Armando Montelongo Seminars
Reviews and Complaints

i will be attending a seminar in Miami on the 17-19. is it alittle worthwhile?

I, too attended the 3 day seminar and paid $1500! I also agree that this is a scam if your not rich and don't have money to just throw away. The information that was given was not enough to go out and flip a house and I too was, as many others were, talked into the $30, 000 bus tour. One of the coaches there even offered to go half on the bus tour. I would have still had to come up with $15, 000 which was a lot of money and I did not have it. I believe this is a scam if you have no knowledge of real estate and if you are poor. Has any ever tried to get their money back from the credit card company? If so, what do I have to do?

http://www.jailbase.com/en/arrested/fl-bso/2013-03-12/james-harris-501301611

Guess he got what he deserves...

I spent 1500.00 on a bunch of crap. I had a bad feeling right after doing it. But the Pink contract said I had 3 days to get a full refund. So far it's BS I jumped through the hoops they wanted and now they wont answer any phone calls. The seminar starts tomorrow at 8am eastern at the double tree hotel in Rochester NY. I plan to be there to warn anyone who attends this SCAM. We MUST stand together to prevent this ### from stealing anyone else's money. I have called my Credit card companies and disputed these charges but that doesn't guarantee I'll get anything back. WHY because it is not a lagit company. It's a professional SCAM!

I am another that didnt research Armando Montelongo's scam, attended a free me 1500.00. and the infomercial said Armondo would be there, yeah right. For this you get 5 paper back books and 6 cds that say the very same thingbut outdated. They had a group there ( James Harris, Cory Something, Rick McNalley, Johnny Horton, and Ryan "Lotto") that were suspose to be sucessful flipping houses, led by James Harris which was a pep talk about how easy it was to do this, but you need to increase the limit on all your credit cards Now I know why this was to be done(so you could max them out for thier bus trip) and it could be done with no money out of your pocket, (because they had taken it all from you already) as long as you let them hold your hand through this and also you must take a bus tour in CA (that you had to pay to get yourself there and a place to stay for three days) that Armando would personally have many excess properties for his students, only another 24, 900.00.(Boots on ground & Ca bus tour) and that it would be just waiting for you if you got in on the very limited seating, must sign and pay in full today. You cannot fail just sign the contract. I didnt go on the bus trip(pd for it thou) but tried to put together a deal in my own area, but didn't have earnst money which I was told to beg borrow or steal to get it, and hard money lenders wanted you to put some "skin" into the deal to the tune of approx. 20% and pay a fee upfront for thier application (750.00). So as you can see I was totally mislead, and am screwed out of 27, 000.00 dollars. I have in no way received what I have been promised, and am trying to get my money back, with out any luck. I hope everyone that has worked hard for thier money heeds this warning

We also have been taken by this scam. We are trying to get back our $12000.00 that they pressured my husband and I out of, for the 3 day bus tour and a phone Mentor. Alltogether they have taken us for $14, 200.00. We are only trying to get back the $12, 000.00 because of the way the pressured us and told me that if I paid with credit card that I could get my money back anytime before the bus trip. they separated my husband and I during the first 3 day seminar, taking us back one by one and promising different things. Had me pay with three different credit cards and then had my husband go back and sign the contract, which they did not point out that we only had three days to cancel, (I would have never paid if I knew that) which would not have mattered because, the phone number on contract didn't work. We never used phone mentor or sofware and we have not been on the bus tour. Called to cancel and the phone number on contract went directly to a voice mail and then the recording said "the voice mailbox was full try back another time" this continued for over a week. Then I received a email about the bus tour and there was another phone number on it, so I tryed calling it. the person told me "we are in the business of making money, not refunding it". My heart sank I new they had taken us. This is my 4th week and they are not answering any of my phone calls or emails. If anyone konws how to deal with this plase let me know. My husband and I are in construction and we have had a really bad year, about to loose everything, they made us feel like we were never going to make any money if we did not do this bus tour and now we are out $12, 000.00 that we do not have.

Montelongo has not delivered what I paid $27K for either! Whomever else is having problems getting refunded by this thief - we need to help one another. Please let me know who you are. I have been working through local political offices and would like to try media and legal avenues as well. Let's band together to prevent others from being victimized.

I would love to hear from all other victims.

This is a bad -rap...Started out with an infomercial for a free seminar.with Armando on how to buy, flip, homes with no money down and no credit.Went to seminar in Naples got hosed for $1500 my friend and I split to prepare us for a 3 day workshop...Aug 23, 24, 25 in Estero...
They did a bait and switch on us and try to upsale all attendees a $30, 000 package.Bus tour, Calif, Indianapolis, Mentors, HELP !. Well yes we did it...
However the software doesn't work they gave us...
The e-mails don't work either. or they are not responding...
We had a deal on the table and e-mailed for help on Aug. 3, 4 th...from James Harris...NOTHING...WE even had a team call and No lead on line but the team...Call Attorney General Offce in Fla, Caif, Utah..file a complaint...Call WINK-TV trouble shooters...call the better business office for assistance. The Boots to the ground is this weekend..I am calling Wink-TV...any other help would be great...
I can't believe this kind of stuff goes on...
This is FRAUD...

7/7/2011 PHOENIX AZ ARMANDO's 2 hour seminar - He wasn't even there. 3-day workshopt costs $1500 (sign up now) or $3000 (sign up later) & you will need a Land Trust for $2500. Might get one free or discounted if you attend the workshop. My former landlord "Chris" who worked in Real Estate, decided to flip 9 properties at the same time 2006/2007. Made $9000+ a month in rent, but only had the Deed. He didn't make mortgage payments or the water payment. Sounds a lot like what Armando's program advertises... Buy with a Land Trust. FYI it's not even recognized in AZ - not if it hides the identity of the true owner. If you have to HIDE YOUR IDENTITY to work this program effectively, that sounds VERY SUSPICIOUS and probably ILLEGAL in ARIZONA.

The only scam is the one you pull on yourself when you do nothing with the knowledge you’ve been given.

You know there’s gold in the ground. You’ve paid a lot for the shovel. Now stop whining and start digging:)

I hope this serves everyone well my wife asked me if I wanted to go to one of his seminars in Califonia so what was the first thing I did well I did the only thing that a well prepared person should, that is research. If your not sure about something or even if your sure check it out it might just save you some grief.

f**k aramando

f**k armando montelongo,

Montolongo is a fakeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the only good thong about his company is his wife shess freakinggg hot and I will filp her over and over and over and over and over and over hummmmmmmmmm

while montelongo watches

I recieved a call from a Bob Compton today claiming to help me take advantage of the Armondo flips opportunity for a mere 6, 015 dollars. They would like for me to send the money thru a wire transfer. I felt like this was some type of scam immediately. 6, 015 dollars for a a so called online coaching and counseling to look at some DVD they have put together. I don't think so I have learned to check out everything thru the Better Business Bureau and to check for any complaints online as i have found several on this so called business opportunity. I signed up for one of the seminar's but I never attened it. So now they have called me at home. People BEWARE or these SCAMMERS will take you to the bank. The only thing that will get flipped is your bank account or credit card from positive to negative!

All Armando Montelongo Students,

I have been scammed for over $20, 000 with this company. I've seen complaints out there ranging anywhere from $1, 000 to $20, 000+. We don's stand a chance alone. There is a lawsuit right now going against Trump for the exact same thing and the same instructors. E-mail me at armandomontelongolawsuit@gmail.com and lets work together in numbers against this scam artist.

Please tell ALL your friends that have attended this seminar that did not get what they paid for.

I have looked for years for a real do-able way to generate my own real money. I recently read Robert Kiyosaki's newest book "The Business of the 21st Century".

Well, all bull aside I have found it and it’s just not that hard.

If you would like more info on how I am generating about $800 a week aside from my regular job then visit my website. It is not going to be for everyone…

http://www.petermead.biz

Armando Montelongo firmly stands by the quality and value of the goods and services offered, and genuinely wants his students to succeed. We are concerned about the reported circumstances and remain open and available to address these and any other concerns that you and other students may have. We are here for YOU and our ultimate goal is to see you succeed. Please let us know if there is any way we can assist you.

You could try listening to what the buyers are saying. All you idiots have to do is make sure to state to OPT OUT of a recurring charge. Try paying attention next time!

Turquoise... WHO KNEW! You have given such great information. I didn't know about that type of debit card, so... thank you.
I would like to say that I wasn't looking for instant gratification - I was just interested in the book to see what all this was about. Even being curious seems to not be in one's best interest! That said, I should have checked on them, as you suggest.
Reading the numerous accounts of the same story as mine erased any doubt that what happened to everyone is the same - they say they tell you about all these services and charges when, in fact, they don't tell you at all. They say to contact them if you are interested.
So I believed it true and certainly stepped into the quicksand!
Most of the people I encounter believe people are good, that they are honest, kind, have integrity and are ethical. I hope I can continue that belief as I hone my baloney-beeper.
As I said, I filed a report with the Utah Better Business Bureau. If you go to the Utah BBB, one will see that the companies under Premier Mentoring. There are several hundred complaints that the BBB list as some being "resolved". They really don't say how or show the other complaints, which is unfortunate. But I encourage all to file a complaint with the BBB and whoever else one can alert... Attorney General, the FTC, and whoever will help. It should stop.
Thanks again for your advice, Turquoise. I am a bit wiser, hopefully, and won't be ordering anything before checking!
Beesnest

Turquoise
ALL STOP! People, please stop playing into everyone else's hands .
STOP USING A CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD THAT IS ATTACHED TO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT . The previous guy who said "he would like to foreclose on them " Well, then do it . It's about strength in numbers ; if everyone would stop making it so easy for them to defecate on you, then they would soon realize that their game is a waste of time.
LISTEN UP! THIS IS WHAT YOU DO .
GET YOURSELF A DEBIT CARD THAT HAS NO CONNECTION WITH YOUR BANK ( YOU CAN GET THESE AT CHECK CASHING PLACES.)
You find an opportunity that you like and then you load it with only the amount you need. I know this is the slow way of finding at-home-work .But, just think about it, if you have gone this long to find a way to make extra money then you can wait another 24-hours. Meaning you keep this independent debit empty at all times until you are ready to purchase 1 item AND 1 ITEM ONLY.If you put more money on the card than what is needed for the package, then they will take as much as you have .
Also, you can avoid any and all frustration with them entirely ; by just Googeling them first . And if you can not find a website, then just Google the title of the program ; and another thing a good way to find out if a company is worth your effort, and this is something else that takes a lot of time, if you are on a website that you really want to investigate, scroll down to the bottom of the site and click on"Privacy Policy" and write to them in traditional mail, just to see what kind of response you will get . DO YOUR RESEARCH EVERYONE! I got my computer 1/23/10 and I knew nothing good ever comes to you overnight . So I did not expect the 1st or 2nd or even 6th opportunity to bloom for me . I am blessed with being very patient . However; It was not until August or September that I started discovering companies that were in business to do business, instead of take from desperate hard working people . You see, they go on the premise that you need to make some money quickly and that you WILL NOT DO ANY RESEARCH. Part of the reason you are getting screwed is that you (according to them, not me ) are asking for it, because you were not one step ahead of them . And I can say this with conviction, due to the fact that I know from experience . Another good tip ; the Federal Trade Commission and the The Attorney General are also great way to find out about companies. As humans we a fallacy... instant gratification and it is usually, not in our best interest .
Slow down people, if you chill out a little bit and take care of your end, the rest will become very clear.

I, too, was taken - "only $9.95 for the book and just let us know if you would like to join". I even "cancelled" (even though I didn't join) with a person who called from the business. I said I wasn't interested. Then I was charged $67.00, $29.95, and another $29.95 a month for the past 4 months. I have never used ANY of their services.
I called and asked for my money to be returned and they refused and said that I should have called different numbers to cancel each "service". When I asked "WHAT SERVICE?", he said I should have known all the things I would get and that they informed me. They never informed me of any of this... just that if I liked the book, I could join the program. I didn't like the book and I didn't join.
The last two months there are charges for "Bob Diamond Foreclosure" for $29.95. Previously it was "Armando Foreclosure". I'd like to foreclose on them!
This company should be shut down.
I have reported them to the Utah BBB and the more of us who do that, maybe things may change. I don't know if they can help, but worth the effort I think.

I've never felt so disappointed. I was a big fan of Mr. Montelongo . now all I see is a rip-off artists. His program is designed to rip people off.

Once again, the same thing happened to me. I'm a unemployed mom of two and went to pay my rent and found out that armando's company had removed $67 from my account as well as another $29 for some other online info that I never ordered or received. I never used his online service for $67 a month. I was never told I would be charged for such service, and I never authorized any such transactions. I am planning on complaining any and every place I can. It is a rip off.

I have not tried it but can somewhat corroborate. I heard the advertisement on the radio and, while interested, I was skeptical if they would do exactly that (charge you just for shipping now, but keep charging you in the months to come).

I called the number to check this out. I asked the rep ("Rose"), how much it costs she said, "you get then book and the CD for 9.95 for shipping." I probed, "I just want to make sure thats all I will be charged. I don't want to pay 9.95 now to be charge like $40 every month for other books or whatever." Her response was, "[laugh laugh laugh] you get then book and the CD for 9.95 for shipping."

She did not say, no you wont get charged anything after the 9.95.. just repeated herself. At this point I knew there was a problem so I search online and here we are. Just though I would inform everyone.

The complaint here is valid. I too, was scammed into a recurring charge that I was unaware of until 6 months later. I have never used their website thus never received any services for them and they refuse to return my money. They are a scam. If their service was legit and valuable, they would not have to resort to fast-talking, buyer beware, I-gotcha-type of billing. And they would certainly refund your money if you were unwhittingly being charged.

Montelongo and company stole from me $1300, stay away from this thieves

Just a heads up to all investors and just plan hard working people trying to get ahead stay away from Premier Mentoring and any of its associated companys espeecially your R E O store . All these people jump on Linkedin and act like there all pro's but they know very little and make big promises that they can't keep and waste lots of your time and money. Be very sciptical do not trust them they say what you wante to here but I have yet to see any thing come true . Just remember the laws are diffrent in all states for this type of work it can not be done in one place and it work with out you fliping the bill for it.

One thing that struck me as really odd when I attended the three day event is that the instructors wouldn’t allow us to network with each other. From the start we were told not to exchange business cards or to listen to anyone on the breaks that had anything to say about their experiences in real estate. I’m in real estate, I’ve flipped houses and know my area. During one of the breaks one of the people in attendance was asking me some questions and gave me their card so we could get in contact later on about possible partnering on a deal. After the break I was jumped on by one of the instructors for exchanging cards and was told to keep my real estate opinions to myself. The whole three day event was a total up-sale for the bus tours to California which were about 24k. I didn’t like the fact that I was in a room with about 60 like minded adults that were there to talk about real estate investing and we weren’t allowed to interact and exchange contact information, even on breaks. I’ve talked to people that have paid the money and went on the bus tours and not one of them purchased a house and felt like it was a total waste of time and money.

I ordered the courses and listened to some of them. Naturally they wanted my credit card number "so they could bill me shipping". Of course the real reason is to get a valid credit card number. I cancelled my credit card right after shipping as I was leery of these people. I was very busy at work and did not have time to review the courses. I kept getting calls while working from some guy who wanted me to hit my friends and relatives up for huge amounts of money. He asked me if I had listened to the CD's. I said no, I had not and I probably should return them before the trial ended. He said, "no, just keep them and if you wind up returning them late, we will still not bill you". Well I wound up returning them perhaps a week late because I never had time to listen. Then came the complaints in the mail about how my card could not be charged. What I found interesting is that not only were the complaints about them not being able to charge it for the course but also they complained that they were not able to charge me for some kind of monthly subscription I never signed up for.
In the end, stuff went on a credit report-but not mine! I did not deceive Montalongo in any way-not even remotely. He just assumed the other person was me and as is usually the case, the collection agency that hassles them does not believe a word they say. I am afraid to try to straighten out the matter for fear it will damage my credit. I take all of what I was told as a verbal contract-including the salesman/rep that told me I could be a little late returning the materials. I will not cooperate with anyone that intends to wrongly damage my credit or put me through hassles I did not earn.

Interesting on how all the positive statements are from shills from A.M. The real statements are from people who got burned and lost money. All A. M. has done is take a page from Russ Whitney, who did this 10 years or more ago.
1. Offer a free seminar that guarantees how to teach you. 2. At the free seminar present a few glorified stories ( without any proof) and then upsell the "trapped" attendees into a 3 day course that guarantees to teach them every thing they know. 3. At the 3 day seminar present a few glorified stories (again without any proof), and then upsell the "trapped" attendees to "high level" training courses that they guarantee to teach them how to make millions. Does this sound familiar - is a pretty good racket if you can get it.

"Hope" is what gets you to the initial 2 or 3 hour intro event. We just attended this event 2 nights ago here in Scottsdale where we sat in the front row and listened to a barrage of sales pitches for a upcoming 3 day weekend.
Not enough was discussed about their content that intrigued me to spend $1, 500.00. They did say that all the other programs out there are basically full of crap and are based on 2005 fix n flip models or something to that effect.
Word to the wise: when a "professional" sales person begins putting down the competition when they are not there to defend themselves, what does that say about their concern for personal integrity?
They did throw out the terms "land trust" and "asset based lending" and of course the "$25K worth of AM personally paid for contracts"...Ooh Ahh.
Ask your own RE attny in AZ and find out for free that Land Contracts are not recognized in AZ...but it sounds so goood doesn't it!
"Asset Based Lending"...oh, boy that is sexy, too. Is it still sexy when we call it another name that you already know? ...it's called "Hard Money" and it is a great tool for the short term acquisition of real property. Here's a few things about Asset Based Lenders that I didn't hear mentioned at the seminar: If you don't put in some of your money because it is such a great deal...why would they put their money in to the "great" deal. YOU have to pay to Play and you have to put your $ up and pay points for the money and you better know how and when you're getting out of the "investment" property. It's a great tool, I've used it to buy projects...just know that every day counts cuz the clock is ticking!
$25, 000.00 of AM contracts!? For FREE...oh boy. How about this; Just go down to the AZ Association of Realtors and buy a few contracts that are already pretty good and are tried every month by 25, 000 practicing real estate agents. These contracts already work and are written for this state...you don't need that guy's contracts. More incite...he's a jerk on the show and he's full of himself in real life...this stuff matters folks.
There are some truthful things spoken at the seminar; the value of education, the value of a mentor and /or coaching, but we all knew that already. Here are a couple other things you already know...:A fool and his money are easily parted", "If it seems too good to be true, it Absolutely is!"
They don't mention or pass around a handout on the itinerary for the 3 day show, so how do you know what you are paying for upfront. If you were going to spend $1, 500.00 on anything else, wouldn't you want some details?
I'll sell you a car for $1, 500.00...don't you want to know all the details!
Save the $1, 500.00 for a nice weekend away with your spouse. Save the 18 or 25K for a month off with your family...or buy that 1st fixer with some friends and learn the biz that way. First hand experience is the greatest teacher. You can do a lot with 25K; don't blow it on a 3 day bus trip. Respect your money or someone else will.

I just got done with a 3 day class.I am a lic.building contractor in the state of florida and have fliped a few homes before with private money . so I am not completely new to this .I understand that the market I was in in 05-07 is night and day to what we have know . I feel that what I learned was worth the money spent I did not go for lunch or air conditioning I went to learn AM system and I can say that it look like it will work with the right amount of work .I to felt very pressured into the buss trip and diffently will continue my education in real estate . If I flip house like they said I would I diffently will take the buss trip if not for just the motivational factor that it seems to provide . I did learn alot at the 3 day class some way over my head and maybe that is what they wont to give you so much info you need a buss trip review . to finaly cement it in your brain . As far as AM being a scam artist I personaly do not think so .He is a business man and wants to make money who doesnt if you apply yourself and surround yourself with positive people you will succeed in life but it is not always the richiest that is the most successful.

Saw these posts and I just can't stand silent. Got to speak from the heart. We went on the VIP Bus Tour and it was one of the most powerful, life-changing, positive experiences I've ever had. Spending the money was scary, but in the end the positive mindset change was worth it, even without the education. Folks, I know it's tough, but let's stop whining and start working! Negativity is a poison. Guard your attitude with all your strength and take action NOW. Failure is NOT an option. Let's succeed together! God Bless:)

"Knowledge is power only when applied."

Having been in business for 16 years, and literally learning everything from scratch, I attended a seminar this weekend with EXTREME skepticism. I read several internet complaints (we ALL know the internet is 100% accurate, right? right?); however, I also realize that things aren't always what they seem, so I attended with open eyes, hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. After 3 days, I can emphatically say that the seminar was everything they promised, AND MORE. Did they tell me that they re-invented the wheel? Certainly not, as that simply doesn't happen. Had they told me that, then yes, I would definitely felt ripped off and would have made a scene. I have also had the opportunity to email an investigative reporter from one of the local television stations regarding the seminar, and in the end, I told the reporter that (after the first day), I did see value in the seminar. Value is determined by each person's expectations. Nothing comes overnight, and things worth having typically don't come easy. This is not a get rich quick scheme, nor do they present it that way. If so, I would have walked. Value, to me, was equated when the information I recieved met, and then exceeded, what I had expected to learn. Do I want to be a real estate mogul? Certainly not, but I do want to be comfortable in life and this is but one means of achieving that goal. In my opinion, the bus tours are a platform for those who desire, and have the wherewithal, to pursue it on a larger scale than I am currently comfortable starting with. I don't jump at many opportunities, having earned that lesson many times over the past 16 years; hence, the open eyes and realistic expectations. Those were met and exceeded. I would highly recommend the 3 day seminar, (but would offer the same caution with this seminar that I would offer with other seminars: BE AWARE of what you expect, write it down ahead of time, and work the team at the seminar to obtain the information you need); I can not speak for the bus tours, as I did not purchase one, nor do I intend to at the current time.
I am sure, after my words, that there will be detractors, and even those who will claim that I am an Armando employee promoting his cause; however, I am not. I can say also that thankfully, my business was allowed to grow from 1 to 4o employees and $5M in sales in 10 years...with me at the helm. The significant part of that is that I started the business at 27 years old, totally clueless about what I was getting into. The best lesson is a bought lesson, and I have a large closet full of those; however, I am much wiser for the experience and am confident in what I learned this weekend.
Best of luck to any who pursue their dreams, whether it is through Armando's class, other seminars, Barnes and Noble, or simply by trial and error. Whatever path you choose, clearly define your expectations of any educational information you choose to obtain, clearly define your short and long term goals, set out a step by step plan to meet those goals, and charge on! Been there, done that, and I love to hear stories of others who have. If you do pursue it, or have been for years, and achieve your goals, I would certainly appreciate the opportunity to hear them. I never stop learning and a great source of education can come from those who have "done it", so I am all ears...