I had an interesting event happen this past week. I received a call from one of those companies that promotes signing up with their coaching/mentoring service. They say that they can offer guarantees on your results if you follow their instructions.

First of all, no one can “guarantee” any results. Although, you can follow the guidance of those that have been succussful, they cannot guarantee your success. Your success is completely dependent on how hard and smart you work.

After our initial conversation, the caller said that they could recommend me to their consultant who could talk to me right then. I asked for a later date and a confirming email.

When I received the email, I first noticed that the caller only listed their first name with no company name, phone number, etc. I also entered the domain name from the email and discovered that it went nowhere. It was a blind email address. Two BIG red flags.

I replied back asking for the company name and their website. I received a website with a different name from the email, although they tried to claim that they were not trying to hide the name.

WHen I check the website, it showed a different company name. In other words the website I was given re-directed me to another website. Another red flag.

I then went to the Better Business Bureau and found that this company was going under several different names, and had a C rating from the BBB. It also stated that there were multiple complaints with several open items. Complaints were involving refund of money.

I then did a google search and found many more complaints including a blog from someone who had worked there and was revealing the the scam. In fact, the people who had testimonials on the website only listed their first names. (Another Red Flag) He revealed their full names and that they were all employees or other associates of the owner. Not real satisfied customers at all. Also many of the complaints revealed that, despite their claim that their counselors where people who had made a million dollars or more a year, they were hired to offer the counseling and they were using scripts.

Although there are many good companies out there, make sure you do your homework. Otherwise, you may become one of those scammed for thousands of dollars.