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I got a call from a guy fromMY STORY: “Un- fortunate Learning systems” AKA -Ivy Capital
I got a call from somebody saying they knew I had signed up for the Jennifer Johnson work at home study course. He said he could get me into an online marketing business making as much money as I wanted to. He asked me to list my goals, how much money I wanted to make in the 1st, 3rd and 6th month and credit card available credit balances. He would call me back in 15 minutes. When he called me back found out I had a $10, 000 available he told me he would get his manager on the line to talk to me. The salesman Jordyn Naona was very aggressive and told me if I did not want to make at least $8, 000/ mo I would be waiting his time because he was egger for my great testimonial. So I said ok earning 8K/mo would be fantastic. He gave me 3 prices, the highest being almost $10, 000(?). He said the highest price was for the most aggressive web development and marketing campaign. He said all programs will work but the most expensive one will bring results quicker. I choose the middle, $8, 600. He seemed almost insulted I didn’t select the most expensive. I asked him if I would have to spend anymore than this to make the money you’re talking about. He said I would have to spend $100 on a license, no more. He demanded for my credit card number and like a dope I gave it to him. I was directed to someone else who made sure I signed the contract. At that point I thought I was on the “fast track” to my own online business and had no idea I had been totally manipulated and lied to. Two days later I had my first coaching over the phone and was not impressed with his lack of interest in me. That I had only begun studying the web lessons the day before was of no concern to him he expected me to know everything already. I called their office to ask for a refund but was unable to get a hold of anybody. I got a call from a “resolution” expert Kenyon Slake the next day and I told him I wanted a refund. He said he would get me a new coach and showed me a website supposedly developed by one of their students. He did everything to pressure me not to quit. Had I known I had been lied to about the web and marketing development they were supposedly doing for me and the additional legal costs, I would have stood my ground and demanded a refund. But he wore down and I said I would keep trying. BIG mistake! I got a call from my business development adviser a week later. He informed me I would have to spend $5, 900 for all the legal and business development to be successful. He pressured me for 10 minutes trying to get me to give a credit card for this. I had to practically hang up the phone to get him away from me. He E-Mailed and lowered the price to $2, 500 for the same service. At that point I knew I was dealing with conmen. I immediately called Kenyon Slake and asked for a refund. He said he couldn’t do anything for me. On my next coaching phone I asked my adviser when the web development and marketing campaign would begin. He said when I was ready to do it. He said I had to do everything myself. At that point my heart sank into total depression! It was obvious there wasn’t 3 marketing plans only one that I could buy for 3 different prices, where I do all the work. For the next 2 weeks I muddled along trying to make sense of it all. I cannot see how this program would actually work for a beginner. The coach gave me suggestions but nothing that made sense of HOW TO GET IT DONE! It was completely up to me to become skilled enough to do professional marketing research and LUCKY enough to find a quantity/source of products in demand to resell for a good profit. If I could do all that, I would have no need for this frick’n course. I realize after hearing other people’s experiences with this program, the price of the business package is completely dependent on the available balance on your credit cards. One person paid $11, 000 another paid $2, 900 all for the same program. I sent a formal complaint and request for refund by E-Mail to Kenyon Slake. To date I have had no response. I contacted my credit card to pursue a chargeback to Ivy Capital.
I also have fell into what seems like the FLS Scam for an online business. Please help!
In November I signed up with Fortune Learning Systems who promised to train me and provide web hosting to begin an online ecommerce business. For $5015 they promised coaching sessions that would find my niche, find suppliers at wholesale, set up an LLC in California for my business and teach me to market my website.
Its now March and I am out the money, which I want to get back plus additional costs that are coming due to having to consult with a personal tax consultant whom is now working on dissolving the LLC which NEVER should have been started unless the business was successful since CA requires a minimum tax of $800 regardless if you actually make any sales.
I had a coach whom I thought was going to work well, but realistically all he did was spend 30-45 minutes on the phone with me 3 times, all other scheduled sessions he failed to call in and is not responding to emails or calls.
Now according to research online it appears the company is OUT OF BUSINESS.. not sure how to verify this since they do not have their website up -- says they are working hard to restore and tells you to contact Wholesale Match for assistance. Their phones apparently have been turned off or something, it does not even ring.
I am working with my credit card company on protesting the charges and am seeking additional assistance from the BBB but so far they are not able to provide information on the company but do show many complaints filed against Fortune Learning Systems.
I certainly hope that my credit card company has more success in contacting the appropriate people to resolve the money I am out so far and I am closing the account that Fortune has the number for since I am sure as crooked as they are they will try to hit that card again.
This company took my money and did not provide services to me. Someone from the company actually stole my credit card number and charged 200.00 worth of hamburgers from Jack in the Box to it! When I called them and told them they said it was goin to be referred higher up and I would be getting a call. Well I never got a call and now their website is down and their phone number gives a recorded message to check online at www.infoicisucess.com and that does not exist. How can I get my money back? I spent over $5, 000.00.
I have the same story too. I was bilked out of 24, 000.00 by the time I was done. I have tried to contact them over and over again and get no answer. Just this morning I received a call from Profit Sense Innovation calling on behalf of Fortune Learning Systems/Business Development Division about my web site. I started asking questions about not being able to reach any one at the Business Development Division because I had questions about my LLC and Federal ID number that they were to have been taken care of. He then replied he could not help me this that portion because he had only taken over the web site information. I asked if there was anyone I could call, he simply said "no, I don't have any of that information available to me". I then informed him that this whole thing was a scam and that they are going to court on Wednesday of this week. He said: "YES".
Later in the day I tried to call this Toll Free Number for Profit Sense Innovation and to speak with an operator. Well low and behold I got the same message as the other numbers - that "NO ONE IS AVAILABLE PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE". Beware if you get any calls.
I invested about$ 4000 ans got 3 thirty min. sessions and now I can not get whole of anybody. Phone numbers and emails don't work. I tried the email yesterday and it redirected me to a email address of iis.com. I really want my money back. I was a my wits end, broke, husband has been laid off for over a year. I really needed to make money now I am a lot further in debt. Something needs to be done. Please if anybody can help my email is jesyfaith@comcast.net
I found a site - Justia Dockets and Filings - where you can follow the court rulings for Ivy Capital/Fortune Learning Systems etal. You might be interested to know that the judge apparently took pity on these dirtbags and ordered four months of living expenses which totaled $155, 729.68 from the frozen assets for six of the defendents. The greatest amount for four months was $32, 399.68 for Steve Lyman and the least being $21, 360.00 for Christopher Zelig. Don't you wish they would release your money from the frozen assests to make you whole again? If it takes that much for them to make ends meet, it is no wonder they pressured everyone into "investing" as much as they could get.
It appears they scammed people out of $40 MILLION . I don't understand why it took the FTC so long to take action against these people. By the time the Receiver gets paid and the legal fees have been paid, it is doubtful that anyone will get ALL of their money refunded, if any.
I initiated my 3 day Right of Recission within twelve hours of falling for their sales pitch. I had asked if there would be additional funds required after the initial investment and was told no. Yet, the first video they sent me was pitching Wholesalematch.com where the person slipped up and referred to Wholesalematch.com as "we" and then corrected himself and said "I mean they". That was a big red flag to me. I immediately started checking the internet and fortunately found Complaints Board and read all the horror stories. Consequently I exercised my Right of Recission with three emails and a registered letter terminating the agreement. I received a call from the "resolution" person and did not return the call. The website for the Attorney General's office of my state recommended ceasing any communication with them. The charge to my credit card was in a "pending" status and was never posted to my account. I feel fortunate; however, I still have fears that it will pop up at some future date. My experience all happened at the same time that the FTC swooped down on them, so I am hopeful I am finished with this mess.
I am still keeping a close eye on the court proceedings, so I can stay informed. I don't want any surprises at some future date. The most recent Court Order was denying dismissal of the charges..
Good Luck to all of you who continued with the program beyond the 3 day cancellation period. We can only hope they have many more sleepless nights than we have had over this. If there is any justice, their sleepless nights will be in prison.
I have about the same story. I was contacted by some dirtbag from FLS claiming that I would reach financial freedom in as little as six months. I was a PC rookie. I was just looking for a little extra money each month. I was lucky that I had very little available on my credit cards. They put me on a payment plan with one of my CC's. Later I transfered to a paper statement and took my CC off the account. Total I have spent about $1, 300.00, which is very little compared to many of other victims. I still had a balance of $3, 000.00 with Universal Accounting. I have not received anymore statements from them and will refuse to pay if I get one. I am now stuck with a non-producing website (that I cant even cancel) and about $500.00 worth of products. It is very unfortunate that there is people like this out there. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!
Thanks LK
Ivy Capital/ Fortune Learning Systems/Business Development Division/Wholesale Match (and various other companies associated with ICI) were raided on February 24th, 2011 by the FTC. A trial date is set for March 23, 2011. Please go to ftc.gov for any further information. Please file a complaint with the FTC if you have not already also at ftc.gov because you cannot necessarily just call your credit card company to have charges removed right now.
Gone out of business. Shut down by the FTC as far as I can tell. Yeah they hosed me too, but my CC company is refunding my money. All it took was a phone call. FLS gone, wholesalematch.com gone, business services gone and all their other sites. If you have a website up and running at storesonline it will remain up until the dust settles.
I called the American Fork Police Department as suggested and was told that because it is internet fraud that each complainant must report to his or her local police department rather than the police department of the business location.
I am a victim, too...and I have experienced within the last few days exactly the same as those who posted their complaints and frustrations (not to mention their ire)... When I noticed that their corporate phone would not answer...no ringing...no busy signal just nothing...and when I called the other contact numbers...all were dead lines...I reallygot alarmed. When I logged in to flslearn.com (the website)...it only showed that they were repairing or updating...etc.etc.etc...Even today, it still has the same message...Then, I informed my credit card issuer that they did not deliver the "goods" and would contest the charges as these are fraudulent charges and the "goods" consisting of 6 month coaching and a company in my name is not delivered. ..The bank credited me back some amount (I do not know the exact amount yet) conditionally until FLS would respond...NOW, THERE IS NOT EVEN AN FORTUNE LEARNING SYSTEMS EXISTING. TECHNICALLY, IT IS DEAD...I HOPE ALL OF US WILL GET BACK THE MONEY THAT IS NOT EVEN OURS..BUT BORROWED WITH INTEREST TO BOOT!
I advise all fellow-victims, to inform their credit card provider immediately and ask to be credited back because any and all such charges by this company and its affiliates are unauthorized and they have violated the supposed contract that was purely by phone. I never received any hard copy of my supposed agreement with them.
Pete
I would like to thank each and every one of you for sharing your stories. I recently bought a program called home-online-jobs.org, it cost me $29.95. I went through the tutorial and "training" and saw that it was not as advertised. The program said I would be paid $15 per link to post links, the actual program was a generic weight loss website that I had to generate traffic to by paying for marketing, search engines, etc. I cancelled the program the next day (or at least tried to, I couldn't submit a ticket without upgrading to PRO, which I refused to do so I just sent a LOT of emails to the company and I contacted ClickBank and PayPal stating I wanted to cancel and get a refund of my $29.95). I have not gotten the refund yet but I am persistent with PayPal.
Today I received a phone call from a representative of home-online-jobs.org telling me they had an opportunity for me if I passed an "interview" process. They had a series of financial questions about how much I make, what is my credit card debt, student loans, car loans, personal loans, mortgage, etc. they asked me what my 3 month, 6 month and 1 year goals were, 10 personal goals i have to change my life and 5 reasons I would be a good student. What they were offering was a one-on-one mentoring/training program to teach me everything I need to know to make money online. In return they would use me as a "success story" to further promote their business. They insisted that my boyfriend be involved in the process as well. When I discussed all of this with him he got suspicious and we decided to do some investigating. The phone # I was given to call the representative was [protected] ext 1400 Jonny Agulera - That phone # links to the same "companies" all of you are talking about.
I'm so glad my boyfriend found this webpage and all of you shared your stories or I may have been the next victim. I will share my story as well and hopefully we will prevent more people from getting financially ruined by these people. I hope each and every one of you receives full refunds. Good luck!
I guess I'm in the same boat as you people. I fell for the sales pitch. While it is a great deal more than I can afford to lose, I feel fortunate by comparison to what some of you have "invested". I have found it interesing that they quote different prices to different people depending on how much they think they can get. I wish I had told them I couldn't afford what they wanted. Perhaps I would be out less than I am now.
I have done some research and found a site where you might want to go. It is Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is affliated with the FBI. I think Fortune Learning Services may have their butts covered with that "Compliance" portion of the process after you have made a committment, but perhaps if enough complaints are filed with the FBI, they may be able to take some action. Also, the scams are done across state lines and also fall under the laws of the Federal Trade Commission.
Paula,
Please e-mail me at lindakilgore@ymail.com if you would like to hear my experiences with these companies. I have been refunded finally, and would be happy to share what I did with you!
Linda
I am another victim...how do I get on board?
Paula Meyer
Wisconsin
The exact same thing happened to my husband and I. I thought we were in serious debt with a total of $5000, and so was looking for extra funds to pay it off. Same exact story that most of you are stating. A gung ho salesman by the name of Tony Lee said everything we wanted to hear and we went for it hook, line, and sinker. Now more than $20, 000 later and not a dime made, and no pick up from Tony Lee we feel like fools. We never received corporate credit or would have filed bankrupt on our business. Now we cannot pay our credit card companies and have had to enter a debt consolidation program. I am sick over all that has happened, and wish there was a way to undo the damage. Looking at talking to a friend who is a lawyer, but from the sounds of it we will never get our money back.
OMG! I feel like the biggest chump out there. All your stories are scaring the hell out of me. I am currently working with a coach (I'm on my 6th Session) whom I like but still with no results other than what I have been able to sell myself on ebay, but foolishly bragged to my coach and he had me e-mail him my results which I did so he could get the credit I guess. All the complaints pretty much describe what was pitched to me. Although my credit cards must have had too much balances left so I really got hosed. This is going to frost you all. I originally purchased a $49 Resource Guide to Becoming a Successful Listing Agent and was surprised to find out that the course was nothing like the promotional presentation that got me to order the guide. When I called the Support phone number they put me in touch with a so-called Start-up Specialist who listened to my struggle trying to land a decent paying job and that I needed to make money to help pay off my existing credit card balances. He spoke to his boss and said that maybe this wasn't for me and to try to make some money on my own first then give them a call. I thought this was really repretable and thought that was the end of it. I was only out $49 at this point. Later that evening I got a call from his boss who said that he was mistaken and that my situation could be benefited from this mentoring and the rest is history still in the making. Every day I am hounded by people telling me that in order to make it in the e-commerce business I needed to invest a little more and more and more. It never ends. I just want to make it work. My total investment in this venture to date is almost $38, 500. The breakdown is as follows:
$49 for Auctions Listing Agent Course
$9, 500 for the intermediate Mentoring Program (FLS) Training Course
$5, 600 for the LLC Set-up (Business Development Div.) (Looks like I really got hosed on this one)
$1, 249 for Wholesale Match Lifetime Membership
$1, 000 for them doing my website for me. (This was a total waste of money)
Doba Drop Shipper contacted me and talked me into another $10, 000 investment with 10, 000 products loaded.
$3, 700 for additional marketing (Radio Ads for Grand Opening Launching) Still waiting.
$3, 500 for Referral Program for Doba Websites (Promising 90-day return of investment)
$3, 500 in Products/supplies I have at home to sell on ebay.
$49/mo. twice for 2 hosting fees on the two websites.
There may be some other fees I just can't think of right now. What should I do? Stop and try to get refunds or continue to try and make something out of my investment? Please advise before I go any further.
I only found out today about all these complaints when one of these people told me about Fortune Learning Systems and that my sites wouldn't make a dime with their help for another $5, 000 which I did not do because of course I am totally maxed out on my credit cards. Ill await your response.
If anyone out there has been successful at getting their money back from these ###, could you PLEASE let me know how you did it? I'm getting nowhere. I had an "appointment" to talk to some guy named Wes, (apparently this is the only way to talk to these people), and he didn't return my call at the appointed time. I called them back 30 minutes after my scheduled call and I got their voice mail.
Have you had any success with your credit card charging back to these scumbugs?
I am out of $18000.00 from these people. The only good thing I got out of it is that I had a good coach. That has not helped make me any money. I went thru the same Business Developement and ICI and the Wholesalematch. They are all in together. I have never tried to get my money back as I figured it was a lost cause. I was promised more than I should have believed. Just retired and now I have to return to work. It is a shame you work hard all your life and then get scammed out of what little money you have. Has anyone been successful in getting money back? I sure would like to.
It's simple to get your money back if you can stand up to these ###, but be forewarned they check this site, and have ambulance chasers call and send certified letters to you. I was able to help a friend of mine recover their lost money (16000.00+), but it takes a big commitment to get it from all of these phony companies. In my state it is legal to record a conversation as long as one party on the call is aware (me or you not them). Send us a message if you need or want the help...
I fell for their deceptive talking too. I would call up my credit card companies and report this company but I had to join a debt relief program (not with them) to pay my credit cards off. So not only did they take my money, it hurt my credit score right in the middle of me trying to open up my second store.
You are not alone! It doesn't help monetarily yet to know that, but there are a list of us with this same problem. It is not that we are scared of the hard work that is required starting a new business, it is the deceptive techniques that they use to get your money-as much as they think they can get from you, and they tell you that you need this and that (which you could do yourself for 1/100 of the price) and then they do not carry through with "the plan" for you, because 1) they have your money and do not care now, and 2) they never had a plan for you in the first place, because they do not coordinate your needs specifically as indicated on the phone and in writing. So, you are left with a debt, they are using your money for themselves, and you are paying interest on it. Then they have the audacity to call and see if you need debt relief! That is the kicker. I am /We are not finished here, and I/We do not want to complete the program because there is no program, and they are deceptive, and I would not follow any further "rules" that they have made up. It is NOT program abandonment because there was no program in the first place! If you'd like to discuss further, e-mail lindakilgore@ymail.com