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Independent Producers of America [IPA]

Independent Producers of America [IPA] review: Scam 131

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11:24 am EDT
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They have phony lying advertising that says that they are looking for agents but it is a way of marketing their junk. I went there for an interview and the guy said oh, I have filled 2 out of the "only" 3 positions, why should I hire you. He is disqualifying you so you are put on the defensive and trying to convince this person to give you a "position" but then he asks you for a $285 processing fee but says it is the cost of getting the license but that is a lie. HE WILL NOT TELL YOU IT IS A NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee all he will say is that this is to cover the cost of getting the license. But, TO GET AN INSURANCE LICENSE IN FLORIDA DOES NOT COST THAT MUCH. You have just forked over about $600 dollars half of which is this processing fee written in really small letters so you can not see it and he makes you sign it so fast like an idiot because he has been playing with your mind the whole time. Don't fall for it. NON OF IT IS REFUNDABLE. THIS PERSON RICHARD BANVILLE OR ANY OF THESE HEARTLESS VILLAINS WILL NOT TELL YOU THAT IT IS NOT REFUNDABLE, BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE. THIS IS NOT A LEGITIMATE JOB IT IS A SCAM.

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Kgreenel
Atl, US
Jan 31, 2011 7:14 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Thank you for posting this. I received a questionable email from them. Giving me a time and date for an interview. I can't afford to waste gas driving to a scam interview.

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GA Regional Manager
marietta, US
Jan 21, 2011 7:08 pm EST

Thank you everyone I was actually about to consider going to this interview...please do your research before waisting your time on these scam artists

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Must Read Now
Sula, US
Dec 13, 2010 6:23 pm EST

I was contacted by IPA today about an interview and everyone should read this post I found on another website that posted by a former Vice president who would know what goes on. Now it makes sense why they are so desperate to to recruit people:

IPA's recruiting practices are criminal! I should know - I helped design them - I have sat idly by and remained silent as we encouraged Regionals to lie and put more people in financial ruin - if you have found this board after interviewing with IPA - then you need to ask 2 very simple questions that will determine if the Region you inteviewed with was lying to you: 1) Is my PAYCHECK a LOAN that I pay interest on and have to repay the company? 2) What was your 1099 income last year? I am a National Vice President for IPA - there is not one sigle Regional who has made over $120, 000 with this company - and I see the pay checks. In fact, most Regionals can barely pay their own bills, and the income they earn comes from recruiting (the $285 fee you are charged when you are contracted). Most Regional income is from recruiting, not Insurance sales. Ask the Regional who interviewed you what their DUE COMPANY is (the amount they have to repay the company) and if they tell you the truth - you will be shocked. On average - a Regional will owe over $150, 000 plus interest to IPA. A good agent can expect a Due company of over $40, 000 after their first year - meaning you will owe everything IPA "advanced" you - plus a compounding 1.25% interest per month - that is 17% per year (or credit card debt). I helped create an environmnt where agents could earn a living, but I am telling you that it won't happen - I have to do what I do on a daily basis to pay the bills - and I am stuck in a CAPTIVE agent contract that would cost me HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS TO LEAVE! Keep your money - look for work elsewhere - if you want to be involved with insurance, pick a name brand company that can outlast the next few years - the economy is too harsh for a new company like IPA to succeed - we are overpriced (because we just don't have enough business) and our product portfolio is too small.

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NewYorkLover
New York, US
Dec 07, 2010 10:38 pm EST

I am glad that I read these comments before responding to my email. What I find funny is that ABBA reposts a new job posting once a week for my area! HAHAHAH seriously ABBA that is pretty deperate! One posting they put it under IPA . So it would like it was for a different company and a new posting! Even in this bad economy no one wants to work for you. I will be putting a complaint in with Career Builder because in the posting they put "Base Pay: $50, 000 - $90, 000 /Year "! This is false advertisement because there is NO base pay! Other insurance companies put that it is commission!

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Tracker9123
Burbank, US
Nov 25, 2010 1:31 am EST

BEWARE OF IPA-America's Business Benefit Association this company IS NOT listed under the better business bureau!

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catmeowlover
Mesa, US
Nov 08, 2010 7:45 pm EST
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I am so glad I found this site! I received the exact email as a person above, and I actually have sales in my resume so I googled the company...I went to the BBB and it said it was not accrediated (different from what THEY claimed)...and that led me to here. Not sure if the company actually exists, it would have only taken me 10 minutes to get to the actual location (will have to check it out on my way to the store), but it sounds fishy to me...Thank you again, everyone WATCH OUT! Don't block off your time of day when you could be hunting for real jobs.

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Chase145
Gaffney, US
Nov 02, 2010 8:11 pm EDT

Somehow my Comment was deleted...STAY AWAY from Edwin Britt in South Carolina! He is a joke and rude! At a training he asked the speaker to tell everyone how great David Keiller is...it had nothing to do with the presentation! The guy was a little uncomfortable...Edwin Britt then talked about how he is David Keillers punching bag? Seriously? Edwin Britt who CARES! No one likes you or the company! Then Edwin Britt was very rude to someone in training for asking a question that wasnt related to the presentation! SO UNPROFESSIONAL! David Keiller needs to look in his buddy~ I was never even provided lunch for driving far for training! DO NOT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY!

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Candybars
Easley, US
Nov 02, 2010 3:52 pm EDT

DO NOT WORK HERE! The scam is in SC...Edwin Britt is a JOKE! I have worked for a Fortune 500 company and think he is such a terd! We were in training and he asked the speaker to talk about how great David Keeler is? Is he serious I wanted to laugh? Then he was talking to someone about how David Keeler always jokes with him! HAHAHAH I got from it is that maybe they have a "special" relationship! HAHHAHA! Then in training Edwin Britt made a rude comment to someone for asking a question that was off track! David Keeler needs to fire EDWIN BRITT! I am so glad to be gone...I couldnt beleive that we were required to drive far for "training" and they didnt even buy us LUNCH!

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wickedatheist
Denver, US
Oct 20, 2010 8:37 am EDT
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If this were a legitimate business opportunity, they wouldn't send out email making it sound like a job interview, without mention of any fees.

That they have to lie to pull in potential sales agents tells you that it's not legit.

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Curious????
Denver, US
Oct 06, 2010 2:06 pm EDT
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I hear of the $285 complaint. I also understand that this sales opportunity is not for everyone.

I would be interested in the training, compensation and closing...renewals, etc.

Unfortunately I did get the cattle call feeling during my group interview this morning. Yet having worked in this industry for quite a while, there is NOTHING like passive/residual income and outside of the complaint towards the innitial fee, I do not get much substance on this thread!

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Nas W.
Charlotte, US
Oct 05, 2010 5:30 pm EDT

If you have to pay upfront, it is a pyramid scheme. You IPA employees with a new "career" have been scammed and brainwashed into defending the company.
What do you do?
What is your job title?
What is the purpose of the corporation?
What made you think that you had to pay for a background check? I work for a non-profit company that did not make me pay for mine. But a Fortune 500 company made you pay for yours? Suckers!

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LGreen1985
Tucson, US
Aug 08, 2010 1:34 pm EDT
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I also received The Email and was very close to driving 2 hours each way to meet Jennifer Heafey until a friend of mine said she got the same email and after receiving 4 other scam emails in the past 2 weeks she was a bit more skeptic, she did better research than I did and told me it was a scam.. Thank goodness.

The email I received actually had websites and they looked legit. I even checked the Better Business Bureau accreditation that was on the bottom of the page and Jennifer Heafey received an A- (I will be making a complaint about that). And I also checked the NYSE and IHC is listed there too. Looks like these scam artists are really stepping up their game. The only thing that looked suspicious was that for the address on Chandler the street view on the map showed a construction site.

Anyway here is the email. It is professionally written, has legitimate websites and a lot of information. If it hadn't been for all the feedback on this site I would have probably gone to check it out. CareerBuilder really needs to do something about this and they will be hearing from me too.
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CareerBuilder: Great resume! I would like to invite you in for an interview

Dear XXX,

Independent Producers of America and Independence Holding Group, ihcgroup.com, are expanding in Tucson. We are seeking local candidates to fill the position of Professional Sales Representative/Sales Manager and to join one of the top two Regional Sales Offices in the nation. After reviewing your resume online, I feel that you have the necessary qualifications to be a candidate for a position with our company.

Independent Producers of America provides Fortune 500 benefit consulting services to the self-employed and small business community. This is one of the most dynamic markets today and our organization is aggressively seeking talented, motivated professionals to join our innovative company.

I will be conducting interviews next week in Arizona and would like to schedule an interview with you at one of the following locations. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the specific details of the position including compensation.

Glendale Regional Office on Monday, Aug. 9th, at 10:00a & 2:00p
17505 N. 79th Ave.
Suite 414
Glendale, Az. 85308
Click Here for a Map: Independent Producers of America, Arrowhead
Note: We are located in the white, four-story Mammoth Professional Building on the West side of Arrowhead Towne Center on 79th Ave. across the street from Costco.

Chandler Regional Office on Tuesday, Aug. 10th, at 10:00a & 2:00p
1490 S. Price Rd.
Suite 218
Chandler, Az. 85286
Click Here for a Map: Independent Producers of America, Chandler
Note: We are located on the NW corner of Price and Willis in the Mammoth Professional Building (South of the 101/202 Santan Freeway interchange on Price Rd. in Chandler).

To confirm your interview, please respond via email and advise whether you will attend the 10:00a or 2:00p appointment in Glendale on Monday or the 10:00a or 2:00p appointment in Chandler on Tuesday. Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out preliminary paperwork and please bring a hard copy of your resume. Professional attire is required.

Please review our company website: ipafamily.com and be sure to click on the brochure located in the media center to learn more about your opportunity with Independent Producers of America.

I look forward to meeting you in person to further discuss your career opportunity.

Kind Regards,
Jennifer Heafey
Area Performance Leader for Arizona and Nevada
Independent Producers of America, LLC.
A Member of Independence Holding Group (NYSE: IHC)
E-Mail: HeafeyAZ@ipa-america.com

NATIONAL ETHICS BUREAU MEMBER:
View Jennifer's Certificate of Approval
View Jennifer's Professional Profile

ACCREDITED BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU MEMBER:
View BBB Accreditation

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Thankful I did some research
Fort Myers, US
Aug 07, 2010 1:10 pm EDT

Andy,

I agree with the post above yours, not you.

I interviewed with IPA this week along with others in the industry and now I'm taking some time to do a little company research.

Ethics does not seem to be something this company is made of.

The copy of IPA's weekly newsletter does not show you as one of the top producer’s year to date. Now knowing how one is compensated in the insurance industry, you have not made six figures.

Mark B.? Sure enough, he is listed on the newsletter. Strange you could not find him.

NAIC - the NAIC does not keep complaints, the state does and insurance vet is right. Independence Insurance does not show up because they don't have enough business to be listed. But you help the scam along by asking people to go to the wrong place to check.

$285 for a background check? Not even close...it is about $10. While interviewing with different companies, they do not require $285 and I can still get appointed with IHC. That $285 is just cash in the pocket of the company leaders.

Your pride of IPA has put the blinders on you. I now know I can work in the industry, offer your product along with others and...offer a full line of Life, Disability, LTC and retirement products so I can really help clients.

You have put your self in a hole little pigeon.

Sincerely,
Thankful I did some research

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MyPerspective
Centennial, US
Jul 24, 2010 1:41 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Interview on Tuesday, October 27th at 9:50 a.m.
Good Evening,

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com today. I am currently seeking a professional Account Executive in our Sales and Marketing Department. After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be a good match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview with you next week. I have an opening on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. to meet with you. If that time is suitable, please reply to my email to confirm the interview, and provide a good contact number that I may reach you on Monday afternoon. I am looking forward to speaking with you soon. Have a spectacular evening.

Warmest regards,

Bruce Tripp
Regional Sales Leader
America's Business Benefit Association
Regency Plaza Center
4643 S. Ulster Street
8th Floor
Denver, CO 80237

You are receiving this employment opportunity email because you uploaded your resume on CareerBuilder.
If your employment status has changed or you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can update your privacy and communication preferences from your resume by logging onto CareerBuilder.com:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/emails/emailsubcenter.aspx

Or you can Block this employer from viewing your resume and sending you candidate emails.

This email was sent from Account ID A7F78162TCJ1GR0PH5Z and by this logged in User U8B51M79Q8G2SVVCWKC

DISCLAIMER
Please be aware that the content of this email has not been reviewed or approved by CareerBuilder and is in no way endorsed by CareerBuilder. You are solely responsible for any response you choose to provide to this email and you do so at your own risk. If you have questions regarding the legitimacy of the position being offered please contact the CareerBuilder Trust and Site Security Team by submitting your inquiry to: TSST@careerbuilder.com Please also review common scams and tips for protecting yourself on CareerBuilder's Fraud Page. If you have questions or comments for and CareerBuilder, please use our feedback form.

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KyleD
Orlando, US
Jul 07, 2010 9:31 am EDT

You guys are really clueless and scared.

Jeff Hill is a good person, as are most of the Regional and Area Leaders for IPA. How dare you talk badly about any of them. They get about 10, 000 results for job seekers everytime they do a search on Careerbuilder. Do you really think they have the time to type you a personalized email? Of course they are copy/paste! Also, get it through your head that the reason they have to try and mass recruit is because most people cannot cut it in this career and QUIT in the first couple of months because they can't take it.

It's a hard line of work, but it's worth it if you actually devote some time and energy. I had a VERY tough first month with IPA but now the paychecks are starting to come in and I'm beginning to make some real money.

Nothing of what they tell you is false, so sorry web-jockeys. If you are offered the opportunity from IPA, do not waste their time or yours unless you are seriously looking for a good career change.

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Val30
Colorado Springs, US
Jun 22, 2010 2:12 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I knew it was a scam when i received this email...right away i went on the BBB website and looked them up, and there is no information about this company, knew it was a scam. Then i decided to see if anyone else has received the same email...and low & behold, i am not alone. Thank you...here is what got.

Dear val...

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com today. I am currently seeking a professional Account Executive with the potential for management in our Sales and Marketing Department . After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview as soon as possible. I will be available to meet with you on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. If this time is suitable please contact me by replying to my email address at rslbtripp@live.com to schedule an interview. Please provide a good contact number that we may contact you.

I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Highest regards,

Bruce Tripp
Regional Sales Leader
America's Business Benefit Association, Inc.
4643 South Ulster Street
8th Floor
Denver, CO 80237
RSLBTripp@live.com
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puppycat
Orl, US
Jun 09, 2010 2:37 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

For the past few days, I've been getting phone calls, both local and long-distance, wanting to set me up for an interview *immediately* with American Income Life Insurance. I did my research and found that it's a scam originating from CareerBuilder ... figured it was a scam since I'm not in sales.

So tonight I get an email from ABBA. From the research I've done, it looks like one of their insurance companies may be American Income Life. How surprising. Here's what I got ... Jeff Hill has been busy - he must've filled the position in Seminole County but has a "new office" in Maitland:

I recently received your resume from CareerBuilder.com. I am looking to fill the position of Outside Marketing and Sales Executive for one of our 2 Regional offices, Orlando, and our new office in Maitland. After reviewing your resume, I feel you possess many of the skills and background that I am looking for to fill one of these positions. I would like to schedule an interview with you. I have available Thursday, June 10th, at 10:30am, in our Orlando office. Let me know if you can attend by RSVP.

The purpose of this interview will be to discuss specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, and products as well as any questions you may have. To confirm the interview time, please contact my office via e-mail at jhill@abbaplans.com and include your resume. I will provide you with the address to our office when you confirm.

If you would like to learn more about IPA, America's Business Benefit Association and our parent company, Independence Holding Company, please visit http://www.ipafamily.com/ and http://www.ihcgroup.com/.

I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss this career opportunity.

Warmest Regards,

Jeff A. Hill
Area Performance Leader
Center of Excellence
ABBA
[protected]

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Andy D
De Pere, US
Jun 02, 2010 11:58 pm EDT

After reading these posts I think there are a few key points that people are overlooking:
1. IPA does not offer "jobs". They offer the opportunity to sell their product. You are an independent business owner. You do not receive a base salary. The money you make is a direct result of the time and efforts you put into it.
2. Having worked in several diffent industries in my career, EVERY company has people that say or do the wrong thing. The key is...these people usually end up on the street and should not necessarily form your opinion of the compay as a whole.
3. The $285 is primarily to cover getting you setup in the business and for the background check. This is important because people with felonies and certain offenses cannot sell insurance. A couple hundred dollars to get you started in a great opportunity is nothing.
4. The $285 initial investment along with the cost of training and licensing is not paid by IPA. You don't work FOR them. You work WITH them. You are NOT their employee, so why would they pay for these items. Hard work and talent will make these expenses and excellent investment.
As you may have guessed I work with IPA. I have replaced my six figure income in just a few short months. It isn't easy and not everyone can do it.
I read the comments on this site shortly after starting and frankly it had me nervous. I even went as far as trying to locate anyone named Mark B. but couldn't find him. Judging from his post, the real scam is people misrepresenting themselves. I can't speak for everyone but personally I couldn't be happier and can say without a shadow of a doubt that this is not a scam. Please check www.NAIC.org if you have any doubts. A scam would not be listed on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website if this was a scam.

Best of Luck from someone that takes great pride in offering IPA products.

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ConfigT
Vero Beach, US
May 23, 2010 7:28 pm EDT

Ok, yet another one...
If I didn't currently have a job, I'd drive to Orlando and meet this A$$ Wipe. I would play along for some time and then invite him to lunch to discuss further. Then I'd excuse myself to use the bathroom and leave him with the bill.

I recently received your resume from CareerBuilder.com. I am looking to fill the position of Outside Marketing and Sales Executive for one of our 2 offices, Orlando, and our new office in Seminole County. After reviewing your resume, I feel you possess many of the skills and background that I am looking for to fill one of these positions. I would like to schedule an interview with you. I have available Tuesday, May 25th, at 10:30am in our Orlando office. Let me know if you can attend by RSVP.

The purpose of this interview will be to discuss specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, and products as well as any questions you may have. To confirm the interview time, please contact my office via e-mail at jhill@abbaplans.com and include your resume. I will provide you with the address to our office when you confirm.

If you would like to learn more about IPA, America's Business Benefit Association and our parent company, Independence Holding Company, please visit http://www.ipafamily.com/ and http://www.ihcgroup.com/.

I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss this career opportunity.

Warmest Regards,

Jeff A. Hill
Area Performance Leader
Center of Excellence
ABBA
[protected]

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rajavxcz
, US
May 20, 2010 11:45 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Here's a new one!

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com today. I am currently seeking an extremely professional Account Executive in our Sales and Marketing Department.

After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview with you as soon as possible.

I have an opening on Tuesday, May 18th at either 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. to meet with you. If either time is suitable, please reply to this email or email me directly at rslrsmith@live.com to confirm the interview. Also, please provide a good contact number.

I am looking forward to meeting with you soon.

Highest regards,

Ron Smith
Regional Sales Leader
America's Business Benefit Association
Historic Chase Bank Building
333 W. Hampden Avenue
Englewood, Colorado 80110
rslrsmith@live.com

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MAKS_RULEZ
, US
May 20, 2010 9:44 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

CareerBuilder: Interview Opportunity
Good Afternoon,

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com this morning. I am currently seeking an extremely professional Account Executive with the potential for management in our Sales and Marketing Department . After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview with you as soon as possible. I have an interview opportunity at my Pewaukee office available on:

Monday, May 24, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.

If this time is suitable, you may reply to my email at mbaker@abbaplans.com to confirm the interview time. Please provide your name as well as a good contact number that I may reach you at prior to the interview appointment. I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Highest regards,
Michael A. Baker
Regional Sales Leader
ABBA
N28 W23000 Roundy Drive, Ste. 00
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Office: [protected]

SO WHAT DO U GUYS SAY? ITS A FAKE INTERVIEW CALL? NOTHING EXIST ANYTHING LIKE "ABBA" OR "MICHAEL A. BAKER? I WAS GOOGLE-ing THE ADDRESS AND HAPPENED TO SEE THIS POST! SHOCKING...

Thanks All,

Maks

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Court1288
, US
May 16, 2010 11:36 pm EDT

I got one too...

I recently received your resume from CareerBuilder.com. I am looking to fill the position of Outside Marketing and Sales Executive for one of our 2 offices, Orlando, and our new office in Seminole County. After reviewing your resume, I feel you possess many of the skills and background that I am looking for to fill one of these positions. I would like to schedule an interview with you. I have available Tuesday, May 18th, at 10:30am in our Orlando office. Let me know if you can attend by RSVP.

The purpose of this interview will be to discuss specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, and products as well as any questions you may have. To confirm the inthich timeerview, please contact my office via e-mail at jhill@abbaplans.com and include your resume. I will provide you with the address to our office when you confirm.

If you would like to learn more about IPA, America's Business Benefit Association and our parent company, Independence Holding Company, please visit http://www.ipafamily.com/ andhttp://www.ihcgroup.com/.

I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss this career opportunity.

Warmest Regards,

Jeff A. Hill
Area Performance Leader
Center of Excellence
ABBA
[protected]

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Insurance Vet
Littleton, US
May 14, 2010 3:42 pm EDT

Broker who knows,

IPA is a marketing arm of IAIC, an IHC company. The agents position themselves as representatives of Americas Business Benefit Association. You may know IHC as Companion Life or Madison National Life in Colorado.

IPA is a captive agency, only selling the IAIC policy from IHC. The good news is you sell the same thing, only for less premium and the IAIC policy does not have any air ambulance in it which yours does.

IPA management is from Cornerstone America...a UICI company, same as Mega before they changed the name to Health Markets. Same folks who had all those law suits and now have reappeared as IPA. Yes, the policies are better then what Mega/cornerstone sold, but the marketing tactics used are the same misrepresentation. I fell sorry for the agent who is trained that way. If they only knew they could sell the same policy with a different name on it for lower premium...and have all the other carriers as well.

The complaints you see here are in the form of the deceptive marketing IPA uses; "Association Plans limit your rates increases"...not so fast. It’s the pool of insured and the claims they make are what make up rate increases. Taking advantage of folks who think they have some "exclusive" product that is not offered anywhere else. Yes, the name on the product is different, not the benefits that are available to the buying public at lower rates. I have run into two different reps from IPA in competitive situations where they told the client to check complaints because they didn’t have any. Well...it’s not the number of complaints; it’s the complaint ratio that one can find on the State of Colorado web site. IAIC/IHC is not even listed because a carrier has to have enough business sold to be listed...deceptive!

So if you don't do enough business to get listed and then have a big claim over a small pool of insured’s...RATE INCRESES GO...UP UP UP...BOING!

They also abuse the agent base. While most insurance companies will give an advance so one can earn a living in this industry, IPA, when you quit, will stop the "as earned income" and then charge the agent the balance of the advance even if the client is still paying premiums...this leads to ill will...and then poor reputation in the market place.

Do your homework folks. There are better choices for you as an agent and client. Don’t take my word for it…compete your health insurance policy or your insurance producer contract and find out what is written is king, not what you are verbally told.

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Allergic to Drama
, US
May 12, 2010 5:57 pm EDT

ha ha I read this silly site, do any of you on this blog hold any licenses or even brokered at the very least car insurance? If you are looking for a 9 to 5 no insurance company wants you to be honest. If you seriously are complaining about 600 bucks, go try a anther full service brokerage like Mass Mutual, or Northwestern, you are gonna have to fork over 5, 000 just to get started not to mention the other 5, 000 need to market your [censor]. Then you will probably need 6 months to a year living expenses to be able to work your network. So if you complain seriously about 600 bones, please go back to your cubicle that is why employers hired you, and trust me it wasn't to think. Its to be a robot and work for the man! So don't hate on the insurance industry just because it isn't for you. Maybe instead of bashing companies you know nothing about, you should read that book, "how to climb the corporate ladder". That looks more along the lines of what you are looking for. Its as simple as if you want to work for yourself or do you want to work for the man, but don't hate the player, hate the game!

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lwkejfeifj
orlando, US
May 05, 2010 10:11 pm EDT

Same email, different name.

I recently received your resume from CareerBuilder.com. I am looking to fill the position of Outside Marketing and Sales Executive for one of our 2 offices, Orlando, and our new office in Seminole County. After reviewing your resume, I feel you possess many of the skills and background that I am looking for to fill one of these positions. I would like to schedule an interview with you. I have available Tuesday, May 11th, at 10:30am or 2pm in our Orlando office. Let me know which time you can attend by RSVP.

The purpose of this interview will be to discuss specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, and products as well as any questions you may have. To confirm the inthich timeerview, please contact my office via e-mail at jhill@abbaplans.com and include your resume. I will provide you with the address to our office when you confirm.

If you would like to learn more about IPA, America's Business Benefit Association and our parent company, Independence Holding Company, please visit http://www.ipafamily.com/ and http://www.ihcgroup.com/.

I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss this career opportunity.

Warmest Regards,

Jeff A. Hill
Area Performance Leader
Center of Excellence
ABBA
[protected]

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LOLinWI9
Milwaukee, US
Apr 22, 2010 12:20 pm EDT

Yet another...

Good afternoon,

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com this morning. I am currently seeking an extremely professional Account Executive with the potential for management in our Sales and Marketing Department . After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview with you as soon as possible. I have an interview opportunity at my Pewaukee office available on:

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

If this time is suitable, you may reply to my email at mbaker@abbaplans.com to confirm the interview time. Please provide your name as well as a good contact number that I may reach you at prior to the interview appointment. I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Highest regards,
Michael A. Baker
Regional Sales Leader
ABBA
N28 W23000 Roundy Drive, Ste. 00
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Office: [protected]

Its really too bad - it's a well written message. Except for the Suite number on the return address. Where is it in the parking lot or the lobby?

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s.hora
Erie, US
Apr 19, 2010 11:25 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I recieved this email today, and there was no business or address listed. When investigating the source I thankfully came upon this site. Here's what mine says:

"I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com today. I am currently seeking an extremely professional Account Executive in our Sales and Marketing Department After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview with you as soon as possible. I have an opening on Tuesday, April 20th at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM to meet with you. If either time is suitable, please reply to my email to confirm the interview at smithCO@ipa-america.com . I am looking forward to meeting with you soon.

Highest Regards,

Ron Smith
Regional Vice President"

Since this sounds almost word for word like the others, I assume it's a scam as well. So thank you.

Sincerely, Susanne

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lolklolk
Milwaukee, US
Apr 13, 2010 4:21 pm EDT

12 weeks!? hahahahahaha

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Question Everything
, US
Apr 13, 2010 1:36 am EDT

Unfortunately, I did not do my research before accepting the job. I was fresh out of business school and ready to get on the grind. I paid $300 to join IPA, and then another $200 to get my health insurance license. I worked my ### off for them for three months and did not even set one appointment. The leads they gave me were an absolute joke, and half the numbers were actually disconnected. I feel stupid for having got involved with IPA and Mark Allen. The guy is a good salesmen and he sold me. Thank God, I found a different job. I am still out my $500, but I guess that is the price you pay for trusting some sleaze in Wheatridge. Every Monday, Mark Allen would hold a meeting and the main topic would be how much money we could make. After 12 weeks of hearing this same spiel, I eventually wised up and quit. Now I work for a real company and I actually get paid for my hard work, go figure. Yes, people do make money working for this company, but I did not make a dime. IPA took the last of my dough. Do NOT go to the interview. Do NOT give in. There are jobs out there, and you will find one eventually.

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Cheryl IPA
Loveland, US
Apr 08, 2010 9:20 am EDT

well keep on thinking that IPA is a scam..I work for them and while you are passing rumors I will be laughing all the way to the bank. They are above and beyond all the rest. You can believe they will do what they say... they put every thing in writing. If they were scammers then they would not leave such a great paper trail. I sold a policy yesterday and saved the client over300 dollars a month from their existing policy. That is what we do save people money. We have policies that handle preexisting conditions and when most companies disqualify you after 3 preexisting conditions IPA still will allow a 4th condition before you are disqualified. And even after that we have a plan that will give you coverage. We are Nation wide so anyone from any state can find an Agent to sign them up for insurance. P.S. Insurance agencies are regulated by Insurance Commissioners if this was a scam then some government official would be all over them like flies on ****. Come on people use your heads...It is government regulated in each state...and we all know how the government likes sticking their nose into every thing they can...really you need to research something before you listen to a bunch of disgruntled Ex and the key word here is Ex employees. People who displayed unethical practices and no longer get the privilege of working for a great company. NEED a JOB? I recommend IPA...Ok well gotta run I am on my way to the bank...HA HA HA HA HA... this time next year I should be making over 100 thousand dollars a year...and you?

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Cheryl IPA
Loveland, US
Apr 08, 2010 12:35 am EDT

IPA does what they say they can do. I am very well educated. I now have the opportunity to make more money than all you hamburger pushing people could even imagine. The team I work with is very helpful. The team leaders here in Colorado take time out of their busy schedules to help us succeed. Not to mention the extra's they do to help new employees get going. Our teams even get people covered under Cover Colorado and get no commission from those policies. Why would a insurance agent sign someone up under another policy? we are not here to make a fast buck...we don't sell a client a policy just to be selling one to make money...if we can't help them we tell them up front we can't and we leave it at that...how many times do see that happen? Not often... we are here to help...BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO! Now that is a class act...The leaders have paid for my business cards taken me to lunch, paid for gas for my car so I can get to appointments, and have even run appointments as I watched and have given me the sale, IPA also offers trips and cruises to their employees... Does your company do that for you? I think not... How many of your bosses help you to make a sale and give you the credit and the income from that sale. Yes I had to pay for my license...duh I am an Independent producer...I work for myself...How many of you do? After I have met the requirements I will be reimbursed for the money I have put out. You are told up front what to expect...If your looking for an easy out it is not here...we all work hard to be successful...we are not slackers at IPA... we help people save money and we feel good about the products we offer...The fees are paid by the employee until they prove that they are capable of doing the job and are going to stay on with the company. The back ground check is done to keep unethical, individuals from bringing the company down to their level. I have made more money with IPA in 4 months than I have made with my 2 degrees in 6 years. I wish I would have been approached by IPA before I wasted 50 grand getting 2 degrees that have been no help to me at all. I am well on my way to making more money than I have ever made. Is it worth the small investment...duh...would I do it again...duh...This is the best investment I have ever made. To the complainers who want to put IPA down I say to you...There is a reason why you don't work for us...if you missed the reason then reread this message...We are not your typical company that is true we are a family...Even better I have enjoy working here it is not really like work...I get to meet new people...travel...set my own hours...On snowy days I don't have to leave my house and get out in the crummy weather...wow what a concept...It is a joy to work here...to all the non believers...keep on thinking this a scam...all the better for me I will have more opportunities open to me with out you sniveling about how life isn't fair cause you want the easy way out... ohhhhh snap!

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12345truth1245435654
, US
Apr 06, 2010 5:30 pm EDT

Thank you to everyone for the warnings about this scam, it is really sad how some people will try to take advantage of others who are just trying to find a job, anyway, I guess it's just human nature those types of people will always exist. However, it seems it will become harder for them to succeed in their scam with great sites like this where you can easily find out that it is a SCAM.
Anyways, the only thing I wanted to add to all the other things I read is the following:
If a company is offering you a job, which will result in them paying you money and you generating profits for them, why would they want money upfront? coulnd't they just deduct it from your first paycheck? it is this simple rule of what if, that shows me that any company asking you to pay them so you can work is just pure scam, I don't care what they say it's for, it's as simple as that, they ask for money then for 100% it is a scam.
To all the people who are pretending to be legitimate employees of the company, you are just sad.

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tigger4u78
, US
Apr 03, 2010 1:35 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hmmm, so I received the exact same e-mail as some others on here. I just uploaded my resume last night and then got an email from: "Bruce Tripp, Regional Sales Leader, ABBA, 4643 South Ulster Street 8th Floor, Denver, CO 80237". Something just didn't seem right because there was no company name or really any information other than "ABBA" (which is the name of a popular Swedish pop music group formed in Stockholm in 1972). Like others, my resume also has no sales experience. So I Google'd the address and it brought me here, along with many other websites for the music group. What is wrong with people! Can't these people sending replies to those of us looking for a real job find a decent way to make a living instead of trying to scam everyone?

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ChanellB
Highlands Ranch, US
Apr 03, 2010 11:41 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I wish people like this would be put behind bars! Just another heartless, brainless individual(s) that hopefully in time will reap they have sown. Hopefully (self-destruct)!

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jmyersj
Littleto, US
Apr 02, 2010 10:40 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Yes, I received this today from Bruce Tripp although the email was from James Sackos. Careerbuilder needs to totally block this one. This has been going on for a while apparently! I wonder how many prospects have fallen for this?

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James.B
Chandler, US
Apr 02, 2010 11:36 am EDT

Any legit company that charges you an upfront fee can account for how the fee is being spent, ie... state licensure, classes etc. Any time you hear the word processing fee you can rightly assume that their is a scam going on. A look at their website will confirm your suspicion instead of selling a tangible product or service they use a lot of buzz words to attract would be marks. Which means if you pay the fees you will end up working the same scam trying to get other people to sign up. This is a glorified Multi Level Marketing scheme. Beware!

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jdvnprt
Littleton, US
Mar 29, 2010 10:34 am EDT

I seem to get all the scams! Where are the real jobs?

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com today. I am currently seeking a professional Account Executive with the potential for management in our Sales and Marketing Department . After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with a formal interview as soon as possible. I will be available to meet with you on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 9:50 a.m. If this time is suitable please contact me by replying to my email address at rslbtripp@live.com to schedule an interview. Please provide a good contact number that we may contact you.

I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Highest regards,

Bruce Tripp
Regional Sales Leader
ABBA
4643 South Ulster Street
8th Floor
Denver, CO 80237
RSLBTripp@live.com
--------------------------

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lolklolk
Milwaukee, US
Mar 24, 2010 4:57 pm EDT

this is interesting, i got the same email, which is obviously a scam since my resume has no such qualifications for sales, but what was interesting is that the return email is a domain for an actual company:

Good Evening,

I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com this morning. I am currently seeking an extremely professional Account Executive with the potential for management in our Sales and Marketing Department . After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with an interview with you as soon as possible. I have an interview opportunity available on:

Friday, March 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.

If this time is suitable, you may reply to my email at mbaker@abbaplans.com to confirm the interview time. Please provide your name as well as a good contact number that I may reach you at prior to the interview appointment. I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Highest regards,
Michael A. Baker
Regional Sales Leader
ABBA
N28 W23000 Roundy Drive, Ste. 00
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Office: [protected]

maybe they are just upping their game? haha

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Lisa H 75
Aurora, US
Mar 18, 2010 4:35 pm EDT

i too got this one today... signed from Mark Allen, but email address said James Sackos. am going to report them to career builder.

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lthrpup
Denver, US
Mar 13, 2010 10:47 pm EST

Don't you just love a good scam ? The address exists, but the company does not. It did not take 30 seconds on Google to see this was a scam. BLOCK THEM. Also look at the email address, you know it is fake with a 'live.com' email.

__________________________

CareerBuilder: Interview on Tuesday, March 16th at 9:50 a.m.
I reviewed your resume on Careerbuilder.com today. I am currently seeking a professional Account Executive with the potential for management in our Sales and Marketing Department .

After reviewing your resume, I feel your skills and experience would be an excellent match for this position. I would like to move forward with a formal interview as soon as possible.

I would be available this week to meet with you on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 9:50 a.m.

If this time would be suitable time to meet with me, please contact me by replying to my email address at rslbtripp@live.com to schedule an interview. Please provide a good contact number that we may contact you.

I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Highest regards,
Bruce Tripp
Regional Sales Leader
ABBA
4643 South Ulster Street
8th Floor
Denver, CO 80237
RSLBTripp@live.com

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