ICS magazine Sales young adults held hostage Del Rayt , Florida
ICS magazine sales came to Phoenix AZ advertising for young adults 18-23 yrs. of age. My son who is 19 thought that he would like to try selling magazines for college money and I encouraged him to apply. I encouraged him to apply.
This was the biggest mistake of my and my entire family's life. They hired him that very day, and informed him that a manager would come to take him to Phx. as we live 90+ miles away from Phx.
I felt nervous and uneasy after meeting so called "manager" named Vince. He looked like a reject from the mafiosa or something else unsavory. It was like pulling teeth to get the name of parent company.
But my son wanted to prove to us that he could make it work and went with Vince.
One day later I discovered all the complaints and warnings. I tried to reach my son at the number V. had given us but it was too late. They were gone.
It has now been a month since I have seen my son. He has called 3 times from "the bosses " phone. He is not allowed to have his own cell phone,money etc. I asked him if he wanted his laptop and was told they are not allowed anything like this.
He has only been able to leave the motels etc where they stay in groups, never alone. He does not have access to a phone to call us. I had to lie and tell the boss man that it was a family emergency to get to speak with my son.
Two weeks ago I got a call at 10 pm from a El Paso policeman, who had my son in the back of his car. My son had him call me to get the boss mans phone number because he did NOT have it and was left in a very dangerous area to sell magazines. I was shocked and alarmed needless to say.
Apparently after I gave the number to the police and my son, a woman supervisor came and picked him up. I know this thanks to the officer who called me right back after my son left. He asked me what he was supposed to be doing there in that section.
I told him that he was selling magazine subscription and then he told me that my son had been accosted by gang members and it was only by the grace of God that the cops were driving by at that time. He told me he was a parent and understood and that was why he called me back.
I have not heard from my son since that night. I have called the boss and been told they would have him call home, but no calls as of yet.
I am terrified for my child. He does not sound coherent when I did speak with him. Like he was drugged or something else.
ICS has taken my child hostage. He has no way to get in touch with us if he needs to. I pray daily and jump for the phone every time it rings.
There is no way to get ahold of these people.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Abee
Crossville,Tennessee,
A little extra info
#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, May 26, 2014
I see that this report is a little old, but hear me out.
From personal experience, your son may not be allowed to go home, meaning he's as good as held hostage. I worked for ICS-Crew 10 for two years and for those two years, I wasn't allowed to enter both TN (I had family there) or SC (where I joined, and my mother lived).
I was left on the side of a highway in Nebraska with only a quarter of my possessions and no money what-so-ever, and I was only 19.
While on the road, I was abused physically and emotionally by nearly every member of the crew, including my manager who had stated several times that he hated me. I was raped and my manager had the whole crew taunt me and call me a w***e.
These people are the worst kind of people you could ever meet, and they will try anything to get your money. They are unstable and controlling and WILL do harm to anyone they think is threatening their little scam.
If your son has still not come back, try and form a code of some sort to get him to tell you where he is. A girl in my crew did that -her and her father had the alphabet to numbers, i.e. 1-11 was AL (Alabama)- and she was able to escape like that.
It took two years and nearly starving for me to finally get my freedom, but I'm still plagued by their phone calls asking where I've gone and what I'm up to.
Once you have your son back, block any number they called from or get a new phone -otherwise they will terrorize you as they have done to myself and several others I know.
I wish you all the best, and I hope everything turns out, for the sake of your family.
And if you ever see a young magazine sells-person (anyone over 24 are usually in on everything, and have been there the longest, since the ads and members are looking out for anyone 18-21) call the cops, don't turn them away. If they look nervous or scared or sick or anything, they're more than likely there against their will.
ICS has since changed its name and phone number -I would have given you the main office number, but it's no longer a valid number. I'm so sorry.
ginbug
mims,Florida,
United States of America
I think I just saw your son!
#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, April 02, 2012
A young man came to my house yesterday trying to sell magazines for this I.C.S company. He said that he was 19 yrs. old and was trying to win a contest by selling the most magazines. He said that 1st prize was $15,000 that the company was giving to be used for either college or to start a business and that his goal & life long dream was to open his own music store. I did not really believe this story and figured that he used to music thing because he saw all my husbands guitars behind me when I opened the door. He said that he played drums and his uncle had taught him to play guitar back when he lived in Las Vegas. He seemed like a very nice and polite young man; but also somewhat nervious. I told him that he should come back sometime to "play" with my husband and gave him his email. I ended up buying 2 mags. from him; but was really uneasy about the whole thing and after he left I got online to look this company up and thats when I found this site and report. The picture even with the sunglasses looked just like him. I cannot remember his name; but the signature on the reciept looks like it may start with a J & last name may start with H. If you could post another picture without the glasses then I would know for sure if this was the guy that was here. I too am a mother, and could not imagine what you are going through! If this turns out to be your son, I hope that this will lead you closer to him!! Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with!