Thrive Learning Institute ???

[LadyYuval]

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if any of you have had any experience with this school. I have done my "due diligence" in research the best that I know how and I haven't come across anything bad. They are with the BBB and they are reporting 0 complaints in the last 36 months.

I just thought I would post in here to see if anyone knows anything more about this company and if they have been successful with it.

Thank you for your time.

[borisf96]

Looks like they faked their LLC registration. I checked Utah.gov and there is no business with the name "Thrive Learning" is registered in Utah. Thats how they faked BBB accreditation. They told BBB that they were incorporated in 2001, but in reality they launched website four month ago. First comments on the web on Thrive Learning started in June, so that probably when they started their operations.

Thrive Learning Institute is the leading provider of online training in the world.

Bold face lie. You do not become leading provider of anything after 2-4 month of operations.

*****ing individuals, independently-run businesses, as well as syndicated and corporate stores, we teach every aspect of doing business online. Including storefront development, online marketing, search engine optimization, and selling on eBay.

Everything that you should be learning on your own or hiring outside company with years of experience. If you need hand to hold you, you are not built for online business.

Also check ripoffreport website. Looks like they do not honor refunds.

[LadyYuval]

Thank you for responding. I am sorry that it has taken me a while to say thanks. I am glad that we didn't go through with their company. We found out that they are charging different people different prices for the same service. They were trying to get us to pay $15,000 for their school. I saw online that someone else had spent $3000 and there was another person that had some other amount. They do, however, "guarantee" that you make your money back within 90 days. They try to sell you on using "other people's money" when in actuality, they just want you to charge your credit card. Their claim is that it is "the bank's" money. I gues they'd win that on a technicality, but you still have to pay the bank back.... anyway, i think if you look hard enough, you can get most of the information you need on the internet.

Thank you so much!

[nomaxim]

The BBB report states,

Name: Thrive Learning, LLC
Phone: (866) 334-3672
Fax: (801) 224-3997
Address: 350 South 400 West Ste 101
Lindon, UT 84042
Website: www.thriveli.com
www.thrivelearninginstitute.com
Original Business Start Date: November 2001
Principal: Mr. Zach Bradshaw, Customer Relations
Customer Contact: Mr. Zach Bradshaw, Customer Relations
Email Address: support@thriveli.com
Entity: Limited Liability Company
Incorporated: November 2001, UT
TOB Classification: Training Programs, Business Consultants, Marketing Consultants
BBB Accreditation: This organization is a BBB Accredited business.

Additional DBA Names
J.C. Residual, LLC

Utah SoS records show,

Name:
J.C. RESIDUAL, LLC.
Type:
Limited Liability Company
City:
American Fork
Status:
Active
Business Name:
J.C. RESIDUAL, LLC.
Entity Number:
5014050-0160
Registration Date:
11/01/2001
State of Origin:


Address
947 S 500 E #110
American Fork, UT 84003

Status
Status:
Active
Status Description:
Good Standing
This Status Date:
01/15/2008
Last Renewed:
01/15/2008
License Type:
LLC - Domestic
Delinquent Date:
11/01/2008

Sorry, there borisf96.

The company 'Thrive Learning, LLC' indeed has no records with the Utah SoS. However, that appears to be a DBA for 'J.C. RESIDUAL, LLC.' The DBA seems to check out with the Utah Sos. Perhaps the BBB, or someone, made a error in the listing?

Even though the BBB report shows only one complaint it does also have this.

Industry Tips
SEMINAR MARKETING
Consumers who plan to attend free seminars should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars include self improvement, investment education materials, and home based businesses. Individuals interested in home based businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. This may include:

* licensing, advertising, bookkeeping and other related expenses.

In any business venture, area saturation can occur due to a lack of territorial restrictions. In all cases, a wide variation in earnings should be expected. Be sure to read and understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.

[curlyraven]

I know someone that works for a company that feeds Thrive it's clients. The reason there is a price difference is in the package they get. Some will just get the eBay package, and some will get all the bells and whistles. They give the people what they can afford, and it can be upgraded later. It seems to be a legitimate business. There are a lot of coaching programs out there - some are valid, some are not. This one appears to be valid.

[Nikol]

Yes, BEWARE of Thrive Learning Institute! The latest addition to UT online 'educational' scams. The former founders of Tafiti Consulting a division of Media Learner, started Thrive because they got greedy and wanted the whole pie. Thrive uses the Lightwave Builder which is really a Bright Builders product (all these are UT based companies) who is in bed with Echo (Electronic Clearing House of SF, UT) online merchant account processors who also rip everyone off - they use First Regional bank, Ca - it's easier to get a mortgage or auto loan than a merchant account here. Then there is Prosper Inc, Mentoring of America, PMI (recently became a part of Media Learner) - all these coaching companies charge thousands of dollars to provide online websites and coaching by inexperienced kids. There is a 3 day cancellation policy which the major sales companies that sell you these programs such as Summit dont tell you about-it is almost impossible to get your money back. Watch out for Matt & Dave Rasmussen (Thrive), S. Sonnenberg (Media Learner) Todd Baum (Echo), Alex of Summit. These are scams and all UT based. Good Luck!

[Nikol]

Here is a ROR link - FYI -

http://ripoffreport.com/reports/0/376/RipOff0376327.htm

[fillmore]

No its not!

[AuntieEm]

Please stayaway from these people. They are connected to Tafiti Consulting which will fleece their own grandmothers. I mistakenly answered an ad and became involved with Angela Penbrook/Penbrook Productions which we all know now is connected to Angel Stevens/ProcessAtHome. Penbrook/Stevens, in turn, sells your information to Tafiti. I really wonder what my information was worth. I have had to cancel credit cards and now I am being called by collection agencies. I do not own any past due bills. One of the people's name on my answering machine is Christenson which is one of the name in a long line of people connected with these scammers.

Please do not become involved with them. Good luck! Auntie Em

[darthpwnage13]

SCAM!!!!!!

They use college students to do their "coaching" and rip you off. They also hide their 3 day cancel policy in their contract which starts from when you tell their sales company "yes".
AVOID!

[ItsEasyToFixThis]

I have talked to a few people who have been really happy with this company. I do not work for, or am affiliated with them in any way, however, I can tell you this. They are NOT, in any way, shape or form, connected to Tafiti. The same individual started both companies, but left Tafiti after the other owners got too greedy.

Thrive doesn't have a 3 day policy, or a sales organisation.. they are a coaching fulfillment company. PERIOD! If you feel poorly about your decision to become involved, then you should take that up with the company who sold you Thrive's service.. but i promise you, it was not Thrive who sold you. And, for that matter... your sale happened on the phone, right? Nobody twisted your are to join.. and all you had to do was hang up the phone if you weren't interested. I think it's time that people start taking responsibilty for their own actions.

Thrives service is not perfect, but it's the best thing I've seen for helping people who would otherwise be doomed to failure in starting an online business.

98% of all online businesses fail in the first 90 days. (that statistic comes directly from the SBA) That equals a 2% success rate. As far as I can tell.. with everyone I've interviewd in the US and Canada.. Thrive's success rate is more like 75%. That is my own analisys of the 2 or 3 dozen people i've intervied.

I'm not sure even Disneyworld has a 75% success rate... when I went there, more than half of my family was bummed at the lines, the heat, the cost, the crowds.. etc.

Just think about what you are doing here.. you are getting an education, and paying a price for that education. Just like college. Pay the price, do the work and get the rewards, that what it seems like I get told over and over by those people who are somewhere between satisfied and extatic with Thrive Learning.

[darthpwnage13]

Thrive Learning Institute is owned by the same people that started Tafiti consulting being partnered up with "media learner". They were fired by media learner from their management positions at Tafiti because they got greedy and did shady/dishonest things. Because of this they went and started their own similar company called Thrive Learning Institute. They take in about 250+ new "clients" a week being taught by so called "coaches" that do NOT do this themselves successfully and do NOT live up to what the salesman hype them up to be. 1 in about 1000+ "clients" actually make any kind of money and it is no where near riches or even making your original money spent back. That is NOT a 75% success rate. All you are doing by entering this program is making the owners of the "lead generator", sales company, and "fulfillment" company (tafiti/thrive), rich. PERIOD. You are MUCH better off keeping your 4-12 grand and doing your own research and eventually using some of that money into advertising/website design etc. If you have any questions please post. Avoid Thrive and all companies like it.

[darthpwnage13]

In addition to my previous post, 90% of their testimonials are actually the companies owners websites.

[darthpwnage13]

My previous 3 posts were based on facts that are not true about the company. I decided to join up with thrive after a long conversation with one of their sales team reps and am very happy with Thrive Learning and they way they are helping me become successful. Everyone there is very helpful and professional and actually help me make PROGRESS! I am almost done with my first website and it is looking great. I highly recommend trying out Thrive Learning if you are looking for a company that will help you finally become financially stable.

[Joose09]

Darthpwnage, you sound like an ex-employee that had a grudge and now are being threatened to say nice things about the company. The information you gave previously about the company is 100% accurate on what this company is like and only someone who used to work for them would know that much about them. I know because I used to work in the building by Thrive and that is exactly what they were, a bunch of college students who read off scripts.

[nvestnu]

Originally Posted by LadyYuval

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if any of you have had any experience with this school. I have done my "due diligence" in research the best that I know how and I haven't come across anything bad. They are with the BBB and they are reporting 0 complaints in the last 36 months.

I just thought I would post in here to see if anyone knows anything more about this company and if they have been successful with it.

Thank you for your time.

Hello,
I have had some experience with Thrive, what a joke, they promised several things, none of them were true. After you get involved, if you fall for it, they claim that the sales team, that sold you the membership is not part of their company and they are not responsible for what ever they might have promised. They promised me that if I didn't make my money back in six months they would pay it all back. THEY LIED, they said they would get me exclusive imformation about marketing from ebay that they paid big bucks for, THEY LIED. They didn't explain that they were going to borrow all the money they could against my credit rating, no matter what and they were really only selling me a limited number of weeks of their so called "training" for that money. They are nothing more than a huge scam, don't go there, trust me. If you want more info, contact me, I will be glad to explain further.

[nvestnu]

Originally Posted by Joose09

Darthpwnage, you sound like an ex-employee that had a grudge and now are being threatened to say nice things about the company. The information you gave previously about the company is 100% accurate on what this company is like and only someone who used to work for them would know that much about them. I know because I used to work in the building by Thrive and that is exactly what they were, a bunch of college students who read off scripts.

Does anyone out there have any hard evidence we all can use to help get our money back from Thrive? Does anyone have recordings of the promises they made, does anyone have any hard copies of the money back promises they made. I have heard talk about a class action suit, Thrive ripped off a lot of people and we need to pool our resourses and take these guys to court. I'm so sick of seeing a bunch of crooks rip people off, we need to put a stop them, NOW. If anyone has anything please let me know, thanks.
J D nvestnu2002@yahoo.com

[nvestnu]

Originally Posted by curlyraven

I know someone that works for a company that feeds Thrive it's clients. The reason there is a price difference is in the package they get. Some will just get the eBay package, and some will get all the bells and whistles. They give the people what they can afford, and it can be upgraded later. It seems to be a legitimate business. There are a lot of coaching programs out there - some are valid, some are not. This one appears to be valid.

This one is a scam, they lie through their teeth,,,WATCH OUT.

[so_disgusted]

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND HANG THE PHONE UP IF THESE PEOPLE CALL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish this site would have come up when I Googled "Thrive Wealth". I actually found this through Google MAPS when I searched for the company to see if it actually had a business-like building or if it was housed in someone's run-down double wide. I got suckered out of $11,405. I was told prior to my agreeing to this mess that "if you quit after several months, there is a 15% fee if you rescind". I write everything down. During my 4 hour sales pitch, I searched for this company and found NOTHING. I even went to the BBB website and found nothing. I figured if there were no complaints and I could get a refund, what's the harm in trying? I pretty quickly learned that this program that I was enrolled in was for people with numerous debts, and while some people may benefit from the "financial dashboard", I could not. I have NO DEBT and they knew this and yet still sold this program to me. As for the start up of the internet business, I found out that this was not included in the price. It was another $2000. The 2nd time I asked for a refund and inquired about this portion of the education (i.e. "when is this going to happen?") the "executive director" said he would try to throw that in for free, and would talk to the coach and give me a call back. He did not call back. I called him back several days later and declined his offer. I'm through. I now told the "executive director" for the third time I wanted a refund. The first two times, he convinced me to "stick with it", maybe I would learn something useful. By the third time, he told me he would have to refer me to someone else because I had already used the coaches. Seriously? The coach himself told me that this program was not for me! The only thing I used him for was confirmation of that fact. I have called this person who is supposed to be in charge of refunds FIVE times in four days. I have left three messages, one each day. He never returns my calls. I don't know who these people are who are saying that this is a good program. I am quite sure that they are people who are affiliated with Thrive Wealth who are just planting positive reviews to sway the public into handing over their money so that they may continue to prosper. DON'T FALL FOR IT! THEY ARE NOT IN THIS FOR YOU! THEY ARE IN THIS FOR THEMSELVES! THEIR CONCEPTS ARE COMMON SENSE! DON'T LIVE ABOVE YOUR MEANS AND PAY OFF YOUR CREDIT CARDS AND DON'T USE YOUR CREDIT CARDS AGAIN! You shouldn't have to pay anyone for that advice. I just gave it to you for free.

[moscowjim]

Originally Posted by LadyYuval

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if any of you have had any experience with this school. I have done my "due diligence" in research the best that I know how and I haven't come across anything bad. They are with the BBB and they are reporting 0 complaints in the last 36 months.

I just thought I would post in here to see if anyone knows anything more about this company and if they have been successful with it.

Thank you for your time.

Do as I did. File compalint with Department of Commerce, State of Utah. They
is in violation of
13‑26‑11. Prohibited practices.
(1) It is unlawful for any solicitor:
(c) to make or cause to be made any untrue material statement, or fail to disclose a material fact necessary to make any statement made not misleading, whether in connection with a telephone solicitation or a filing with the division;
(d) to make or authorize the making of any misrepresentation about its compliance with this chapter to any prospective or actual purchaser;
(e) to fail to refund within 30 days any amount due a purchaser who exercises the right to cancel under Section 13‑26‑5; or
(f) to fail to orally advise a purchaser of the purchaser's right to cancel under Section 13‑26‑5 unless the solicitor is exempt under Section 13‑26‑4.

[whythrive]

The problem with Thrive Learning Institute is that they have been oversold by the sales floors they contract with. Often these call centers will promise that you can make your investment back in 90 days. However, the package being sold only has 4 hours of coaching in it, plus access to a stack of videos you can pick from over a year. After that, you're on your own.

Thrive Learning doesn't get but about 10% of the total sales. If you are going for a refund, you have to complain about the sales floor/call center to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. This is the most effective way to get a refund currently.

Also, Thrive Learning Institute only has about a 1 in 10,000 success rate by actual statistics. As said in this thread, the successes they quote can be found to be registered by someone in Utah - so are very suspect. And if you look up their rankings for that niche (if you do get an actual web address) you'll find that they really don't rank for their keywords.

While Thrive could teach you the basics, they are being sold as a product that will make you a viable second income - which isn't correct. 4 hours of coaching won't make anyone a successful business if they don't know anything to begin with.

If you want a refund, contact the FBI, FTC, Utah A/G, and Div Consumer Protection to get it back from the sales floor.

Pay it forward - help 5 other people with their complaint and you'll get more pressure on Utah to change their laws!

[whythrive]

Originally Posted by nvestnu

Does anyone out there have any hard evidence we all can use to help get our money back from Thrive? Does anyone have recordings of the promises they made, does anyone have any hard copies of the money back promises they made. I have heard talk about a class action suit, Thrive ripped off a lot of people and we need to pool our resourses and take these guys to court. I'm so sick of seeing a bunch of crooks rip people off, we need to put a stop them, NOW. If anyone has anything please let me know, thanks.
J D nvestnu2002@yahoo.com

There a new free ebook just released on Scribd which defines this Utah Internet Scam scene - and it's centered on Thrive Learning. http://www.scribd.com/doc/15672916/I...am-Capitol-USA

Lots of advice on how to get your refund, how they are set up to take your money, and who to contact. Tons of links. Hope this helps.

[ukscambuster]

Hmmm, the only other thread Mr ItsEasyToFixThis posted in was the infamous Google Money Tree (also d/b/a Google Treasure Chest) where he claimed he was a representative of said company. Does this mean that GMT /GTC and Thrive are connected(?) as here he is singing the praises of Thrive and quoting BS statistics like "98% of all online businesses fail in the first 90 days".

Originally Posted by ItsEasyToFixThis

I have talked to a few people who have been really happy with this company. I do not work for, or am affiliated with them in any way, however, I can tell you this. They are NOT, in any way, shape or form, connected to Tafiti. The same individual started both companies, but left Tafiti after the other owners got too greedy.

Thrive doesn't have a 3 day policy, or a sales organisation.. they are a coaching fulfillment company. PERIOD! If you feel poorly about your decision to become involved, then you should take that up with the company who sold you Thrive's service.. but i promise you, it was not Thrive who sold you. And, for that matter... your sale happened on the phone, right? Nobody twisted your are to join.. and all you had to do was hang up the phone if you weren't interested. I think it's time that people start taking responsibilty for their own actions.

Thrives service is not perfect, but it's the best thing I've seen for helping people who would otherwise be doomed to failure in starting an online business.

98% of all online businesses fail in the first 90 days. (that statistic comes directly from the SBA) That equals a 2% success rate. As far as I can tell.. with everyone I've interviewd in the US and Canada.. Thrive's success rate is more like 75%. That is my own analisys of the 2 or 3 dozen people i've intervied.

I'm not sure even Disneyworld has a 75% success rate... when I went there, more than half of my family was bummed at the lines, the heat, the cost, the crowds.. etc.

Just think about what you are doing here.. you are getting an education, and paying a price for that education. Just like college. Pay the price, do the work and get the rewards, that what it seems like I get told over and over by those people who are somewhere between satisfied and extatic with Thrive Learning.

[moscowjim]

Mr ItsEasyToFixThis posted Thrive doesn't have a 3 day policy.... Here is the Utah Law which applies to all businesses doing business inthe state of Utah.
[FONT='Cambria Math','serif']13-26-5. Right of rescission -- Cancellation.
(1) (a) Except as provided in Subsections (1)(b) and (c), in addition to any right to otherwise revoke an offer, a person making a purchase from a telephone soliciting business required to be registered under this chapter may cancel the sale up to midnight of the third business day after the receipt of the merchandise or premium, whichever is later, provided the solicitor advises the purchaser of his cancellation rights under this chapter at the time any solicitation is made.
(b) If the solicitor required to be registered under this chapter fails to orally advise a purchaser of the right to cancel under this section at the time of any solicitation, the purchaser's right to cancel shall be extended to 90 days.
(c) If the solicitor required to be registered under this chapter fails to orally advise a purchaser of his true name, telephone number, and complete street address at the time of any solicitation, the purchaser may cancel the sale at any time.
(2) Sales shall be cancelled by mailing a notice of cancellation to the telephone solicitor's correct street address, postage prepaid. If the telephone solicitor provided no correct street address, cancellation can be accomplished by sending a notice of cancellation to the division's offices, postage prepaid.
(3) (a) If a cancellation involves durable goods, as defined by rule, those goods shall be returned to the seller.
(b) If expendable goods are involved, the purchaser shall return any unused portion of those goods.
(c) A reasonable attempt shall be made to return goods to the solicitor's correct street address within seven days of exercising the right to cancel, providing the solicitor has provided the purchaser with the address. If the solicitor has failed to give a correct address, no return is required to qualify for a full refund of the purchase price.
(d) If the purchaser has used any portion of the services or goods purchased, the solicitor or telephone soliciting business shall receive a reasonable allowance for value given. This allowance may be deducted from any refund due the purchaser.
(e) A solicitor shall be jointly and severally liable with the telephone soliciting business for any refund amount due following the cancellation of a sale made by the solicitor.[/font]
[FONT='Cambria Math','serif']Check your own state laws. All states have them. Also look at this Utah Law.[/font]
[FONT='Cambria Math','serif']of law 13‑26‑11. Prohibited practices.
(1) It is unlawful for any solicitor:
(c) to make or cause to be made any untrue material statement, or fail to disclose a material fact necessary to make any statement made not misleading, whether in connection with a telephone solicitation or a filing with the division;
(d) to make or authorize the making of any misrepresentation about its compliance with this chapter to any prospective or actual purchaser;
(e) to fail to refund within 30 days any amount due a purchaser who exercises the right to cancel under Section 13‑26‑5; or
(f) to fail to orally advise a purchaser of the purchaser's right to cancel under Section 13‑26‑5 .
I hope this helps all of you.[/font]

[izajhb]

After hard sell I parted with S1000 on the promise of quick turn around and step by step coaching.

When I woke up sick the next morning I phoned to get my money back. Both numbers I had been given just rang.

I then found the coaches beyond useless. The could not get me byond lesson 2. In 3 weeks they still had no answer.

I demand a refund for lack of delivery but they are just avoiding me.

They are called Thrive with other names associated being Yozon, Fruitland and Integrity.

A shameful scam,

[whythrive]

Here's the point to do with them. Immediately call your credit card company, file a fraud report and get them to do a charge-back.

Don't let time go by on this - if they can get you past the two-month limit, the banks won't want to refund your money. Legally, there's no particular law that says they do.

Also, file with your own A/G and the Utah A/G - as well as the FBI and FTC.

You are going to be getting the money back from the sales company, not Thrive - that's the way they are set up. Thrive has to pay back the sales company.

But do the charge-back right away. Immediately if not sooner.

And do all the other reports as well.

If you need any help with this, contact me via this forum or at my website. I'm still getting my refund from Thrive, but I was five months before I figured out their little scam (some of us are a bit denser...)

Good luck.

Keep us all posted, OK?

[Hahamoneyrefunded]

To any and all of you who wish to have your money refunded, I just managed to do this simply by disputing the charge with my credit card company! I had sent a letter with copied emails , notes I took when I was originally pitched on the phone for the Thrive program, and the actual "contract" I had signed, to the Attorney General Offices of Utah and my home state as well as to Utah Consumer Protection Division and Utah Governor's offices. Then I decided to follow the advice of others who had had the bad fortune to be involved with Thrive (you can access their experiences on www.work-at-home-forum and search for "Has Anybody Heard of Thrive Learning Institute"). I talked to a really nice rep from my credit card company dispute department and he told me to send my letter and other relevant documents to him and he thought I had a good case for having the charge reversed. That is exactly what happened-within one week! Simple! No hassle with Thrive or the telemarketers, Platinum Training Solutions, that got me into the whole thing.
So take heart everybody! I had a signed contract and everything, but I still had a good case!

[racegirl]

but they promise that you will double your investment in the first 60-90 days I haven't seen anyone who has done this. they have not been what they advertise and I would caution anyone who would look into this program. they are very persuasive when they get you on the phone they really push the amount you will make each month which is not the truth I have made nothing since I signed on with thrive I have only lost money. Money I could send my daughter to collage with. I am very dissatisfied with Thrive and wish I could turn back the clock and hang up on the con-artist who sold this program to me.

[racegirl]

wow I want to do that they got us set up with a lending company I would like all my money back, how should I go about doing that?

[racegirl]

I feel your pain and really want to see them out of business. any one out there that can help let us know

[so_disgusted]

Originally Posted by Hahamoneyrefunded

To any and all of you who wish to have your money refunded, I just managed to do this simply by disputing the charge with my credit card company! I had sent a letter with copied emails , notes I took when I was originally pitched on the phone for the Thrive program, and the actual "contract" I had signed, to the Attorney General Offices of Utah and my home state as well as to Utah Consumer Protection Division and Utah Governor's offices. Then I decided to follow the advice of others who had had the bad fortune to be involved with Thrive (you can access their experiences on www.work-at-home-forum and search for "Has Anybody Heard of Thrive Learning Institute"). I talked to a really nice rep from my credit card company dispute department and he told me to send my letter and other relevant documents to him and he thought I had a good case for having the charge reversed. That is exactly what happened-within one week! Simple! No hassle with Thrive or the telemarketers, Platinum Training Solutions, that got me into the whole thing.
So take heart everybody! I had a signed contract and everything, but I still had a good case!

Yeah, but this did NOT work for me. I actually submitted a dispute TWICE and was told both times that they would not refund my money because of the three day cancellation policy specified in the contract. I even submitted the Utah code that someone else posted here with all parts of the code that they violated and it still did not make a difference. If it weren't for the extremely high credit limit and the fact that I will need this stupid card to pay off the balance of my mortgage on the home I just sold and my realtor's fee, I would cancel it cuz they SUCK. I filed a complaint with the Utah Consumer Protection division. I spoke with the investigator. He seems knowledgeable, but I have not yet seen any results. Now, someone from Thrive is trying to contact me to discuss my complaint with them. I've called back both times because I'd LOVE to discuss his company with him, but he never seems to be at his desk. I just wish this would go away and my money would magically reappear. It's really not fair.

[janiegirl]

The investigator from Division of Consumer Protection should be getting in touch with you. Something big is going down concerning Thrive. If you don't hear from him in the next few days, I would call him. Good Luck!!!

[ukscambuster]

Originally Posted by Hahamoneyrefunded

the telemarketers, Platinum Training Solutions, that got me into the whole thing.

Platinum? Aren't those the guys who got shut down by the FTC last month?

Hey Google Treasure – The Jig is Up!
http://strangelyperfect.tv/4447/hey-...the-jig-is-up/

-

[Kiva763]

"appears to be valid" - unless you were to check the things recommended by the FTC such as:

Before investing in any "biz opp," the FTC suggests that consumers:

• Look at the ad carefully. If it claims buyers can earn a certain income, it also must give the number and percentage of previous purchasers who achieved the earnings. If an earnings claim is there - but the additional information isn't - the business opportunity seller is probably violating the law.
• Get earnings claims in writing. If the business opportunity costs $500 or more, then the promoter must back up the earnings claim in a written document. It should include the earnings claim, as well as the number and percentage of recent clients who have earned at least as much as the promoter suggested. If it's a work-at-home or other business opportunity that involves an investment of under $500, ask the promoter to put the earnings information in writing.
• If the business opportunity is a franchise, study the disclosure document. Look for a statement about previous purchasers. If the document says there are no previous purchasers but the seller offers a list of references, be careful: the references probably are fake.
• Interview each previous purchaser in person, preferably where their business operates. The FTC requires business opportunity promoters to give potential purchasers the names, addresses and phone numbers of at least 10 previous purchasers who live the closest to the potential purchaser. Interviewing previous purchasers helps reduce the risk of being misled by phony references.
• Contact the attorney general's office, state or county consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau both where the business opportunity promoter is based and where you live to find out whether there is any record of unresolved complaints.
• Consult an attorney, accountant or other business advisor before you make the deal.
• Take your time. Promoters of fraudulent business opportunities often use high-pressure sales tactics. But, if the business opportunity is legitimate, it'll still be around when you're ready to decide.

[moscowjim]

Keep Going and good Luck.
I got the charge reversed from my card and they disputed it to get it back. They sent a contract that they had added the 3 day clause to. They had scanned and pasted my signature from a registrated letter from their lawyer where they told me not to post any thing on the internet and also not to talk to Utah BBB or any Consumer Complaint detpatments in any state.
I sent the contract they emailed me that did not have the 3 day claues in it and no signature or place for a signature. I also listed what they said they had sent me that I never received and the fact that they told me that they woulld build me a website that would make me $5000 t0 $12000 a month. I let them know that the income from the website that I had to build was $0.00. They have reversed the charge again and I am waiting to see if this is final.
Moscow Jim

[thrivelearning]

We at Thrive want to make some clarifications about what we do and what we don't do.


Thrive provides practical, actionable education to em***** individuals to start and run profitable online businesses. We have improved the educational process by bringing it to a personal level. We Teach how to become an independent business owner by teaching you 'how to fish' instead of just giving you a bunch of fish.


Thrive provides an extensive back end E-library full of educational videos, guides and homework assignments to enable our clients to progress at their own pace and to provide accountability for them. Thousands of hours have been spent creating these resources and all with one goal in mind: To em***** our students.

Thrive has also invested heavily in hiring coaches with considerable online business experience to walk our students through the fulfilling, exciting process of starting a new business online. Each coach has distinguished themselves with their amiable personalities, great teaching skills and above all their experience in creating and maintaining profitable online businesses in their chosen niche. They have been carefully hand-picked by our managers to ensure top quality coaching that meets the Thrive Learning Institute standard.


Thrive is not a fly by night organization so we do not sell or promote useless widgets but provide our clients with the tools they need to succeed. Our students should expect to work to build their business, they should not expect to have a profitable business handed to them but rather to build, with Thrive Learning Institute's careful guidance and direction, their own business.


Thrive is not a scam. We provide *****ful, enabling products that deliver valuable information in clear, easy to understand ways. We do not take your money and run with nothing to back up our claims. Our products and coaching are well worth the price paid.

We have many successful, hard-working clients. One such client sent us this email a few days a go:


“I have made $1,500! That has already paid back my initial investment in Thrive Learning Institute. I can't believe I waited years to actually try to sell something online. I don't know why I was so afraid to simply try it. For a self-professed "techno phobe" like me - that is a major step. This gave me the confidence to build a website and finally make money on the internet & not rely on an IT person or internet marketer to make all the money while I have all the risk and do all the work.” - Melanie


At Thrive we always do our best to make our clients successful, profitable and happy and those are results we regularly achieve. If you would like to see more reviews from actual customers and successful customers of Thrive please visit http://thrivelearninginstitutereview.blogspot.com/


IF YOU ARE UNSATISFIED WITH THRIVE PLEASE CALL 1-866-334-3672. We are committed to resolving any problems or complaints that our students may have. Calling this number will be the quickest way to resolve your concerns. Our overall goal is to em***** and educate our students.

[ukscambuster]

This website has some good info and advice:
http://www.chrismalta.com/busting.asp



-

[notahappyperson]

I am another victim of Thrive/Online Data Institute/Momentum Marketing/The Summit Group. They got over 5k of my money and after 10months all of this, still no web site! They ruined my family's Holidays, depleted my savings and caused me great depression. I trusted them as mentors to guide me in the right direction, keep me motivated and teach me what I needed to learn to be successful. I learned every thing that was told, was just smoke and mirrors. I learned, I was lured and hooked into this deal like a large fish. I learned, I was misled into thinking I would be dealing 1 on 1 with a personnel Internet Guru mentor, not a bunch of so called “coaches”, who wasted as much of my valuable time as possible in a diabolical scheme to deplete me of time, money and/or quit out of shear frustration. I was billed $ 39.95 a month for a web site I did not have. The more work I did The more it cost me. I was given nothing I was promised by Momentum Marketing and nothing but headaches since starting this program. I have called Thrive several times about a refund for over two weeks. Zack Bradshaw the one I need to talk to is never at his desk and after leaving countless messages, still, no return phone call. They claim unsurpassed service, Yet many other students have been taken by these crooks . Look at their complaints :
www.work-at-home-forum.com/14_8845_0.html
Titled,"has anyone ever heard of Thrive Learning intitute"
All these people can not be wrong. How can they claim to help resolve any problems or complaints? It appears to be just another one of their lies. Shame on you! After reading through former student’s forum testimonials, I feel a little better in that I am not alone. I have signed a petition, organized by one of their former students, to help put a stop to these types of businesses. I will send complaints to the BBB, Attorney General, FTC, FBI, etc. and anyone who will listen. I will continue to write in various forums to help get the word out. I will not stop with all this activity until I get a full refund.
Stay as far as possible from Thrive Learning Institute.

[janiegirl]

Don't give up. If you haven't filed with the Division of Consumer Protection of Utah, do so. Also, if you haven't, try calling them and talking with a Glen Minson, an investigator with them. I got my money back and I know of another person who received their money back also. Good Luck!!

[notahappyperson]

Sure enough, after posting on ripoffreport.com, I received a call from Alex(not Zack) on Monday. Even after calling Thrive for over two weeks and leaving countless messages. This just goes to show it is their reputation they are worried about and not their customers. I spoke to him on Tuesday and explained my problem and told him I would like a refund. He then Informed me that he will verify that I paid them in full and he would call me back in one hour to refund back to my credit card. I was feeling taken again after he did not call me back. Today he did call me back and instead of a full refund he offered me $1,000.00 and said that was all he was going to offer. I should have known. When I told him I was not going to accept nothing else but a full refund, his tone changed (for the worst)and he smugly told me that no one has received a full refund. When I told him that I know that people have received full refund, He(of all people) told me there are a lot lies out there(no kidding, this coming the den of lies itself). I told him there is also plenty of truth out there as well(Like the muzzling of Bhavesh, Worstell and others). This company is pure evil and so are the people who protect these scumbags. He then told me to do whatever I have to do(He should not have challenged me like that). I told him I am sending two hefty packets to the AG and BBB and he actually arrogantly laughed at me. I guess that’s what they call unsurpassed service. He told me he would inform ripoffreport.com that he offered a refund and I refused. I corrected him and said you did not offer me a refund you offered me a little(hush) money to make the problem(me) go away. Again, this shows Thrive is worried more about their reputation than their unsurpassed service to their customers.
Since I have a lot time on my hands right now, I will make it my mission to get the word out …
And complain like h***!!!
Stay away from these lying vultures.
P.S. Thanks for the extra motivation, Alex.

[Kiva763]

I am quoting the post by thrivelearning with my responses following:



We at Thrive want to make some clarifications about what we do and what we don't do.

I think it’s your marketing people that need the clarification.

Thrive provides practical, actionable education to em***** individuals to start and run profitable online businesses. We have improved the educational process by bringing it to a personal level. We Teach how to become an independent business owner by teaching you 'how to fish' instead of just giving you a bunch of fish.

Your rhetoric really sounds great, but why can’t the “coaches” answer my questions? Why can’t they respond to what I already know, and really HELP me by filling in what I don’t know?
And you know, there ARE some people in this world that will NEVER be able to “get the worm on the hook”! Are you KIDDING ME?
Especially when every time you turn around, you are told that, to really make this work, you need a better worm, or a new pole, or different hooks, and so on, and so on… Of course the marketing person said “For only XX,XXX dollars you will have EVERYTHING you need” – that is of course unless you wanted to sell something and be able to take payments for it.

Thrive provides an extensive back end E-library full of educational videos, guides and homework assignments to enable our clients to progress at their own pace and to provide accountability for them. Thousands of hours have been spent creating these resources and all with one goal in mind: To em***** our students.

A person can watch videos until they go blind, but if they can’t understand it, and can’t get the help they need, how can you in good conscience take their money? As in Thousands of DOLLARS! I could get a REAL education for the amount I “invested” in this scam program!
I could buy a pile of books that would teach me the same thing for Thousands of Dollars less than what I spent with you.

Thrive has also invested heavily in hiring coaches with considerable online business experience to walk our students through the fulfilling, exciting process of starting a new business online. Each coach has distinguished themselves with their amiable personalities, great teaching skills and above all their experience in creating and maintaining profitable online businesses in their chosen niche. They have been carefully hand-picked by our managers to ensure top quality coaching that meets the Thrive Learning Institute standard.

If they are making so much money, what are they doing working for Thrive?
My idea of a GREAT teacher is one that can recognize the need in the student, and meet it. If my experience is typical of your “great teachers”, I really don’t know how ANYONE gets anything going, let alone make money.

Thrive is not a fly by night organization so we do not sell or promote useless widgets but provide our clients with the tools they need to succeed. Our students should expect to work to build their business, they should not expect to have a profitable business handed to them but rather to build, with Thrive Learning Institute's careful guidance and direction, their own business.

You may not be fly-by-night but your marketing “fronts” sure are. Many students have “worked their business” until their fingers are bloody, and haven’t made a dime. In fact I would venture to say, the majority. Prove me wrong.

Thrive is not a scam. We provide *****ful, enabling products that deliver valuable information in clear, easy to understand ways. We do not take your money and run with nothing to back up our claims. Our products and coaching are well worth the price paid.

You are a scam because you make promises and commitments that you can’t fulfill or substantiate – or your marketing outlets do. Maybe you need to rein some of them in. Such as:
1) You will have 16 weeks of regularly scheduled, 1 on 1 coaching, same day, same time, every week. After the 2^nd week I was told, “OK, now you have to call us” and would always have to leave a message, and get called back the next day!
2) Why won’t you provide a list of people that have recouped their investment in 30-90 days? I’d like to call them or at least see their website!

We have many successful, hard-working clients. One such client sent us this email a few days a go:

“I have made $1,500! That has already paid back my initial investment in Thrive Learning Institute. I can't believe I waited years to actually try to sell something online. I don't know why I was so afraid to simply try it. For a self-professed "techno phobe" like me - that is a major step. This gave me the confidence to build a website and finally make money on the internet & not rely on an IT person or internet marketer to make all the money while I have all the risk and do all the work.” - Melanie

I’d really like to get Melanie’s phone number. And see her web site. Golly, she’s ALREADY made a TENTH of what I invested!
What percentage of your customers make their money back? Ever? Let alone in 30-90 days? Hmmmmmmm?

At Thrive we always do our best to make our clients successful, profitable and happy and those are results we regularly achieve. If you would like to see more reviews from actual customers and successful customers of Thrive please visit http://thrivelearninginstitutereview.blogspot.com/

What is your definition of “regularly”? I am not interested in seeing more (coached, from my experience – I know I was coached into a testimonial letter) reviews from actual customers and successful customers but would like to get a list of their names and phone numbers. OR, you can have them PM me on this forum! Come on, put your money where your mouth is.

IF YOU ARE UNSATISFIED WITH THRIVE PLEASE CALL 1-866-334-3672. We are committed to resolving any problems or complaints that our students may have. Calling this number will be the quickest way to resolve your concerns. Our overall goal is to em***** and educate our students.

Really? OK, maybe I’ll give you a call. What option do I take to get my money back? Maybe you can tell me why you can violate the Utah Code, Title 13, Chapter 11, 11a, and 15 and get away with it.




I DARE YOU TO REPLY!

[notahappyperson]

What Thrive offered to refund me was less than 1/5 of the money they were all so happy to take. After ;

workingtirelessly again and again on this program, stressing over how long it was taking despite putting in more hours per week than disclosed, the stress it caused with my work/spouse/family, the frustrating coaching sessions, the extra charges/time(never disclosed), the complete draining of my savings, the debt with interest I incurred, the overall hassle of the experience, the overwelming feeling I bit off more than I can chew, bouts of hopeless depression, bouts of anger, a year of miserably wasted time, not to mention the time/ money/effort its taking to get a refund(which I am logging for the time being), the amount he offered an incredible insult. A full refund is the least that should of been offered.
When I told Alex from Thrive Learning Institue, I became unemployed during the course of the program, he shot back, " its not our fault you lost your job". But it is your fault I am even in this mess to begin with after not delivering what was promised.
One of the other insulting things Alex arrogantly told me was, " you are just going to be one of those unhappy people out there".
Hey Alex, Try one of many unhappy people ...one of many

[janiegirl]

If you haven't yet, file a complaint with FTC, BBB, FBI, file a IC3 report, and also with the Division of Consumer Protection of Utah. They have come down on Thrive and I know of a few have gotten a full refund. The Division of Consumer Protection is the agency who really did the job. I,myself have received a full refund. Good Luck and don't give up!!

[Hahamoneyrefunded]

To all of you here on this thread that are saying that you have actually talked with Thrive and have been offered partial refunds, let me suggest that you go to www.work-at-home-forum.com and search for "Has Anyone Heard of Thrive Learning Institute?" and then go to Page 7 of that thread. You will see that there are several entries from "Used and Abused" who got all of her money back. Look at her posting dated May 5th!!! I say that if you are getting offerings of even partial refunds you are on your way to getting it all back! Just go and see what Used and Abused says! Her entries and those of JoeBlow2009 were extremely helpful to me (Bhavesh too ofcourse), in getting all of my money refunded. You are almost there! Don't give up!

[scammedbythrive]

I started this blog to chat against Internet Scammers like Thrive learning institute and also help other people like me.

[traffexone]

There newest company website is linked to startwithfocus.com/ or focuslc.com. (Same site and owners) Just on the phone with one of their sales team members and happen to find this site while I was on the phone with them. They seemed shocked and tried to state that they no longer have any affiliation with Thrive Institute. I asked then why their websites were so similar and had the same writings. They also link through the same godaddy.com affiliate link so the money all goes to the same business. They are everywhere so please be careful. If they use the phrase OPM (other peoples money) then they are going to try and get you to finance your life away. Great blog by the way.

[MattWood]

I use to work for these telemarketing crooks. If you have been robbed by any of these companies call me I can help you get your money back fast. Ask for Matt 877-725-8882 You can also check out my blog at mlwood79.blogspot.com .

[notahappyperson]

Are you sure your name isn't Matt Rassmussen? or mabey its Dave or Colton Mody, or even Zachary Bradshaw? The scammers are working overtime. Wow,Another scam on top of a scam.


Hey scammedbythrive what happened to your blog page?

[janiegirl]

I'm with you notahappyperson. I DID go to MattWood's blogspot and read his blog and when I tried to read his profile nothing was there!! Go figure!!! those people sure are desperate!!! Anyway, I already got my full refund ON MY OWN!!!

[MattWood]

What do you mean about my blog. you can go to either one mlwood79.blogspot.com or mlwood79.wordpress.com or you can call me at 877-725-8882 ask for matt. and my last name is wood