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International Private Investigators Union, Law Offices Of Attorney Services, Bureau Of Business Ethics False and Misleading ripoff Bigfork Montana
I am an ex-employee of IPIU and I am here to tell you that they are NOT "International. They are located in Bigfork, Montana and all of the "international" phone numbers are forwarded to the Montana office. As is all of the mail. While I worked with them, I repeatedly had to handle complaints and late shipments, as well as had access to some of the financial records, in which it was patently obvious that they had taken money for "membership' and badges etc, and that they had not in fact ben mailed out, even though some of them had been over a year old!!!!
This company is also know as Law Offices of Attorney Services and the "director" A certain Jeremy Lancaster was investigated and fined in Idaho for deceptive business practices. Additionally, the Legal affairs person, Sarah Livingston, is actually Jeremy Lancaster, using a fake name. Also, if you were to go to their website, www.ipiu.org/forums you will find that almost every name that is in a Management position is actually him, using different names.
There aren't any offices in London, nor are there any in Canada. This company provides minimal training, and the only jobs you will get from them are either mystery shopper jobs, (which you can get all by yourself), or jobs in which you go to bars and the like to see if they are illlegally showing PPV shows, such as boxing or some other event. These will be a few times a year.
This website,http://www.detectivetraining.com/investigator_training.html#ans12 has a lot to say about this company, and it is all true!
INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS UNION
International Private Investigators Union, also known as IPIU, is the most blatant of all unethical scams in the industry. They run a classic "Bait and Switch" scam by running classified internet ads nationwide under help wanted Attorney Services. The unsuspecting job seeker is then directed to join IPIU for $59-$89 and made to believe that it is a legitimate union or private investigator association and members will be receiving private investigator related jobs which they never do. They also require members to fill out FBI fingerprint cards and have them pay for an FBI warrant check which is never done and, in fact, illegal to do.
IPIU's misdirects the viewer on its website into believing that they are located in Canada by using a Canadian PO Box and phone number but which call forwards to it real offices in Montana. By misdirecting its complaints to the Better Business Bureau in Canada, IPIU avoids any scrutiny by U.S. law enforcement authorities. IPIU will not divulge the owner's name or their physical address which is not characteristic of an ethically run, law enforcement related business.
IPIU's offices are located at 470 Electric Ave., Bigfork, Mt. 59911. The owner is Jeremy Lancaster, 55 years, and runs the business with his wife, Jean. They have three offices at that location with the signs Attorney Services and Bureau for Business Ethics on the outside. Former employees have said that they left their jobs because of ethical reasons. Public records indicate the following legal action against Jeremy Lancaster: $4,367 state tax lien in 1996, $5,748.00 federal tax lien in 2000 and a $129,151.00 federal tax lien in 2000.
DTI believes that IPIU should refund all monies to its members because of its deceptive marketing tactics. If you have been victimized by IPIU, you are encouraged to contact the Montana Attorney General's office and file a consumer complaint. They can be reached at: Montana Attorney General's Office, Consumer Affairs Unit, Box 200501, Helena, MT 59620 or call (406) 444-4312.
Edward
Seattle, Washington
U.S.A.
7 Updates & Rebuttals
Robert
Chicago,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Response to Rebuttal
#8UPDATE Employee
Fri, April 23, 2004
IPIU- If anyone wishes to contact any of the authorities that Edward has implicated that my office or IPIU has been the subject of, please do so. Since IPIU was founded there has never been a single government complaint or action brought against the International Private Investigators Union or the office of the president.
Response- This is being done. Several government agencies are involved. I myself have filed a complaint against IPIU at the FBI internet fraud division and the Attorney General's office in Montana. At this point, it is just a matter of time before the noose begins to tighten. Unfortunately government agencies have many hurdles and red tape to go through when dealing with these situations. It may take up to two years to bring Jeremy Lancaster to justice.
IPIU- Although the worldwide internet provides freedom of speech and the ability for anyone to post a personal opinion, it does provide the right for anyone to malign the character of any private person or misstate the record of any organization, either out-of-context or otherwise.
Response- I welcome IPIU to provide proof that they are not run by Jeremy Lancaster and his wife in Big Fork, Montana. I also welcome IPIU to prove that Jeremy has never been prosecuted for fraud. I also invite him to provide proof that IPIU has ever helped a customer find a job outside of mystery shopping and anti-piracy assignments (I did several of these and didn't earn a cent). Make sure you provide phone numbers so that others can confirm your evidence.
Ann Marie Ryan
Belleville,Ontario,
Canada
IPIU's President: No one has the right to malign the character or misstate the record.
#8REBUTTAL Owner of company
Sat, February 21, 2004
I have forwarded a copy of the alias Edward's recent comment to our president. The following is his directive:
QUOTE:
----------------------
If anyone wishes to contact our corporate offices and the Secretary of Corporate Affairs to verify that the comments posted by Edward are both false and absurd, please do so during our normal business hours.
If anyone wishes to contact any of the authorities that Edward has implicated that my office or IPIU has been the subject of, please do so. Since IPIU was founded there has never been a single government complaint or action brought against the International Private Investigators Union or the office of the president.
Although the worldwide internet provides freedom of speech and the ability for anyone to post a personal opinion, it does provide the right for anyone to malign the character of any private person or misstate the record of any organization, either out-of-context or otherwise.
Nevertheless, I encourage all to visit our public web site at http://www.ipiu.org/ and our public interactive discussion forums at http://www.ipiu.org/forums/ . Our union members, management policies, benefits, guarantees, unsolicited testimonials, and corporate procedures speak for themselves.
Don Merritt
President IPIU
president@ipiu.org
800-548-1526, Extension 11
-----------------------
Sincerely,
Board of Ethics
Legal Affairs IPIU
legal@ipiu.org
Edward
Seattle,Washington,
U.S.A.
More lies!!!
#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, February 21, 2004
First of all, I, like Jeremy, on so many of his forum postings, including Anne Marie Ryan, am using an assumed name. This however is to protect myself and my family.
yes, I AM an ex-employee of IPIU. In BIGFORK!!
Second, there is not anyone in the employ of IPIU et al that is named Anne Marie Ryan, there isn't a legal department in Belleview, Ontario, Canada, as there isn't any office there. Just as he did in Idaho, Jeremy is using a drop box that then gets forwarded to his office in Bigfork, MT. As do the phone #'s in Canada. I know, I would have to have them call the number, then get one of the other employees answer the phone when it rang, so that it would sound different!
In the time that I worked here, in depth, I never came across anyone that was part of the IPIU forums, that was from a different country than the US. The supposed people that are from LONDON, are in fact imaginary, and I urge Jeremy to prove with verifiable address and telephones of people that are in London. Although this would also be fabricated just like the supposed office in Canada. Except for the fact that I have real contacts there that could verify whether there is an office there, as is perpetrated in the forums.
Look, The director is named Jeremy Lancaster, regardless of what is stated in the rebuttal.
As to IPIU revoking the Detective Training I really don't think that it even matters. As for the "training manual" you receive free, after you pay $89.00 for further access to the website, it is rudimentary at best, and it is NOT going to get you trained. Why do you think that he sell books about becoming a detective? By the way, I used to have Administrator rights to the forums, and it is not all that hot. Even as an administrator, I had trouble finding things. Nearly every forum on the WWw is free. Additionally, the other schools out there are just that, schools. IPIU is not, it is a forum website. True, there are a lot of members, but, hey, the truth is getting out!!! Besides, it it really was a union for private detectives, then why aren't there a lot of private investigators that are part of it?
In response to jeremy's comments, oh I am sorry, Anne marie Ryan's comments, I don't think it will adversely affect anyone's life if they are denied an endorsement by IPIU!! PLEASE, who do you really think you are?
Yes, Mr. lancaster is right, people should their research this themselves, and if you want to spend $89.00 to get the membership, then it's your money. My beef isn't with the IPIU forums, as they is okay. My beef is with the lies and deception as to where they are. Also, I am tired of all the legal threats that Mr. lancaster perpetrates against anyone that tries to tell the truth.
What is being hidden? Why all of the threats for disclosure of public information?
If you want to get more information on this company, then get in touch with the Oregon Board of Investigators, or the Illinois State Attorney General. Or, lok up public records on jeremy Lancaster in Idaho, or in Montana!
Again, yes he is the director of IPIU, as well as Law Offices of Attorney Services, Bureau of Business Ethics (That's ironic!) and CWN which is the book selling part of IPIU.
Again to re-iterate, I am an ex-employee!!
Edward
Seattle,Washington,
U.S.A.
More lies!!!
#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, February 21, 2004
First of all, I, like Jeremy, on so many of his forum postings, including Anne Marie Ryan, am using an assumed name. This however is to protect myself and my family.
yes, I AM an ex-employee of IPIU. In BIGFORK!!
Second, there is not anyone in the employ of IPIU et al that is named Anne Marie Ryan, there isn't a legal department in Belleview, Ontario, Canada, as there isn't any office there. Just as he did in Idaho, Jeremy is using a drop box that then gets forwarded to his office in Bigfork, MT. As do the phone #'s in Canada. I know, I would have to have them call the number, then get one of the other employees answer the phone when it rang, so that it would sound different!
In the time that I worked here, in depth, I never came across anyone that was part of the IPIU forums, that was from a different country than the US. The supposed people that are from LONDON, are in fact imaginary, and I urge Jeremy to prove with verifiable address and telephones of people that are in London. Although this would also be fabricated just like the supposed office in Canada. Except for the fact that I have real contacts there that could verify whether there is an office there, as is perpetrated in the forums.
Look, The director is named Jeremy Lancaster, regardless of what is stated in the rebuttal.
As to IPIU revoking the Detective Training I really don't think that it even matters. As for the "training manual" you receive free, after you pay $89.00 for further access to the website, it is rudimentary at best, and it is NOT going to get you trained. Why do you think that he sell books about becoming a detective? By the way, I used to have Administrator rights to the forums, and it is not all that hot. Even as an administrator, I had trouble finding things. Nearly every forum on the WWw is free. Additionally, the other schools out there are just that, schools. IPIU is not, it is a forum website. True, there are a lot of members, but, hey, the truth is getting out!!! Besides, it it really was a union for private detectives, then why aren't there a lot of private investigators that are part of it?
In response to jeremy's comments, oh I am sorry, Anne marie Ryan's comments, I don't think it will adversely affect anyone's life if they are denied an endorsement by IPIU!! PLEASE, who do you really think you are?
Yes, Mr. lancaster is right, people should their research this themselves, and if you want to spend $89.00 to get the membership, then it's your money. My beef isn't with the IPIU forums, as they is okay. My beef is with the lies and deception as to where they are. Also, I am tired of all the legal threats that Mr. lancaster perpetrates against anyone that tries to tell the truth.
What is being hidden? Why all of the threats for disclosure of public information?
If you want to get more information on this company, then get in touch with the Oregon Board of Investigators, or the Illinois State Attorney General. Or, lok up public records on jeremy Lancaster in Idaho, or in Montana!
Again, yes he is the director of IPIU, as well as Law Offices of Attorney Services, Bureau of Business Ethics (That's ironic!) and CWN which is the book selling part of IPIU.
Again to re-iterate, I am an ex-employee!!
Edward
Seattle,Washington,
U.S.A.
More lies!!!
#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, February 21, 2004
First of all, I, like Jeremy, on so many of his forum postings, including Anne Marie Ryan, am using an assumed name. This however is to protect myself and my family.
yes, I AM an ex-employee of IPIU. In BIGFORK!!
Second, there is not anyone in the employ of IPIU et al that is named Anne Marie Ryan, there isn't a legal department in Belleview, Ontario, Canada, as there isn't any office there. Just as he did in Idaho, Jeremy is using a drop box that then gets forwarded to his office in Bigfork, MT. As do the phone #'s in Canada. I know, I would have to have them call the number, then get one of the other employees answer the phone when it rang, so that it would sound different!
In the time that I worked here, in depth, I never came across anyone that was part of the IPIU forums, that was from a different country than the US. The supposed people that are from LONDON, are in fact imaginary, and I urge Jeremy to prove with verifiable address and telephones of people that are in London. Although this would also be fabricated just like the supposed office in Canada. Except for the fact that I have real contacts there that could verify whether there is an office there, as is perpetrated in the forums.
Look, The director is named Jeremy Lancaster, regardless of what is stated in the rebuttal.
As to IPIU revoking the Detective Training I really don't think that it even matters. As for the "training manual" you receive free, after you pay $89.00 for further access to the website, it is rudimentary at best, and it is NOT going to get you trained. Why do you think that he sell books about becoming a detective? By the way, I used to have Administrator rights to the forums, and it is not all that hot. Even as an administrator, I had trouble finding things. Nearly every forum on the WWw is free. Additionally, the other schools out there are just that, schools. IPIU is not, it is a forum website. True, there are a lot of members, but, hey, the truth is getting out!!! Besides, it it really was a union for private detectives, then why aren't there a lot of private investigators that are part of it?
In response to jeremy's comments, oh I am sorry, Anne marie Ryan's comments, I don't think it will adversely affect anyone's life if they are denied an endorsement by IPIU!! PLEASE, who do you really think you are?
Yes, Mr. lancaster is right, people should their research this themselves, and if you want to spend $89.00 to get the membership, then it's your money. My beef isn't with the IPIU forums, as they is okay. My beef is with the lies and deception as to where they are. Also, I am tired of all the legal threats that Mr. lancaster perpetrates against anyone that tries to tell the truth.
What is being hidden? Why all of the threats for disclosure of public information?
If you want to get more information on this company, then get in touch with the Oregon Board of Investigators, or the Illinois State Attorney General. Or, lok up public records on jeremy Lancaster in Idaho, or in Montana!
Again, yes he is the director of IPIU, as well as Law Offices of Attorney Services, Bureau of Business Ethics (That's ironic!) and CWN which is the book selling part of IPIU.
Again to re-iterate, I am an ex-employee!!
Edward
Seattle,Washington,
U.S.A.
More lies!!!
#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, February 21, 2004
First of all, I, like Jeremy, on so many of his forum postings, including Anne Marie Ryan, am using an assumed name. This however is to protect myself and my family.
yes, I AM an ex-employee of IPIU. In BIGFORK!!
Second, there is not anyone in the employ of IPIU et al that is named Anne Marie Ryan, there isn't a legal department in Belleview, Ontario, Canada, as there isn't any office there. Just as he did in Idaho, Jeremy is using a drop box that then gets forwarded to his office in Bigfork, MT. As do the phone #'s in Canada. I know, I would have to have them call the number, then get one of the other employees answer the phone when it rang, so that it would sound different!
In the time that I worked here, in depth, I never came across anyone that was part of the IPIU forums, that was from a different country than the US. The supposed people that are from LONDON, are in fact imaginary, and I urge Jeremy to prove with verifiable address and telephones of people that are in London. Although this would also be fabricated just like the supposed office in Canada. Except for the fact that I have real contacts there that could verify whether there is an office there, as is perpetrated in the forums.
Look, The director is named Jeremy Lancaster, regardless of what is stated in the rebuttal.
As to IPIU revoking the Detective Training I really don't think that it even matters. As for the "training manual" you receive free, after you pay $89.00 for further access to the website, it is rudimentary at best, and it is NOT going to get you trained. Why do you think that he sell books about becoming a detective? By the way, I used to have Administrator rights to the forums, and it is not all that hot. Even as an administrator, I had trouble finding things. Nearly every forum on the WWw is free. Additionally, the other schools out there are just that, schools. IPIU is not, it is a forum website. True, there are a lot of members, but, hey, the truth is getting out!!! Besides, it it really was a union for private detectives, then why aren't there a lot of private investigators that are part of it?
In response to jeremy's comments, oh I am sorry, Anne marie Ryan's comments, I don't think it will adversely affect anyone's life if they are denied an endorsement by IPIU!! PLEASE, who do you really think you are?
Yes, Mr. lancaster is right, people should their research this themselves, and if you want to spend $89.00 to get the membership, then it's your money. My beef isn't with the IPIU forums, as they is okay. My beef is with the lies and deception as to where they are. Also, I am tired of all the legal threats that Mr. lancaster perpetrates against anyone that tries to tell the truth.
What is being hidden? Why all of the threats for disclosure of public information?
If you want to get more information on this company, then get in touch with the Oregon Board of Investigators, or the Illinois State Attorney General. Or, lok up public records on jeremy Lancaster in Idaho, or in Montana!
Again, yes he is the director of IPIU, as well as Law Offices of Attorney Services, Bureau of Business Ethics (That's ironic!) and CWN which is the book selling part of IPIU.
Again to re-iterate, I am an ex-employee!!
Ann Marie Ryan
Belleville,Ontario,
Canada
Board of Ethics - Legal Affairs
#8UPDATE Employee
Fri, February 20, 2004
The author wrote:
"I am an ex-employee of IPIU."
Answer:
There is and has never been any employee of IPIU by the name of Edward. Nor has IPIU ever had anyone employed in Seattle, Washington.
The author wrote:
. . . they are NOT "International
Answer:
The author fails to take the time to browse the more than 20,000 members at http://www.ipiu.org/forums/ and to view their personal profile, comments, and location. However, all forum members who have passed their identity checks have access to the private Level 2, 3, 4 areas of more than 100 interactive forums where members are free to discuss, using their real names without threat from unknown people whose only mission is to disrupt.
The author wrote:
international" phone numbers are forwarded.
Answer:
Yes and no. USA callers can be rerouted to a USA support center or a Canadian center, depending on their caller ID. This technology has been made available to many organizations to better handle the servicing of members. Some companies reroute their callers to India for support. The USA support center is nothing more than that namely a support center that is an outsource for IPIU.
The author wrote:
as well as had access to some of the financial records
. . .
Answer:
As mentioned, Edward is not and has never been an employee. No employee has access to IPIU's financial records except the Corporate Treasurer and CPA under the direction of the president.
The author wrote:
had taken money for "membership' and badges etc, and that they had not in fact been mailed out.
Answer:
Our time table is clearly posted for delivery times on all membership packages, books, and products. If a member is paying by personal check, then the hold time is 3 weeks. If paying by credit card, then there is no hold time, but there is a time table posted at http://www.ipiu.org/forums/
Although Custom Badges and Wallets require 4-8 weeks because there are two manufacturers involved, there are no internal or external facts to support an allegation of a year waiting period. IPIU is also under all federal and state statutes to refund a purchase if the wait time exceeds our time tables and those of the statutes. Additionally, IPIU has a written 100% money back guarantee to all members.
Further, all book purchases and other products are available to be posted at our interactive forums for review for others to read. Two years ago we posted a POLL asking members to rate the quality and service of specific products and services. The ratings have proven that Edwards comments are unfounded and unsupported.
The author wrote:
the "director" A certain Jeremy Lancaster
Answer:
IPIU has no such named corporate director. Since IPIU was founded as a non-profit association in 1989 and later formally incorporated all of the officers and director's names have been of public record.
The author wrote:
the only jobs you will get . . .
Answer:
IPIU is not in the business of primarily promoting memberships that only lead to jobs. The author has failed to read IPIU's Mission Statement at http://www.ipiu.org/ and has failed to digest the IPIU Benefits that encompass more than just access to weekly assignments posted for private investigators, as well as other assignments for mystery shopping. Further, the author has failed to read any of the unsolicited testimonials posted at http://www.ipiu.org/ . Although trainees who become educated through the IPIU Manual and testing are grateful to get assigned to jobs, there are many more benefits that the author appears to ignore. Membership is not for everyone. Our Code of Ethics and Forum Rules are among the most stringent in the world.
The author wrote:
detectivetraining has a lot to say about IPIU.
Answer:
The author's reference pertains to a mail order school who had it's course endorsement revoked by IPIU as being an endorsed and recommended mail order company to recommend to more than 40,000 IPIU members worldwide. Endorsed schools and companies are required to abide by our Code of Ethics. It appears the mail order school has a lot to say about all other competitive schools and organizations that have a training manual. Detectivetraining's cost for their training manual is $500-$600, while most of the other companies listed at their site charge less. IPIU's manual and examination is free to all union members. Membership is as low as $89.00 . With the loss of an IPIU endorsement, most rational people can draw their own conclusions why a company would post abusive and misleading falsehoods.
We also encourage everyone to take the time to judge for yourselves.
Sincerely,
Board of Ethics
Legal Affairs - IPIU Unit
legal@ipiu.org