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SmartCertify Direct Requested enough information for Identity Theft ripoff Clearwater Florida
I started receiving unsolicited calls from Jack Klipp, Sales Representative for SmartCertify Direct starting 10-21-2004. He directed me to http://tour.smartcertify.com and talked me through a very slick presentation regarding their training options, industry backing and company guarantee.
When I finished the tour, Mr. Klipp asked me questions about how I felt about my professional success up to this point, how important I thought certifications might be and how much of a committment I would be willing to make to realize professional success.
It was a hard sell with Jack's manager, BIll Rohrbough coming on line to explain the deal he could offer - $3,999 for only $2,000 in the form of a non-interest loan. After many reassurances that they are a publically traded company and have an on-line student base from industry leaders (Oracle, Microsoft, etc.), I finally relented and started to give them contact information. I balked when I was asked for my Social Security number. After more assurances, I gave them that information along with the other requests - Drivers License number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, etc.
Only after being alerted by a concerned friend to the kind of reports listed on Ripoff Reports.com did I become concerned. My concerted efforts unfortunately started after 6:00 PM when SmartCertify's offices close. Since then, I have taken appropriate steps to change the checking account at my bank, inlist the aide of the Credit Inform [(866) 226-3745] services offered through my personal credit card and ID Alert service.
I will contact SmartCertify's Jack Klipp at my earliest opportunity to attempt cancellation of my transaction; the results of which will follow if they're harrowing.
Ron
Silver Spring, Maryland
U.S.A.
10 Updates & Rebuttals
Nicholas
Morgan City,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
So many miss the point
#11Consumer Suggestion
Thu, January 06, 2005
I am bashing the company. My bashing has not a single thing to do with my or other's so-called "lack of motivation". Great! The company has 566 million in capital. You mean to tell me that just because a company has a large amount of capital, that they cannot still rip people off? I'm not sure what Earth you live on, but as I have seen it, it's the shady businesses that usually make the most money.
As for computers and it not being for everyone, that may be true. Unfortunately, though, it has nothing to do with my issues with the company. I am quite well versed in computers. In fact, I have my own business designing websites for businesses. Everything about web design I taught myself, on the Internet, for free.
From my experience with computers as well as web design, I easily saw the numerous flaws in their system. The flaws I encountered were the same ones that a friend of mine had encountered two years before me signing up with Smart Certify. Unfortunately, I did not know all of this before I signed up with them. So you mean, that "leaders" in the computer e-learning field can't even fix a problem on their website that has existed for two years?
Furthermore, one of the incidents involved Mr. Jason Shields of Smart Certify making a false statement against me. When the Pinellas County DOJ asked him if he could prove it, he said there was no possible way. The issue was he could not find out if I had actually "downloaded" 10 different offline courses or if it was 10 "attempts" to download the same offline course. He stated it was not possible for even their IT department to find out.
Geeze Louise! You don't need a whole IT department for that. It's called a "raw server log". Every single web server I have ever encountered has that at the very least.
I have written to the CEO and CFO of SkillSoft. I only received a canned response that contradicted what the SmartCertify division stated. Their left hand doesn't know what their right hand is doing.
Too many things just don't add up with that company. It is these reasons why I am filing a complaint with the Attorney General of the State of Florida and urge many others to do the same. It is time that consumers stand up to multimillion dollar corporations and tell them that we will not be ripped off and just take it.
As a closing note, I truly wish people would stop thinking that just because a company has a large amount of "capital" means that they are 100% legit and play by the rules.
Nicholas
Morgan City,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
So many miss the point
#11Consumer Suggestion
Thu, January 06, 2005
I am bashing the company. My bashing has not a single thing to do with my or other's so-called "lack of motivation". Great! The company has 566 million in capital. You mean to tell me that just because a company has a large amount of capital, that they cannot still rip people off? I'm not sure what Earth you live on, but as I have seen it, it's the shady businesses that usually make the most money.
As for computers and it not being for everyone, that may be true. Unfortunately, though, it has nothing to do with my issues with the company. I am quite well versed in computers. In fact, I have my own business designing websites for businesses. Everything about web design I taught myself, on the Internet, for free.
From my experience with computers as well as web design, I easily saw the numerous flaws in their system. The flaws I encountered were the same ones that a friend of mine had encountered two years before me signing up with Smart Certify. Unfortunately, I did not know all of this before I signed up with them. So you mean, that "leaders" in the computer e-learning field can't even fix a problem on their website that has existed for two years?
Furthermore, one of the incidents involved Mr. Jason Shields of Smart Certify making a false statement against me. When the Pinellas County DOJ asked him if he could prove it, he said there was no possible way. The issue was he could not find out if I had actually "downloaded" 10 different offline courses or if it was 10 "attempts" to download the same offline course. He stated it was not possible for even their IT department to find out.
Geeze Louise! You don't need a whole IT department for that. It's called a "raw server log". Every single web server I have ever encountered has that at the very least.
I have written to the CEO and CFO of SkillSoft. I only received a canned response that contradicted what the SmartCertify division stated. Their left hand doesn't know what their right hand is doing.
Too many things just don't add up with that company. It is these reasons why I am filing a complaint with the Attorney General of the State of Florida and urge many others to do the same. It is time that consumers stand up to multimillion dollar corporations and tell them that we will not be ripped off and just take it.
As a closing note, I truly wish people would stop thinking that just because a company has a large amount of "capital" means that they are 100% legit and play by the rules.
Nicholas
Morgan City,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
So many miss the point
#11Consumer Suggestion
Thu, January 06, 2005
I am bashing the company. My bashing has not a single thing to do with my or other's so-called "lack of motivation". Great! The company has 566 million in capital. You mean to tell me that just because a company has a large amount of capital, that they cannot still rip people off? I'm not sure what Earth you live on, but as I have seen it, it's the shady businesses that usually make the most money.
As for computers and it not being for everyone, that may be true. Unfortunately, though, it has nothing to do with my issues with the company. I am quite well versed in computers. In fact, I have my own business designing websites for businesses. Everything about web design I taught myself, on the Internet, for free.
From my experience with computers as well as web design, I easily saw the numerous flaws in their system. The flaws I encountered were the same ones that a friend of mine had encountered two years before me signing up with Smart Certify. Unfortunately, I did not know all of this before I signed up with them. So you mean, that "leaders" in the computer e-learning field can't even fix a problem on their website that has existed for two years?
Furthermore, one of the incidents involved Mr. Jason Shields of Smart Certify making a false statement against me. When the Pinellas County DOJ asked him if he could prove it, he said there was no possible way. The issue was he could not find out if I had actually "downloaded" 10 different offline courses or if it was 10 "attempts" to download the same offline course. He stated it was not possible for even their IT department to find out.
Geeze Louise! You don't need a whole IT department for that. It's called a "raw server log". Every single web server I have ever encountered has that at the very least.
I have written to the CEO and CFO of SkillSoft. I only received a canned response that contradicted what the SmartCertify division stated. Their left hand doesn't know what their right hand is doing.
Too many things just don't add up with that company. It is these reasons why I am filing a complaint with the Attorney General of the State of Florida and urge many others to do the same. It is time that consumers stand up to multimillion dollar corporations and tell them that we will not be ripped off and just take it.
As a closing note, I truly wish people would stop thinking that just because a company has a large amount of "capital" means that they are 100% legit and play by the rules.
Nicholas
Morgan City,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
So many miss the point
#11Consumer Suggestion
Thu, January 06, 2005
I am bashing the company. My bashing has not a single thing to do with my or other's so-called "lack of motivation". Great! The company has 566 million in capital. You mean to tell me that just because a company has a large amount of capital, that they cannot still rip people off? I'm not sure what Earth you live on, but as I have seen it, it's the shady businesses that usually make the most money.
As for computers and it not being for everyone, that may be true. Unfortunately, though, it has nothing to do with my issues with the company. I am quite well versed in computers. In fact, I have my own business designing websites for businesses. Everything about web design I taught myself, on the Internet, for free.
From my experience with computers as well as web design, I easily saw the numerous flaws in their system. The flaws I encountered were the same ones that a friend of mine had encountered two years before me signing up with Smart Certify. Unfortunately, I did not know all of this before I signed up with them. So you mean, that "leaders" in the computer e-learning field can't even fix a problem on their website that has existed for two years?
Furthermore, one of the incidents involved Mr. Jason Shields of Smart Certify making a false statement against me. When the Pinellas County DOJ asked him if he could prove it, he said there was no possible way. The issue was he could not find out if I had actually "downloaded" 10 different offline courses or if it was 10 "attempts" to download the same offline course. He stated it was not possible for even their IT department to find out.
Geeze Louise! You don't need a whole IT department for that. It's called a "raw server log". Every single web server I have ever encountered has that at the very least.
I have written to the CEO and CFO of SkillSoft. I only received a canned response that contradicted what the SmartCertify division stated. Their left hand doesn't know what their right hand is doing.
Too many things just don't add up with that company. It is these reasons why I am filing a complaint with the Attorney General of the State of Florida and urge many others to do the same. It is time that consumers stand up to multimillion dollar corporations and tell them that we will not be ripped off and just take it.
As a closing note, I truly wish people would stop thinking that just because a company has a large amount of "capital" means that they are 100% legit and play by the rules.
Jess
Gulfport,Florida,
U.S.A.
study tools for changing your life
#11UPDATE Employee
Wed, January 05, 2005
i understand that computers can be a very difficult thing to understand. Just because you can't grasp the concept of elearning doesn't mean that you should berrate it. There may be 30 some odd reports with the bbb, but how many of them are unresolved? a company whose reported earnings were above fifty million must have hundreds of thousands of customers and your telling me that a site started by the mafia (bbb) has less than 2% complaints. Brian was right this program is not for everyone. You have to have some dedication and be willing to put in the effort to succeed. If you want someone to hand you a certification you are definatly looking to the wrong company. If you are looking for training, guidance, someone to point out the path you need to take, and can't afford the time and money for school this is the way to go. Don't bash a successful company because of your lack of motivation. Anyone can succeed with this program it's all about effort. The tools for changing your life and bettering your carreer are given too you how you apply them is completely up to you.
Brian
Spring Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
great article, Did you read it? historical earnings are up several millions over the same quarter
#11Consumer Suggestion
Thu, December 16, 2004
basicly they reduced earnings estamits for 4 to $56-61 million from $64-67 million, but the historical earnings are up several millions over the same quarter i year ago & with the re-statement the profit margin moves from 91% too 89% is that so bad?
Brian
Spring Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
you raise some great points!!! but the FACTS say otherwise
#11Consumer Suggestion
Thu, December 16, 2004
as i stated earlyer, Smartcertify is a alternative, its ok if it dont work for you, there are plenty of classes available, however whent you use the program properly, it does work, i had my own doubts, i had the Java skript load error too...however they did get the player to work once i changed the settings, (wich they helped me do in tech support)they also sent a cd upon request as far as the content, well they not only provided there own interactive learning, & 24/7 mentoring, buy also a series of live labs & discussion groups to help me get it. also every study guide from "A+ for dummies-the Sybex study guides, CompTIA practis guides) as well as the tools to cross referance all the material through Books 24/7. It does work for thousands of peaple, if your willing to give it a real try, they even have Intro to pc repair, it cant get any more basic in self study, follow the certifacation outline, then work your way back till you reach a study level that you understand. You must relize that a Certifacation training programs assumes that you already have the basics.Smartcertify provides the ability too learn the basics too. im not saying it was easy, but nothing worth doin ever is. As far as Nasdaq is concerned, well the stock dont look to bad, they did $52.5 million last quarter, the industry as a whole holds about a 26% growth ratio, however Skillsoft is projected to grow by 114% over the same period. The earnings forcasts are great through 2006, its rated a strong buy-hold by 7 of 8 market analysts, acording to company news they continue to hold stratigic training partnerships with several of the fortune 500 & goverment agencys, i even whent to Microsoft.com & Cisco, IBM, SAP to see for myself, its all true, they do co-develop, Microsoft gave there Windows 2003 course a 5 star rating right on there own sight, thats the FACTS not hype or personal frustation. My hole point of responding was just to say that the training does work for several thousands of peaple everyday, & there are alot of good peaple at Smartcertify who work hard to try too help. As far as the garantee goes, its all over the paperwork & websight, fail any test 2x,within 90 days, you get a refund,plain & simple none of the 37 complaints i read indacate that that they did that
Nicholas
Morgan City,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
You have got to be kidding me? How much did they pay you to post that?
#11Consumer Comment
Thu, December 02, 2004
OK. That was the most ridiculous response I have ever seen. Firstly, NASDAQ deals with stock of a company, not what consumers say about the company. Secondly, since you are so drawn on facts, how about these facts for our viewers:
1. The company has had 139 complaints filed against them in the passed 36 months with the BBB. Of the 36 months, there have been 44 complaints filed with the BBB against this company.
2. When I filed my complaint with the Pinellas County DOJ a few months ago, there were 6 complaints against the company (including my own). After not even two months, the rate increased to a total of 16 complaints.
3. Search this website for SmartCertify. You will see a large number of complaints. Most of them are very similar.
4. As for the stock market, they are at 5.58/share right now. Wow! Please read this article:
http://biz.yahoo.com/fool/041201/1101920820_2.html
That article is from the stock market section on Yahoo! It talks about SkillSoft's decreased profits. SkillSoft claims it just needs "restructuring." What they really need is to stop ripping people off.
You also claim the good ole' friendly 90-day money back guarantee. Well, let's say that someone would study their unorganized and junky materials. A person has to fail a test "twice" in order to get a refund. I will go with the A+ certification on this one. The consumer would be in the negative after paying for the certification testing. You know, certification tests are not free.
Another issue is you are a bit confused on some of your statements. You said that Microsoft, etc spends money on programs to offer their employees. Does that mean that Microsoft uses Skillsoft? If so, when was that posted on any reputable website? I think you are confusing with what SkillSoft may tell you and what is the truth.
As for the refund, I will not stop worrying about it. They took $200.000 from me and provided me with a substandard quality service. It took me 10 times to try and download one of their offline programs. After I did download it, I could not even get the program to run. I have a friend of mine have the same problem.
I have researched the matter more on finances.yahoo.com. For anyone wanting to see the growing number of articles on how the stock is decreasing on SkillSoft, go to finances.yahoo.com and input the stock symbol SKIL.
The only thing in you whole comment that didn't sound like it was from a paid person by SkillSoft was, "...skill & certification are vital in today's market..." (Quote edited for spelling error by Nicholas).
If all of the complaints against this company that have been filed with various agencies are not enough evidence, then the decrease stock market value of the company should be another indication.
I have already written the CEO, CFO, and VP in regards to this matter. The only response I got was from the secretary of the CEO. He stated that I had signed a contract, my contract was canceled in good faith, and that the $200.00 was considered a cancellation fee. I wonder, if my contract was cancelled in "good faith, then why was there a cancellation fee? Can you put a monetary value on good faith? Obviously SkillSoft can, they think good faith is worth at least $200.00.
Brian
Spring Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
There succsess is becouse most students are sucsessfull
#11Consumer Comment
Thu, December 02, 2004
Based upon the demagrafics of the company itself, which are readaly available through Nasdaq.com using the symbol SKIL, one can plainly see that the company has a very solid method of learning wich is used by most Fortune 500 companys, as well as all 4 branches of the armed forces, the Goverment, even most higher learning universitys incorperate Skillsoft learning, it works, no doubt about that,( if it didnt i dont think companys like Microsoft, Oracle,Cisco, IBM, US Army,Humana, Intel & about 500 others would spend millions of dollars, year after year, on the program to offer to there employees) however it is not for everyone, some peaple need to be held acountable in a classroom setting, & thats OK!!! but most cant afford $7000-$15000 for a good class, thats why they are looking for a cheaper alternative like Smartcertify, wich offers live mentors 24/7, hands on practis labs, in depth content, e-labs, unlimeted cross referance material & tools to gain both skill & knowledge of your proffesion. Smartcertify does garentee it work or your money is refunded, however if you dont even try, how can it work? You have 90 days to study about 55 hrs of material to prepare for 1 test, quit worrying about a refund, and acusing good peaple of bad things, use the program, take the test, prove it too yourself! If you cant pass after 2 trys then a refund is always issued, focus on your future, skill & certifacation are vital in todays market, anyone who denies that does not know what they are talking about. THATS A FACT!!!
Nicholas
Morgan City,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
Good Luck With Your Cause, the rep's name of Bill Rohrbough
#11Consumer Comment
Wed, November 24, 2004
I would like to wish you the best of luck in settling this matter. I have been trying to get my money back since May of 2004.
I noticed the rep's name of Bill Rohrbough. I say this because one of the people I tried dealing with has the same last name. Ms (or Mrs.) Jennifer Rohrbough, Executive Assistant. When dealing with her, the only response you will get is that you signed a contract and that there are no refunds. She will never directly answer a question you ask. You will either get the response I stated previously or she answers around your question.
I take it the rip-off genes are dominant in him also.