Complaint Review: Academic Advantage - Los Angeles California

I was called by Academic Advantage with a number to call someone at an extension who was never available.  Instead I got a "recruiter".  I was told I could tutor children and they would send me paper work.  I was sent information to go get fingerprinted and a TB test, which I had to pay for on my own.  I have never had to do this with any company before.  I thought it was odd when they said they'd send an assessment test of my skills but never did and would not disclose the location of the 4 hour orientation until 2 days before it occurred.  I called and got another recruiter - never got the same person twice - and was told I was hired which made no sense since I was never met.  A few days later I was called by Academic Advantage from a completely different number and the acted like they had never spoken to me and told me I was hired, to get the tests and I told them I had already spoken to someone..did they not have a record of this ....that I was already coming in?  They said never mind and hung up.

I looked online the night before the orientation and read that they try to rip you off by making you pay them back $ for times you don't tutor and for incorrect paperwork.  Also, that they tell everyone there that they must be fingerprinted and charge them on the spot.  Since I had a l had already paid $15 for the TB test and $61 for fingerprinting, I decided to go and check it out anyway.

They gave us reams of paperwork to look over and much of it told of penalties you would have to pay if your paperwork was wrong or late and these penalties ranged from $25 to $37.  They also asked for your credit card number in case the laptop they gave you (which no-one got yet) was not given back.  The woman giving the information had everyone sign in and then told them they would have to get fingerprinted at a later date and that the paperwork was in the packet.  A half hour later a man showed up to fingerprint people (for $88 which is more than the police department charges) and the woman acted surprised as if she didn't know he was coming but fully knew the procedure and told each person they had to do it now or it would be a long time until they got work.  This means that they made at least $27 or more off of each person there and there was to be another orientation after that would be the same.

The reams of paperwork described lesson plans that must be made up, paperwork done weekly and mailed at your own expense - none of this time would you be paid for and if you mailed two envelopes instead of one, you would not only get fined but possibly not get paid.  This is a total scam.  I walked out and took all of my personal information with me.  

Finally, the parking at the Marriott was $24 which again the woman acted like she had no idea, even though it states this when pulling in.  The attendant upon my leaving said how terrible it was for them to make us pay that much when they knew none of us were employed.  We were not given another option.

This is a total scam.  Please do not get sucked in by promises of $17 an hour by people who have never met you or assessed your skills.  I asked the woman about that and she said they used to do that but now they don't.  I had asked on the phone and was told I'd be emailed the assessment...even though this is not done any more!!??  All lies.  If they call, please hang up and block them from your phone.  what a waste of time and more importantly, money to park, for fingerprinting and a TB test.