Jeff Paul Systems advertises on television as a homebased business opportunity that is turnkey, using a proven product and stating in his material that it can be started up with zero dollars, no computer, and no computer experience.
You start with a small purchase price of the initial material, $54.95 with shipping included. What you receive in the mail is useless and they give you a number to call so they can upsell a larger package based on what 'you' want to make per month. Of course, what you 'invest' is related to how much you can sink into it. They try to upsell anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
They told me I would make my money back within 3-6 months and then they mail you a huge box of notebooks and tapes that are part of the website they sell you. You cannot do what they tell you to do to prepare for your websites they sell you, unless you have a computer. And you cannot do what they tell you to do with your websites unless you have some computer knowledge.
They have someone contact you immediately to set up a merchant account with a lease for a virtual terminal that you can never cancel. Then when you try to cancel, they do not respond to your inquiries, they just send you late notices and report you to the credit bureau.
After many months of zero sales, I have tried to cancel everything, including credit cards because the Web master kept on charging it without my authorization.
They promise in their guarantee an 'unconditional, unrestricted, no b.s., iron-clad guarantee to try this program with no risk'. If you are unhappy with it for any reason, you can get a refund...within 30 days from the purchase date. Beware, there is no way you can possibly review and get this up and running to see if it will work for you within 30 days.
Jeff Paul also goes on to state that there are no 'weasel clauses, if you don't like what you see just send it back for a complete refund, no hassles, no b.s. If I wasn't sure my system was as good as I say it is, I wouldn't offer such a no-risk guarantee, right? If my stuff wasn't as good as I say it is, I would get killed with refunds'.
Guess what? In August, I returned his material with a letter requesting a refund. I emailed them to let them know it was coming, and after 16 days, they responded and said if it came back they would refuse it. So much for that iron-clad refund guarantee!
So now, Jeff Paul has my money, and the material. I have mailed all of this information to the NYS Office of the Attorney General, the State Consumer Protection Board, and the NYS Better Business Bureau.
He has some 29 complaints within 12 months according to the Better Business Bureau, and they don't give out any names to someone trying to resolve their own problem.
I am a stay at home mom, homeschooling my son, and also take care of my 70 year old father. I have been in independent sales before, but just wanted something to do from home that would not interfere with my other responsibilites but would bring in a little extra money. I purchased the extended 'investment' opportunity without consulting my husband, primarily because it was a pressure tactic on their part, wanting my decision quickly.
That is how much of their program works, you have to agree to things quickly; sign and return things quickly; never any time to stop and make careful decisions, and that should have sent up red flags all over. However, they always had a good reason for everything.
Except now, they have my money, and they have their material back, and I have nothing but copies of letters sent trying to resolve this issue. It seems Jeff Paul can go on deceiving people with no consequences. How many others must be taken in before something is done?
Please, if you want a home based business...Jeff Paul is definitely not the one you want to even look at. You will have to get a job to pay back what he takes.
Phyllis
Mayo, Florida
U.S.A.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: “we could not do anything for you” or “you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days”.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARDIf the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember… Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck… Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson – Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.™
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
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