On April 27, 2010, I charged $800.00, discounted from $1,497.00 retail, on my HSBC MasterCard to pay in full for a 3-Day Workshop Package (May 7-9, 2010 transaction #1117) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After paying, I was given a Master Home Study Course as well as a workshop certificate and two so called money back guarantees.
I disputed the charge for legal services not received based on what was promised at the seminar versus what was delivered at the workshop. Bottom line, the workshop was used to up sell each attendee to either the Gold Elite ($21,495.00) or Platinum Elite ($25,495.00) AMS memberships costing thousands more instead of fulfilling the original contract for $800.00. That is, plain and simple, bait and switch which is not only unethical but illegal!
From May 11, 2010, until filing for a charge back on June 02, 2010, I tried to resolve this issue in good faith with AMS. However, all I encountered, from countless phone calls and e-mails, was the run around and finger pointing. Even when I proved to Heather Serrano, at her request, the home study course was nothing more than repackaged free information online (ex. foreclosureuniversity.com) that even contradicted sessions taught at the workshop, she replied their prices for goods and services were justified by Montelongos TV show, Flip This House, on A&E.
What follows is an e-mail I was asked to send by Serrano to the attention of the AMS Director stating reasons for the refund along with Stacy Connors reply:
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 9:11 PM
To: heather s
Subject: Armando Montelongo Seminars Director
This e-mail serves as final notice to refund $800.00 as a credit to the MasterCard on file ending in 0138 for 'legal services' charged on April 27, 2010. The reason for the refund is over promising at the seminar followed by under delivering at the workshop that included but is not limited to:
1. The workshop is complete requiring no more training or investment to get started.
2. All attendees will be taught the foreclosure process in an easy to understand manner.
3. Necessary foreclosure paperwork will be distributed then completed by each attendee.
4. Breakfast and lunch will be served all three days of the workshop at no additional cost.
5. The hard money list used by Montelongo to fund deals will be available to attendees.
6. Contact data for each investor attending the workshop will be distributed to all.
7. An approved contractor list for local rehabs will be made available upon request.
8. 'Master Home Study Course' will mirror the workshop and expand on each session.
9. Each attendee will leave with a personalized game plan based on current funds and credit.
10. Montelongo will make a personal appearance at the workshop either live or virtual.
Bottom line, the workshop was used to up sell each attendee to either the Gold Elite or Platinum Elite memberships costing thousands more instead of providing the promised above. That is 'bait and switch' which is against the law!
RE: Armando Montelongo Seminars Director?
From: Stacy Conner ([email protected])
Sent: Fri 5/28/10 12:53 PM
Hi Joseph,
We did receive your email and we are reviewing the information you provided.
I will have a response for you by Tuesday, June 1st, as Monday is a company holiday.
If you have any questions, please email or call me at (210) 209-8869.
Thank you,
Stacy Conner
Office Manager/HR Director
Armando Montelongo Seminars
Education Management Services
2935 Thousand Oaks #6-285
San Antonio, TX 78247
210.209.8869 Office
210.957.6965 Fax
To date, no response from AMS, as promised by June 1, 2010, has been received. Ive disputed the charge with MasterCard as well as filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Oklahoma Attorney General, Texas Attorney General, California Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, Ripoff Report,(((Redacted))). By the way, others at the workshop are demanding a refund also.
Jim b.
Fontana,#2REBUTTAL Individual responds
Fri, October 22, 2010
Jim b.
Fontana,#3REBUTTAL Individual responds
Fri, October 22, 2010
Jim b.
Fontana,#4REBUTTAL Individual responds
Fri, October 22, 2010
Morgan,
Keith
santa rosa,#5Consumer Comment
Fri, October 22, 2010
Morgan, you said unfortunately we were with a company; who is the we and how we talk to you and them?
If you are serious go to craigslist,
then San Francisco bay area,
then North Bay (NBY),
find the rants and raves section and in the search bar type AM and reply to the post.
I am very eager to speak with you or other victims.
Jim b.
Fontana,#6Consumer Comment
Fri, October 22, 2010
Dear Morgan,
Morgan
United States of America#7UPDATE Employee
Tue, September 28, 2010
Unfortunately we were with a company that was not allowing us to give refunds and was doing unlawful things to our students. We are no longer associated with that company and would like to take action in assisting the students that are displeased.
Jim b.
Fontana,#8Consumer Comment
Sun, September 26, 2010
I feel your pain, as I too have been taken advantage by AMS. They claim to sell you education, however they are in business to sell you a "price"! Of coarse they couldn't come right out and tell you that they won't take you serious unless you cough up $20,000... so they start by telling you that they will provide you with a "free" informative seminar, then sell you a workshop program for 3-days, only to up sell you into a bus ticket with the man himself, at which point you are in the $15 to $20K investment... then they will sell you joint venture properties in which they own, and fund... and of coarse we know it takes money to make money, however they are extremely deceptive in their marketing approach, in misleading hundred'd if not thousand's of innocent people into separation from they're monies, thinking that AMS is going to help these people turn their lives around. This pitch hits home with millions of dyer needy people who do NOT have $15 to $20K at their disposal. What do you expect from a dishonest company, stemming from a dishonest person at the top... Armando Montelongo? You think? He and his entourage are the ones who are changing their lives financially. I myself have only lost $500.00 before I caught wind of their unscrupulous business practices. I even sent them a certified- posted cancellation notice within a 72 hr. period upon signing into their contract, and was informed that I would receive a immediate refund... then I was informed that it would take up to 30-days... whatever right?... now it's been 40 plus days and NO such "check" has been, or will ever be received by mail. The fact of the matter is that AMS will never return anyones money... once it gets into their hands, they can only promise you for so long, and then the obvious happens, you get mislead and pissed, and they stop returning your phone calls... and they just happen to slip the thought of returning you your money! As soon as people hear after shelling out $1,500 dollars, that they won't teach you much within the 3-days seminar, but attempt to up sell you into an addition $10 to $15K... for most of us, that's enough with the bait & switch pitching! This is why they do not accomplish they're so-called students into graduates, and you think they do not know what they're doing? They know exactly what they're doing! More and more people who have been scam'd, screwed over, ripped off by AMS, or any other phony outfit, needs to stake their claim and complain to the authorities, because the state laws allow these jerks to get away with our monies, and the Federal agencies only assist in numbers!.. but you still have your local Small Claims Div and/ or Civil Div to sue them for your loses, costs, fees incurred, plus interest! Good luck with everyone who unwillingly makes Armando's life enriched at their expense. I hope some day you'll all receive back for your loses. My contact person was "Marlina @ (210) 209-8875, and they're just reps, they're not from accounting and they only act like they care to assist you in returning you your money. Armando's day will come, and his pompous nature will fall!
Jim b.
Fontana,#9Consumer Comment
Fri, September 03, 2010
Armando Montelongo Seminars/ better known as: FLIP YOUR WALLET!
It's only a matter of time before the authorities catch up with these guys! Remember that the authorities support "The People" and more and more people aka "the victims" of this scam should unite and file complaints with their local authorities such as: Attorney General, Department of Corporations, Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau just for start. AMS can claim their innocence all they want... come to think of it, criminals for the most part will always claim their innocence... and why not, for they do not desire to suffer their own faith. We're still waiting for the return of our $500.00, and according to Marlina (AMS rep) at (210) 209-8875... it would take up to 30-days just to process. I'm sure they'll hope that you'll forget all about your money eventually. Others seeking for that American dream, PLEASE BE ADVISED to beware of AMS!
Jim B.
(Fontana, Ca)