Ohio Events Group Pyramid Scheme, get-rich-quick scheme, confuse, string along, trick, manipulate Worthington Ohio
The Ohio Events Group had a very enticing post on careerbuilder which, naively, I responded to. It advertised an entry-level event marketing position with no experience needed. They contacted me soon after receiving my resume and asked me to come in the next day, without realizing I wasn't even located in the same state. When I asked if I could schedule for another week their receptionist, Ashley, told me they might not have any positions.
I was also told over several interactions with Ashley over the phone to dress professionally and to bring a hard copy of my resume. When I asked about their website she told me they just moved from Wisconsin and didn't have one yet.
I made a trip to Ohio to complete a few interviews and showed up to an interview that was intentionally double-booked. Lonnie talked our ears off using "hot words" like "promotions, mentoring, training, etc." but hardly gave us any time to talk. Confused, I was the first to leave wondering why I hadn't said more.
I was then called back by Lonnie himself for a second interview because he liked my enthusiasm among other things like potential. More "hot words". I was told again to dress professionally and this time to wear comfortable shoes as I was going to shadow a training manager to an event.
There were so many ways these people manipulate you. They never mentioned what these "events" were that they were "coordinating". It wasn't until half-way through an hour-long car ride that I learned there was no event at all: I was being taken to a Wal-Mart where we would sell fundraiser items to benefit a charity.
To my embarrassment, I was obligated to stand outside this Wal-Mart with these people as they harrassed the patrons until their work day was over. Then we drove back to the office where Lonnie said the manager, who is very selective had only good things to say about me (of course she did - I wasn't about to be stranded an hour away from my car!) and offered me a position.
He didn't have me sign anything or give me a single piece of paper for that matter. All I have left from the trip are my own gas and travel expenses, his "business card", I'm out a copy of my resume, a day and a half of my life, and I wish I could have saved myself the shame and embarrassment.
I hope this helps someone else. It is a total rip-off and I'm ashamed to say I almost fell for it.
Zuut878
Billings, Alabama
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
College Grad.
Warren,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Just a response
#3Consumer Comment
Mon, October 13, 2008
I completely understand what you went through. I went through the same thing with a different company in Ohio. Being that I live here, I get calls from companies like this all the time. I fell for 2 of them because they said some of the same things!
I will let you know that there are places like this all over Ohio. They go by different names, have different "ideals" and different "hot words" to make you think that they aren't like the "other guys"!! When in fact they are all the same.
So be careful when you are looking at "intro. marketing firms" in Ohio. They are more than likely all the same! If it weren't for your rip-off report, I would have taken the chance and drove back down to Columbus for the same thing again! I would have wasted time, money and gas for nothing!
The other firms that I have gone to, I have posted rip-off reports on, so if you get anymore offers, make sure you google it! Or look them up on here! Thanks again for your report! You've saved me and I'm sure other people that were thinking they were getting a great opportunity!
Zuut878
Billings,Alabama,
U.S.A.
update
#3Author of original report
Mon, September 29, 2008
After looking carefully at other Rip-Off Reports, I am certain that the Ohio Events Group is the new name for CAP marketing, Dot the I Promotions, and other names associated with these.
In fact, when I originally googled the company I came up with a website for Dot the I Promotions. I called Ashley to see if their company was also known as DTI, she told me it wasn't.
But Dot the I Promotions and Ohio Events Group both have their names on the plaque outside of Suite H in the Lakeview Plaza. I think this matches up with what others have said about changing the name and then denying any link with the former name that has a bad reputation.