Sarah
Cohoes,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, September 20, 2007
I used to be a file clerk for Edifi in Albany, NY, but left because I didn't agree with their business practices, the work environment was hostile and the head of customer service would gossip like a 12 year-old-girl. They charge over $1000 to fill out paperwork you can fill out yourself if you have 1/2 a brain. That's it. If you don't call them, they just take your money and run. They give you a 5 day cancellation window when you sign up. They won't even let you cancel the contract, even if the student listed passes away! And a refund-what's that?!?! They try to "transfer the services" to a different student in the same family. And they have to be in the same family. If they are just a friend, that won't work and you still have to pay them even though they did nothing for you, but take your money! You receive an invitation in the mail to attend one of their "free" seminars and you are supposed to call to reserve a spot. However, when you call, the reps have no idea what the seminar is about, just that it's about college financial aid services and where you have to go. If you try to ask questions about the service, they say to attend the seminar. So, you're going to this seminar blind where they have a commission driven rep swindling you into buying the service. They tell you they take care of everything, that you'll get a phone call from a rep assigned to you that will help you from day 1. That phone call you receive is to "welcome" you to the program & it's made by the same people who take the reservations--the ones who have no idea what Edifi really does. Let me tell you: You have no rep assigned to you personally. They have 6 reps-average age 70, all under paid (as compared to local csr reps), and all not having all their marbles. You get a binder of information that your child's high school guidance dept already has and anyone with slightest clue already knows. You have to send them all your taxes & give personal financial info-your SS #, your bank accounts--everything. They say it's all protected in a locked room-which you do need a key card to get in, but it's not highly protected. Plus some of the employees they have had-mostly those who take the reservations and do the "welcome calls"-do not have the highest level of trust. I wouldn't be surprised if past clients see a rise in identity theft. I can name at least 3 past employees that I wouldn't trust any of my own personal info! I strongly suggest that no one becomes a member of edifi...unless you like wasting money!