long. Any good sales agent worth his/her salt can get hired; I know because I started with ASB at the age of 63.

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Dave from ASAB
Clarks Summit, US
Mar 13, 2013 9:06 pm EDT

I had a good laugh reading this post. I started out working for Bankers Life and was seriously disenchanted, even though the office I worked at wasn't nearly as bad as some I've heard of. I was there just under a year and learned quite a bit, most of it I've filed under "Do NOT let this happen to you." I was recruited by ASB and had a lot of questions when I went in to be interviewed. They had very good answers for all of them, so I decided to give it a try. 5 years later, it has continued to improve. The owners of the company are very honorable people and very involved with the management and agents. After being self-employed in retail for 30 years, ASB felt like being freed. I have the best products to offer at the best rates, I have competitive commissions and a lot of freedom. I also have all the support I need and no limit to how much I can make, plus very low overhead. It's just a matter of how hard I want to work and how much I can learn to become more effective at what I do. I see so many people these days who want to be paid a salary without accountability these days. If that's what you want, good luck finding it. This is not for you. If you want to use your brain and truly help people AND be well-compensated for it, we'd like to talk to you. As with any start-up business, you have to expect to take a few years to build a client base, but once you get things.rolling, there is no limit. I have worked my way up to Field Manager status and have several agents working under me. I am continually challenged and never know what will happen when I go out on appointments. Every day is different and I wake up excited to see what this day will bring. I’d like to close by saying that of the hundreds of people I have signed up as clients, I still have over 95% because they know that they have the best coverage at the best rates available today.

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Peter Ruscoe
, US
Aug 07, 2018 4:05 pm EDT

@Dave from ASAB -- you sound like an Amway distributor!

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Reality here
Overland Park, US
Jul 18, 2012 5:27 pm EDT

Ever wonder why you unemployed? Any prospective employer that reads your comments would never hirer you. Calling a company a scam that you know nothing about is serious liability issue for you. Plus there are many commission jobs that a very high paying jobs. And for your info, ASB has nothing to do with Bankers Life. Plus what scam or preying on seniors are you talking about? Be specific with your false allegations. The last thing people need to do is take advice from a unemployed loser such as yourself. If you are so sure about what you say, just put your real name and claim that American Senior Benefits is a scam and preys on seniors and see what happens. You are so off base that you look stupid. Commission jobs pay you what you are worth. You are worthless!

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user1653513
, US
Apr 04, 2017 2:08 pm EDT

You are worthless lol nice. #sad

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Speak your peace
greeley, US
May 15, 2012 12:44 am EDT

Neither of you have any idea what you are talking about. It's true that most of our team started at Bankers, but it didn't take long to realize that one product line with a lower A.M. Best rating would not be in the best interest of the clients, mostly senior citizens. There is nothing at all similar between Bankers Life and ASB. At ASB, we have over 50+ A rated insurance companies that we can help seniors with. Ryan and Shannon are both good managers and good people. You are only hurting yourself by not interviewing. Go see for yourself, don't take some disgruntled agents word for it. What do you have to lose? You are unemployed, have the opportunity to help people rather than "scam" them as you say, and make a living at something worthwhile. You could continue to sit at home and keep judging people you know nothing about though, that will pay your bills nicely. The choice is yours.

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user1653513
, US
Apr 04, 2017 2:08 pm EDT

#FAKENEWS #Sad this place is a huggggeeee [censor]ing scam

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Emitch15
, US
Jun 27, 2018 6:10 pm EDT

Actually I am sorry ...ASB is DEFINITELY not a scam. I have worked for them for almost a year now. yes it is hard to start off with. That's why they interview like that most ppl will quit in the fist 6 months. I was not however interviewed in a group setting, with that being said I have been. Sorry you had a bad experience but maybe your just not cut out for a commission job? Hey that's ok. not many are. IF you can MAKE IT HAPPEN.. you will be glad you did. :)

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Perci57
Traverse City, US
Jan 03, 2012 11:46 pm EST

ah hah!, am glad I checked first online to see if there were any complaints about this company. Bankers Life would not stop CALLING me, back two years ago, moved and changed my number and I investigated them. No way was I getting involved, so now, a "Terry" called me on Monday, saying he had my "resume!" WTF from where, I was cautious, listened and he said they were company catering specifically to seniors and they were in the Merrill Lynch building on Grand View Parkway downtown Traverse City, MI 49684. He said I would be meeting with a "Ryan" just as you spoke of. I need a job so BAD, this is terrible, to be taking advantage of seniors and employees! There is just NO WORK in this town and there is BIG AGE DISCRIMINATION for people over 50 plus...I have been off since 2010, and after thousands of resumes sent in state and out, i maybe had 5 to 8 interviews, and I KNOW THAT MY AGE OF 54 is a big issue. Do not know what this town or world is coming too. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT, as I was looking forward to going to the interview, and now just a big let down again! I know where they got my phone number again, off Monster, so will have to change that immediately, so anyone out there, BEWARE! Thanks again 555!