Complaint Review: Primerica

I am in the stages of mental breakdown due to the fact that my full time job will probably be eliminated at the end of this month. I have been on the websites each day posting my resume. I got a call the other day from someone for PFS Investments. The person said they were opening 25 new locations in the area and were looking for people to work at the offices. He saw that I currently work as an accountant and a human resource manager. He also noticed that I had no degree, but I do have a long work history in my position. He said that generally they look for people with a degree, but my work history would be just as beneficial to the hiring process. We set up an appointent the next evening, where he told me we would be having our 'group orientation'. I thought this sounded interesting, and knew that I had to go to this interview because I have to find a job.

I was nervous, stayed late after work and made sure my hair and makeup was fine. I got there 15 minutes early to talk to the man I spoke with on the phone. He was very personable, and asked of my work background and what I wanted to do. We spoke of our connection with property management, he had done so in the past as I do now. That was our common ground.
The presentation began.

I thought at first, this is a wonderful way to introduce potential employees to your workplace. I also thought it to be excessive, but in the industry I work in, time is money, we don't have either to 'wow' our future associates to this length. I have never worked directly in the banking industry, so what did I know? It seemed ligit....until he mentioned the fees you had to pay for your criminal background check. Not one time did he mention any particular position. They explained what their company did. They showed us examples of their banking stuff and their numbers, they bragged about themselves and blah blah. The most interesting part to me was that they enjoyed helping people. They said they wanted to find people that enjoyed helping familes, business'; debt relief. Not once did they say anything about selling. Actually, they pretty much seemed to just say they were opening the 25 offices and they needed people to help them.

They did put up a graph that showed the income/comission on a VP of Primerica. They didn't explain where these figures came from or if this was your only source of income. There were other subtle hints I noticed, but did not fully realize until I got home.

The application says something about bringing your spouse, paying the application (fees).
Being an HR Manager, and working for a very cheap company, I do say one thing, they do not ask the employees to pay for their own background check or their own licensing. If they did, it wouldn't be over $200.00!
My husband said it was a scam and so did my mother. Only till I found this message board I find it all coming together.

It is so sad, because I really put so much work into my resume and references, and racked up my phone bill to get letters of recommenations from old bosses. I am quite angry that he wasn't up front with me from the phone call.

I know I can find a job, but this is rediculous. I was really excited! Let me say one last thing, it is d**n sad when companies start charging employees to work for them.

Amber
Erlanger, Kentucky
U.S.A.