Tech Pros Group review: Scamming ba***rds! 107

I am now kind of confused after reading this post. I have already paid $95 bucks for the registration. I know it is not easy to complete 5-6 certifications in 3 months. For me to finish one certification it took me almost 6 months. People on forum definitely says not to join this, but i am out of employment for quite some time. It is like a gamble for me to invest another approx 850 bucks get atleast training on Microsoft technologies.I know it will be tough in 2nd stage as few people mentioned abt the contract. Please let me know if the thing abt the contract for 2nd stage is correct.

"Stage 2 by signing a contract that says if you don't finish the program you owe them money. ".Peter can you please clarify if this is correct.

Everyone -

This school is NOT SANCTIONED by the California BPPVE. Eric Choi (fronted now by Peter) for years has pulled out all the stops to avoid complying with California law regarding secondary education. They would love to throw him in jail, but for whatever reason have not been able to as of yet. I thought for sure that encouraging employees at ICTP to take out fradulent education loans in their own names would do it, but evidently not.

The fact of the matter is - if this was a legitmate school, they would try and conform to California regulations regarding secondary education. Instead, they call classes "seminars", etc.

Stay away.

I'm gonna disagree.

I posted earlier -- quick summary: I found TPG through Courier Post in Philly. I'm 30, out of work about 3 months, BA but no certs.

I gave it a chance. I sent my resume; I sent my $95; I spent 30 min on the phone w Peter.

Not a bad conversation, and I actually applauded Peter. Within 5 min we agreed that this wasn't the opportunity for me and he refunded my money. No pain. No runaround. He didn't try to sell me on something that wasn't for me.

From what I understand, TPG in a nutshell:
Program is set up in Stages.
--Stage 1 is 6 weeks, you buy some books and study over the internet. At the end of the 6 weeks you take a test and go through some interviews.
--You start Stage 2 by signing a contract that says if you don't finish the program you owe them money. ***NOTE TO SELF: DON'T EVER SIGN ANYTHING WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING IT*** OK -- how many of you read your mortgage documents before signing them?
--Stage 2 is 8 more weeks over the internet and then 2 weeks in Sunny SoCal.
--The next stage is "unofficial Stage 3". You get back from SoCal and are placed with a MS Cert company to do hands-on training. THIS IS WHERE THE PAY STARTS. And it's not much, but it's the best paid internship I've ever seen.
-You take some tests, do a lot of studying, and when you get out your a wealth of knowledge waiting to explode on the job market.

HERES HOW THE DEAL DOESN'T WORK
Remember that contract you signed? It says something along the lines of 'if you finish the program the jobs wil come in, but if you don't you owe us a boat load of money'. What's that mean? That means that if you cancel, default, abort, quit, or anything other that FINISH the deal... From what I heard there is a percentage of people that start floating their resume around as soon as they start racking up certs. Companies see that and make an offer, which any offer is going to be better than the internship salary, and people back out of the offer to accept the higher paying position. Congratulations, you're making $60k/yr... and as the fine print stated you now owe us $25k.

Peter's not a bad guy. He may hound a little and spent way too much time on this web site responding to all the haters, but he can carry a conversation and I give him credit for being a true business man, not a sales man. Yuo really think your $25k (minus court fees) is what they're after? Come on guys, there's a bigger picture than that.

So in a nutshell:
-I DON'T think this is a scam. It sounds too good to be true, but take it at face value. It's a school. They teach you something. You paid for college, didn't you?
-DON'T SIGN A CONTRACT THAT YOU HAVEN'T READ OR HAVE NO INTENTION OF COMPLETING. That would be true with this or any other credit card offer you get. That's why you have bad credit.
-DON'T believe everything you hear. It is true that by reading these posts I was better equipped to ask the questions that I did, and through my own deductions I was able to understand the company and make an educated decision. Like I said, Peter volunteered to give me my money back as I really was waiting for him to try to sell me. (I'm in sales, I know how it works).

Remember folks... the name of this web site is the "compaints board". There isn't going to be a lot of positivity on this board.

I'm glad I found this site. I also received the message from Brian Kim. I was wary of it when I sent my resume, as it sounded way too good to be true, but figured it was worth looking into. I'll pass.

Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences with this company and for clearing up some of their fine-print and double-speak. I'm not going anywhere near this "opportunity". After reading their ad on careerbuilder.com and then their website, I could smell something fishy. I feel sorry for those of you who had negative dealings with this company, but at least you prevented countless others from suffering the same ordeal.

Thanks again,
John

Wow, a lot to take in. I saw the ad in the CareerBuilder also this past week (2/17/08). I talked to somebody last night to schedule the phone call with Peter Frivaldi for Monday afternoon (2/25/08).

My situation -- I've been doing IT since 1990. Started on the HelpDesk and last position was a Network Admin. Got a BA from Rutgers but never got any certs; you didn't need them at the time. Figured this would be a good way to make me more marketable, the economy isn't exactly ideal right now.

Anyway, gotta give Peter a few credit points. The BBB was created basically for complaints; you never hear from the supporters. Same thing with this website and the Tech Republic website. So scam or not... it seems they give you a service of tutoring, training and setting up your tests... sounds like school.

Here's the part not making sense to me: Stage 2. If you don't make it through Stage 2 you owe them whatever amount of money they've invested in you, some $20-25k. But if you DO PASS, you don't owe them anything? If that's correct, then they're banking on you failing. Sounds like the casino. (I'm real close to Atlantic City.) I don't know if I'd put my trust in a company that's banking on you failing.

Right now I'm $95 in, like i said I have the phone interview coming on Monday. Honestly I was real sold on this company until I found out that Stage 1 is $935, 6 weeks long and you DON'T get paid for it. (Again, if I'm wrong please email me the correct info -- greazydeigo@netzero.net). I've been out of work for 2 months and unemployment isn't all it's cracked up to be. I know people that have been out of work for 6 months... like i said the economy isn't very strong and that scares me.

Peter,

I in no way want this to become an argument back and forth, but I wish to clarify something you stated: "The individual above mentioned that successfully completing the hands-on training may be difficult within the time allotted. This statement is true if the individual did not have a background in IT and did not properly pre-load for the remote training as required by Tech Pros Group." I am sure you know who I am and you know that I have been in the technology field for many years and hold my CISSP certification. My "hands-on training" component (the lab books) was completed in two weeks of the four weeks you provided. When I spoke to the allotment of time, and something you do not mention in any of your posts, is that you only allow your students two sessions through the week. You make us chose a two day (Mon & Wed, Tue & Thr, Sat & Sun) morning or evening (4a-12p or 1p-12a, if I remember correctly) time slot that we will be allowed to use your virtual system. Not much time to perform any of the exercises in the books, especially if someone is working during the week and/or has a family to take care of. And no, your lab exercises are not anywhere close to enough alone to pass the exams. My passing of the exams comes from me studying the books. If you want to improve your company, improve your training. People are paying you a lot of money, make it worth it for them.

Do not make me out to be someone who was incompetent, unintelligent, or non-technical. I assure you that is not the case.

I posted on this board to give my honest opinion. I understand you have a job to do to get people interested in joining your company and getting your training. But don't make the posters here out to be people who don't know what they are talking about or just have a grudge to settle. I have no grudge against your company, but I will take offense to you belittling me just to make TPG look better.

I came to this board because I had mentioned to a friend (before joining Tech Pros Group) the internship program and after joining in, discussed it further and my experiences. He had considered joining but read this information and sent me the link.

I was recently part of the 1st stage of the program, so I can not speak to the content of the 2nd stage. As previously mentioned in an earlier post, the initial training is not enough to complete the certifications unless you fully read the four pdf files provided. Those files are the Microsoft certification preparation books. Tech Pros Group does provide a virtual instance for you to do lab work they assign and can be used to practice most of the exercises/labs in the four Microsoft books. My main complaint is the limited amount of time and strict time frame in which you are allowed to access the virtual instances/sessions. I also believe the cost was a little high not only for the materials and access but for their proprietary exam/certification as well; however, that is my personal opinion based on my limited finances.

I chose not to continue to the internship phase because I was not willing to pay additional funds out for the background check and other registration fees. This was the beginning of Jan 08, though I read in one of Peter's posts that they decided to eliminate it apparently some time after I declined to continue.

Obviously there are others that have had very bad experiences with TPG. Mine was not great, but was not horrible either. I have passed two of my MCSA exams and am scheduled to take the other two in a few weeks. Because of life, I chose to push my exams forward and believe it would require someone dedicating full time 95% of her/his waking time hard core studying to pass all four exams in the six weeks required by TPG. Not impossible, but very difficult for the normal person working full time and/or taking care of family full time.

I could have saved money by buying the four Microsoft books and self studying. TPG gave a time frame for completion that helped me discipline myself to sit down and get it done. I just couldn't afford the money they were asking to continue. Obviously I chose my family over the books and that's why I haven't completed all four of the exams ;-P

In my humble opinion, TPG is for someone who is willing to invest a couple of thousand (estimation) dollars in training that has a potential to improve their career if they are just starting out entry level somewhere and unable to get any hands on training. My friend has chosen to not go with TPG and is self studying to get his certification. We are actually studying together in order to get not only the MCSA but the CCNA, just to start. Putting our resources together, we hope to get our own hardware & software to use for hands-on.

This got quite a bit larger than I intended, so I apologize for its length. The point is, do your research. If you can't do it on your own and you're willing to spend the money on yourself to get the hands-on access, go to someone for training. Do your research. Don't look just at TPG, look at all the other training facilities. Look at contract agencies in your area too.

Best wishes to everyone, the tech field is getting harder as more positions are shipped overseas. Study hard and keep up with the technology or it will leave you behind quickly. Good luck everyone.

Way to much baggage and negativity with this company. They've also spent quite a bit of time in court. It's not hard to see past the smoke and mirrors.

They are several ways that I can fast track my IT career with a heavy emphasis on the hands-on training through legitimate channels.

No thanks. I wouldn't touch this one with a 10 foot pole.

Regards,

RV

I've spent about 2 hours checking out the Tech Pros Group saga. I'm really glad I did before wasteing my money. I have a Backelors' and a Master's in Computer Information Systems and obtained the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential. I really want learn even more about LANs and WANs and thought this would be the perfect opportunity. After reading the "to-good-to-be-true" offer from Tech Pros Group, it occurred to me that it would be totally impossible to get fully certified in 6-8 week period, prior to the actual internship. If you somehow miraculously made it through the 8 weeks, you will NOT be knowledgable enough to pass the rigorous exams REQUIRED by Microsoft or Cisco. And it is my opinion that the company is aware of this. It's not right to make money off another's inevitable demise. Getting my MCP certification was tough enough and it took me few months for that one alone. If you're brain is part machine with ADDITIONAL working memory, then yeah; otherwise, you'll kill yourself trying to cram that much in to prepare and to be successful for the exam -- No Way Mannn!

Previous 'intern' of Tech Pros, responding to the above statement:

Complete fraud. If your going to pass your CC number into an unsecure form you might as well be honored to be suckered by these blow-offs. In your best interest, contact small-claims at the same time your asking for a refund. Please, for all you struggling techs out there reading this, pick up training software and the reading material instead, there are also credited 'bootcamps' for these sought after certificates. This will save you money, time, and ignored call returns from the company.

In my opinion, I think the statement in the 16 page manifesto about the founder being a former Marine (dont step in the b.s.), failed his business the first year he launched it (thats okay, alot of scammers fail their first time), and now he's back after perfecting the flaws from the first scam.

If you are reading this then you probably googled this company by name, if anyone can find a legitimate positive review for this company anywhere please post an url or something. I mean, even Amway and several Chinese lead-toys will get an occassional positive review. Ask yourself, with this companies track record - would you put your real name on it?

For insight, contact the credentials in the above post for the VP of recruitment, have him run through the scripts he had to memorize to fill the position of Vice President recruiter (aka cashier). Since when does internships become sold in mass quantities in the form of spam? Do not trust that your future will be secured by junk mail inside your spam box.

This guy Peter Frivaldi sounds like a robot.

Everything on your site and email is vague, and you have NO good user reviews.

Im glad I researched before I committed.

Peter Frivaldi is just a front for Eric Choi, who is in the business of trying to skirt California law in order to charge excessive upfront fees for technology training.

He has done it to thousands of students at previous companies (ICTP, Hardcore Techies, to name a few) and now is trying to do it to you.

You won't get a refund because the school is probably running month-to-month, as it did at the other companies.

Just remember Peter - you are this close to "blowing up". If you were where you are two weeks ago, you'd be rich. (inside joke). How much did you lay down for Eric to get this version of the company going? Still trying to collect my 30k. Best of luck.

Thanks for the info! I'm glad I looked into this further. I sent a resume through careerbuilder since I will be getting laid off a little over a month from now.
I won't be corresponding any further.

Better Business Bureau (BBBonline) rates Tech Pros Group "F"

"F" We strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.

Unfortunately I did not do my research well enough. I am currently looking into legal action.

thanks to ALL the posters!

The first tip off to me was when they explained the reasoning behind the background test...

At that point this b board and google told me everything else I needed to know.

I researched the company several months ago when they contacted me about the training and internship. Since I had been laid off by my previous employer I needed to get back on my feet and training sounded great. Especially since they were going to hire me as an intern if I did well in their course. I justified the costs of the first phase based on the information they gave that the course I would be taking was similar to other on-line courses that cost about what they were asking. I can assure you that the fees they are charging for the training materials are obnoxious (even including the pdf version of the Microsoft books you receive). I am currently working on my MCSA, which is part of their requirements to enter phase two (the internship and additional training). They set up virtual sessions for you to practice using the lab books (the materials they ship you) and this helps a little while you are studying. HOWEVER, if you want to get your MCSA and you are good at just reading and absorbing material, just buy the books and get some real-world experience before you go test.

Begin phase two. Yes I passed their on-line tests, one written and one virtual session. Then the paperwork for phase two shows up. You must then pay then for another processing fee and background check. Remember this, any employer that wants to invest their time to hire you is going to do the background check without making you pay for it. No legitimate employer who is looking to hire someone is going to demand that the individual pay for. At least not that I have ever seen. There was also information about the hundreds of dollars (outside of all the exam fees to Microsoft and Cisco that you will be paying) for other training materials and handling fees that you will be paying. Basically there is nothing free. They say you are getting $30k of free training, but it's not free. They will make you pay for this and that and call it fees.

If you want to get certified, buy the books and study. If you want a job, apply for one. They promise to send you to a Microsoft or Cisco company to work as an intern. Based on what I have read in their materials, they send you on interviews to companies they have contacted. You can do that yourself.

Apparently TPG has been around a while now, but they shouldn't last much longer. I was desperate and used what money I had to take their training. Hopefully after I've passed the other three tests I'll have my certification and be able to get another job. So to all you out there in need of a job, don't look to TPG because they aren't the answer.

Wow... I just got a call from them yesterday as well congradulating me on being chosen to participate in the internship. Thank God I Googled them... I knew it was just to damn good to be true!

Wow, thanks everyone! That's another bullet dodged. I got the "Kim Brian" email congratulating me on being selected and just like everyone else it seemed a little too good so I googled them (thank you again Google gods) and got this page. After reading all of your comments I went to the BBB site and found their 'F':

http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReportPage_Expository.aspx?CompanyID=13218660

I emailed a link back to "Kim Brian" and thanked them for their time.

WHEW! That's all I can say.

Was thinking about doing this program but not now. Has anybody contacted Cisco or Microsoft about them. I am sure they wouldn't be happy with them and may even take legal action.

I got an email today that I was "selected" for this program. Once I read the attachment and they are asking me for money I decided it was a scam right there. But decided to do my research anyway and come to find out it is a scam. Stay away from them!

I agree and thats to sites like this this scam was exposed I read through their list of docs. that were sent to me. They did have artitcle saying dont believe what the bloggers are saying but a scammer does not care who is being scammed so anybody who was contacted by these people run away. I also was contacted by Brian Kim. If it sounds to good to be true most likely it is.

I recieved a call today saying I was "selected" to interview for a intern position. I though this was nice and visited their site. Looked really nice but I knew to look else where before commiting to anything. I Google searched and came up with many sites saying stay away. That's enough for me. Too many negative responses equal problems. So take my advice I have researched this for over 3 hours straight today. Don't do it, I ereased the e-mail they sent me.

I agreed with you, Manendar. I am currently at the stage at which you are. I paid the $95 to one Mr. Patrick Pule at Tech pros Group and now I just called today to know what's up with my training only fof him to tell me that he is now the manager of some whatever department now so someone will contact me. After about 90mins, someone called me by name John Polanski. He was talking to me on phone as if we were quarreling that it's either I continue with the program or they will cancel me out. That I need to pay an additional $295 for registeration with 45 - 50 dollar payment for shipping and handling. Then also pay an additional $195 x 2 for training materials. He was so blunt and rude but I was not fooled to lose my temper as I decided to review people's assessment of the program. From my review, I can tell that this program is a scam. I will join any class action or legal actions against them.

I saw the Tech Pros Group add on career builder also, I decided to apply to see what happens the next day I get an email from Brain Kim he wanted me to call him and talk to him about a "potential internship" I called him and spoke to him, and he asked me why I wanted to join and stuff he then sent me an application to join I filled it out and sent it back to him with the ($95 application fee) later they send me another email saying I have order an engineering kit and gave me prices on how much that was so I decided to do some research with this company online and asked a few people and this one person I asked he had not heard of this company before he told me to stay away from them, so I later did some research online and found out that this company is a scam so I emailed Brian Kim back and told him that I was not interested in this program he responds by saying that he is confused on why I decided not to do the internship he tells me to call him back, so the next day I call Brain Kim back and it went to his voice mail I emailed him back and never received a response back. I also checked the BBB and the give Tech Pros Group an F and I filled an complaint against the company. This Tech Pros Group company is fraud stay away from them.

Thanks for the tip!

I just received the e-mail from them but thought I would do some homework first.

The one thing that got me was the $20 000 of free training. It sounded way too good to be true. I know how expensive education can be and I have yet to find a company who honestly wants to invest thousands of dollars in my education-aha.

DO NOT CALL OR GIVE TECH PROS GROUP A DIME. I saw an ad at Careerbuilder.com for this company Tech Pros Group. They will train me for free and then give me a great job! It sounds great. They were in small claims court about 2 weeks ago and lost about $5000. Wow, I mean, just wow. I am so glad I "did my homework" about Tech Pros Group before submitting an application to them. I am an Information and Computer Science major who is ready to graduate this August, and wanted to further my skill/certification set by enrolling in this program.

Priscilla Cloud
Deputy District Attorney
County of Orange
[protected]
Priscilla.Cloud@da.ocgov.com

Here is someone else to contact - stoptpg@yahoo.com.