Financial Destination, Inc. This company tried to scam me into a pyramid scheme! Derry New Hampshire

I want to make something perfectly clear,I am not related to FDI or other MLM . However I like to inlighten some ignorent remarks in Rebuttals and I was glad with corect knowledge and experience and know the facts.The Pyramid scheme is ilegal because there is not product or srvice only paymens of money ! MLN is NOT ILEGAL and is NOT A SCHEME ,there is only one diference bet.all corporations that only those who are on the top (ceo,pres,vp)controling future and salarys of all employees ,in MLMs ANYBODY ,who is willing to work and get out of confort zone (providing  that the co is reputible and has good products,services) can build great financial future without bosses .There are basily only 2 types of people who nocking MLMs ,1:Ignorant without knowledge or heard negative infos about MLMs ;  

2:People who were light by those who recruted them,or people who were lazy to do any work and expected to got rich by sitting on their "behind"and than claim that CO is fraud and blain the MLM for the fealure.  By the way I was in AMWAY 25 years ago and make some money acording the efort and time I put in it. For sceptics ,there are many great MLMs and AMWAY is among a very successful CO that is responsible for many people starting with nothin becomed very welthy.Those who write all spread  negative infos are losers and Like to destroy DREAMS OF OTHERS.     

I am not an FDI rep but I have researched this company because I am in the credit repair business under another company and am always looking at and comparing products. FDI is a competitor but I have found it to be a legitimate company with fair practices. The overzealous rep was too pushy and didn't explain things properly and also insisted on something you were not comfortable with. I think what you asked (to be a customer first, to check it out) was perfectly acceptable. I do suggest referrals to offset the cost of the product (insurance agents, real estate agents, hair salons...etc...any good sales person will ask for referrals) There is nothing shady about asking for referrals.  I commend you for looking up pyramid schemes, however, if you look at the 3 things, you will see it doesn't fall into that category, although I can understand why you were concerned given the way you were approached and the eagerness of the rep you spoke to.  This is NOT a pyramid scheme since (1)they do not pay you for recruits only for the sales that any recruits bring in. In other words you are being paid for sales as in any regular company. If a recruit has no sales, then you are paid $0. In regards to the three things all 3 things must be there to constitute a pyramid scheme. Yes, you did meet someone online but that alone is not enough. I have many clients that I have met online, at meetings or by referrals.  regarding #2, in a pyramid scheme it says a list is displayed or distributed (given to you) or sold to you. You were not being "given" a list. You were asked to create one for your use to be able to increase your sales since most companies do not provide you with leads. If someone not only becomes a customer but also a recruited there will be increased sales for you based on your direct sales and your overrides on your recruits sales. YOU have to go out and find prospects. Of course, that rep would've recieved an overide (small compensation) but you would have received the larger commission since any sales would be directly under you.  (win-win situation) and #3, it says there is payment (an ante) to the top name on the list by you (the participant) Again, YOU are creating the list, you wouldn't pay anyone on your list, you are not paying FDI for the first name on your list, neither is the person recruiting you getting any money unless that person on the list has SALES in which case there would be a sales commission.   Maria Texas USA

TSK TSK TSK, here we go again.............., they must grow these, whiney, sissy, cry baby, "scam scammm squaccckk squacckkkk!!! yelling, "OMG MY LIFE IS OVER SOMEBODY SHOWED ME AN MLM, I THINK I MAY JUST DIE NOW" punks, yes i said PUNKS, somewhere. Maybe they grow them in some far off eastern island or something. GORDY, take off your durn diaper , grow some and get the heck out in the world and do something constructive, instead of sitting online, pouting, spitting, whining, about a company that no doubt is STILL moving forward, making money, changing lives, savings lives, while you sit and spew. You clowns are all the same, you get online and find some site like this and , lets face it ABUSE IT, just because "oh my gawd, the lady at the office said" it "MAY" be a scam, thats nothing more than an OPINION, these programs get sick and tired of jokes like you, at the first chance you get because youre angry somebody approached you about something "alternative" and new, and you dont like it, or agree with you, or know enough about it, or heck, probably mad because you didnt think it up, you want to run and jump on sites like this and whine your face off like youre some punk 10 year old kid that just got his big wheel stolen, did you know amway recruits??????? do you know how old amway is??????????????????????????? just because you recruit people clown, doesnt auto make it a pyramid or a scam, GROW UP. stop abusing the word SCAM AND PYRAMID, learn the definition first, the true definition, next off, ive decided just because youre spewing so much on here, i'm going to join tomorrow, i saw an ad and decided to google the company, and low and behold, just as i figured, look what pops up, then i decided to REVIEW it further, and i cant see how in the hell i'm going to be ripped off so much pushing a product that does this country a service, is quite cool and heck will help me earn extra money to pay this d**n high a*s mortgage, why is it always crows like yourself, that always have to sit there and b)))tch and complain about everything, i bet you crap everytime the ice cream man comes around because he's ringing that darn loud bell too loud again!!! wahhhhhhh wahhhhhhhhhh bleeeepin wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, dude you could have started your own company by now instead of whining about somebody else that did and making money!!!! lol, i mean get real, if you dont like it, so what?????? you didnt get on here as HERO to WARN the public, clown, you got on here to gripe, whine, use the NET, to show your BUTT, and GRIPE, just like your kind, are the ones that always sit in chatrooms harrassing everybody or griping all day, thats all you people do, hiding behind the net, thinking you can use the net at your beck and call to try and slander anything you dont like, or agree with, DUDE LIFE IS A PYRAMID, that company you work for, PYRAMID, everybody is out to push their product or service and HIRE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME and make money, OPEN UP YOUR EYES A BIT and THINK, all companys RECRUIT, to go out and do their work, and pay them a wage, THERE'S ALL kinds of pyramids and that's just how it is GET OVER IT, now if this were a PONZI, WITH NO PRODUCT, NOW YOU'D HAVE A POINT, BUT ITS NOT, NOBODYS PAYING OUT THE TOP WITH THE BOTTOMS MONEY, THATS A PONZI, THIS HAS ACTUAL PRODUCTS AND IF SOMEBODY COMES IN AND DOES MORE THAN SOMEBODY ABOVE THEN GUESS WHAT? THEY'LL MAKE MORE MONEY, GEEE WWOOWWW, SUCH THE PYRAMID, you type of people need to realize, you dont join something, SIT ON YOUR BUTT, NOT MAKE ANY MONEY, YOU DO NOT GET TO GO , OHHH MY GAWWWD ITS A SCAM BECAUSE I DIDNT MAKE ANY MONEY, WELL GEEE, IF YOU DONT SHOW UP FOR WORK, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS? YOU GET FIREEDDDDDDDDD, SAME THING, OMG WHAT A CONCEPT EH?  dude have a coke and a smile and STFU and get on with your life, ya schlep

Ronald Trump

Just a quick note who think i have been fighting this. Ok, i did what i did. You guys attacked like you are supposed to. But i am left with this. I watch the news, the reporters do the same thing. They made contact with the agencies and got their statement. I tried to do that and i get attacked by people./ so i want to say this!!!

I HAVE TRIED TO AVOID THE POST, BUT YOU GUYS DON'T KNOW HOW TO STOP ATTACKING ME SO BEFORE I END MY ACCOUNT WITH RIPOFFREPORT.COM, I'M TELLING YOU LOSERS THIS!

THE WAY THE REPRESENATIVES OF THIS COMPANY ARE ATTACKING ME FOR REPORTING ON WHAT I FOUND OUT WAS ATROCIOUS! THEY SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED. I REPORTED WHAT I FOUND OUT. NOTHING MORE. I USED SOME APPROPIATE WORDS AND SOME THAT YOU DEEM AS INAPPROPIATE. WHO CARES, THE REACTIONS OF THOSE INSIDE YOUR COMPANY AND THE EMPLOYEES IS SOMETHING TO BE WORRIED. IF I AM THE ONLY PERSON GIVING FDI A BAD NAME, WHY CARE? I AM ONE PERSON, WHY CARE ABOUT ONE PERSON? SCARED THAT 1 PERSON COULD HURT YOUR BUSINESS??

ANYONE, AND I MEAN ANYONE READING THIS SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES A QUESTION. THE GUY GOT SOME BAD INFORMATION MAYBE OR SAID SOMETHING WRONG... IS THAT ANY REASON TO SAVAGELY ATTACK THE MAN AND CALL HIM NAMES AS SOME HAVE DONE? ASK YOURSELF A QUESTION... DO I REALLY WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS? DO I REALLY WANT TO ATTACK SOMEONE FOR THEIR BELIEF? RIGHT OR WRONG?

THE WAY EACH OF YOU ACT, IF THIS IS THE ONLY POST THAT STATES INACCURACIES ABOUT FDI, WHY ATTACK THAT PERSON? DON'T MOST OF YOU BELIEVE OR THINK I AM OUT OF MY HEAD? SOME OF YOU THINK ILL OF ME BASED ON MY "LACK OF INVESTIGATION" WHICH WAS FOLLOWED UP BY MANY MORE PHONE CALLS.   IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THIS COMPANY, BRING UP THIS POST AND WATCH AS THEY GET MAD, OBSESSED AND START ACTING THEIR AGES, OVER "SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEIR TALKING ABOUT". IS THIS THE COMPANY YOU WANT TO WORK FOR? OR WITH? EACH PERSON DOESN'T HAVE TO BELIEVE WHAT WAS SAID TO ME, BUT EACH PERSON WHO MAKES A POST, ATTACKING ME, IS ONLY SHOWING THE MATURITY LEVEL OF THE COMPANY THAT YOU WILL BE INVESTING YOUR MONEY WITH. SO, I ASK, ARE YOU READY TO ATTACK ANYONE THAT BELIEVES THIS IS A PYRAMID SCHEME? ARE YOU READY TO ATTACK BASED ON SOMEONE WHO DID HOMEWORK?

MLM OR PYRAMID SCHEMES, I DON'T CARE. I WAS GOING ABOUT MY LIFE. APPROACHED BY SOMEONE IN FDI AND TOLD BY MY ATTORNEY GENERAL AFTER THEY LOOKED AT THE WEBSITE THAT IT MIGHT BE A PYRAMID SCHEME. I REPORTED, YOU DECIDED. ATTACKING ME IS CHILDISH AND IF YOU WANNA ACT LIKE CHILDREN, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU DO IT TO MY FACE. JACKSONTOWN, OHIO. NAME CALLING IS FOR LOSERS. PROVING IS FOR WINNERS. I'LL PROVE YOU WRONG IN PERSON.

There was a lot of additional response to support why you think these types of companies are scams.  Someone mentioned a few majors that have been around for decades not to mention another being Tupperware and your response is basically non-responsive regarding the majors. You did not answer to that comment at all.  They are in fact MLM or Cooperative Marketing companies.  They are legal and going strong.  Some even have retail storefronts which is what happens when a real MLM becomes saturated with recruits.  The human capital growth opportunity shrinks and the pure retail/service opportunities become more prevalent. 

I do not support the scamming fly by night "companies" crooks should go to jail.  There are, however, some credible companies out there that use this marketing strategy.  You may be supporting one now or some variation of it and not even know.  Most who are approached with this type of opportunity are careful and they should be and with good reason.  But don't go crying foul before you are crystal clear on what you are throwing rocks at.  I have witnessed the financial growth of many that take advantage of a program early in the growth stages. It haoppens in good and bad companies sorry to say but when you latch to a good one like AVON, Mary Kay, Pre-Paid Legal, Herbalife etc. early you are a lucky one.  Try not feeding folks partial info.  I work with government agencies on a regular basis doing research and you are likely to get a different answer from the drones from one day to the next.  You really have to dig to get someone really knowlegable regarding your topic of concern.  Many are just going off half baked training that gets worse and worse the longer they stay on the job and others are thrown into a position and are baptised by fire giving out partially wrong info until they learn better over time. 

We should always be careful and clear when we attack someones livelihood.  I was involved with an MLM once and realized substantial returns on my investment for a long period of time. I did not pursue further because I was not interested in the effort it took to maintain the team and the research involved to stay at the top of the MLM approach.  Not enough time in the day for me.  These are businesses you would be investing in and each one commands the same research you would engage if starting a new manufacturing company, restaraunt, etc. 

I have had partners from that previous venture go on to be very successful at this approach to marketing goods and services. Including the Mona-Vie as well as the FDI ventures.  You are probably going to find at the end of the day that FDI is one of the good ones.  That is if the FTC or whoever else is really going to conduct a fullscale investigation.

By the way which one is it:

Money is the root of/to all evil or The love of money is the root of/to all evil?

Its the same thing with "pyramid schemes" and "MLM/Cooperative Marketing" that folks love to twist when they go interpreting the law without guidance.  That includes the drones you speak to at the FTC, BBB etc.

Peace!

Bart Cincinnati, OH  rebuttal for FDI:                                                                                                                                                                                       After spending about an hour or two reading the comments I felt obliged to comment myself.  This is a first for me so I'll do my best.  I will keep it as brief and concise as possible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       When someone is arguing a point I always like to hear where they got the information.  Is it something in writing from the Attorney General or other such reputable organization.  Is it from an attorney specializing in the field of "pyramid"(illegal) vs. "MLM"(legal)?                                                                                                                                                                                                                When someones says and I quote you, " TOLD TO YOU AS IT WAS TOLD TO ME."   Come on my friend, do you really think that is due diligence?  Again I quote you, "SAID WHAT I WAS TOLD."  I'm sure thats enough evidence to hold up in the court of law, come on.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Anyone that even half way wanted to prove something as a scam would need to simply get the facts from the proper authorities and post them.  I find it amazing that you would go on arguing for over a year, and complaining about it, instead of just getting the proper documentation, posting it and sealing the deal.                                                                                                                                                 Instead, I feel you are just hard-headed, have your mind made up, regardless of the facts. The real documentation the others have already posted proves that FDI is a legal company already in business for 7 years in august and still no complaints except your OPINION because of what someone TOLD you(this kills me), which by the way they are not allowed to do over the phone.                                                                                                                                                                                     Yes, I have been a member of FDI for over 2 years and in that time saved more money using their viable services than it would cost me in membership fees for the next 10 years and thats not counting the quick return I made on my investment and then some.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   I know many others, personally, that have enrolled in this company just as customers using the services.  They are happy and satisfied as customers.  How could a company be a scam, i.e. "not give any value" to a person that is involved for the sole purpose of using FDI's services?                                                                                                                                                                                                 "Customers" pay their monthly membership fees with no intention of ever enrolling a single person or making a single penny, yet they still continue to work with the company.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 I'd very much like you to explain how a company that also has 1000's of satisfied customers, could even be considered a scam?

Thank you so much for praying for my family The Q Man... I really needed your blessing. Really needed your Dr. Phil advice about me and my family when you know nothing about me. I am not bitter nor do i yell about this. What upsets me is people like you who think they know what's going on. I, once again reported what was told to me by the proper authorities. That's what a reporter does. ans, while i am no reporter, i did what they would do. I tried to contact the compnany, to no avail. I contacted the Atty. general of my state (this was called wasteful!? that's what they are for. I reported on what they told me. Looks like my case as reported has merit. The only people who rebutt me are employees. If i am going to trust a company, i need answers and not from an entry employee.

THIS IS A REPORT. BASED ON INFORMATION I FOUND. PRESENTED TO YOU. INFORMATION I FOUND. NOT MADE UP. TOLD TO YOU AS IT WAS TOLD TO ME. I DID MY HOMEWORK BEFORE JUMPING OFF THE DOCK. FOR MY ACTIONS I GOT ATTACKED. EACH OF YOU CALL YOURSELVES BUSINESSMEN? SO, IF YOU WERE SELLING CARS AND I GAVE YOU REASONS WHY JD POWER AND ASSOCIATES SAID THE FORD F150 WAS A BAD TRUCK WOULD YOU ATTACK ME IN PERSON? I DON'T THINK SO. I PRESENTED WHY JD POWER & ASSOCIATES MADE THE CLAIM WITH WORD FOR WORD ANALYSIS AND YOU WANT TO ATTACK ME. BAD BUSINESS WHEN YOU SHOULD REALIZE AS A POSTER SAID EARLIER, MY MIND WAS MADE UP. ONLY IT WASN'T MADE UP UNTIL THE OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID WHAT I WAS TOLD.

As for the Pyramid story in Cairo, beautiful story, too bad all archaologist and historians believe that the Pyramids you talk about couldn't be done in weeks or even the 22 years that some engineers believe.

TO ALL YOU FDI EMPLOYEES... ATTACKING ME BECAUSE I REPORTED INFORMATION, REAL OR FALSE, IS NOT GOING TO MAKE YOUR CASE BETTER. I REPORTED WHAT I FOUND OUT. IF I AM WRONG, TELL YOUR BOSS TO TRY TO MAKE HIS WEBSITE NOT LOOK "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE I GOT MY INFORMATION. It's your right to come here and to state your case, but attacking me or my character as some have done, makes you look like immature employees who have nothing better to do than defend your company. Go sell something or better yet, try not screwing over people with a end of debt date and go spend some time with your families. It's what i do after i close up shop and count the books. So, if you've made it this far, you've read the whole thing and should give yourself a pat on the back! Have a great NEW Year. New being the operative word because this FDI CRAP that's been going on for like a year or more is for little kids. When will you grow up???

EVERYONE OF YOU FDI REPRESNTATIVES SHOULD LOOK AT YOURSELVES LIKE BULLIES. Thanks for helping out your company. If i had workers that bullied as hard as you, sales would be through the floor!!! Instead, based on your actions, i'd be horrified by my actions towards someone who was only reporting what he found out. No ASHAMED!!!!!!

Well, sir, when I look up the company that has helped me do so much for myself my family and my customers and find your comment I found it neccesary to rebuutal, which is my God given right, my right as an American, and my right under this websites guidelines.

It is a shame that you are in my opinion dilusional. I hear your yelling, I hear your defending, I see your violent nature and your bitterness.

It is a shame that you live that way...I can see why you feel angry against a company that never did anything to you. It is a way to vent your frustrations.

Well Sir,Iwill be praying for you and I hope you can find integrity and come clean at least for your self, and your family.

I will continue to stick to the truth as YOU wrote it. Have a very merry christmas and a Happy new year.

God bless!

Thanks for all the attacks and replies that stuck up for FDI.. Here is the problem with what most of you have told me, i don't care. I did my research by calling and listening. IF, FDI is legit, congrats and i hope it works out for ya! If it doesn't, don't whine for a bail out!

It's been like a year since my last entry.

I DON'T CARE! About FDi. I have a business to run and worrying about someone who i felt was scamming me is not on my agenda. Secondly, if the government was to hide something what would they do. Deny, recruit people to attack or redicule the accuser and finally give testimonials about how great something is. Guess what, i put my experience out there and you guys either say i'm a consumer (wanna punch guys like you) not a business man. Or, i did this but failed to do this. Read my report, if you disagree, congrats. state what you disagree with but trying to prove me wrong is not going to happen. This is my experience and anyone reading should THINK FOR THEMSELVES!! That's all. Good bye and good luck. But i'm done with FDI and what i think is a terrible company. Later!!

Reading this page led me through a gambit of emotions. I laughed, was upset felt pity towards some folks led by ignorance and then I did something I have never done...I signed up to a web site to leave a comment. I have always been a user of reviews BUT am guilt of never reviewing. So here is my take on FDI.
I use FDI for myself and my family. I also use it for my clients. I have found that FDI has not just helped me payoff my 5 year car loan in only 18 months without changing my life style but also I will be done with my home in 6 more years.
Over 20 clients that could not qualify for a home are now homeowners thanks to FDI and many more have gotten lower interest rates because of FDI. I have given single mothers hope of paying off their loans and putting away for their sons college and I have helped many people earn from $100 to $2000 a month in this business.
Your claim to being "riped off" is not valid because you never did. Even though your intention is supposedly to "warn" people....that comment is plausible because you do not have anything to warn them about. You never experienced anything negative from the company by your own admission.
You were contacted by someone that you either gave your number to and do not remember or someone you know gave, them your number. Regardless of they how...they texted you. OK, YOU chose to communicate with him. He advised you that the company does not allow payment of a year upfront. (what's wrong with that?). Your story falls apart there. If you were willing to pay upfront why not monthly? In this day and age when you can get a debit card at a check cashing store or a pre-paid visa for free...what was your issue? Lastly, he was right...a list of 30 - 40 people will net you about 8 - 12 people and that means he was looking out for you. But that is marketing 101, we all know this. So at the best he was excited about a new way to help people in the country that has been going on for over a half a decade and at the worst...he was very excited and came across too eager or pushy. I got that, there is nothing wrong either way.
Please read below for the finale...
As far as the company being a "pyramid"...sigh...in the 70's a company named Amway was accused of being a pyramid. The Supreme Court did a  long study and found that not only were they legal, debt free, and full of integrity but any company, (MLM etc) that did NOT follow the same structure THEY would be a pyramid and illegal. Guess what folks...FDI follows the plan to the letter and does so much more.
But wait theres more...
No employee of the BBB would be there to make comments or suggestions. If they did they would be sued for Libel. Also, most people "IF" they did look at the website and offer you their OPINION...LOL...it is the opinion of someone working 9-5 (NOT THAT WORKING 9-5 IS A BAD THING) and has no idea of entrepreneurship or of making money the old fashion way, how this country was started...through people helping people and word of mouth.
As far as the state department giving you a warning..."IF" that were true I do not blame them. I would always C.M.A. in that situation and if they listened to your "side of the story" it would behoove them to go along with your leading comments and advise you to stay away in a situation like this.
For the parent whose son was approached...shame on you! You are a dream killer...i am making though not a lot just a little over $60K a year in this business and have helped so many people. What qualifications do you have to judge this man or the business. The reason why most folks do not have money and work is because they: Overspend, use credit, have a JOB (Just Over Broke), have no avenue for diversification of income and are stuck in stinkin thinkin....this is too good to be true, wont work for me, I will never make it, I want to make money quietly and not tell anyone. RIGHT! Unfortunately no one who has made money did it by acting or speaking that way.
MONEY$$$$$ it costs about $15.00 a week to have your credit enhanced, debt elimination plan done, personal assistant for 30 minutes a month, A doctor on call 24 hours a day and more....I use this constantly and daily! It is part of my office structure and i have saved over $28,000.00 in interest.
BTW THEY HAVE A 30 DAY NO QUESTIONS ASKED MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! AND NO CONTRACTS......
I apologize if i sound sarcastic it's just that, i read the whole post and can not believe how one person sparked a truck load of MISinformation about a company he never was with...
MY COMPANY IS  (((REDACTED))) FEEL FREE TO VIEW THE TESTIMONIALS AND SEE THAT I AM VERY TRANSPARENT.
God bless you all and Merry Christmas everyone!!

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CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Interesting,

I always like to read what people are saying about different companies I am involved with, so when I did a recent search, I see this site is still coming up and I still see no evidence of any wrong doing by FDI. Sure makes you wonder why the original poster was so sure FDI was a scam when after 18 months there is still no valid complaints against company.

The true way to evaluate any company is to revisit sites which are designed for negative posts like this one, and when you still don't find any complaints or unresolved issues, makes you feel confident to refer others.  With the launch of the latest service, a new mobile wireless internet service offering savings of 50% or more, this will become the most popular service in no time given a recession is forcing people to look for savings, and nothing is easier than transfer buying, simply shifting from your current cellular service to new FDI service.

I research them all, and use RipOff to see what people are saying. In almost every case you will always find a complaint or two on every  company, so I value these reports since most are at least interesting to know what is happening in the field.  We all know some reps may misrepresent or misunderstand what they are relaying to prospects, this happens all the time, but the true test is in a company that survives baseless attacks like FDI has, so time will tell, I will check back again in another six months. lol

Success to all,
LowestCostWireless.com

I read the whole thread, including the Maryland complaint against LTI and I have come to the following conclusions:

1. FDI is an MLM, which means it is not for everyone.

2. They market services that seem to be freely available elsewhere and charge a membership and relatively HIGH monthly fee for passing along these opportunities, which still be useful to the consumer.

3. A number of FDI members invested in LTI and seem to have been defrauded by LTI which was almost certainly an illegal Ponzi scheme.

The following QUESTIONS remain, and if anyone has answers I'd be interested to hear:

1. Did FDI ever offer LTI to it's members or authorize its sales reps to do so (or were LTI's people merely using their FDI connections to defraud)?

(If so, it would call FDI's competence and judgement into question, at least. One would expect that the main service FDI is selling is that they have the expertise to have checked out and offer services they are SURE are of benefit.)

2. Did any FDI members who invested in LTI ever actually get their money out? I'd welcome hearing any experience they had.

Has the AG gotten back to you yet on Financial Destinaions. One of there representitives said it was a scam from looking at the website. How silly and irresponsible was that person. Use your time wisely sir. Try the services, don't worry about the income portion of it.

Become a customer get sick call up Tela Doc and see if a perscription will be waiting for you at the nearest pharmacy you designate, at a discounted price. (non life threatning sickness of course) Beome a customer and let Life Lock put protections on your credit then go try to purchase something on credit and see if they don't call you first to make sure that it's actually you making the purchase. Become a customer, get with one of the financial advisors and see if they give you top notch adviceon your budgeting, investing, etc. Become a customer contact an attorney to see what services they would assist you with through your membership. I could go on and on. Once you see that the company is real, call your rep at the AG's office and refer her then give her a discounted travel voucher for being such a good sport.

PS
People don't really know that the BBB is designed to protect the business not the consumer. It's inplace for the business to be made aware of any wrong doing's in there compnay so they can have a public record of how they handeled the situation in the event of legal action. Business pay to get there BBB affiliation. 6 years and FDI only has 2 complaints. Yeah thats a rip off alright with all those BBB reports.

There are many rip-offs in ths world. Before labeling any company or any person a rip-off you should at least investigate it for yourself. If you are going to take the energy to write false information you should take the time to try out what ever it is you suspect to be a rip off first. Get first hand knowledge not your assumption. Do your research first.

All of the services that the company FDI offers where at one time "Regular" brick and mortar business that did very well on there own. FDI did not make up any of the services it provides through it's membership. I was very suspect of the company when first asked to be a customer, but i tried it because i wanted to help the person presenting to me. Guess what the services are real, they work.

Is there a referral business side to it yes, does that make it a pyramid no. I even researched that. A pyramid is where there are no legitmate goods or services exchanged and where the person just entering the business can not out earn the person that sponsored them into the business.

It's all Marketing. I have a Marketing degree and understand that there are various ways to market a product or service. What Network Marketing companies due is brand themselves with there customer base and allow that customer base to earn an income by referring it's products or services to others. No different that what directv did a few months ago with it's referrall campaign of $100 for referring a friend regardless of how many friends referred.

We have COSTCO memberships, gym memberships, auto club memberships all to get a discount. Now what if either of those companies said they will now pay each member for bringing new members. People would fall over themselves to bring friends and family to these business.

If Jordan Goodman a well respected Financial Analyst seen on many news programs, (look him up), Todd Davis of Life Lock i'm sure you've seen the commercials, A.C. Green NBA LA Laker Legend, millionaires who all saw FDI as a legitimate company that people really benefit from being a customer or even a business owner with the company referring the services, why do people with much less resources than these people mentioned think it's a scam. Millionaires see opportutniy and hope where broke people see scam. Something wrong with that mentality. There are some Networking scams out there, but FDI is not one. Do your research from inside not outside looking in.

When Ray Krock introduced the franchise idea in the burger industry, people thought it was a scam too.

My 18 year old, just out of high school last week, met up with a guy from FDI, today, while getting his oil changed,and he gave him a business card, with a 100 dollar bill on the outside, what looks like a 100 dollar bill.

So, I told my son it sounds like an MLM, after I watched the video, and he got smart with me, and said, "Well, mom, don't you want me to go to college for free?" I can't believe they are marketing that your child can go to college for free,and all bills will be paid. How? After you spend 99.99 (which we don't have), and then the 29.95 a month. come one, stop scamming these kids!!! So,the guy is supposed to meet with him on Thursday.I work from home (I audit charts, and work at home on the computer), so I'll be home anyway. I'm surprised that kind of marketing is legal, to tell someone they can go to college for free.

Ofcoruse, Rip off report is the first on the list of Google searches under FDI Scam. And it's the first thing I went to to find FDI.

I was involved with GDI, untilI felt so guilty,I couldn't do it any more. Funny, FDI is only one alphabet letter away.
--Rhonda, Independence, MO

It's interesting when a person does not take the time to review a company to get the facts but will take the time to give there negative opinions. The FTC gives specific meaning to what a pyramid sceme is. The companies that people complain about when they have not made any money such as Amway, ACN, Financial Destinations Inc, Monavie, all have a legitimate product or service that they offer. Very simple concept, be a customer bring the company customers and you share in the profits. If these type of business are such scams, why is DirecTV, and countless other so called legit companies getting in on the act of referral based marketing. DirecTV is currently paying customers $100 for every new friend that signs up from there referral and the friend gets $100 as well. The key thing people forget when they join a Network Marketing Company, MLM or what ever you want to label them is that they are a customer first. It can be a business if you want to bring in more customers, recruits whatever you want to call it.

All companies constantly recruit, thats why they have HR departments. Why are MLM's dinged for doing the same thing, but instead of only paying the big bucks to the top executives, they share the profits with the people putting in the work bringing more CUSTOMERS. I challenge all the naysayers to sign up with a good company with good services or products, bring in a few customers and help them do the same and see what happens. If they never send you or anyone a check anyone then it's a scam. If the products work and the services work, and they send you a check. What will you say then. One last thing, when Ray Krock introduced the franchise concept to the restaruant industry, it was thought of as a scam as well.

Navigate around the web site, it speaks for itself. Consider the services and the need many Americans have for what is offered. Look at each service individually and ask yourself if most of these services are also offered from stand alone brick and mortar businesses and at what cost. Look at a Basic membership and what a person gets. A person can be in this business offering everything that this company has to offer while they enjoy the service of that membership. That is basically their monthly cost to be in this business. Try opening your own business and offer a doctor that a family can call anytime or a credit repair/restoration business. That in itself speaks volumes let alone everything else this company offers. Compare the cost of a Preferred membership and what a person gets against the cost of credit restoration with a stand alone credit repair company. What's that membership cost? And they could drop that membership the next month if they so desire? That said, now look at the compensation plan. WOW! An awesome company that I am extremely proud to be a part of! Come join our team!

Please see rebuttal to Mata, Troy, Ohio

I have been a member and business owner with Financial Destinatiion for 7 months now and I even met the owner and CEO Mr. William Andreoli at our 5 year National Convention in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Hilton in August of this year plus I also personally met Mr. Todd Davis the owner of LifeLock which is the #1 Identity Theft Protection company in America. Mr. Davis spends between 40 and 50 Million Dollars a year in advertising and he alligned himself with our company and we are the ONLY Networking Company that Todd Davis will allow to offer his LifeLock protection other than his own company - and believe me, he didn't pick our company out of a hat.....He Did His Research about Financial Destinations. I also had the pleasure to personally meet Mr. Jordan E. Goodman (America's Money Answer Man - often seen on CNBC Money, FOX News, CNN Money, and CNBC Money). Jordan E. Goodman not only joined our company as a Representative to help American's improve their finances and help them with an option to get out of debt 10 to 15 years sooner than the creditors plan and also improve your FICO score with our sevices, but Jordan is also one of our Wealth Coaches. Please do your own research and America needs help...We Need More Reps. and Consumers who want to Save Money - Make Money - & Create Wealth . Steve B. Ontario, California fdi_moneyzone@yahoo.com

Why not just go to the web site and see for yourself? I've been a member and a rep since Sept 2007. I have quit my job of 17 years with a local city August this year. I can drop FDI anytime but do not because I like the services and the business. When I first joined I thought the services were great but frankly didn't have any idea if they worked well or not and really didnt intend on using any of them.

I didn't feel that I personally had a need for the services but liked the business model and came in for the income opportunity. I could see that this was something that a lot of people needed and was very marketable. Since then I've used Equity Trax, Credit Trax, Life Lock, Money Trax, Wealth Trax, the legal services, the shopping discounts, dental services and much more.

It's interesting that when you don't have it you think you don't need it. I can tell you when you do have it, it's beneficial and wise to use it and sometimes I wonder how I've lived without it. These are hard times and this company offers an affordable answer by providing the kind of resources folks need to solve so many different kinds of problems as well as helping people save money everyday. If you want more details on my personal use of the services you can contact me through the web site. www.fdirep.com/thisisit Thanks, Trish

Silence is the best way to keep you smart...Too much talking without any solid foundation is a HUGE SCAM....Check the BBB..Those who complain too much...will not get to wherever they want to get in life. Sorry guys those who complain, we got our checks already and helping people around. Have a great day!

With respect to the document:
www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf,

I refer you to the following portions of the document which states:

"35. LTI also solicits investors through FDI."

"36. The LTI application form and its instructions inform potential investors that LTI is not sponsored by FDI at this time and states that:
All investments are contractual transactions with Liberty Trade International, Inc.,..."

Key Phrase - "LTI is not sponsored by FDI"

I appears to me that LTI and it's owners are simply using the crediblity of Financial Destination, Inc. to scam people with a real estate ponzi scheme. By the way, a ponzi scheme and pyramid direct marketing are two totally different animals.

Professionals will tell you that almost every succesful business or business person has been sued at least once. This suit was not brought against Financial Destination, Inc.

Sinced the suit was filed March 2006, what is the status of LTI and the individuals connected to both LTI and FDI? I would be very troubled by Financial Destination, Inc. if LTI participants are still FDI Reps.

Obviously Financial Destination, Inc. is still in business.

One quick note: As far as all this nonsence about attorney generals... they are just trying to protect consumers. They never state that ALL MLM Companies are a scam. Why don't thye make that statement... because it is not true.

My advice?
Don't think you are going to get rich without any risk and effort.
Do your homework on the companies and owners you are considering.
Think long term not get rich quick.
Realize your own ablities and limitations.
Get an idea of how you will make the program work in the real world before joining.
Understand that there will be other costs involved in operating your business.

I would like to hear more from actual FDI Reps. Any other forums?

I too was approached by someone from FDI and decided to research them first. That's how I found your blog. I read the case

www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

But I am bit confused. Are you calling LTI or FDI a ripoff? From what I can tell FDI did nothing wrong but followed their business plan. It was LTI that was being sued and FDI was just the party that facilitated the transaction. I think in this particular case the 80% mentioned having ownership was a coincidence. Do you have another case? I think it wouldbe more interesting to see if there were more than you and the plaintiff saying that this is a scam. From what I can tell, they have helped thousands of people and to have only you (who didn't join) and one other person (who did join) complain seems to me to be pretty good odds.

I think everyone now is so quick to point the finger at their own misfortunes that they lose sight of the overall picture.

Someone decide to start a company that helped people. That company charges a fee for their service. A lot of people were helped. Some were not (we'll even say they didn't report anything). Those people felt cheated. A few of them decided to sue. Case is still pending.

Substituting any company in, wouldn't that be true for all companies? Even Not-for-profit organizations will take donations but the entire donation does not go to the cause. there is payroll, marketing, materials, etc. so how is that different?

If this has already been addressed, let me know. The blog just seemed a little long-winded with everyone going in circles. Thanks

Gordon you are not a business owner prospect..and I suspect you will always be in your current situation..which is OK if that is what you choose.
Yes there and scams ( including the government) out there and yes you should be concerned and investigate all offers to your satisfaction.
Having said that here is what you should try to understand about business.
Most for profit businesses rely on sales.. and most businesses rely on the referral of their sales to new prospects and so on. Think about every purchase you make and who you purchased it from and you will see some form of network marketing at work.
If there was only one J.C. Penny store or only one Sears store I doubt they would be as successful as they are.
A scam is pretty much like property tax..you have to pay it even if you don't use the services it says it provides..example what if you don't drive or have kids in school?? Now thats a scam..I find it interesting you call a government office whose sole purpose it is to protect us..unless of course some lobbyist pays them to think differently about what we need in the way of protection..you know..like the drug companies that continue to sell us drugs that kill us but the FDA agrees with the drug company's report..ect..ect..
Are there MLM scams..you bet your sweet a*s there are...and you can also bet the oil companies are one of them..the point is MLM or Networking Marketing offers the little guy a chance to get into business..some make it..some don't..but all are not crooks..if you want to attack a scam business I suggest you make the same effort to get credit cards companies noticed as you did FDI or other MLM companies..
In the mean time..just continue being a consumer and stay out of the business world..its not for you...and besides..we need more consumers.
RB

FDI is not a Ripoff.... Like I said in my title you write your own check's let see how many people just understood what I just said. Again you write your own check's. If you are investing $250.00 to $500.00 in FDI To make money and you understand the system and do nothing in the business you are ripping yourself off. If you are reading this post take out you check book and for the month write out how much you think your worth for this month. My point is if you think your worth $1,000 to $10,000.00 your going to get paid what your worth if you sitt on your butt and do nothing your going to get paid nothing thats life. Success dosent fall in your lap, for all the people out there that are so caught up in calling the BBB and the ftc and lawyers ect. You should be out there trying to earn some money its sad to say but some people dont want the hardship that come with success......

What your symbol of success?

Hi - I just saw an error in my post, and it does not appear we can edit our posts.

Above, I said this: >

That is a very unclear sentance. My apologies. I meant that FDI is listed with the State of Ohio for doing business. It would not be listed in the AG's office. Rather, it would be listed with another department of the State of Ohio.

Sorry for the confusion.

S. McClintock

Hi Gordon. Greetings from a fellow Ohioan.

My, you certainly have done a lot of work. You've created quite a fire-storm (with independent reps and AG offices), and generated a lot of publicity for Financial Destination, Inc., as well as increased traffic for Ripoff Report.

It was generous of you to call the NH AG's office. You really didn't need to go further than Ohio's, as that is the AG watching over you.

If you explore the Ohio AG website, you'll find Financial Destination listed.

If you look for complaints against them in the Buckeye state, you will find none (as of today 8/18/2008): https://agcares.ag.state.oh.us/public/search.aspx. Even using as soft as a search as I could (Derry, NH) I found nothing on FDI, but did find complaints against 2 companies and 1 individual from NH.

I guess the State government employee you spoke to in the AG's office was not correct in their agreement with you, for none of the attorney in the AGs office found grounds for making a complaint (or charge) against Financial Destination, Inc. Perhaps, just perhaps, they are trained to agree with the caller, take notes to forward the information, and get off the call so they can answer another. You know, how in customer service, the customer is always right?

I looked up Ohio's laws for such things. Did you know the State of Ohio makes a distinction between pyramid schemes (illegal) and business opportunities (legal)? You can find the Ohio laws explained here: http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/boppa2006.pdf (Biz Op) and http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/anti_pyramid2003-72.pdf (Pyramid Scheme)

Here are the details:

Business Opportunity:
As used in sections 1334.01 to 1334.15 of the Revised Code:

(D) "Business opportunity plan" means an agreement in which a purchaser obtains the right to offer, sell, or distribute goods or services under the following conditions:
(1) The goods or services are supplied by the seller, a third person with whom the purchaser is required or advised to do business by the seller, or an affiliated person.

(2) The purchaser is required to make an initial payment greater than five hundred dollars, but less than fifty thousand dollars, to the seller or an affiliated person to begin or maintain the business opportunity plan.

(3) The seller makes any of the following representations:
(a) That the purchaser will be provided with retail outlets or accounts, or assistance in establishing retail outlets or accounts for the sale or distribution of the goods or services;
(b) That the purchaser will be provided with locations, or assistance in finding locations, for vending machines, electronic games, rack displays, or any other equipment or display for use in the sale or distribution of goods or services;
(c) That the purchaser can earn a profit in excess of the initial payment;
(d) That there is a market for the goods or services;
(e) That there is a buy-back arrangement.



Pyramid Scheme:
As used in sections 1333.91 to 1333.94 of the Revised Code:
(A) Pyramid sales plan or program means any scheme, whether or not for the
disposal or distribution of property, whereby a person pays a consideration for
the chance or opportunity to receive compensation, regardless of whether he
also receives other rights or property, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) For introducing one or more persons into participation in the plan or
program;
(2) When another participant has introduced a person into participation in
the plan or program.

-----

Now let's look at your complaint. You were online, and someone reach out to you through instant messaging. He offered you a service (Credit Repair), to which you responded somewhat positively (you wanted to check out the company; you expressed interest in buying your own home during the sub-prime bubble; and you did not say "no") and he kept in touch with you.

You wanted to pay for the services upfront. He (erroneously) said you could not do that, but in fact, you can. (It is done, but is not the norm.) You were clearly exposed to and considering the business opportunity, because you state "that this would be the only way I would bring in my family or friends." He told you that you would need to make a list of people [to contact and talk with about FDI] and he indicated that "the money would come back to me if I had people under me."

Ten days later he was encouraging you to create your list of people, but apparently, from your response, creating a list of 30-40 people was too many to consider!

Ten days later you (apparently) no longer liked the idea of earning a commission from helping others receive financial services, you scoured the internet and eventually posted here on Ripoff report. (Please understand that in sales, no one's closure rate is 100%! Yes, it helps to have a good size list! If you close 10%, based on 30-40 names, it would represent 3 to 4 members you have sponsored!)

You go on in your post to explain pyramid schemes, all definitions which are correct, yet have nothing to do with Financial Destination, Inc, or the business opportunity which you were considering.

Now, if you want some great examples of a pyramid scheme, look up "Charles Ponzi" or more recently, ASDCashGenerator (Ad Surf Daily), which was closed by the Feds the first week of August, 2008. In a pyramid scheme, there is no product or service, and new recruits are needed to pay the promised returns to earlier recruits. You will quickly see these two pyramid schemes have nothing in common with Financial Destination, Inc.

(Liberty Trade was also a ponzi or pyramid scheme. They were an independent company that may have joined FDI in order to give the appearance of credibility and identity as they offered their scheme to FDI members. At one point, they tried to make enrollment in FDI a requirement of participation in LTI, however that clearly broke FDI's membership rules, and LTI was required to drop that stipulation. The State of Maryland, looking for deep pockets in the pending charges against LTI and parties of interest, originally mentioned FDI in its description of the events. It has, however, never filed an indictment or charges against FDI. As of March, 2008 the owner of LTI and his cronies have all be charged and given either very long sentences for wire & mail fraud and/or very large fines for their promotion of a ponzi scheme.)

Back to your complaint...in a business opportunity like FDI, commissions are paid to those who join as representatives (those who want to earn commissions through sharing the business opportunity), but commissions are not paid to customers (those who only want to use the services), unless of course, they decide to become representatives. FDI had, last time I checked, over 80% customer base. That would be difficult to achieve if they did not have a product or service!

And, as with every business to which I have been exposed, from churches, to the government and courts, to privately- and publically-owned businesses, FDI has the structure of a pyramid: there is one at the top, management-type people in the middle layers, and a greater number of people at the bottom. As with those businesses, employees above other employees are paid based on the production of the employees below them. That's the model of capitalism. There's nothing illegal in the structure.

It has been at least 6 months since you called the OH AG. I believe your complaint was found to be without merit, or unjustified by the attorneys who researched it under the Ohio Code for pyramid schemes, as nothing has been filed in the State of Ohio against Financial Destination, Inc.

I hope this helps you understand Ohio laws in light of your complaint. And, I hope you understand where you switched in your mind from being a customer, to being a representative, to deciding FDI's legitimate business opportunity was an illegal scheme.

Now the sub-prime bubble is fully burst, and the ability to get a loan is harder than ever. If you need assistance with your credit, or with lowering our debt, call FDI and ask for me. I'll be happy to help you, and won't ask you for a list if you only want to be a customer!

S. McClintock
#100696

Hi Gordon. Greetings from a fellow Ohioan.

My, you certainly have done a lot of work. You've created quite a fire-storm (with independent reps and AG offices), and generated a lot of publicity for Financial Destination, Inc., as well as increased traffic for Ripoff Report.

It was generous of you to call the NH AG's office. You really didn't need to go further than Ohio's, as that is the AG watching over you.

If you explore the Ohio AG website, you'll find Financial Destination listed.

If you look for complaints against them in the Buckeye state, you will find none (as of today 8/18/2008): https://agcares.ag.state.oh.us/public/search.aspx. Even using as soft as a search as I could (Derry, NH) I found nothing on FDI, but did find complaints against 2 companies and 1 individual from NH.

I guess the State government employee you spoke to in the AG's office was not correct in their agreement with you, for none of the attorney in the AGs office found grounds for making a complaint (or charge) against Financial Destination, Inc. Perhaps, just perhaps, they are trained to agree with the caller, take notes to forward the information, and get off the call so they can answer another. You know, how in customer service, the customer is always right?

I looked up Ohio's laws for such things. Did you know the State of Ohio makes a distinction between pyramid schemes (illegal) and business opportunities (legal)? You can find the Ohio laws explained here: http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/boppa2006.pdf (Biz Op) and http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/anti_pyramid2003-72.pdf (Pyramid Scheme)

Here are the details:

Business Opportunity:
As used in sections 1334.01 to 1334.15 of the Revised Code:

(D) "Business opportunity plan" means an agreement in which a purchaser obtains the right to offer, sell, or distribute goods or services under the following conditions:
(1) The goods or services are supplied by the seller, a third person with whom the purchaser is required or advised to do business by the seller, or an affiliated person.

(2) The purchaser is required to make an initial payment greater than five hundred dollars, but less than fifty thousand dollars, to the seller or an affiliated person to begin or maintain the business opportunity plan.

(3) The seller makes any of the following representations:
(a) That the purchaser will be provided with retail outlets or accounts, or assistance in establishing retail outlets or accounts for the sale or distribution of the goods or services;
(b) That the purchaser will be provided with locations, or assistance in finding locations, for vending machines, electronic games, rack displays, or any other equipment or display for use in the sale or distribution of goods or services;
(c) That the purchaser can earn a profit in excess of the initial payment;
(d) That there is a market for the goods or services;
(e) That there is a buy-back arrangement.



Pyramid Scheme:
As used in sections 1333.91 to 1333.94 of the Revised Code:
(A) Pyramid sales plan or program means any scheme, whether or not for the
disposal or distribution of property, whereby a person pays a consideration for
the chance or opportunity to receive compensation, regardless of whether he
also receives other rights or property, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) For introducing one or more persons into participation in the plan or
program;
(2) When another participant has introduced a person into participation in
the plan or program.

-----

Now let's look at your complaint. You were online, and someone reach out to you through instant messaging. He offered you a service (Credit Repair), to which you responded somewhat positively (you wanted to check out the company; you expressed interest in buying your own home during the sub-prime bubble; and you did not say "no") and he kept in touch with you.

You wanted to pay for the services upfront. He (erroneously) said you could not do that, but in fact, you can. (It is done, but is not the norm.) You were clearly exposed to and considering the business opportunity, because you state "that this would be the only way I would bring in my family or friends." He told you that you would need to make a list of people [to contact and talk with about FDI] and he indicated that "the money would come back to me if I had people under me."

Ten days later he was encouraging you to create your list of people, but apparently, from your response, creating a list of 30-40 people was too many to consider!

Ten days later you (apparently) no longer liked the idea of earning a commission from helping others receive financial services, you scoured the internet and eventually posted here on Ripoff report. (Please understand that in sales, no one's closure rate is 100%! Yes, it helps to have a good size list! If you close 10%, based on 30-40 names, it would represent 3 to 4 members you have sponsored!)

You go on in your post to explain pyramid schemes, all definitions which are correct, yet have nothing to do with Financial Destination, Inc, or the business opportunity which you were considering.

Now, if you want some great examples of a pyramid scheme, look up "Charles Ponzi" or more recently, ASDCashGenerator (Ad Surf Daily), which was closed by the Feds the first week of August, 2008. In a pyramid scheme, there is no product or service, and new recruits are needed to pay the promised returns to earlier recruits. You will quickly see these two pyramid schemes have nothing in common with Financial Destination, Inc.

(Liberty Trade was also a ponzi or pyramid scheme. They were an independent company that may have joined FDI in order to give the appearance of credibility and identity as they offered their scheme to FDI members. At one point, they tried to make enrollment in FDI a requirement of participation in LTI, however that clearly broke FDI's membership rules, and LTI was required to drop that stipulation. The State of Maryland, looking for deep pockets in the pending charges against LTI and parties of interest, originally mentioned FDI in its description of the events. It has, however, never filed an indictment or charges against FDI. As of March, 2008 the owner of LTI and his cronies have all be charged and given either very long sentences for wire & mail fraud and/or very large fines for their promotion of a ponzi scheme.)

Back to your complaint...in a business opportunity like FDI, commissions are paid to those who join as representatives (those who want to earn commissions through sharing the business opportunity), but commissions are not paid to customers (those who only want to use the services), unless of course, they decide to become representatives. FDI had, last time I checked, over 80% customer base. That would be difficult to achieve if they did not have a product or service!

And, as with every business to which I have been exposed, from churches, to the government and courts, to privately- and publically-owned businesses, FDI has the structure of a pyramid: there is one at the top, management-type people in the middle layers, and a greater number of people at the bottom. As with those businesses, employees above other employees are paid based on the production of the employees below them. That's the model of capitalism. There's nothing illegal in the structure.

It has been at least 6 months since you called the OH AG. I believe your complaint was found to be without merit, or unjustified by the attorneys who researched it under the Ohio Code for pyramid schemes, as nothing has been filed in the State of Ohio against Financial Destination, Inc.

I hope this helps you understand Ohio laws in light of your complaint. And, I hope you understand where you switched in your mind from being a customer, to being a representative, to deciding FDI's legitimate business opportunity was an illegal scheme.

Now the sub-prime bubble is fully burst, and the ability to get a loan is harder than ever. If you need assistance with your credit, or with lowering our debt, call FDI and ask for me. I'll be happy to help you, and won't ask you for a list if you only want to be a customer!

S. McClintock
#100696

Hi Gordon. Greetings from a fellow Ohioan.

My, you certainly have done a lot of work. You've created quite a fire-storm (with independent reps and AG offices), and generated a lot of publicity for Financial Destination, Inc., as well as increased traffic for Ripoff Report.

It was generous of you to call the NH AG's office. You really didn't need to go further than Ohio's, as that is the AG watching over you.

If you explore the Ohio AG website, you'll find Financial Destination listed.

If you look for complaints against them in the Buckeye state, you will find none (as of today 8/18/2008): https://agcares.ag.state.oh.us/public/search.aspx. Even using as soft as a search as I could (Derry, NH) I found nothing on FDI, but did find complaints against 2 companies and 1 individual from NH.

I guess the State government employee you spoke to in the AG's office was not correct in their agreement with you, for none of the attorney in the AGs office found grounds for making a complaint (or charge) against Financial Destination, Inc. Perhaps, just perhaps, they are trained to agree with the caller, take notes to forward the information, and get off the call so they can answer another. You know, how in customer service, the customer is always right?

I looked up Ohio's laws for such things. Did you know the State of Ohio makes a distinction between pyramid schemes (illegal) and business opportunities (legal)? You can find the Ohio laws explained here: http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/boppa2006.pdf (Biz Op) and http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/anti_pyramid2003-72.pdf (Pyramid Scheme)

Here are the details:

Business Opportunity:
As used in sections 1334.01 to 1334.15 of the Revised Code:

(D) "Business opportunity plan" means an agreement in which a purchaser obtains the right to offer, sell, or distribute goods or services under the following conditions:
(1) The goods or services are supplied by the seller, a third person with whom the purchaser is required or advised to do business by the seller, or an affiliated person.

(2) The purchaser is required to make an initial payment greater than five hundred dollars, but less than fifty thousand dollars, to the seller or an affiliated person to begin or maintain the business opportunity plan.

(3) The seller makes any of the following representations:
(a) That the purchaser will be provided with retail outlets or accounts, or assistance in establishing retail outlets or accounts for the sale or distribution of the goods or services;
(b) That the purchaser will be provided with locations, or assistance in finding locations, for vending machines, electronic games, rack displays, or any other equipment or display for use in the sale or distribution of goods or services;
(c) That the purchaser can earn a profit in excess of the initial payment;
(d) That there is a market for the goods or services;
(e) That there is a buy-back arrangement.



Pyramid Scheme:
As used in sections 1333.91 to 1333.94 of the Revised Code:
(A) Pyramid sales plan or program means any scheme, whether or not for the
disposal or distribution of property, whereby a person pays a consideration for
the chance or opportunity to receive compensation, regardless of whether he
also receives other rights or property, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) For introducing one or more persons into participation in the plan or
program;
(2) When another participant has introduced a person into participation in
the plan or program.

-----

Now let's look at your complaint. You were online, and someone reach out to you through instant messaging. He offered you a service (Credit Repair), to which you responded somewhat positively (you wanted to check out the company; you expressed interest in buying your own home during the sub-prime bubble; and you did not say "no") and he kept in touch with you.

You wanted to pay for the services upfront. He (erroneously) said you could not do that, but in fact, you can. (It is done, but is not the norm.) You were clearly exposed to and considering the business opportunity, because you state "that this would be the only way I would bring in my family or friends." He told you that you would need to make a list of people [to contact and talk with about FDI] and he indicated that "the money would come back to me if I had people under me."

Ten days later he was encouraging you to create your list of people, but apparently, from your response, creating a list of 30-40 people was too many to consider!

Ten days later you (apparently) no longer liked the idea of earning a commission from helping others receive financial services, you scoured the internet and eventually posted here on Ripoff report. (Please understand that in sales, no one's closure rate is 100%! Yes, it helps to have a good size list! If you close 10%, based on 30-40 names, it would represent 3 to 4 members you have sponsored!)

You go on in your post to explain pyramid schemes, all definitions which are correct, yet have nothing to do with Financial Destination, Inc, or the business opportunity which you were considering.

Now, if you want some great examples of a pyramid scheme, look up "Charles Ponzi" or more recently, ASDCashGenerator (Ad Surf Daily), which was closed by the Feds the first week of August, 2008. In a pyramid scheme, there is no product or service, and new recruits are needed to pay the promised returns to earlier recruits. You will quickly see these two pyramid schemes have nothing in common with Financial Destination, Inc.

(Liberty Trade was also a ponzi or pyramid scheme. They were an independent company that may have joined FDI in order to give the appearance of credibility and identity as they offered their scheme to FDI members. At one point, they tried to make enrollment in FDI a requirement of participation in LTI, however that clearly broke FDI's membership rules, and LTI was required to drop that stipulation. The State of Maryland, looking for deep pockets in the pending charges against LTI and parties of interest, originally mentioned FDI in its description of the events. It has, however, never filed an indictment or charges against FDI. As of March, 2008 the owner of LTI and his cronies have all be charged and given either very long sentences for wire & mail fraud and/or very large fines for their promotion of a ponzi scheme.)

Back to your complaint...in a business opportunity like FDI, commissions are paid to those who join as representatives (those who want to earn commissions through sharing the business opportunity), but commissions are not paid to customers (those who only want to use the services), unless of course, they decide to become representatives. FDI had, last time I checked, over 80% customer base. That would be difficult to achieve if they did not have a product or service!

And, as with every business to which I have been exposed, from churches, to the government and courts, to privately- and publically-owned businesses, FDI has the structure of a pyramid: there is one at the top, management-type people in the middle layers, and a greater number of people at the bottom. As with those businesses, employees above other employees are paid based on the production of the employees below them. That's the model of capitalism. There's nothing illegal in the structure.

It has been at least 6 months since you called the OH AG. I believe your complaint was found to be without merit, or unjustified by the attorneys who researched it under the Ohio Code for pyramid schemes, as nothing has been filed in the State of Ohio against Financial Destination, Inc.

I hope this helps you understand Ohio laws in light of your complaint. And, I hope you understand where you switched in your mind from being a customer, to being a representative, to deciding FDI's legitimate business opportunity was an illegal scheme.

Now the sub-prime bubble is fully burst, and the ability to get a loan is harder than ever. If you need assistance with your credit, or with lowering our debt, call FDI and ask for me. I'll be happy to help you, and won't ask you for a list if you only want to be a customer!

S. McClintock
#100696

Hi Gordon. Greetings from a fellow Ohioan.

My, you certainly have done a lot of work. You've created quite a fire-storm (with independent reps and AG offices), and generated a lot of publicity for Financial Destination, Inc., as well as increased traffic for Ripoff Report.

It was generous of you to call the NH AG's office. You really didn't need to go further than Ohio's, as that is the AG watching over you.

If you explore the Ohio AG website, you'll find Financial Destination listed.

If you look for complaints against them in the Buckeye state, you will find none (as of today 8/18/2008): https://agcares.ag.state.oh.us/public/search.aspx. Even using as soft as a search as I could (Derry, NH) I found nothing on FDI, but did find complaints against 2 companies and 1 individual from NH.

I guess the State government employee you spoke to in the AG's office was not correct in their agreement with you, for none of the attorney in the AGs office found grounds for making a complaint (or charge) against Financial Destination, Inc. Perhaps, just perhaps, they are trained to agree with the caller, take notes to forward the information, and get off the call so they can answer another. You know, how in customer service, the customer is always right?

I looked up Ohio's laws for such things. Did you know the State of Ohio makes a distinction between pyramid schemes (illegal) and business opportunities (legal)? You can find the Ohio laws explained here: http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/boppa2006.pdf (Biz Op) and http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/pubs/anti_pyramid2003-72.pdf (Pyramid Scheme)

Here are the details:

Business Opportunity:
As used in sections 1334.01 to 1334.15 of the Revised Code:

(D) "Business opportunity plan" means an agreement in which a purchaser obtains the right to offer, sell, or distribute goods or services under the following conditions:
(1) The goods or services are supplied by the seller, a third person with whom the purchaser is required or advised to do business by the seller, or an affiliated person.

(2) The purchaser is required to make an initial payment greater than five hundred dollars, but less than fifty thousand dollars, to the seller or an affiliated person to begin or maintain the business opportunity plan.

(3) The seller makes any of the following representations:
(a) That the purchaser will be provided with retail outlets or accounts, or assistance in establishing retail outlets or accounts for the sale or distribution of the goods or services;
(b) That the purchaser will be provided with locations, or assistance in finding locations, for vending machines, electronic games, rack displays, or any other equipment or display for use in the sale or distribution of goods or services;
(c) That the purchaser can earn a profit in excess of the initial payment;
(d) That there is a market for the goods or services;
(e) That there is a buy-back arrangement.



Pyramid Scheme:
As used in sections 1333.91 to 1333.94 of the Revised Code:
(A) Pyramid sales plan or program means any scheme, whether or not for the
disposal or distribution of property, whereby a person pays a consideration for
the chance or opportunity to receive compensation, regardless of whether he
also receives other rights or property, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) For introducing one or more persons into participation in the plan or
program;
(2) When another participant has introduced a person into participation in
the plan or program.

-----

Now let's look at your complaint. You were online, and someone reach out to you through instant messaging. He offered you a service (Credit Repair), to which you responded somewhat positively (you wanted to check out the company; you expressed interest in buying your own home during the sub-prime bubble; and you did not say "no") and he kept in touch with you.

You wanted to pay for the services upfront. He (erroneously) said you could not do that, but in fact, you can. (It is done, but is not the norm.) You were clearly exposed to and considering the business opportunity, because you state "that this would be the only way I would bring in my family or friends." He told you that you would need to make a list of people [to contact and talk with about FDI] and he indicated that "the money would come back to me if I had people under me."

Ten days later he was encouraging you to create your list of people, but apparently, from your response, creating a list of 30-40 people was too many to consider!

Ten days later you (apparently) no longer liked the idea of earning a commission from helping others receive financial services, you scoured the internet and eventually posted here on Ripoff report. (Please understand that in sales, no one's closure rate is 100%! Yes, it helps to have a good size list! If you close 10%, based on 30-40 names, it would represent 3 to 4 members you have sponsored!)

You go on in your post to explain pyramid schemes, all definitions which are correct, yet have nothing to do with Financial Destination, Inc, or the business opportunity which you were considering.

Now, if you want some great examples of a pyramid scheme, look up "Charles Ponzi" or more recently, ASDCashGenerator (Ad Surf Daily), which was closed by the Feds the first week of August, 2008. In a pyramid scheme, there is no product or service, and new recruits are needed to pay the promised returns to earlier recruits. You will quickly see these two pyramid schemes have nothing in common with Financial Destination, Inc.

(Liberty Trade was also a ponzi or pyramid scheme. They were an independent company that may have joined FDI in order to give the appearance of credibility and identity as they offered their scheme to FDI members. At one point, they tried to make enrollment in FDI a requirement of participation in LTI, however that clearly broke FDI's membership rules, and LTI was required to drop that stipulation. The State of Maryland, looking for deep pockets in the pending charges against LTI and parties of interest, originally mentioned FDI in its description of the events. It has, however, never filed an indictment or charges against FDI. As of March, 2008 the owner of LTI and his cronies have all be charged and given either very long sentences for wire & mail fraud and/or very large fines for their promotion of a ponzi scheme.)

Back to your complaint...in a business opportunity like FDI, commissions are paid to those who join as representatives (those who want to earn commissions through sharing the business opportunity), but commissions are not paid to customers (those who only want to use the services), unless of course, they decide to become representatives. FDI had, last time I checked, over 80% customer base. That would be difficult to achieve if they did not have a product or service!

And, as with every business to which I have been exposed, from churches, to the government and courts, to privately- and publically-owned businesses, FDI has the structure of a pyramid: there is one at the top, management-type people in the middle layers, and a greater number of people at the bottom. As with those businesses, employees above other employees are paid based on the production of the employees below them. That's the model of capitalism. There's nothing illegal in the structure.

It has been at least 6 months since you called the OH AG. I believe your complaint was found to be without merit, or unjustified by the attorneys who researched it under the Ohio Code for pyramid schemes, as nothing has been filed in the State of Ohio against Financial Destination, Inc.

I hope this helps you understand Ohio laws in light of your complaint. And, I hope you understand where you switched in your mind from being a customer, to being a representative, to deciding FDI's legitimate business opportunity was an illegal scheme.

Now the sub-prime bubble is fully burst, and the ability to get a loan is harder than ever. If you need assistance with your credit, or with lowering our debt, call FDI and ask for me. I'll be happy to help you, and won't ask you for a list if you only want to be a customer!

S. McClintock
#100696

That was a great post, offering both sides, well done.

I went to the BBB website to look up FDI and I saw decent ratings, so I feel safe about FDI. With this economy, we need all the positive help we can get.

DON'T LISTEN TO THIS.... DO NOT DIGEST THIS COMPLAINT. IT IS MERELY 1 PERSONS "OPINION" WHICH WE ARE ALL ENTITLED TO
HOWEVER, WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL GIVES UP ON THEMSELVES AND TRIES TO GET OTHERS TO GIVE UP AS WELL>>> THIS IS WHERE THEY GO WRONG

I HAVE BEEN WITH FDI FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND WOULD NOT CHANGE A THING ABOUT THE COMPANY, IT JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER NOT EVERY YEAR.....BUT EVERY SIX MONTHS. ONE OTHER COMPANY CAN TOP THAT
AND WE DO NOT SALE LIPSTICK, LAUNDRY DETERGENT, VACS, RESPECTIVELY
THE COMPANY OFFER SERVICES THAT EVERY PERSON WITH BLOOD RUNNING IN THEIR VIENS NEEDS....... CREDIT REPAIR, INDENTITY PROTECTION, DEBT ELIMINATION, FINANCIAL LITERACY AND MUCH MORE+++++++
DAVISFDI@AOL.COM GOOD LUCK FOLKS AND EXPERIENCE THINGS IN LIFE FOR YOURSELF BEFORE MAKING A DECISION!!! YOU COULD BE PASSING UP YOUR DESTINY LISTENING TO OTHERS

FDI WORKS BIG TIME!!!

V.DAVIS
NEW JERSEY

FDI has over 60,000 members. This company has been around since 2004. Bill Andreoli is the CEO and is located in Derry, NH. If FDI is a pyramid scheme the FTC would have shut down this company years ago. I am a customer and take advantage of the services FDI has to offer and it works and I have built residual income as well. Thank you.

After reading through several of the posts here, I have a few insights that may help clarify some of the issues involved.

Although there is a overwhelmingly high percentage of illegal companies masquerading as legal entities, the term "pyramid" is very loaded and often misused and misapplied to legitimate network marketing companies. For instance, the word is generally used in one of two primary ways: 1) an illegal enterprise in which participants receive income for locating and recruiting other participants 2) a legit and perfectly legal affiliate marketing company with a multi-level compensation plan. (For the rest of this post, I'll use "pyramid" to denote only the illegal set-ups.)

Adding to this confusion is the fact that the typical government official, consumer protection agent, BBB staff or member, etc. really has no clue on how to discern the difference between a REAL pyramid and a legal network marketing venture. What ususally happens is these people call it a scam because of superficial similarities to pyramids.

Well, of course that really sucks...especially for someone looking for good advice about a potentially terrible investment. But there are some definite indicators we can use to help sort things out. Though there are many, I'll discuss three of the most significant to get us started.

1) Payments Made for Recruiting
No matter what else the company has going for it, if it is making payments for recruiting on a multi-level basis, it is automatically illegal. Note, that legacy companies such as Amway, Avon, Pre-paid Legal, etc and newer companies such as FDI, UFirst, etc DO NOT break this rule. The reps in these companies do not get paid on recruiting -- ever. They earn commissions on product/service sales within their organization. If product/services don't get sold, they make no money, no matter how many recruits they have. (Note that a single level set-up does not have to meet this requirement. People referring members in a single-level set-up CAN get paid referral fees on "recruiting").

Also, in order to keep from breaking this rule, the company must also allow those interested to become reps WITHOUT HAVING TO PURCHASE PRODUCT OR MEMBERSHIP. In other words, it has to be possible to be a rep and not buy the goods. This aspect was implemented in order to deter companies from running an actual pyramid while trying to fake a real business with a bogus product that only exists as a way to force you to "buy-in" to the pyramid.

This is the easiest rule to qualify or disqualify a company on as being a pyramid. The others get a little trickier.

2) Disproportionate Commisions on a Sale Going to Top-tier
This diproportionate commissions stuff can take several forms. Let's use a hypothetical organization to make this less confusing than it already is. We'll assume Bob is at the top with Mary, Jim, and Bill directly under him in the organization stucture, while each of them also has organizations of their own.

If Mary makes a sale of the product and gets only $5 commissions on that sale, but Bob gets $30 on that individual sale, then this doesn't automatically make the comp plan illegal, but it should be some cause for concern. The reason is that this type of set-up practically forces Mary to recruit in order to make even a modest income. Which puts us back to breaking rule one in a subtle way.

Using the same example of Bob's organization, the other main way to have disproportionate commissions going to the "top" is when it is not possible for Mary, Jim, or Bill to make more than Bob because Bob is "higher" than they are. This would mean that earnings are a direct result of the level in the structure which means those that "get in" first are the only ones that have a hope a earning anything.

Though Amway, Avon, and others do not violate either of these (which was proven in a federal court case - I think it was in the 70's), many of the thousands of other MLM companies start slipping up here and it just get's worse for those from there.


3) Low Customer to Rep Ratio
This one is a bit more inolved because it has two sides you have to consider: 1) How the comp plan is set up and 2) How the Reps actually market the services regardless of whether the comp plan is set up properly.

On the one side, the comp plan has to be set up where Reps get incentives for developing a large customer base.

On the other side, even if the comp plan is set up like this, the Reps have to actually emphasize customer acquistion appropriately or the legality of the comp plan doesn't matter. The Feds will still shut that puppy down. Keep in mind by "customer" I mean someone who is purchasing product and who has no intention on building the business side.

You see, if there are 100 customers to every rep, everyhing is wonderful. But if you flip that and say there is only 1 customer for every 100 reps, then the organization is being built like a pyramid (and in fact IS one) no matter what the comp plan is like.

Generally, if 70% of the product purchases are made by customers (about a 3 to 1 customer to rep ratio), this undeniably is a legitmate business set up. Most legitimate MLMs, though, only maintain about 20% of total sales as purchases by customers (1 to 5 customer / rep ratio). This is considered an acceptable business model but not ideal -- it still passes the "not a pyramid" test. If it falls below 20%, though, you might as well pop some popcorn and pull up a chair so you can watch the Feds eventually burn that sucker down...As well they should. Going below that squarely puts an organization in the pyramid zone.

Hope this helps.

After thoroughly reading the responses posted on this forum, I have decided to include my two cents. I would like to start out by saying, in a respectful manner, there is a serious lack of knowledge throughout this forum from both the "Offender" as well as the "Defenders".

If the "Offender" decides to let the world know that FDI is a pyramid scheme, then it is definitely his perogative. I just hope that he is aware that he will only be spreading the word about the company as well. Whether it's negative or positive information, others will still look into the business and do their own research. I honestly think too much time is being invested into this so-called "Rip-Off Report" pertaining to FDI.

And to the "Offenders" of FDI: It was obvious from the first few post that the Network Marketing industry was definitely not for the "Offender". Therefore, I was surprised to find so many responses to their post. The one thing that is taught but not emphasized enough in this industry is the importance of "Leverage". The "Defenders" sure did waste time responding to the "Offenders" post.

In response to "The Coach": 25 years in the Finance Industry means absolutely nothing in the world of WEALTH. This is not to belittle your academic background by no means. My reason for saying that is because I personally know of an Accountant as well as a Finance Major whom are both living check to check and can't figure out for the life of them why they are financially struggling. The reason is simple, it's lack of Financial Literacy. In my opinion, it appears that you too lack financial literacy by your following statement:

"The issue is that all the information on how to retire debt in 7 to 10 years is free to anyone that wants to learn. Improving your fico score is valuable and myfico.com explains the reporting process for free and you can act accordingly to improve your credit. Money management and financial lieracy is available to everyone thru the power of the internet. I do not see how paying a membership and recruiting others to do the same does anything but cost the consumer more money when they could take the initiative to do it themselves anyways. Or become a debt counselor and serve the public on your own for a fee."

This statement alone shows that there is a serious lack of understanding for "Leverage" as well as "Residual Income". I would never suggest someone repair their own credit because despite what others may say, it is very time consuming. The reason you would "sponsor" other individuals into your organization is to ultimately establish residual income. I'm sure you wouldn't attempt to repair your car engine if it failed, or replace the mainboard in your computer if it was no longer functional, now would you? Of course not. At the end of the day, you would have wasted a lot of money as well as your most valuable asset, your "TIME".

Again, this is my opinion and I would gladly be interested in hearing your response. However, it would not pertain to this post and would need to be sent to my email address at jongall.internetmarketing@gmail.com. I look forward to your response.

God Bless,

I have 25 years in the Finance Industry and also have reviewed all the web pages at Financial Destinations Inc. Their plan is noble and I do not see it as illegal to join a club that offers services as well as recruiting others to join this same club.

If people make a living offering this membership , power to them. The issue is that all the information on how to retire debt in 7 to 10 years is free to anyone that wants to learn. Improving your fico score is valuable and myfico.com explains the reporting process for free and you can act accordingly to improve your credit. Money management and financial lieracy is available to everyone thru the power of the internet. I do not see how paying a membership and recruiting others to do the same does anything but cost the consumer more money when they could take the initiative to do it themselves anyways. Or become a debt counselor and serve the public on your own for a fee.

Talking up people joining a club where the metrics of performance is measured by 3rd parties handling of all the transactions is putting to much trust in anothers abilities and putting your good name on the line for something you cannot control.

Lisa from Tenn.

Ok. I will believe anything you say just because the higher ups say that it's true it must be. I mean why would i not believe Canaan what-his-face after all he is apparently the final word on MLM's. I have said everything that has happened in every phone call and I even admitted that it's an MLM that should be looked at further. I'm not sure what you are talking about in reference as to cross promotion as LTI was a proven scam and not cross promoting anything but asking FDI to send it investors... according to the indictment. Say whatever you want about this awesome company, it still raises the questions as to:

a.) why FDI was listed on the indictment as being a company promotes its program by claiming that the sky is the limit with FDI's incredibly lucrative compensation plan!. It sounds as if the Securities Commissioner is stating the same thing in a small way that the Attorney General has stated to me and i mentioned above. When offered things that sound too good to be true it's usually a scam.

b.) If FDI is not involved in anything, why be listed in the indictment as "FDI introduces its members to the investment opportunity offered by LTI. Which puts them as being a small part of the purported scam by LTI.

c.) While the securities Commissioner lists them as being an MLM, that's not a big bragging right. MLM's are not the best respectful businesses to be in with downlines and uplines. They're only a small step from pyramid scheme or ponsi scheme. Which offers no service or product for a fee. Just how much do we know about the "Professional help"?


Do my research she says and if the company has has great products and/or services, they will stand up to any scrutiny. Just because a company has great products and services doesn't make it right or the greatest thing. Great risk comes from these MLM's, pyramid and Ponsi schemes as you have to have a downline to really make any money. But I have conceded from calling this company a pyramid scheme to a cautious company who has only been open 4 years and that's NOT enough time to declare it a Godsend or the greatest or anything. Standing up to scrutiny is to be around over 50 or 100 years and still offering the great products and service. Now i must get off of here but i do appreciate your input and do tell the company that i appreciate your being sent here to save their reputation. If they want to save it, tell them to be like real companies and advertise or would that go against the uplines rules or MLM's rules or something? Just wondering as if they are so great with 18,000 to 30,000 members last i heard, I'm thinking they could afford a commercial to bring in all kinds of new members, or would that violate something in the MLM charter? Raises the question if it's so good, why don't they advertise? Are they scared of too many people bringing attention to Attorney Generals? Any input from you or your upline would be great to know... i have another forum on this i joined and we all want to know that.

Have a great day!!

As Canaan W.E.J. Robinson says on the following site: http://mlm.business-opportunities.biz/2006/05/02/financial-destination-business-opportunity/
"FDI is not a scam. David Robinson is a isolated case. He offered his opportunities to members he enrolled with FDI. I have members in my organization who are very happy with their memberships. The lesson that should be learned from David Robinson's indictment is to not get greedy and use people. Someone will speak up eventually. Do honest business and you will have honest results."

As with most network marketing companies, you are not allowed to cross-promote products - that, as you can see in the case mentioned, can lead to trouble. For more information on Financial Destination and how their products can actually help people's financial lives, check out...www.begoodwithmoney.com and you will be sent free information to help you in your decision. This company has a great track record and some of the best professionals in the entire business.

Please do not judge a company by someone who knows nothing of what the company actually offers - do your research, and if the company has great products and/or services, they will stand up to any scrutiny.

As Canaan W.E.J. Robinson says on the following site: http://mlm.business-opportunities.biz/2006/05/02/financial-destination-business-opportunity/
"FDI is not a scam. David Robinson is a isolated case. He offered his opportunities to members he enrolled with FDI. I have members in my organization who are very happy with their memberships. The lesson that should be learned from David Robinson's indictment is to not get greedy and use people. Someone will speak up eventually. Do honest business and you will have honest results."

As with most network marketing companies, you are not allowed to cross-promote products - that, as you can see in the case mentioned, can lead to trouble. For more information on Financial Destination and how their products can actually help people's financial lives, check out...www.begoodwithmoney.com and you will be sent free information to help you in your decision. This company has a great track record and some of the best professionals in the entire business.

Please do not judge a company by someone who knows nothing of what the company actually offers - do your research, and if the company has great products and/or services, they will stand up to any scrutiny.

As Canaan W.E.J. Robinson says on the following site: http://mlm.business-opportunities.biz/2006/05/02/financial-destination-business-opportunity/
"FDI is not a scam. David Robinson is a isolated case. He offered his opportunities to members he enrolled with FDI. I have members in my organization who are very happy with their memberships. The lesson that should be learned from David Robinson's indictment is to not get greedy and use people. Someone will speak up eventually. Do honest business and you will have honest results."

As with most network marketing companies, you are not allowed to cross-promote products - that, as you can see in the case mentioned, can lead to trouble. For more information on Financial Destination and how their products can actually help people's financial lives, check out...www.begoodwithmoney.com and you will be sent free information to help you in your decision. This company has a great track record and some of the best professionals in the entire business.

Please do not judge a company by someone who knows nothing of what the company actually offers - do your research, and if the company has great products and/or services, they will stand up to any scrutiny.

As Canaan W.E.J. Robinson says on the following site: http://mlm.business-opportunities.biz/2006/05/02/financial-destination-business-opportunity/
"FDI is not a scam. David Robinson is a isolated case. He offered his opportunities to members he enrolled with FDI. I have members in my organization who are very happy with their memberships. The lesson that should be learned from David Robinson's indictment is to not get greedy and use people. Someone will speak up eventually. Do honest business and you will have honest results."

As with most network marketing companies, you are not allowed to cross-promote products - that, as you can see in the case mentioned, can lead to trouble. For more information on Financial Destination and how their products can actually help people's financial lives, check out...www.begoodwithmoney.com and you will be sent free information to help you in your decision. This company has a great track record and some of the best professionals in the entire business.

Please do not judge a company by someone who knows nothing of what the company actually offers - do your research, and if the company has great products and/or services, they will stand up to any scrutiny.

Thank you to Joe for his Valiant effort and his management of time. He made the EXTRA effort to make four entries on this page today!! Talk about obsessions!

Thanks for your comments Joe, I'm sure someone, somewhere cares. I don't as i reported what i have done, said and received through my research. All you've basically done is look like an obsessed idiot. I have found many things against FDI. Including a page where FDI has even mentioned being a "forced Matrix" but if i told you that, you'd call me a liar and a quack and i'm sure some other various names. I'm through dealing with such childishness. If you aren't obsessed, why come in here and leave four posts? What's your mature answer? Oh yeah, busting people like me who have something that was said to them by another person in a Government office.

It's pointless as someone said earlier about me, they said i was on a bash MLM's bandwagon and I'm truly not. I'll be the bigger man and say if Joe says it's so it must be. But just because you or other F.D.I. representatives say it's true, doesn't mean it's true. If this were the case, we'd believe Nixon when he said he was not involved in Watergate or Clinton when he said he "did not have sexual relations with that woman". You just don't take what people say because they say it's so. You have to do some investigation. I did that with my wife and had to deal with an immature ex-representative of the company.

If you are done with the company and used it for what you needed that's fine, but attacking me for my views is really none of your concern since you have no voice in the company. So, go do whatever you want. Play with your sponge bob action figures or rock in your chair. I don't care but your actions are despicable as you aren't explaining anything, only calling names and pointing out that you didn't find the same results as myself. Congrats, hope life works out for you. Oh and meeting you would be a dream come true as I do love a challenge!!

Paying into the BBB doesn't make it reputable, it makes it unreliable!! Forget what they say, listen to the consumer at ripoffreport.com

LOL, here is some of the trusted information on ripoffreports.com which the BBB does not have. I was searching for more FDI information when this came up, whew I needed a laugh today:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/154/RipOff0154773.htm

I think that it is interesting that number 38 states that 80% of LTI's investors are also members of FDI, but number 43 states:

"Robinson estimates that
LTI has about 400 investors, Exhibit 1, DD at Tr. p.50, who live in AL, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA,
IL, MA, MD, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, and VA."

Odds would be that if 80% of LTI's investors are members of FDI, wouldn't someone be from NH?

I think that it is important to note here that is was the investors that got the shaft from this person Robinson, who was also shafting members of FDI. I think FDI made a bad decision to get involved with this person Robinson, and as a result, some members of FDI lost money becuse Robinson was lying to the investers from the begining, not because FDI was/is operating ilegally.

Quote:

"here ya go, Joe!!
I went online and did a recent google on Financial Destination Inc. and came up with a site that might care what you have to say. I wonder why Kristie from Hawaii hasn't found such information. Maybe you can go there and harass them. They flag websites and report them and they allow us, the consumer, to do this.

Here is the website, go there and give them your 'wasting Attorney Generals time and money' speech."

Come on, this is a blog, you are reaching now, hope you have long arms. Just curious, of the millions of results from Google, was this the only negative thing (blog) you found? I bet if I Google Microsoft, which I use their products daily, I bet I can find thousands of negative blogs, articles, and court cases that they are named in. I still use their products.

Ummm, you referenced a blog, sounds very similar to this website, huh?

I did think it was a funny comment about me spending time and charity, honestly, I got a chuckle from it.

Quote:

"here ya go, Joe!!
I went online and did a recent google on Financial Destination Inc. and came up with a site that might care what you have to say. I wonder why Kristie from Hawaii hasn't found such information. Maybe you can go there and harass them. They flag websites and report them and they allow us, the consumer, to do this.

Here is the website, go there and give them your 'wasting Attorney Generals time and money' speech."

Come on, this is a blog, you are reaching now, hope you have long arms. Just curious, of the millions of results from Google, was this the only negative thing (blog) you found? I bet if I Google Microsoft, which I use their products daily, I bet I can find thousands of negative blogs, articles, and court cases that they are named in. I still use their products.

Ummm, you referenced a blog, sounds very similar to this website, huh?

I did think it was a funny comment about me spending time and charity, honestly, I got a chuckle from it.

Quote:

"here ya go, Joe!!
I went online and did a recent google on Financial Destination Inc. and came up with a site that might care what you have to say. I wonder why Kristie from Hawaii hasn't found such information. Maybe you can go there and harass them. They flag websites and report them and they allow us, the consumer, to do this.

Here is the website, go there and give them your 'wasting Attorney Generals time and money' speech."

Come on, this is a blog, you are reaching now, hope you have long arms. Just curious, of the millions of results from Google, was this the only negative thing (blog) you found? I bet if I Google Microsoft, which I use their products daily, I bet I can find thousands of negative blogs, articles, and court cases that they are named in. I still use their products.

Ummm, you referenced a blog, sounds very similar to this website, huh?

I did think it was a funny comment about me spending time and charity, honestly, I got a chuckle from it.

Quote:

"here ya go, Joe!!
I went online and did a recent google on Financial Destination Inc. and came up with a site that might care what you have to say. I wonder why Kristie from Hawaii hasn't found such information. Maybe you can go there and harass them. They flag websites and report them and they allow us, the consumer, to do this.

Here is the website, go there and give them your 'wasting Attorney Generals time and money' speech."

Come on, this is a blog, you are reaching now, hope you have long arms. Just curious, of the millions of results from Google, was this the only negative thing (blog) you found? I bet if I Google Microsoft, which I use their products daily, I bet I can find thousands of negative blogs, articles, and court cases that they are named in. I still use their products.

Ummm, you referenced a blog, sounds very similar to this website, huh?

I did think it was a funny comment about me spending time and charity, honestly, I got a chuckle from it.

Quote:

"I went online and did a recent google on Financial Destination Inc. and came up with a site that might care what you have to say. I wonder why Kristie from Hawaii hasn't found such information. Maybe you can go there and harass them. They flag websites and report them and they allow us, the consumer, to do this. "

FDI does not have a matrix, but you knew that? I'm sure a matrix would raise red flags, probably the reason FDI does not have one.

Nice try, Sponge Bob is done now, so I think I will go sit in my rocking chair for a while.

I think if someone is looking for a legal explanation for the Maryland court case, you probably will not find it here. I don't think I qualify to explain that case. If I wanted clarification on a court case, I would call the Department of Justice of the State where the case resides. Since the case is not against FDI, I will not be calling.

Remember to check the BBB, as they are the only reputable source for checking businesses.

Quote:

"I hope you all make the money you hoped for with F.D.I., except Joe, he quit for an un-named reason, he should probably go back to sitting in his rocking chair and get old and stop attacking me."

I did tell you in previous posts why I left, I still love you though.
There is only one alternative to getting old, death, so I think I will take my rocking chair over the latter.




Quote:

"I called the New Hampshire Attorney General and spoke with the Consumer Protection Department there about this company and gave them all the information i knew, she too agreed that this sounds like a Scam."

How can this be the truth when New Hampshire's Department of Justice does not do this? I still love you though.

Nobody knows for sure that I called either Ohio or New Hampshire, but I did give anyone reading this the tools to check for themselves, and verify what I said.

I will agree with you that the Maryland legal documents should raise questions about this company, and don't forget, I still love you. If the Maryland document is the only tangible negative thing you have, and since this company is only named in it, I would think that I would at least check them out, ask people who are in the company, ask people who have used the services offered before putting the company up on a website called ripoffreport.com.

To be honest, I don't care about FDI, they are like the company that I use to get my oil changed, I get the service, and I leave. What I do like is to debunk people who think that we never landed on the moon, that there are aliens running around on Mars, etc. You sound like one of those people, but that is just my opinion.

Lets be honest, your opening argument was flawed, inaccurate and was based upon some dingaling working for FDI that was practicing bad business. You have changed your statements more than John Kerry did when he was running for President.

As I said before, if you champion an investigation that leads to this company being illegal, then I commend you. I think you might have jumped the gun just a smidge, but hey it's your right. I still love you though.

I don't think you want to meet me in person, but nice try.

I have to go now, Sponge Bob Square Pants is on, have a great day and remember to check the BBB, as they are the only reputable source for legitimate businesses.

It's funny that i came across this from the Desk of Eric Smalls about the New Business Opportunity Rule R511993 proposed by the FTC... I have found no information stating whether it has been passed but it's funny that FDI sent a letter from Eric Smalls (whomever that is) and is opposed to this rule, saving the consumer alot of money. Here is a short version of the rule.


SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the Commission'' or FTC'') is commencing a rulemaking to promulgate a trade regulation rule entitled The Business Opportunity Rule'' (or the Rule''), based upon the comments received in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR'') and other information discussed in this notice. The proposed Business Opportunity Rule would prohibit business opportunity sellers from failing to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act''). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 16, 2006. Rebuttal comments must be received on or before July 7, 2006.

Basically, it would prohibit Business Opportunity Sellers from FAILING to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act'').

FTC's Rule
https://secure.commentworks.com/ftc-bizopNPR/notice.pdf

Eric's Letter
www.ftc.gov/os/comments/businessopprule/522418-09463.pdf

It's funny that i came across this from the Desk of Eric Smalls about the New Business Opportunity Rule R511993 proposed by the FTC... I have found no information stating whether it has been passed but it's funny that FDI sent a letter from Eric Smalls (whomever that is) and is opposed to this rule, saving the consumer alot of money. Here is a short version of the rule.


SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the Commission'' or FTC'') is commencing a rulemaking to promulgate a trade regulation rule entitled The Business Opportunity Rule'' (or the Rule''), based upon the comments received in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR'') and other information discussed in this notice. The proposed Business Opportunity Rule would prohibit business opportunity sellers from failing to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act''). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 16, 2006. Rebuttal comments must be received on or before July 7, 2006.

Basically, it would prohibit Business Opportunity Sellers from FAILING to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act'').

FTC's Rule
https://secure.commentworks.com/ftc-bizopNPR/notice.pdf

Eric's Letter
www.ftc.gov/os/comments/businessopprule/522418-09463.pdf

It's funny that i came across this from the Desk of Eric Smalls about the New Business Opportunity Rule R511993 proposed by the FTC... I have found no information stating whether it has been passed but it's funny that FDI sent a letter from Eric Smalls (whomever that is) and is opposed to this rule, saving the consumer alot of money. Here is a short version of the rule.


SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the Commission'' or FTC'') is commencing a rulemaking to promulgate a trade regulation rule entitled The Business Opportunity Rule'' (or the Rule''), based upon the comments received in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR'') and other information discussed in this notice. The proposed Business Opportunity Rule would prohibit business opportunity sellers from failing to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act''). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 16, 2006. Rebuttal comments must be received on or before July 7, 2006.

Basically, it would prohibit Business Opportunity Sellers from FAILING to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act'').

FTC's Rule
https://secure.commentworks.com/ftc-bizopNPR/notice.pdf

Eric's Letter
www.ftc.gov/os/comments/businessopprule/522418-09463.pdf

It's funny that i came across this from the Desk of Eric Smalls about the New Business Opportunity Rule R511993 proposed by the FTC... I have found no information stating whether it has been passed but it's funny that FDI sent a letter from Eric Smalls (whomever that is) and is opposed to this rule, saving the consumer alot of money. Here is a short version of the rule.


SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the Commission'' or FTC'') is commencing a rulemaking to promulgate a trade regulation rule entitled The Business Opportunity Rule'' (or the Rule''), based upon the comments received in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR'') and other information discussed in this notice. The proposed Business Opportunity Rule would prohibit business opportunity sellers from failing to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act''). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 16, 2006. Rebuttal comments must be received on or before July 7, 2006.

Basically, it would prohibit Business Opportunity Sellers from FAILING to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act'').

FTC's Rule
https://secure.commentworks.com/ftc-bizopNPR/notice.pdf

Eric's Letter
www.ftc.gov/os/comments/businessopprule/522418-09463.pdf

I went online and did a recent google on Financial Destination Inc. and came up with a site that might care what you have to say. I wonder why Kristie from Hawaii hasn't found such information. Maybe you can go there and harass them. They flag websites and report them and they allow us, the consumer, to do this.

Here is the website, go there and give them your "wasting Attorney Generals time and money" speech.

http://www.matrixwatch.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3190

To whom this may concern.
I was not burned by this company. I was NOT ripped off by F.D.I.. I have told you the truth and i don't appreciate the name calling Joe. I've been open and receptive to your abuse over the fact you don't like what i said. But i think it's time for you to retract your girlie claws and back off me. I reported just what i was told and my wife was sitting here the whole time. But i suppose she's lying also. Since everyone who has come in here has done nothing but bash me about the whole F.D.I. is a scam or not thing, i think i will do the adult thing.

Joe, you are the quack who shouldn't speak unless spoken to. You bashing me and calling me names over a stupid company you USED to be affiliated with is absurd. I made all the calls and know what i have said. You still offer no LEGAL proof this is not a scam. Just your worthless word. Ohio Attorney General Consumer Affairs division looked at the website and she did say exactly what i told you. I'm not saying this to have some stupid fight with you. Yet, you keep coming back to this forum trying to fight by slinging names and stating things that i have said to make you look so right.

Woodward, You bring up a great point, same thing i tried to do. And you have been presented with the best proof of all. Joe. He KNOWS everything about this company!! If he took all this passion he has for bashing me and put it towards a charity, he'd be one hell of a fund raiser. The company has been named. To what extent i don't know but has anyone called the Maryland Securities Commissioner about this? I would but i am sure Joe would call me a liar.

Everyone that has come into this forum except the choice few who actually have something to say has stood up for this company. Well, no company is exempt from ripping someone off and no company is exempt from answering to the consumer. I have placed many calls to F.D.I. with no returns about my inquiries. This according to Joe makes me a quack. They don't have to call me back but if someone has legitimate questions, i believe they should.

I'm going to address your statements about not having a report on file. In New Hampshire i never filed a complaint since i was NEVER ripped off! The lady did not go to the website (that was Ohio) but she did take my information about what i talked with Ohio Attorney General who told me to call N.H. about the problem since it's their state. No complaint = no report. The lady named Susan that i chatted with in Ohio Attorney General's office went to the website and said EXACTLY what i said she said. The way you are acting about this whole thing, you'd swear that you still have stake in F.D.I.. Do they pay you to come harass me? or others that have something negative to say about the company.

Please refrain from using the name calling and the allegations that i am a liar. I have done everything i have said i have and have no reason to lie to anyone. I only want to share this information. But, it's just like i have been saying, you call these Attorney Generals and you inquire about F.D.I., you're only helping my cause for them to get looked at. Then IF they are legit it will come out in an investigation. If not I'll still apologize because unlike you i am mature and don't call names and i don't treat people like liars for not finding out what i wanted to find out.

By the way, i wouldn't give you my address for anything. Unless you would be interested in meeting face to face to use that quack word in person. It's funny how much you want to attack me. It's funny how most of you attack me for trying to help. Most of you would call me a quack, not that it bothers me, and move on since this is the only report out there according to Kristie. Even if I'm lying or a quack, which i am not, the Maryland Securities Commissioners Documents show me a BIG warning sign.

So, I'll keep this page on my favorites to check back every so often but to you Joe I don't believe that any of your posts deserve a rebuttal. Not after the words and actions that you speak. It's like Woodward said, There's more to unite us than there is to divide us. But it's people like you that believe they are the last word. I've reported what i have found. There is no do overs or take backs or anything. I maintain and stand by what i said.

Maybe you could attack Woodward over his showing you the legal documents. Or maybe you can sit back and think to yourself, as an ex-employee, how much of an idiot you look like for being in a business that requires the best from you and with your attitude how you made them look even worse. You, with your know it all attitude would have a hard time convincing anyone to join especially seeing your actions in this thread. You've not only managed to embarrass yourself, you embarrass the company.

David from Tacoma, I never knew what an MLM was until i went on the FTC's website. I stand by everything i said in this thread. I will not acknowledge anything until the investigations are complete. I called FTC in the beginning and they never went to the site but did, take my info and the company's info. If F.D.I. is legal by being an MLM (so close to pyramid scheme) then that's fine. They still have problems in my book by being named in the Maryland Securities Commissioner's document. It's important to remember this: THE COMPANY HAS ONLY BEEN OPEN FOR 4 YEARS and it's already been named in a legal document linked to a scam!! But, I'll concede and agree that FOR NOW is legal under FTC guidelines as no complaints have been given to the FTC and no investigation is underway. Your post was very nice to read and shows character, unlike Joe, and i thank you for that.

You people do what you want but when you come in here offering only proof that it's not on the Attorney General's website or any real proof. Woodward makes an excellent point, why does no one question the company about it's involvement with LTI instead of bashing me? I hope you all make the money you hoped for with F.D.I., except Joe, he quit for an un-named reason, he should probably go back to sitting in his rocking chair and get old and stop attacking me. I'm reporting only what i have been told.

Hey Joe, how do we know you called those Attorney Generals? It doesn't matter because i believe your words without calling you a liar as you have so blodly called me. And my wife as she called herself.

Everyone (except Joe) have a great day and check ripoffreport.com for the REAL discussion on how a company is doing. Hear the complaints from the people themselves not a washed up complaint on the BBB.

I am a member of FDI and have used the services going on 3 months. If they don't work then thats news to me. Credit Trax and Equity Trax is a great tool in its self. Dispute letters are being sent out and I paying off my debt using the Equit trax system. Coming from a mortgage back ground I know the process of fighting inaccuracies on my credit report but I haven't had the time. Since it was FDI or $650 for credit repair I'm paying the 59.95/mon. and thats for my wife and I vs. just me. Also Money trax has been a big help with free unlimited consultations with a high level Certified Public Accounts and Certified Financial Planners, which I use at least once a week. I can understand your frustration with MLM's. There are a lot of them out there, but there not scams if they have an actual product or service. Granted the product or service may suck, but that dosen't mean their a scam.

Anyway, the point is; it sounds like the guy you talked with is building the business and may be new to MLM's. He probably is just excited and saw potential in you, so if you join, to just use the services, do that. The services are great and they do help people. I don't know why you can't prepay for a year, but that seems like a silly reason not to join. Obiviously your going to tell your friends when the services work anyway so don't worry about making a list.

Its sounds like you got burned pretty bad with Amway, which sucks becasue I know of some the organizations that did some pretty unethical things. I was fortuate to be in a great line of sponorship, but thats business. You read anything on Donald Trupp or Warren Buffet and they've had bad business experiences, thats the way it goes. So please, if your on, "I hate MLM band wagon," will you at least recognize that they are legal business's according to the FTC. As well as, MLM is the one of the best ways for a company to market a product inexpensivly because it keeps overhead low. Same reason why people sell products through infomercials, no middlemen. You don't have to like them but I'm sure we can come to some common ground. Probably agree to disagree!

I am a member of FDI and have used the services going on 3 months. If they don't work then thats news to me. Credit Trax and Equity Trax is a great tool in its self. Dispute letters are being sent out and I paying off my debt using the Equit trax system. Coming from a mortgage back ground I know the process of fighting inaccuracies on my credit report but I haven't had the time. Since it was FDI or $650 for credit repair I'm paying the 59.95/mon. and thats for my wife and I vs. just me. Also Money trax has been a big help with free unlimited consultations with a high level Certified Public Accounts and Certified Financial Planners, which I use at least once a week. I can understand your frustration with MLM's. There are a lot of them out there, but there not scams if they have an actual product or service. Granted the product or service may suck, but that dosen't mean their a scam.

Anyway, the point is; it sounds like the guy you talked with is building the business and may be new to MLM's. He probably is just excited and saw potential in you, so if you join, to just use the services, do that. The services are great and they do help people. I don't know why you can't prepay for a year, but that seems like a silly reason not to join. Obiviously your going to tell your friends when the services work anyway so don't worry about making a list.

Its sounds like you got burned pretty bad with Amway, which sucks becasue I know of some the organizations that did some pretty unethical things. I was fortuate to be in a great line of sponorship, but thats business. You read anything on Donald Trupp or Warren Buffet and they've had bad business experiences, thats the way it goes. So please, if your on, "I hate MLM band wagon," will you at least recognize that they are legal business's according to the FTC. As well as, MLM is the one of the best ways for a company to market a product inexpensivly because it keeps overhead low. Same reason why people sell products through infomercials, no middlemen. You don't have to like them but I'm sure we can come to some common ground. Probably agree to disagree!

I am a member of FDI and have used the services going on 3 months. If they don't work then thats news to me. Credit Trax and Equity Trax is a great tool in its self. Dispute letters are being sent out and I paying off my debt using the Equit trax system. Coming from a mortgage back ground I know the process of fighting inaccuracies on my credit report but I haven't had the time. Since it was FDI or $650 for credit repair I'm paying the 59.95/mon. and thats for my wife and I vs. just me. Also Money trax has been a big help with free unlimited consultations with a high level Certified Public Accounts and Certified Financial Planners, which I use at least once a week. I can understand your frustration with MLM's. There are a lot of them out there, but there not scams if they have an actual product or service. Granted the product or service may suck, but that dosen't mean their a scam.

Anyway, the point is; it sounds like the guy you talked with is building the business and may be new to MLM's. He probably is just excited and saw potential in you, so if you join, to just use the services, do that. The services are great and they do help people. I don't know why you can't prepay for a year, but that seems like a silly reason not to join. Obiviously your going to tell your friends when the services work anyway so don't worry about making a list.

Its sounds like you got burned pretty bad with Amway, which sucks becasue I know of some the organizations that did some pretty unethical things. I was fortuate to be in a great line of sponorship, but thats business. You read anything on Donald Trupp or Warren Buffet and they've had bad business experiences, thats the way it goes. So please, if your on, "I hate MLM band wagon," will you at least recognize that they are legal business's according to the FTC. As well as, MLM is the one of the best ways for a company to market a product inexpensivly because it keeps overhead low. Same reason why people sell products through infomercials, no middlemen. You don't have to like them but I'm sure we can come to some common ground. Probably agree to disagree!

Whoa.... Time out... I'm raising the white flag... peace dudes... etc. etc. :) As Phoebe on "Friends" would say, "Let's all go to our happy places!" I'm not trying to get in the middle of any mud-slinging! If you read through the LTI court document (which by the way was brought about by the Maryland Securities Commissioner, so you probably won't find anything about that particular case in any other state's records) you definitely see that LTI and FDI have flag-raising business correlatives. See the following findings which are pasted from the original court document.

31. Starting in February 2006, LTI began to offer Phase II investments for a nine month term at a 25% return. LTI's newsletter for December 2005 and January 2006 promises annual returns of 30% for all investors who are members of FDI and 23% for non-members. See Exhibit 1, E.

35. LTI also solicits investors through FDI. FDI appears to be a multilevel marketing
firm that pays its members residual income based upon sales generated by others whom its members introduce to the program. FDI offers seminars, workshops and conference calls in Maryland and elsewhere on such topics as Real Estate and Equity Creator, Opportunity/Real Estate/Cashflow, and FDI Business Presentation Combine with Real Estate Deals on Table. Persons who pay to join FDI obtain access to what it describes as various investment and educational
opportunities. FDI introduces its members to the investment opportunity offered by LTI.

Number 36 is interesting, because it is showing LTI as saying it isn't sponsored by FDI, but if you read the findings thereafter it seems that this isn't true.

36. The LTI application form and its instructions inform potential investors that LTI is not sponsored by FDI at this time and states that: All investments are contractual transactions with Liberty Trade International, Inc., evidenced by a promissory note signed by the CEO. Investments are secured by placing liens against real estate that have an existing equity value of at least $75,000.
In addition, all investments are secured by a separate reserve account own [sic] by the Trust, and established for the purpose of making timely repayments of principle [sic] and interest to each investor.

37. The application form asks for the name and FDI Rep number of the person who
referred the investor.

38. According to LTI documents, more than 80% of its investors are also members of FDI. See Exhibit 1, E. Some LTI documents appear to require all LTI investors to be FDI members. A variation on LTI's application form in Exhibit 1, F identifies Beverly Thompson, LTI's former Corporate Secretary, as affiliated with Financial Destination, Inc./The BIT Group, and states that all NEW investors MUST BE a FDI Rep. Communications with investors also show the close connection between FDI and LTI. See Exhibit 1, G.

Findings #37 and 38 are particularly suspect in regard to the relationship b/t the 2 companies. There is more, and imo it gets worse, but I think this is sufficient. You are welcome to read more on the court case by referring to the document itself - I listed it about three posts above this one. Then, like the other sites attest that I listed above (that I had to repost b/c they didn't come up properly the first time) LTI lost their court battle and had assets frozen, etc.

I only include this b/c I sincerely want someone to tell me legally why this shouldn't be a cause for concern. I can handle legal jargon (to a degree) so feel free to send it my way. Again, not b/c I want to be in a mud-sling, but b/c I care about my friend and would like to know she isn't going to end up losing her shirt b/c she took that faith-leap into this company. I really, really want an in depth legal explanation of this, not just superficial arguments. It's not about the general legalities of pyramid schemes, etc. I am asking about legal explanations to this particular court case in regards to FDI. Is there anyone out there who can give me this, because that is my specific concern.

Peace!... SMILE!... don't worry be happy.... and so on!

"There's more to unite us than there is to divide us" Anyone know who said that quote?

Whoa.... Time out... I'm raising the white flag... peace dudes... etc. etc. :) As Phoebe on "Friends" would say, "Let's all go to our happy places!" I'm not trying to get in the middle of any mud-slinging! If you read through the LTI court document (which by the way was brought about by the Maryland Securities Commissioner, so you probably won't find anything about that particular case in any other state's records) you definitely see that LTI and FDI have flag-raising business correlatives. See the following findings which are pasted from the original court document.

31. Starting in February 2006, LTI began to offer Phase II investments for a nine month term at a 25% return. LTI's newsletter for December 2005 and January 2006 promises annual returns of 30% for all investors who are members of FDI and 23% for non-members. See Exhibit 1, E.

35. LTI also solicits investors through FDI. FDI appears to be a multilevel marketing
firm that pays its members residual income based upon sales generated by others whom its members introduce to the program. FDI offers seminars, workshops and conference calls in Maryland and elsewhere on such topics as Real Estate and Equity Creator, Opportunity/Real Estate/Cashflow, and FDI Business Presentation Combine with Real Estate Deals on Table. Persons who pay to join FDI obtain access to what it describes as various investment and educational
opportunities. FDI introduces its members to the investment opportunity offered by LTI.

Number 36 is interesting, because it is showing LTI as saying it isn't sponsored by FDI, but if you read the findings thereafter it seems that this isn't true.

36. The LTI application form and its instructions inform potential investors that LTI is not sponsored by FDI at this time and states that: All investments are contractual transactions with Liberty Trade International, Inc., evidenced by a promissory note signed by the CEO. Investments are secured by placing liens against real estate that have an existing equity value of at least $75,000.
In addition, all investments are secured by a separate reserve account own [sic] by the Trust, and established for the purpose of making timely repayments of principle [sic] and interest to each investor.

37. The application form asks for the name and FDI Rep number of the person who
referred the investor.

38. According to LTI documents, more than 80% of its investors are also members of FDI. See Exhibit 1, E. Some LTI documents appear to require all LTI investors to be FDI members. A variation on LTI's application form in Exhibit 1, F identifies Beverly Thompson, LTI's former Corporate Secretary, as affiliated with Financial Destination, Inc./The BIT Group, and states that all NEW investors MUST BE a FDI Rep. Communications with investors also show the close connection between FDI and LTI. See Exhibit 1, G.

Findings #37 and 38 are particularly suspect in regard to the relationship b/t the 2 companies. There is more, and imo it gets worse, but I think this is sufficient. You are welcome to read more on the court case by referring to the document itself - I listed it about three posts above this one. Then, like the other sites attest that I listed above (that I had to repost b/c they didn't come up properly the first time) LTI lost their court battle and had assets frozen, etc.

I only include this b/c I sincerely want someone to tell me legally why this shouldn't be a cause for concern. I can handle legal jargon (to a degree) so feel free to send it my way. Again, not b/c I want to be in a mud-sling, but b/c I care about my friend and would like to know she isn't going to end up losing her shirt b/c she took that faith-leap into this company. I really, really want an in depth legal explanation of this, not just superficial arguments. It's not about the general legalities of pyramid schemes, etc. I am asking about legal explanations to this particular court case in regards to FDI. Is there anyone out there who can give me this, because that is my specific concern.

Peace!... SMILE!... don't worry be happy.... and so on!

"There's more to unite us than there is to divide us" Anyone know who said that quote?

Whoa.... Time out... I'm raising the white flag... peace dudes... etc. etc. :) As Phoebe on "Friends" would say, "Let's all go to our happy places!" I'm not trying to get in the middle of any mud-slinging! If you read through the LTI court document (which by the way was brought about by the Maryland Securities Commissioner, so you probably won't find anything about that particular case in any other state's records) you definitely see that LTI and FDI have flag-raising business correlatives. See the following findings which are pasted from the original court document.

31. Starting in February 2006, LTI began to offer Phase II investments for a nine month term at a 25% return. LTI's newsletter for December 2005 and January 2006 promises annual returns of 30% for all investors who are members of FDI and 23% for non-members. See Exhibit 1, E.

35. LTI also solicits investors through FDI. FDI appears to be a multilevel marketing
firm that pays its members residual income based upon sales generated by others whom its members introduce to the program. FDI offers seminars, workshops and conference calls in Maryland and elsewhere on such topics as Real Estate and Equity Creator, Opportunity/Real Estate/Cashflow, and FDI Business Presentation Combine with Real Estate Deals on Table. Persons who pay to join FDI obtain access to what it describes as various investment and educational
opportunities. FDI introduces its members to the investment opportunity offered by LTI.

Number 36 is interesting, because it is showing LTI as saying it isn't sponsored by FDI, but if you read the findings thereafter it seems that this isn't true.

36. The LTI application form and its instructions inform potential investors that LTI is not sponsored by FDI at this time and states that: All investments are contractual transactions with Liberty Trade International, Inc., evidenced by a promissory note signed by the CEO. Investments are secured by placing liens against real estate that have an existing equity value of at least $75,000.
In addition, all investments are secured by a separate reserve account own [sic] by the Trust, and established for the purpose of making timely repayments of principle [sic] and interest to each investor.

37. The application form asks for the name and FDI Rep number of the person who
referred the investor.

38. According to LTI documents, more than 80% of its investors are also members of FDI. See Exhibit 1, E. Some LTI documents appear to require all LTI investors to be FDI members. A variation on LTI's application form in Exhibit 1, F identifies Beverly Thompson, LTI's former Corporate Secretary, as affiliated with Financial Destination, Inc./The BIT Group, and states that all NEW investors MUST BE a FDI Rep. Communications with investors also show the close connection between FDI and LTI. See Exhibit 1, G.

Findings #37 and 38 are particularly suspect in regard to the relationship b/t the 2 companies. There is more, and imo it gets worse, but I think this is sufficient. You are welcome to read more on the court case by referring to the document itself - I listed it about three posts above this one. Then, like the other sites attest that I listed above (that I had to repost b/c they didn't come up properly the first time) LTI lost their court battle and had assets frozen, etc.

I only include this b/c I sincerely want someone to tell me legally why this shouldn't be a cause for concern. I can handle legal jargon (to a degree) so feel free to send it my way. Again, not b/c I want to be in a mud-sling, but b/c I care about my friend and would like to know she isn't going to end up losing her shirt b/c she took that faith-leap into this company. I really, really want an in depth legal explanation of this, not just superficial arguments. It's not about the general legalities of pyramid schemes, etc. I am asking about legal explanations to this particular court case in regards to FDI. Is there anyone out there who can give me this, because that is my specific concern.

Peace!... SMILE!... don't worry be happy.... and so on!

"There's more to unite us than there is to divide us" Anyone know who said that quote?

Whoa.... Time out... I'm raising the white flag... peace dudes... etc. etc. :) As Phoebe on "Friends" would say, "Let's all go to our happy places!" I'm not trying to get in the middle of any mud-slinging! If you read through the LTI court document (which by the way was brought about by the Maryland Securities Commissioner, so you probably won't find anything about that particular case in any other state's records) you definitely see that LTI and FDI have flag-raising business correlatives. See the following findings which are pasted from the original court document.

31. Starting in February 2006, LTI began to offer Phase II investments for a nine month term at a 25% return. LTI's newsletter for December 2005 and January 2006 promises annual returns of 30% for all investors who are members of FDI and 23% for non-members. See Exhibit 1, E.

35. LTI also solicits investors through FDI. FDI appears to be a multilevel marketing
firm that pays its members residual income based upon sales generated by others whom its members introduce to the program. FDI offers seminars, workshops and conference calls in Maryland and elsewhere on such topics as Real Estate and Equity Creator, Opportunity/Real Estate/Cashflow, and FDI Business Presentation Combine with Real Estate Deals on Table. Persons who pay to join FDI obtain access to what it describes as various investment and educational
opportunities. FDI introduces its members to the investment opportunity offered by LTI.

Number 36 is interesting, because it is showing LTI as saying it isn't sponsored by FDI, but if you read the findings thereafter it seems that this isn't true.

36. The LTI application form and its instructions inform potential investors that LTI is not sponsored by FDI at this time and states that: All investments are contractual transactions with Liberty Trade International, Inc., evidenced by a promissory note signed by the CEO. Investments are secured by placing liens against real estate that have an existing equity value of at least $75,000.
In addition, all investments are secured by a separate reserve account own [sic] by the Trust, and established for the purpose of making timely repayments of principle [sic] and interest to each investor.

37. The application form asks for the name and FDI Rep number of the person who
referred the investor.

38. According to LTI documents, more than 80% of its investors are also members of FDI. See Exhibit 1, E. Some LTI documents appear to require all LTI investors to be FDI members. A variation on LTI's application form in Exhibit 1, F identifies Beverly Thompson, LTI's former Corporate Secretary, as affiliated with Financial Destination, Inc./The BIT Group, and states that all NEW investors MUST BE a FDI Rep. Communications with investors also show the close connection between FDI and LTI. See Exhibit 1, G.

Findings #37 and 38 are particularly suspect in regard to the relationship b/t the 2 companies. There is more, and imo it gets worse, but I think this is sufficient. You are welcome to read more on the court case by referring to the document itself - I listed it about three posts above this one. Then, like the other sites attest that I listed above (that I had to repost b/c they didn't come up properly the first time) LTI lost their court battle and had assets frozen, etc.

I only include this b/c I sincerely want someone to tell me legally why this shouldn't be a cause for concern. I can handle legal jargon (to a degree) so feel free to send it my way. Again, not b/c I want to be in a mud-sling, but b/c I care about my friend and would like to know she isn't going to end up losing her shirt b/c she took that faith-leap into this company. I really, really want an in depth legal explanation of this, not just superficial arguments. It's not about the general legalities of pyramid schemes, etc. I am asking about legal explanations to this particular court case in regards to FDI. Is there anyone out there who can give me this, because that is my specific concern.

Peace!... SMILE!... don't worry be happy.... and so on!

"There's more to unite us than there is to divide us" Anyone know who said that quote?

Gharris
Chardon, Ohio
U.S.A.


"I'm not mis-representing myself or this company, they are not unique and they will be investigated as i was told by the offices i mentioned.

I called the New Hampshire Attorney General and spoke with the Consumer Protection Department there about this company and gave them all the information i knew, she too agreed that this sounds like a Scam.

Say what you want trueinvestment, the FTC and New Hampshire Atty General along with Ohio Atty General have all agreed that this is a scam."



Mike
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.

Also looking into FDI
I too have looked into this company. It seems to me that they are legitimate. I made numerous phone calls to the BBB in Derry New Hampshire where they are based out of. I also contacted the FTC and the State Attorney Generals Office in New Hampshire and they stated to me that this company has no complaints and are in compliance with the state. They never made a comment as to this being a Pyramid Scheme as George from Ohio states. They further said, that they would never make a comment like that unless there was factual evidence to substantiate which there is not. I also contacted the State Dept of Corporations in New Hampshire and they stated that they are in good standing and are listed as a Direct Sales Company.

Anyone that is reading this, just call Ohio or New Hampshire's Attorney Generals. New Hampshire only accepts complaints in a written form. As Mike stated before, the New Hampshire Attorney General would NEVER tell someone over the phone that they thought that a company was a scam unless that company has been investigated. (That is a direct quote from NH Attorney General office) The New Hampshire Attorney General does not go to websites over the phone to see if they are scams or not as I was told today. As of today, there are no investigations by any of the authors law institutions which she cites frequently.

Just call any of the people whom the author has cited and they will tell you the truth, unlike the author. I am not bashing, I did my homework and it resulted in revealing the author is not telling the truth.

I spoke with the New Hampshire Attorney Generals office. They have no record of ANY complaints with FDI. Furthermore, I was assured that the New Hampshire Department of Justice does not look at websites while on the phone to determine if they are legitimate or not.

Quote:

"Nothing can change it!
Say what you want trueinvestment, the FTC and New Hampshire Atty General along with Ohio Atty General have all agreed that this is a scam."

I also got in touch with Ohio Attorney General and they have no record of Financial Destination.

I think this evidence Woodward:

" Therefore that is my challenge to all of you who are hounding the author. Negate what he said with viable, legal explanations of all of this. "

Here is where you can search New Hampshire Department of Justice:
http://www.egov.nh.gov/consumercomplaint/Search.asp
Here is the phone number to New Hampshire: 603-271-3641

Here is the phone number to Ohio: 877-244-6446
Here is the website to Ohio where anyone can search:
http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/consumer/complaints.asp

I have now proved you wrong, anyone reading this can call either Attorney Generals to verify that I am telling the truth and you are not.

Quack Quack, I knew it.

I got in touch with Ohio's Attorney General, but they can't search the complaints without an address or a phone number.

Can you give us the address and phone number that was used in your formal complaint to the Ohio Attorney General please?

Thank you.

I am appalled, Joe, that you think i would make this crap up. I have checked with the Ohio Attorney General's office and i got to speak to someone because i called the number from the Attorney General's own website. Here is his contact info.

Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann

Nicholas Miller, Executive Assistant
614-466-4320
State Office Tower
30 E. Broad Street, 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3428
(614) 466-4320

When calling, you talk to a receptionist and then you ask for the consumer affairs department (while you are there you can tell them how you think my calling to them is such a waste). In the consumers affairs department you can but may not get to speak with Susan. She may or may not be able to give you information on my calling. Any other info i can give you, just ask. My proof is in EVERY posting i have given where it's been questioned. The legal document as you put it doesn't mean they are guilty, but it does give suggestions that are suspect to the Securities Commissioner or it would have not been put in there. Common sense. Ask her to go to the website!! Then comment. They are trained to spot most scams you know and in every initial impression i'm sure they can spot them.

I welcome all rebuttals, i have better things to do and go after a company that hasn't even ripped me off. Your time looks well spent saying that it's such a great company and you really have no connection to this thread other than you dislike what i say about them, i ask how fair is that to grudgingly say that i offer no proof or that i waste tax dollars. You offer no proof i am wrong. You offer no proof they do good for anyone and yet you still maintain that I am wrong and you are right. I don't bash anyone that stands against me. I only ask that they come in and read all information instead of calling me a quack or being so immature that they really must point out the spelling of someone. The way you act about this company it's like you want to attack me.

Your past with the company doesn't make you an expert on this matter, unless you are a lawyer for the company or on the board of the company, all your comments about the company carry no validity since you aren't aware of laws or corporate doings. That's like asking a local Manager of BK what corrupt things the board might be doing. He would have no clue cause he's not there and he's not able to know what illegal things in corporate law they might be doing. That's why i won't listen to an employee because none of you are in the board room and none of us have corporate law knowledge. I don't know all of the laws but I do know and have reported what i have been told and offered proof of some questionable things. Make your own decision but offer your rebuttals for proof or comments disproving my accusations don't just attack me.
I do not welcome attacks as easy as rebuttals. Rip off Report is not involved in this so leave them out of it. They are a forum and i'm sure they abide by the rules. It's focus is allowing people who get or believe they've been ripped off a virtual place to share with others, as i am trying to do, the problems they are having with companies. If they can or do get a solution, they can post it so that others may know where to help on similar problems. Check ripoffreport.com's About Us page! REMEMBER MEMBERSHIP INTO THE BETTER BUSINESS IS NOT EARNED, IT'S PAID FOR!!! Just because people put their problems with a company on the internet, doesn't make it it any less rumor than if they went to the BBB themselves.

Have a great day and keep checking ripoffreport.com

You must be related to John Kerry.

Quote:

"I have answered your question. If, as i am being told and have pointed out, it's a pyramid scheme, then it's a rip off. No lawyer has told me i am wrong as of yet."

Have they told you that you are correct?

Quote:

"But i think it's crap when people come in to it and have no proof or no legal foot to stand on."

I have proof, I was in the company, but we know that doesn't matter since it contradicts your opinion.

Quote:

"Once again i offer proof to show the dealing as seen by the law enforcement officers (Attorney Generals AND the Securities Commissioner of Maryland) and I'm rushing to judgment?"

You only have told us what they think of an initial impression of a website. Why is it that an ex-employee of the company is not proof, but so called phone calls that you made is? How do we know that you actually spoke with Ohio's Attorney General? How did you actually get to talk to someone from these offices? I called the Ohio and New Hampshire Attorney General offices and could not get to speak to anyone in person, I had to leave the information and they will get back to me. I could not verify that someone from Ohio has made a formal complaint of FDI. Until I can verify that you actually made these calls, your so called legal proof is nothing more than testimony. You pointed out in previous posts that testimony is no good, well, until I get someone from Ohio or New Hampshire to verify that you have made a formal complaint, your entire post here at ripoffreport.com has no validity. I promise that if I can verify that you actually made these phone calls, I will report that you did. I also will report as to any findings that Ohio and New Hampshire have.

Have a great day and remember to check the Better Business Bureaus, as they are the only reputable source for legitimate businesses.

You must be related to John Kerry.

Quote:

"I have answered your question. If, as i am being told and have pointed out, it's a pyramid scheme, then it's a rip off. No lawyer has told me i am wrong as of yet."

Have they told you that you are correct?

Quote:

"But i think it's crap when people come in to it and have no proof or no legal foot to stand on."

I have proof, I was in the company, but we know that doesn't matter since it contradicts your opinion.

Quote:

"Once again i offer proof to show the dealing as seen by the law enforcement officers (Attorney Generals AND the Securities Commissioner of Maryland) and I'm rushing to judgment?"

You only have told us what they think of an initial impression of a website. Why is it that an ex-employee of the company is not proof, but so called phone calls that you made is? How do we know that you actually spoke with Ohio's Attorney General? How did you actually get to talk to someone from these offices? I called the Ohio and New Hampshire Attorney General offices and could not get to speak to anyone in person, I had to leave the information and they will get back to me. I could not verify that someone from Ohio has made a formal complaint of FDI. Until I can verify that you actually made these calls, your so called legal proof is nothing more than testimony. You pointed out in previous posts that testimony is no good, well, until I get someone from Ohio or New Hampshire to verify that you have made a formal complaint, your entire post here at ripoffreport.com has no validity. I promise that if I can verify that you actually made these phone calls, I will report that you did. I also will report as to any findings that Ohio and New Hampshire have.

Have a great day and remember to check the Better Business Bureaus, as they are the only reputable source for legitimate businesses.

You must be related to John Kerry.

Quote:

"I have answered your question. If, as i am being told and have pointed out, it's a pyramid scheme, then it's a rip off. No lawyer has told me i am wrong as of yet."

Have they told you that you are correct?

Quote:

"But i think it's crap when people come in to it and have no proof or no legal foot to stand on."

I have proof, I was in the company, but we know that doesn't matter since it contradicts your opinion.

Quote:

"Once again i offer proof to show the dealing as seen by the law enforcement officers (Attorney Generals AND the Securities Commissioner of Maryland) and I'm rushing to judgment?"

You only have told us what they think of an initial impression of a website. Why is it that an ex-employee of the company is not proof, but so called phone calls that you made is? How do we know that you actually spoke with Ohio's Attorney General? How did you actually get to talk to someone from these offices? I called the Ohio and New Hampshire Attorney General offices and could not get to speak to anyone in person, I had to leave the information and they will get back to me. I could not verify that someone from Ohio has made a formal complaint of FDI. Until I can verify that you actually made these calls, your so called legal proof is nothing more than testimony. You pointed out in previous posts that testimony is no good, well, until I get someone from Ohio or New Hampshire to verify that you have made a formal complaint, your entire post here at ripoffreport.com has no validity. I promise that if I can verify that you actually made these phone calls, I will report that you did. I also will report as to any findings that Ohio and New Hampshire have.

Have a great day and remember to check the Better Business Bureaus, as they are the only reputable source for legitimate businesses.

I think anyone who is trying to offer a rebuttal is wasting their time. It is evident that the author will not accept any information that is contradictory to her own beliefs.

I do think that the author was originally approached by someone from FDI that was practicing bad business. This leads me to believe that the author's initial impression was negative, and we all know that it is hard to undo first impressions.

I appreciate the litigation that the author has offered as reference, but until FDI has been proven to be a scam, I think that innocent until proven guilty should be the norm here. I agree with people that look at the litigation and the fact that FDI is named in it to be cautious, but FDI is not under investigation. I could be named in a lawsuit, but that doesn't mean I did anything wrong. If the litigation that the author offered is so compelling, why is there no investigation of FDI as a result?

If FDI is investigated and as a result they are a scam, congratulations to the author. Ohio's Attorney General's initial impression from looking at FDI's website is that they are a scam, how is that compelling evidence? If they were to investigate further after the initial impression and they find that they are operating an illegal business, then that would be compelling evidence.

I think labeling a company as a scam without due process is wrong, after all, due process is how our judicial system works.

I think I will call my Attorney General and ask how ripoffreport.com can make accusations about a company with no legal evidence to back it up.

Remember to check BBB (I can't spell it) as they are the only reputable company for information on whether a company is legitimate or not.

Remember that ripoffreport.com is mostly rumors and opinion.

If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, most likely it is a duck.

Quack

At least one person, so it seems has taken the time to look into this further. I'm not bashing this company, I only wanted others to know what I have found out through my research. Many of us want to make money so bad that we are willing to attack anyone that means to harm it. This is the case i am sure with all the "hounding". I hope you get some sleep.

Kristie, you say i don't acknowledge the reason Pyramid schemes and MLM's (Multi-Level Marketing) scams are not that different and yet MLM's are legal. What is that reason i call an excuse? Please by all means fill me in. Once again i am interested in what you say or what F.D.I. would say.

Truth is, I really don't care to pass information to you then you pass it along the lines of the company. First, it would be like asking the oil companies why they charge so much. I would never get a right answer. When something like these questions come up, i put my trust in my Attorney General because, as Joe pointed out earlier I'm a big government time and money waster.

I'm sorry that some of you think that capitalism means that any company could be a rip off and we should leave them alone, but the United States has set up rules and we should not turn our heads the other way just because they didn't get us. What, may i ask was your reason for googling them to see if they had reports against them? Do you believe before you read this post that they might be doing something illegal? Why do you hound me and want so badly to come at me with your knowledge about this company if you, yourself were checking it out on the internet to see if it has a report on it. Why would you come after me if this is the first and only report on it. Is this how you stop whistle blowers? Or quack as some of you say?

If, Kristie, your desire for me to ask you questions is absurd and will not get you a response as you plan to take my questions to F.D.I. and they are not the final authority and neither are you on what a pyramid scheme is or an MLM. These guys are like any other company, they want to make money and will say what they have to to make it, keep it and make their lies believable.

As far as your comment that i came in without solid evidence about this company and yet i called them a scam, i looked at my original post and I do provide evidence to the contrary. Please re-read what i say before you hound me. It's like some of you just don't pay attention to what i say, you only want to hound me and tell me how great F.D.I. is. evidence proves otherwise.

Have a great day and always check ripoffreport.com

Prior to finding this website I did my own research re. FDI and came up with much of the same information that the author of this thread came up with. I hadn't contacted any attorney general's office, however what stopped me dead in my tracks was the court case referred to numerous times by the author. Here are three links that caused me concern

http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

In the first document you find LTI and FDI (financial destination inc) closely related. FDI is mentioned numerous times throughout the document. This complaint was filed by the Securities Commissioner for the State of Maryland, Melanie Senter Lubin. In the second court document you see that LTI lost their case, a receiver being appointed, the freezing of assets, and order of restitution. On the third site you find the company's announcement of being in receivership by order of the court. This all happened very recently, the date on the receivership site stating order as of January 17, 2008. You read on this final site that the judge appointed to the case was absolutely not favorable to LTI.

No, they are not the same company. However there is an obvious connection with LTI which causes me concern about the FDI's legitimacy, and therefore longevity.

The author of this thread has brought this case to the attention of the readers numerous times, and I have yet to see anyone's explanation of why this shouldn't be a concern?

I am certainly not trying to dog this company, as I have a friend who has approached me about investing. I hope for my friends sake this company is legitimate, because I'd hate to see her lose the money she is probably going to be paying in the longrun. Until I hear/read a viable explanation of the relationship between LTI and FDI I will not invest a dime.

Therefore that is my challenge to all of you who are hounding the author. Negate what he said with viable, legal explanations of all of this.

Thanks - and excuse the misspellings if there are any. It is late and I should be in bed! :)

you say that i havent answered any of your questions, what questions are they so i can ask the main people. i came on ripoff report because i googled fdi to see if there were any reports made against them and the first and only one i have seen is this one. when i have read your initial report which was made before you sought out legal help i thought that you do not have any solid evidence about this company yet you have called them a scam.

i have stated that this company is a multi level marketing company. it is not a pyramid scheme because the plan on how we get paid makes it so that we could get more money than the person who brought us in. this is how it works.

I get someone to sign up under me, I get $25 but whoever brought me in only gets $5. so that is why it is not a pyramid. The United States have made pyramid schemes illegal but not multi level marketing plans. There is a reason, but you will not acknowledge that reason, you call it an excuse. So ask me those questions so I can find them out.

Thank you for your comments that have been repeated throughout this thread. But, once again, offers very little proof. Just Testimony!

Once again i offer proof to show the dealing as seen by the law enforcement officers (Attorney Generals AND the Securities Commissioner of Maryland) and I'm rushing to judgment? It's great that you have utilized the program and have made some money. that doesn't change the facts. Please read what the i have provided before you judge my comments or judgments. I'm not badmouthing the company as you put it because all my info is from legal sources and not from the companies mouths. If Law Enforcement says it's so, it's so... you can't change my mind. But i thank you for your comment.

Here is the PDF on LTI and F.D.I., read it and ask yourself, why does the Securities Commissioner mention F.D.I. in this document? Because they believe that they are a scam!! Well, i've said enough about it today as everyone that comes in to this forum can't really prove to me that I'm wrong. And the company and it's representatives keep giving me the same answers and making this company out to be a "miracle company" and it's not. It takes time for a pyramid scheme to implode! Good luck and i hope you can see the truth in the documents i have provided. Here they are below!!

Maryland Securities Commissioners indictment of LTI mentioning F.D.I. in a scam.
http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

Federal Trade Commission's laws on pyramid schemes and how they work.
http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.shtm

I'm inclined to believe a friend of mine when he said about this thread. You're never going to help people because people won't believe it's scam unless it's on the news. People WANT to believe that this can work for them and unless it's on the news, you're never going to change them. Well, i've presented you all with the proof and i have gotten none back. Just comments on how good F.D.I. is. Makes me wonder how brain washed you guys are. Laws don't change your minds and neither does the belief that an internet business will bring you wealth.

Have a good day and ripoffreport.com to check out a business!

I am sorry that you had such a bad experience with that particular FDI Rep., however, FDI is NOT a pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme as you know, is a company that offers all kinds of payouts while not truly offering a service and requires a fee at the same time.. FDI Offers services,..yes there are fees involved as with any company. I'm not saying you cannot get credit restoration services at one company (Credit Trax), real estate services and advice with another (Equity Trax), tax assistance with another company(Money Trax), motivational speakers with another (Sucess Trax) along with free business legal advice and health supplements (Wellness Trax) with yet another company, as well as discounts at stores and restaurants, pharmacies, that people use everyday.

Yes there are other companies out there offering these services but NO WHERE are they offerred within one company for a low price. These are the SERVICES that FDI offers. They are legitimate services. And no way are you going to get all these services somewhere else at the price of the monthly membership fee (which has earned its place in my checkbook by saving me money on everything else.) I've improved my credit score using their services, me, who was on welfare not even 8 yrs ago. I've met people who have used the service who were darn close to losing their house to foreclosure and FDI Services helped them.

I refer friends to restaurants, movies, doctors, all the time. Do I get paid by them to do so?? NO! IF you wish to earn extra money by referring FDI services to other people, then you sign up for the second membership offerred and refer people you know and help train them to do the same. NO ONE is forcing you to do it. It depends on the consumer. You can either use some of the services that FDI has to offer or all of the services. If you chose to become a Rep. of FDI or any MLM yes, you would put together a list of names of possible people who would be interested in the services. That's just common sense. You ask, they say no, you move on. It's not pressured sales. You ask, they say yes, you go further into the services and the options available to that person. That's their choice. You opted not to go for any of the services and that was your choice but please do not badmouth a company that has helped so many unless you've gone the whole experience and not just put a toe in the water. FDI has helped many people get their lives back in order. They deserve more than a snap judgement.

I am sorry that you had such a bad experience with that particular FDI Rep., however, FDI is NOT a pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme as you know, is a company that offers all kinds of payouts while not truly offering a service and requires a fee at the same time.. FDI Offers services,..yes there are fees involved as with any company. I'm not saying you cannot get credit restoration services at one company (Credit Trax), real estate services and advice with another (Equity Trax), tax assistance with another company(Money Trax), motivational speakers with another (Sucess Trax) along with free business legal advice and health supplements (Wellness Trax) with yet another company, as well as discounts at stores and restaurants, pharmacies, that people use everyday.

Yes there are other companies out there offering these services but NO WHERE are they offerred within one company for a low price. These are the SERVICES that FDI offers. They are legitimate services. And no way are you going to get all these services somewhere else at the price of the monthly membership fee (which has earned its place in my checkbook by saving me money on everything else.) I've improved my credit score using their services, me, who was on welfare not even 8 yrs ago. I've met people who have used the service who were darn close to losing their house to foreclosure and FDI Services helped them.

I refer friends to restaurants, movies, doctors, all the time. Do I get paid by them to do so?? NO! IF you wish to earn extra money by referring FDI services to other people, then you sign up for the second membership offerred and refer people you know and help train them to do the same. NO ONE is forcing you to do it. It depends on the consumer. You can either use some of the services that FDI has to offer or all of the services. If you chose to become a Rep. of FDI or any MLM yes, you would put together a list of names of possible people who would be interested in the services. That's just common sense. You ask, they say no, you move on. It's not pressured sales. You ask, they say yes, you go further into the services and the options available to that person. That's their choice. You opted not to go for any of the services and that was your choice but please do not badmouth a company that has helped so many unless you've gone the whole experience and not just put a toe in the water. FDI has helped many people get their lives back in order. They deserve more than a snap judgement.

I am sorry that you had such a bad experience with that particular FDI Rep., however, FDI is NOT a pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme as you know, is a company that offers all kinds of payouts while not truly offering a service and requires a fee at the same time.. FDI Offers services,..yes there are fees involved as with any company. I'm not saying you cannot get credit restoration services at one company (Credit Trax), real estate services and advice with another (Equity Trax), tax assistance with another company(Money Trax), motivational speakers with another (Sucess Trax) along with free business legal advice and health supplements (Wellness Trax) with yet another company, as well as discounts at stores and restaurants, pharmacies, that people use everyday.

Yes there are other companies out there offering these services but NO WHERE are they offerred within one company for a low price. These are the SERVICES that FDI offers. They are legitimate services. And no way are you going to get all these services somewhere else at the price of the monthly membership fee (which has earned its place in my checkbook by saving me money on everything else.) I've improved my credit score using their services, me, who was on welfare not even 8 yrs ago. I've met people who have used the service who were darn close to losing their house to foreclosure and FDI Services helped them.

I refer friends to restaurants, movies, doctors, all the time. Do I get paid by them to do so?? NO! IF you wish to earn extra money by referring FDI services to other people, then you sign up for the second membership offerred and refer people you know and help train them to do the same. NO ONE is forcing you to do it. It depends on the consumer. You can either use some of the services that FDI has to offer or all of the services. If you chose to become a Rep. of FDI or any MLM yes, you would put together a list of names of possible people who would be interested in the services. That's just common sense. You ask, they say no, you move on. It's not pressured sales. You ask, they say yes, you go further into the services and the options available to that person. That's their choice. You opted not to go for any of the services and that was your choice but please do not badmouth a company that has helped so many unless you've gone the whole experience and not just put a toe in the water. FDI has helped many people get their lives back in order. They deserve more than a snap judgement.

http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

It's interesting to read this as it doesn't look good but FDI name is all over this document. Just a thought! Oh, and thanks for your two cents. That's what it's about.

Have a great day and always check ripoffreport.com

MLM's are not for everybody. That is why many do not succeed. I personally have tried a few companies, i made a couple of bucks, some i stopped because i was not succeeding the way i wanted to. They were not scams. I was not putting forth the effort. I personally am thinking of joining this company because of the services they offer. As a consumer, I can benefit from them. At no time did anyone ask for my "prospect list" before i join or for money for my list. Like all companies that offer a service or product all those at the top make money. (This is true for everything) The idea is you can either go out there and continue to work 80-90 plus hours every two weeks by yourself or work less hours and build a solid team where everyone wins.

I personally believe you are being scammed when you are pretending to offer a product or service, taking money for that product but the customer gets no product. Pyramid schemes involve only those at the top getting paid and the low man getting nothing. This is not the case with this company. If nothing else if a person signs up for a membership with this company they have access to a wealth of knowledge and helpful tools.

Just my two cents. Before anyone sign up for any product or service you should always do your homework because it is an investment.

I do believe that i am helping by starting to people the thing i have found out. No one has been indicted as the company has only been open since 2004 but investigations do take time. I do not attack when people disagree with my views, but those who have left rebuttals have gone on to call me a liar over the information i have found and a quack and have lashed out at me for providing what i have found out. I ask you this, if i were to ask the better business bureau and left it at that and it turned out to be true, whom would i blame for not speaking up?

If i went to the BBB and they ask me (which they usually do) did you try to contact the company before you contacted us and i replied no, I'd get the try that first. Since i tried the company numerous times to get an answer and have gotten nothing (i got called a quack for this if you read all the posts), this is the reason for taking it from the BBB to an online community who has dealt with rip offs (Hence why i am here).

I'm glad you disagree, i welcome it and God, i hope you are right about it. Because if I am, then many people could be losing much. But let's assume that I called the Attorney General and told them my story, asked them to go to the actual website and their remark is this is a scam. What would you do? I have lost nothing, this i admit. I do feel that if that statement is true, shouldn't other potential victims have the right to know what they could be getting into. Shall i concede and say that because you have experienced positive results it's a great and legitimate company?

Again, it takes time for investigations and with 300 million people in the country it's hard to know what's real and what's another quack trying to start trouble for no reason (something many of you think i am doing). I am not hurting this company. If i were they'd be calling me back after all they have my number. If i were committing slander, I'm sure i would hear about it. I'm only passing on my experience with this company and the results from calling my Attorney General.

A deeper question is, people get ripped off everyday by reputable companies and they come here to let others know what happened to them... although i have not been ripped off, what makes me different since I'm telling my experience and the NEWS i heard from my Attorney General?

No Disrespect to any of you that may think i have done so, my statements come from the mouths (well, thru me) of the highest authority on law in the state of Ohio. I'm not sure where some of the statements come from but just being a member doesn't make you right or it legal.

Have a great day papadash, and remember, ripoffreport.com before them before they get you!

I read your comments and am struck by the fact that while you believe you are providing a service, you immediately attack any person that does not agree with your views.

I know about FDI because I HAVE done research. I know about FDI because I, like most people, need to know where and how my money is being spent. I don't have money to burn, but I do have money to invest and I have and I am making money in excess of my initial investment. FDI may not be for everybody, but if the business model falls outside the norm, people are quick to judge and very quick to label.

I think you may want to get your own membership and see for yourself before you throw out the scam tag. Now if your next response is "Well Papadash, I was a member of FDI and I never made a dime" Then I suggest to you and your readers of this fine little blog that you never applied yourself to the business and this is more a "you" issue then it is about FDI.

Lastly, Is FDI or any of it's actual members under indictment? Any jail time handed out?
The company has been in business long enough to have the upper echelon indicted and charged if what you say is true. Has the attorney general arrested anyone? Please tell us.

I read your comments and am struck by the fact that while you believe you are providing a service, you immediately attack any person that does not agree with your views.

I know about FDI because I HAVE done research. I know about FDI because I, like most people, need to know where and how my money is being spent. I don't have money to burn, but I do have money to invest and I have and I am making money in excess of my initial investment. FDI may not be for everybody, but if the business model falls outside the norm, people are quick to judge and very quick to label.

I think you may want to get your own membership and see for yourself before you throw out the scam tag. Now if your next response is "Well Papadash, I was a member of FDI and I never made a dime" Then I suggest to you and your readers of this fine little blog that you never applied yourself to the business and this is more a "you" issue then it is about FDI.

Lastly, Is FDI or any of it's actual members under indictment? Any jail time handed out?
The company has been in business long enough to have the upper echelon indicted and charged if what you say is true. Has the attorney general arrested anyone? Please tell us.

I read your comments and am struck by the fact that while you believe you are providing a service, you immediately attack any person that does not agree with your views.

I know about FDI because I HAVE done research. I know about FDI because I, like most people, need to know where and how my money is being spent. I don't have money to burn, but I do have money to invest and I have and I am making money in excess of my initial investment. FDI may not be for everybody, but if the business model falls outside the norm, people are quick to judge and very quick to label.

I think you may want to get your own membership and see for yourself before you throw out the scam tag. Now if your next response is "Well Papadash, I was a member of FDI and I never made a dime" Then I suggest to you and your readers of this fine little blog that you never applied yourself to the business and this is more a "you" issue then it is about FDI.

Lastly, Is FDI or any of it's actual members under indictment? Any jail time handed out?
The company has been in business long enough to have the upper echelon indicted and charged if what you say is true. Has the attorney general arrested anyone? Please tell us.

Thank you for your comments about my "opinions" about F.D.I.. Websters is a dictionary not an example of the LAW. As i have been stating all along in this thread, i have been told by Attorney Generals who just so happen to be the highest Law authority in the states they represent. I have given you all the tools to see what a pyramid scheme is and that includes what it means from the FTC's own website. I can only add one more thing that should be thought about... The words it's a scam is not from my mouths but the Office of the Attorney General of both Ohio and New Hampshire on the days i called them. The "fact" as you put it lies there. Thank you for your observation of that.

Also, Papadash, you seem to know a little much about FDI and their business. Maybe an ex-employee or current one who wants to make the company look good. The damage is done, i have become a whistle blower and your company doesn't like it. I think it's great when people can come in to this forum and talk about real issues. But i think it's crap when people come in to it and have no proof or no legal foot to stand on. And every person who has ever put a complaint or report in this website would be lying because it's about being ripped off or the belief you have been and letting others know about the company so they can make sure it doesn't happen to them. If that's the case and what you say is right, papadash, then all reports on this site would need to remove the rip off label or scammed label. This is a bad business bureau website and we all should report bad businesses. You don't make the rules and judging by the resources you quoted, you don't do homework very well. Quote a source that's legal since we are dealing with a legal issue. Have a great day and always check Ripoffreport.com for bad businesses. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ALSO!!! THEY'RE ALSO THEY'RE TO HELP SO YOU DON'T GET RIPPED OFF!!

Ok real quick.
From Websters:
scam

noun
1. a fraudulent business scheme

verb
1. deprive of by deceit; "He swindled me out of my inheritance"; "She defrauded the customers who trusted her"; "the cashier gypped me when he gave me too little change"

FDI charges you 70 bucks for a members packet,then 129 for a 1st class membership, or 60 bucks for a Preferred membership.
If you get 3 people to join you get the following 4 months with no monthly fee.
If you get 5 people to join you get everything they offer free for life.
Not 3 + 5 but 3 + 2 =5

If you do this in your first month you make any and all money invested back in the first month. Now, if you have positive cashflow from your efforts, how can you call this a scam?
Just looking for clarification here.
This forum is not about opinion, it's supposed to be about fact. The facts are if the rank and file are making money in excess of their initial investment, you need to drop the scam label.

Ok,

I have answered your question. If, as i am being told and have pointed out, it's a pyramid scheme, then it's a rip off. No lawyer has told me i am wrong as of yet. Kristie has surely not answered my questions as she is not a lawyer and has no knowledge of anything outside of what the company has said. Please read ALL the information i have provided. Then call me names, point out i abbreviate or do what you want. I have done my homework and i have asked the appropriate people. Since you guys are ex-employees and have only repeated what the company states on their website, it's hard to just say, oh, they say it's ok so it must be. I'm not that type of person. I believe they are a pyramid scam.

The Attorney Generals offices i have spoken with had said the same thing. And, with my beliefs being as they are and no one of stature has proven to me that i am wrong, I believe others should know what i found out. You can try to stop me or get others to believe that it's a miracle company, but it leaves me wondering why you care about it so much if you are EX-employees.

P.S.
Ripoffreport.com states on this site that the BBB is not that reputable of a company because a company doesn't have to earn a way in, it can be paid for. That leaves me wondering, why trust the BBB on how great a company is, if that company paid for their membership?

Bottom line, is this to the both of you. I am only giving information that i have found that proves in my eyes what type of company F.D.I. is. This site is for people to tell their experiences and allow people a rebuttal or for people to sound off as you two have. It's not for you two to come in and attack me or my character as you have done Joe. You attacked my abbreviations of Attorney General.You have said i am a quack for attacking a company that i believe, along with my State's Attorney General is a pyramid scheme. Who cares what you think? Your rebuttals were an attack on me because i "attacked" F.D.I..

You two have not proven anything, but you have given the same details about being with the company. Not having to have people under you. None of that matters. I have given information and links to show you guys what a pyramid scheme is and information from the Maryland State's Securities Commissioner's office naming them as a PARTNER with a company that was ripping people off. Read it all and STOP ATTACKING ME over this.

Until the Attorney General says to me that it's a legit company or the FTC, i'm not changing my mind. But, i will state what i find out and i will speak about it so others do not get ripped off. It's their choice and that's why I speak about it. To make sure that people have an idea of what i found out and to do the homework. Not get suckered in by a "dream Business" that promises a whole lot of nothing!

Ok,

I have answered your question. If, as i am being told and have pointed out, it's a pyramid scheme, then it's a rip off. No lawyer has told me i am wrong as of yet. Kristie has surely not answered my questions as she is not a lawyer and has no knowledge of anything outside of what the company has said. Please read ALL the information i have provided. Then call me names, point out i abbreviate or do what you want. I have done my homework and i have asked the appropriate people. Since you guys are ex-employees and have only repeated what the company states on their website, it's hard to just say, oh, they say it's ok so it must be. I'm not that type of person. I believe they are a pyramid scam.

The Attorney Generals offices i have spoken with had said the same thing. And, with my beliefs being as they are and no one of stature has proven to me that i am wrong, I believe others should know what i found out. You can try to stop me or get others to believe that it's a miracle company, but it leaves me wondering why you care about it so much if you are EX-employees.

P.S.
Ripoffreport.com states on this site that the BBB is not that reputable of a company because a company doesn't have to earn a way in, it can be paid for. That leaves me wondering, why trust the BBB on how great a company is, if that company paid for their membership?

Bottom line, is this to the both of you. I am only giving information that i have found that proves in my eyes what type of company F.D.I. is. This site is for people to tell their experiences and allow people a rebuttal or for people to sound off as you two have. It's not for you two to come in and attack me or my character as you have done Joe. You attacked my abbreviations of Attorney General.You have said i am a quack for attacking a company that i believe, along with my State's Attorney General is a pyramid scheme. Who cares what you think? Your rebuttals were an attack on me because i "attacked" F.D.I..

You two have not proven anything, but you have given the same details about being with the company. Not having to have people under you. None of that matters. I have given information and links to show you guys what a pyramid scheme is and information from the Maryland State's Securities Commissioner's office naming them as a PARTNER with a company that was ripping people off. Read it all and STOP ATTACKING ME over this.

Until the Attorney General says to me that it's a legit company or the FTC, i'm not changing my mind. But, i will state what i find out and i will speak about it so others do not get ripped off. It's their choice and that's why I speak about it. To make sure that people have an idea of what i found out and to do the homework. Not get suckered in by a "dream Business" that promises a whole lot of nothing!

Ok,

I have answered your question. If, as i am being told and have pointed out, it's a pyramid scheme, then it's a rip off. No lawyer has told me i am wrong as of yet. Kristie has surely not answered my questions as she is not a lawyer and has no knowledge of anything outside of what the company has said. Please read ALL the information i have provided. Then call me names, point out i abbreviate or do what you want. I have done my homework and i have asked the appropriate people. Since you guys are ex-employees and have only repeated what the company states on their website, it's hard to just say, oh, they say it's ok so it must be. I'm not that type of person. I believe they are a pyramid scam.

The Attorney Generals offices i have spoken with had said the same thing. And, with my beliefs being as they are and no one of stature has proven to me that i am wrong, I believe others should know what i found out. You can try to stop me or get others to believe that it's a miracle company, but it leaves me wondering why you care about it so much if you are EX-employees.

P.S.
Ripoffreport.com states on this site that the BBB is not that reputable of a company because a company doesn't have to earn a way in, it can be paid for. That leaves me wondering, why trust the BBB on how great a company is, if that company paid for their membership?

Bottom line, is this to the both of you. I am only giving information that i have found that proves in my eyes what type of company F.D.I. is. This site is for people to tell their experiences and allow people a rebuttal or for people to sound off as you two have. It's not for you two to come in and attack me or my character as you have done Joe. You attacked my abbreviations of Attorney General.You have said i am a quack for attacking a company that i believe, along with my State's Attorney General is a pyramid scheme. Who cares what you think? Your rebuttals were an attack on me because i "attacked" F.D.I..

You two have not proven anything, but you have given the same details about being with the company. Not having to have people under you. None of that matters. I have given information and links to show you guys what a pyramid scheme is and information from the Maryland State's Securities Commissioner's office naming them as a PARTNER with a company that was ripping people off. Read it all and STOP ATTACKING ME over this.

Until the Attorney General says to me that it's a legit company or the FTC, i'm not changing my mind. But, i will state what i find out and i will speak about it so others do not get ripped off. It's their choice and that's why I speak about it. To make sure that people have an idea of what i found out and to do the homework. Not get suckered in by a "dream Business" that promises a whole lot of nothing!

Here is what the BBB states:

"The BBB reports on businesses, both accredited and non-accredited. If an organization is a BBB Accredited business, it is stated in this report.
Name: Financial Destination Inc
Phone: (603) 421-0229
Address: 15 East Broadway
Derry, NH 03038
Website: www.financialdestination.com
Principal: Mike Kolinski, VP of Operations
Customer Contact: Mike Kolinski, VP of Operations - (603) 421-0229 or fdi@fdicorporate.com
Email Address: fdi@fdicorporate.com
File Open Date: March 2004
TOB Classification: Financial Services
BBB Accreditation: This organization is not a BBB Accredited business.


Customer Experience

Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record

BBB Definition:

satisfactory record - A business identified in our report as satisfactory has, based on BBB files, been in business for at least one year, and has voluntarily provided the BBB with all information requested about the business and its product or service. If any complaints have been received about the business, their number has not been considered by the BBB to be extreme, given the nature of the company's business and the volume of business transacted. Complaints are also generally typical of what might be expected for this type of business. A business stated to be satisfactory has not been the subject of any recent law enforcement actions concerning its dealings with the public. If the business has been contacted by the BBB about its advertising or selling claims, it has modified or substantiated its practices to the BBB's satisfaction. In addition, the BBB has a clear understanding of the company's business, and the business is not in an industry which has raised significant marketplace concerns.
with the BBB. To have a Satisfactory Record BBB Definition:

Satisfactory Record - A business identified in our report as satisfactory has, based on BBB files, been in business for at least one year, and has voluntarily provided the BBB with all information requested about the business and its product or service. If any complaints have been received about the business, their number has not been considered by the BBB to be extreme, given the nature of the company's business and the volume of business transacted. Complaints are also generally typical of what might be expected for this type of business. A business stated to be satisfactory has not been the subject of any recent law enforcement actions concerning its dealings with the public. If the business has been contacted by the BBB about its advertising or selling claims, it has modified or substantiated its practices to the BBB's satisfaction. In addition, the BBB has a clear understanding of the company's business, and the business is not in an industry which has raised significant marketplace concerns.
with the BBB, a company must be in business for at least 12 months, properly and promptly address matters referred to it by the BBB, and be free from an unusual volume or pattern BBB Definition:

pattern - More than 2 complaints involving the same allegations usually within 12 months that are significant in relation to the company's size and volume of business.
of complaints and law enforcement action involving its marketplace conduct. In addition, the BBB must have a clear understanding of the company's business and no concerns about its industry

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

The BBB processed a total of 2 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 2 complaints closed in 36 months, 1 was closed in the last year.

Billing or Collection Issues BBB Definition:

Billing or Collection Issues - Claim alleging billing errors, unauthorized charges, or questionable collection practices.

Resolved BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

2 - Company resolved BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.



Report as of March 5, 2008
Copyright 2008 BBB, Inc.


If you choose to do business with this business, please let the company know that you contacted the BBB for a report BBB Definition:

report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB Accreditation information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.
.

BBB reports may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

The information in this report has either been provided by the company or has been compiled by the BBB from other reliable sources.

As a matter of policy, the BBB does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time."



This is from a reputable source which you have chosen not to include in your misguided allegations. You have not done your homework as you stated. Furthermore, your opening argument states that this company tried to scam you in a pyramid scheme and that, quote:

We should all contact our Attorney Generals and let them know about this company. Together we can spread the word that this company is only making money if you RECRUIT people under you and THAT'S ILLEGAL!

That is an out right lie, I told you already that I was in the company, I received services, and when they were complete, I left the company.

You are a liar and should have legal action imposed on you for defamation of character.

Have a great day eating bon bons and watching soap operas.

You seem to be the type of person that will only believe what you want. I was in the company, the products offered are great. I have done my homework, why are there only two complaints with the BBB, and they are for billing disputes? Seems to me that the BBB is more of a reputable company than this website, which is full of hearsay. Oh, I forgot, you said that the BBB can't be trusted, but we should all trust you and your allegations. Another example of believing only what you want. There is proof out there that FDI is a reputable company, but you choose to ignore that information. I only quoted what you stated, flip flop all you want, I did not make the comments.

LOL, this company fears you? They have not called you back because they could care less about you. I never ripped anyone off, another false allegation. I received the services I wanted for a period of time, and then ended those services when they were complete. How is that ripping someone off? Since you can't read, I am not high in FDI, I am a former customer.

You seem like the type of person that would sue McDonalds for spilling your hot coffee on yourself. If you think calling you a quack is an attack, answer the phone, reality is calling. As far as watching news, I don't, nothing but liberal negativity. As far as getting me a bib, please do us all a favor and stop wasting OUR Governments time with this wild goose chase.

When you get the answer from the Attorney General (I can actually spell it), please let us know when they tell you that you are wrong.

I am not attacking you, just simply stating the truth, it's called constructive criticism.

Answer the following question:

What makes FDI a rip off?

For those who don't know what i mean or speak of with this company. Here is the website naming F.D.I. in a suit from the Maryland State Securities Commissioner. How much more proof shall i give you?

http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

Have a great day & always check Ripoffreport.com

Joe,
Your rebuttal needs no response. Living so close to F.D.I.'s head quarters in Deery N.H. i wouldn't trust you what so ever. I have said exactly what was told to me. If you doubt, call the same people i have. There is also interesting document from Anonymous in Baltimore. That document is from the Securities Commissioner for the State of Maryland naming F.D.I. as a part of a bad business and even being a partner. Before you go accusing me of unfounded accusations, do your homework. They are not unfounded. I have called the highest Law Enforcement officer in both my home state and New Hampshire. That's not unfounded. Wasting tax payers money? Only if i don't report this. We spend more in schemes that go unreported than we should. That's saving the tax payers.

As far as my thinking it is a scheme? That has nothing to do with it. I thought it was all along and my thoughts were proven true with the phone call you quoted. I'm sorry that you don't understand how to read or how to interpret ones forum when they report what has happened.

And as for me being a quack. Your opinion means nothing to me. This company fears people like me. They answer to no one that calls them out as they know they are doing the wrong thing. Go back to working for them if it's such a great thing!! Go back to ripping people off with your good conscience. Hope to yourself that when the company goes down (it's already been reported to FTC, and Atty Generals) that your loss is only a small one and your loyalty to this company doesn't draw you into it's legal troubles as well.

Just how high up are you on the F.D.I. pyramid? Making excuses as car salesmen do it and bankers doesn't make it legal. There are laws that govern over these things and if you call the Atty. General, they'll tell you that it's not a waste of taxpayer money to ask questions of YOUR Atty. General. It's their job to report these illegal activity. Without people like me to report these companies to them, it would be a lot harder for these companies to get caught, allowing people like you to believe this company is legit.

Now, looking back on the letter you've written... you have made unfounded statements about me and to top it all off, you make yourself look stupid by attacking me for reporting only what i have been told. Is this how you watch the news as it reports the information it has received from it's "source"? Doing so would make you a quack for attacking what the news reports they have found from their sources as they do the same thing i do... they check the laws and they make phone calls to get as much information as they can. I did the same thing and you attack me. Someone get this guy a bib. Grow up and understand that i have only good intentions for those reading this.... not bad intentions. If you F.D.I. employees or ex-employees want to come in and try to destroy me, or attack me... go somewhere else... I'm only reporting what i get from the phone calls i make. Prove me wrong and I'll apologize. But your info should be from a knowledgeable source or legal source. Not just anything you find that makes this company legit in your eyes.

Have a great day and please only rebut if you have something to add or say. PLEASE DO NOT REBUT JUST TO ATTACK ME! IT'S CHILDISH!

"She and I both thought it was more of an MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) scheme. Either way it's a scheme, She said."

"The lady said it sounds like a scam or MLM which is closely related."

"I'd like to point out that a MLM is not illegal and is very similar to a pyramid scheme. The companies you mentioned, as far i as remember or know, pay when recruits are either given or when merchandise/products are sold. You sell some Am Way soap, you get a cut. You bring in someone and they make Diamond, you get a cut. For how long i do not know. Truthfully it's been so long that i forget how everything works."

these are quotes that have came from you. Why isnt Multi Level Marketing illegal? Because 95% of the businesses in the US are Multi Level Marketing thats why. It is legal. FDI is a multi level marketing opportunity, is that bad? no. if it was it would be illegal. if you really did your research you would know that you could make more money than the person who signed you up for this services. that is why it is not a pyramid scheme. SO AGAIN IT IS MULTI LEVEL MARKETING WHICH IS NOT ILLEGAL.

all this talk about how you can make money from letting people know about the services has taken away from what supposed to be the real question. Does this company not offer you the services you pay for therefore making it a ripoff? It does. it gives you everything it has promised. It is not a "scam" it is a business that offers services, thats all. just like joe from NH said.

"If someone wants to tell others about it, that is their choice. I was with FDI for over a year, and I utilized the services with great results. I did not join others, that was my choice."

stop wasting your energy and the attorneys energy i have answered all your questions.

PERIOD!!!!
:)

Quote:

"I called the Ohio Attorney General today and asked that the person i spoke with in Consumer Protection Department look up Financial Destination Inc. website (located above) and upon her arrival at the page, she said what i have thought all along. This company is operating a pyramid scheme.

So what is it, do you think they are a pyramid scheme or not?

Quote:

"I find it very funny that not only have I talked with all the companies i have mentioned but the company has refused to return any of my calls and emails. If I were a legit business, I'd defend any and all allegations about being an unlawful company, especially when someone threatens to use the Attorney Generals and other public resources. Makes me wonder."

They probably think you are quack and understand that your allegations are false, just as I do. Why would they need to respond to someone like you?

Quote:

"Let the attacks come from those who know what they are doing and talking about when it comes to this company and the Law. F.D.I.'s lawyers. As i have said for many posts, they've refused to answer my letters and phone calls. Until the FTC, Attorney Generals of named states can verify that this company, (which i have stated i have asked)is in fact not a pyramid scheme, I'm going to make sure people know what is going on with F.D.I.. "

You have filed a "Rip off report", what makes this company a rip off? Since you are going to make sure people know what is going on with this company, tell us, what is going on? Just because you do not agree with the company doesn't make it a rip off. This company offers real services without having to recruit people. If someone wants to tell others about it, that is their choice. I was with FDI for over a year, and I utilized the services with great results. I did not join others, that was my choice.

You have made unfounded accusations and frankly, you are wasting taxpayers money crying to the Attorney Generals office because you "think" that this company is a pyramid scheme. Exxon/Mobile is a company that should be listed here, ripping far more people off.

I have never said that this company is not a pyramid scheme. I will not respond to long to your rebuttal as you don't have the final word. I, myself was not ripped off but in turn am warning other consumers about this company. It's funny that you attack me so furiously when i have done my research. What do you offer as a rebuttal? The same rhetoric as the F.D.I. Company. You say, banks do it and car dealers do it too. They pass down the money to people who bring in customers. I'll check if you really want me to as to why they can do it and pyramid schemers can't. If that will make you happy.

It's even funnier that you came into the forum having nothing to say about F.D.I. other than it offers great services (employee, maybe???). Your rebuttal was an attack on me stating untrue statements and trying to push my buttons. The ball has been set into motion. I have contacted the appropriate people. My States Attorney General and the Attorney General of New Hampshire along with the FTC. They have all been taken to the site and have said that it looks like a scam. it's not my loss if you believe the system will work because you put money into and are seeing a little return. If, you take the time, to read the links i provided by the FTC and other informative links, you would find the exact examples of what a pyramid scheme is. If you choose to be so close minded and attack me for my statements and comments against the company, please take it somewhere else or to another forum.

Let the attacks come from those who know what they are doing and talking about when it comes to this company and the Law. F.D.I.'s lawyers. As i have said for many posts, they've refused to answer my letters and phone calls. Until the FTC, Attorney Generals of named states can verify that this company, (which i have stated i have asked)is in fact not a pyramid scheme, I'm going to make sure people know what is going on with F.D.I..

PERIOD!

Are you saying that this company is a "rip-off"? because you are filing a "rip off report"

In order for your ripoff report to be true then you would be spending money for something that does not work or you would not get what your money is worth, to me that is a rip off. But to mine and many other peoples knowledge and experience this company is not a "rip off" it saves me and many others a lot of money with our day to day shopping with tons of discounts to local stores, restaurants, prescriptions, etc. it also saves money on the interest that i would be spending by helping me pay off my loans faster without spending any more money. it works. it has worked for me and many other people i know. if you didnt sign up how would you know that this company is a "rip off". how can you file a report on something you know nothing about. the monthly expense for this services that includes unlimited consultations with a local attorney that you couldve used for your research by the way, covers more things then its worth. the services is outstanding!!

The only thing that your ripoff report is talking about is the part of this company where you make money. yes you can make money by having people sign up for this services under you, but its just compensation because you are marketing for them. you brought people to this company and you sold their services, shouldnt they give you some money for doing that? they dont spend money on commercials, radio ads, flyers, etc. you are their marketing tool you are working for it, so why not get paid for it. I know when I applied to Radioshack many years ago they said that I would get compensation for each sale that I made, why? because i worked for it, so why shouldnt anyone get paid for being the reason the company has customers.

you admitted yourself that this is not a pyramid scheme, that this company is legal, so why all the fuss. so lets get all the facts straight.

1) the services work, people save a lot of money.
2) this company is not a Pyramid scheme
3) this company is legal and okay to operate in the US
4) so theres nothing wrong with this company.

PERIOD.

http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/Actions/2006/LibertyTradeComplaint1.pdf

With all due respect to the previous naysayers, I can tell that they have not even seen a video or presentation of what FDI offers. Before I totally knock anything new, I will at least investigate it.

I am an Independent Representative for FDI, otherwise known as Financial Destination, Inc. It is in fact a solid company with members and other independent representatives from all walks of life. I asked ALOT of questions before I joined and talked personally to some of the top leaders in the company before deciding to join.

FDI has two services that they sell, their memberships. As a previous poster stated, it is not illegal to sell a service, they just do not ship out tangible products like cosmetics or perfume or laundry detergents as some other network marketing companies do. Network Marketing is NOT 'pyramid selling' - it is a viable way for some companies who want to rely more on 'word-of-mouth advertising' to get their products out to the masses. This is a win-win situation for everyone - for the company, because they don't have to pay millions for traditional advertising like radio and TV spots, billboards, etc. - and for the representatives (salespeople) because when people buy the products and they tell their friends about how much they LOVE that company's products (after they have used them and their lives have been changed by them) they actually receive something back from the company in the form of commissions if they decide to become representatives themselves.

So, much of the money that would have gone to advertising with other companies is actually being sent BACK to the customers if they are also representatives. With FDI (and most network marketing companies I have researched), you do NOT have to become a representative at all. FDI's services are available for anyone who wants to purchase them without telling anyone else anything at all. I personally have been just a customer of FDI for months now just to check things out for myself, and I must say I am very impressed with all that FDI has included with their memberships.

I have personally been amazed at how much the included credit repair has helped raise my credit score, how much I am learning about how money works, how my thinking about money is changing for the better. You have to look at a company's product and/or service and determine its worth to you first. For example, do you know how much it would cost you for just a one-hour consultation with your own tax and/or financial advisor? (Try something like $100+ an hour) How about help with your credit (help rebuilding and restoring)? Some companies charge $80+ a month just for this - but it is INCLUDED FREE with both of FDI's memberships!

How would you like a system that can tell you exactly when you can be totally debt-free (totally computerized AND combined with one-on-one help)? How much would THAT cost you? What about help with your insurance decisions? What about FREE identify theft correction included in both memberships? Some companies charge $75+ a month JUST FOR THAT ONE SERVICE! What about someone who would help you learn to invest in real estate, increase your cash flow, help you become a millionaire? What about a team of positive people who keep in touch with you and show you all of these things and more? All that I have mentioned and MORE is with their PREFERRED CUSTOMER membership.

If you want even more with your membership, check out the FIRST CLASS membership - it is AMAZING how much is included on top of all that! How is THAT not a legitimate service?

As I said before, you CAN just be a member and receive all of these services - but many people are SO impressed with all that FDI has to offer that they become representatives so they receive a commission when someone else signs up. We will not promise pie-in-the-sky income overnight (and you should run from anyone who does) - but this CAN really add up. There are several success stories within FDI that I could show you of real people that have really had their financial lives changed with this company. If you are so excited and telling everyone about how great a product is anyway, WHY NOT be a rep and receive a commission for your hard work? No one is cheating anyone here - I understand the lack of trust due to some poor business practices with some other companies, but PLEASE fully investigate a company's products and/or services before immediately dismissing them. This could be what you need to change your financial life forever.

If you want more information on what FDI (Financial Destination, Inc.) is all about, I will be more than happy to answer any questions for you. If I can't answer them myself - I will find someone within the company that can. Take care!

I was hoping that someone else or even you Gharris had some more info or any other additional info on this company. A very good friend of mine joined and they sent him out this pretty extensive welcome package as well as this card that gives him discounts like at Starbucks etc... I went with him to Starbucks, and the card worked. I shared this info with him on the Pyramid and we both got on the phone with the Attorney Generals office and asked them to take a look at the Website. They refused to do so at that moment due to what they said was a very high call volume. They said they would look at the site and get back to us, THEY HAVE NOT! It's been over a week now???? How did you get them, to do this right on the phone with you? They stated to us, that they don't do that???? Any help from anyone regarding this company would be of great help. I really want them to be legit because it looks like a fantastic opportunity. I did find two names linked to this company that you Gharris may have some info on or no where to get it. One of them is Buck Steffens and the other is Bill Andreoli both big wigs in the multi-level marketing arena.

Please someone help with this.

Thanks

Mike

Mike,
I'm sure this man is a pillar in the community. I too am only reporting the information i received when i sent the Attorney Generals to those site. I have not received any information from the company about my emails or any call backs. I am not well versed in anything regarding the information i find, i simply called my Atty. Gen. and went from there. I urge you to do what your heart tells you. I am not trying to run this company in the ground and i did give them an opportunity to respond to my inquiries. They have they far not answered.

I'd like to point out that a MLM is not illegal and is very similar to a pyramid scheme. The companies you mentioned, as far i as remember or know, pay when recruits are either given or when merchandise/products are sold. You sell some Am Way soap, you get a cut. You bring in someone and they make Diamond, you get a cut. For how long i do not know. Truthfully it's been so long that i forget how everything works. But i do know that it's obvious by looking on Am Ways website that there have been many problems with people either asking or questioning them about being a pyramid scheme. Just go to the frequently asked questions section.

If i made you feel like you did a bad job or made mistakes with your research, i apologize and would like to just say, I only want what i told the Atty. Gen. of N.H. and Ohio. I want other people to know that this is out there and not to be taken as I could have.

Also, many people gave thought that Don Lapre (make your own 1-900# scam) and Jim Baker (PTL fame) were upstanding citizens. Jim Baker served time for ripping people off and Don Lapre sold his business because of reasons unknown. Many people speculate that this was because he found out that many people were upset and figured him for a scam artist. For more insight on this, see ripoffreport.com and do a search for Don Lapre. There are many more examples of "outstanding" citizens being involved in outlandish schemes! Hope this helps.

I don't have all the answers but I only want to help. If you are unsure about the business, please ask your Atty. Gen. and ask the Consumer Protections Department to go to the Financial Destinations website and ask their PROFESSIONAL opinion. Explain the whole business in detail. If they say go for it, good luck, if they are concerned, please post it. Either way, you make your decision. But, I can't imagine why they would tell you to go for it when it's based on your getting into the business only under a member. Let alone through the internet. True businesses have customers flocking to them and allow all to be members for a fee.

Have A Great Day!! and Always check Ripoffreport.com!

First off sorry for getting your name wrong. Also, I do want to thank you for all the efforts you have put forth. Please understand, I do not want to be involved in anything that is illegal! I did make those calls and that was the info I recieved!

It seems, that you may have a little more experience in these issues than I do. At this point, I'm not going to go forward. I do need some clarity.......I googled the company and it seems that the President of the company is Bill Andreoli. He and his family own Mary Anns Diner in Derry New Hampshire and they have been a pillar in the community. They are the famous diner that hosts the Presidential Primary and have had many politicians frequest thier establishment including our current and former President. I know this may not be significant but I'm confused how someone of this caliber, can be involved in a Pyramid Scheme??? In fact, the Washington Times did a feature on this man and his family according to my Google research. So I'm sure why you can see I'm confused. Maybe you can check on these things...just a thought.

Lastly, is every company in your opinion that is a MLM or Network Marketing company a scam? I mean there are companies like Mary Kay, AMWAY, Primerica, ISAGENIX, Avon and many others that have been in business for over 20 years???

Thanks, Mike

Called the Ohio Attorney General again and the consumer protection department said the following, "Investing in a business that asks you for a list to recruit members is not wise and while this does not implicate any wrong doing on their part, it does and should raise questions as to the type of business this company is conducting." They also go on to tell me that any company that offers it's members incentive or commission for new recruits, selling or not selling a product is a pyramid scheme. They did not tell me how car dealers and real estate agents are different. I did ask. The lady i spoke with also said that if i have to give 1000.00 and give names or people to sign up also and they have to give 1000.00 and so on and everyone gets a small cut, that's a pyramid scheme too!

So, i don't understand how people don't get what a pyramid scheme is, talk all you want it's in every link i have put in these posts. I've asked everyone that would have to do with the U.S. Government and it's Consumer Protection Laws and the answer is the same.
1:) Don't trust anything promising $1,000.00's per month for nothing or for giving others names.
2:) If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! In other words, if it promises you wealth and money and other items deemed too good to be, then it is probably a scam and you are going to lose.
3:) Don't be taken in by every profit for low investment "business opportunity" on the internet. In Reality, this is the first thing they all said and they were very stressful about the fact that businesses who offer business opportunities on the internet, can NOT be trusted.

# 3 is the most important but I'd like to stress that ANY business that only allows you to sign up with a member sounds fishy. I would ask why i couldn't sign myself up and why i have to have someone above me. Maybe if i didn't have someone above me, I'd be cutting in on the big fish in the pond. Maybe that's why they don't allow you to sign up without a member above you because in reality that's what pyramid schemes are, a big fish who has many little fish under him and if they let everyone sign up to the "system" they'd lose being the big fish. Just a thought!:)

By the way, my name is not George! Have a great day!

Mike from Arizona,
I have posted all the facts as presented to me. Congratulations on your future investment. The people i directly talked with in the Attorney generals office of both states have stated exactly what i have states to you. I don't know who you talked with, but i was the one on the phone with them as they said it. Furthermore i do not believe that you talked to the same division of the FTC so i do not believe you have the facts as i presented them. The lady said it sounds like a scam or MLM which is closely related.

Where this lawyer if from, F.D.I. or FTC or Atty. Generals office I just don't know but I have presented you with web pages of facts that were passed on to me by the FTC. For all I know about Gerry Nehra, he's one of the Lawyers who helped make the difference between Pyramid Schemes and MLM's hard to define. They are not that much differnt! I'm not mis-representing myself or this company, they are not unique and they will be investigated as i was told by the offices i mentioned. There will be no more rebuttals from me as i have given the definitions of pyramid schemes and the FTC website on them as well. They DO NOT have to NOT give you a service.

A pyramid scheme is a system of selling goods where commissions are paid to recruit new sellers. You can look that up on the web by doing a search of definition of pyramid scheme. You don't sound like you have talked to the right people. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!

I'll be calling the Attorney Generals of those states again to verify the claims i have made by ASKING them to go to the WEB PAGE of F.D.I., as you probably didn't, to see if it's a scam. They have no complaints against them as the Attorney Generals office told me they have to rely on the consumer for those. If I were you, I'd read what Ripoffreport.com says about the BBB and really do your research about all things involved. The BBB in any area can not be trusted. Furthermore, the N.H. State Department of Corporations is not a Law Enforcement agency they register small businesses for the state and take complaints and general help. That kind of sounds like the better business bureau.

I find it very funny that not only have I talked with all the companies i have mentioned but the company has refused to return any of my calls and emails. If I were a legit business, I'd defend any and all allegations about being an unlawful company, especially when someone threatens to use the Attorney Generals and other public resources. Makes me wonder.

I do not doubt you did your homework on some of these issues, but I'm going to double check your work and my own. If I'm wrong, you'll see an apology if i am not, you'll not be hearing a rebuttal unless a post that has been posted is so wrong i need to rebut it!

Have the greatest day of your life! AND always check ripoffreport.com for scams or wrong doing!

I too have looked into this company. It seems to me that they are legitimate. I made numerous phone calls to the BBB in Derry New Hampshire where they are based out of. I also contacted the FTC and the State Attorney Generals Office in New Hampshire and they stated to me that this company has no complaints and are in compliance with the state. They never made a comment as to this being a Pyramid Scheme as George from Ohio states. They further said, that they would never make a comment like that unless there was factual evidence to substantiate which there is not. I also contacted the State Dept of Corporations in New Hampshire and they stated that they are in good standing and are listed as a Direct Sales Company.

Lastly, after further research, I have come to learn that their General Counsel is Gerry Nehra who has been a Multi-Level Attorney since 1972 and has and currently represents some of the largest and most successful MLM companies in the country. His background is impressive and quite credible.

So in conclusion, I have exhausted all efforts in trying to find something wrong with Financial Destination Inc. but have come up with in what seems to be a viable business! Yes they are a Network Marketing company but there is no law governing against that. Also for the record, a Pyramid Scheme is when a service is not being exchanged for the money being spent. With FDI, it seems that they have many services that are being exchanged for the money spent. Further, they are a membership driven MLM and that does not fall under a tangible product but a service just like Pre-Paid Legal which anyone that truly has done thier due-diligence is a viable company.

I think that if we in the future are going to cry scam....we need to be due dilgent in our reasoning. If we are not, good people can get hurt and that is not helping the consumer. I think at this point, I'm going for the opportunity.

Thank you.

Say what you want trueinvestment, the FTC and New Hampshire Atty General along with Ohio Atty General have all agreed that this is a scam. Do what ever it takes for you to get to sleep tonight but it changes nothing. I've posted EXACTLY what the laws say a pyramid scheme is shall i post what an MLM is? Am Way is still in business because they're scheme is built around a membership, F.D.I., which you really never told me how it saves live (what is it like Tom Cruise and the accident? are you the only ones who should stop and can help?), much like Am Way is built around bringing in new members under you who do the same each bringing a cut to someone above them.

Go to the Am Way website and they even tell you on the front page, they are a MLM, or Multi Level Marketing company. I was a member of Am Way and it's not that great of a company and just because the FTC ruled that they are a legitimate business, doesn't make them any less of a scam. You have to bring more in under you to make the money they say you can make at any status, sound familiar?

You just prove my point as the Atty. Generals have told me. NO INTERNET JOB WILL BRING WEALTH. ALMOST ALL WORK AT HOME JOBS ARE SCAMS. Any company that promises millions or thousands per month is a scam. That comes from the top Law Enforcer in the states i have mentioned. Oh and those links that you have provided are direct links to the company and a video of it, any moron that watches it can see the pyramid scheme in the video.

To see where you are wrong as an employee and to show anyone that reads this post, I've included a web page from the FTC about pyramid schemes. if it's still unclear to you, call your local Atty. General and just ask them believe it or not, they know way more than you or I. Have a great day!

http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.shtm

Many people find that owning their own business the best way to make money in this Country. While that idea is very true, people do not give themselves enough time to understand marketing or enough time to be trained properly! There is a reason that a company uses a system! When you go to McDonalds, you know where the fries are! You know where all the machines are and so do the people who work there- the system is in place all you have to do is plug in.

The problem here is that people want something for nothing! How else would you make money if you were in sales and you didn't sell anything? You wouldn't. I think one may have to research a little bit more about what a "pyramid scheme" really is.

Corporate America enslaves us, develops us as young people to believe that working hard, going to school and getting a good job is the best thing to do to have a great and successful life, when the truth is, this system has not worked for more than 85% of our population for multiple generations! Ok, so you say the scheme works like this; you sign up, you get people under you and you get paid. Ok, so what is the difference in a real estate broker's position? Insurance sales position? How about that cushy Citi financial job opportunity? When you work as a realtor, you sell a home; the broker gets a percentage of the profit made. This is in every sale. When you sell insurance, the company you work for gets a percentage of the sale. If you are at Citi, your manager and even the regional manager both receive a percentage of EVERY SALE! So are you saying that this is a scam as well? Are you telling me that when my manager comes to me and asks me for my own personal contacts so I can generate loans, that this is not illegal? What about our Military service members who are commissioned to bring in new soldiers? The government gets a piece of everyone of us. Any company that is in sales, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Burger King, Exxon and Mobile- they all receive percentages from those who work and sell for the company. Think about the banks that carry your mortgage or your auto loan!

If you really took a look at what a scam is, then you would not be here telling the world that this one company (Financial Destination Inc.), 2.5 hours form my home is such. J. Paul Getty says "I'd rather get 1% of 100 people's efforts, than 100% of my own".

This is all about leverage and the world of capitalism was built on it. A scam is a system that impoverishes you, dictates what kind of car you drive, how big your home is, what town you live in, how much time off for vacation, sick time, personal time and family time you get. Insanity is doing something over and over but expecting a different result each time, and this my friend results in 95% of the population that rely on this system (a JOB) to bring them hope, prosperity and the American dream. How is it working for you?

www.checkthisout.info

http://www.economicpower.com/showme.asp

Ps: Am Way is not a scam. They are still in business today.

I called the Ohio Attorney General today and asked that the person i spoke with in Consumer Protection Department look up Financial Destination Inc. website (located above) and upon her arrival at the page, she said what i have thought all along. This company is operating a pyramid scheme. She and I both thought it was more of an MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) scheme. Either way it's a scheme, She said. She asked that i contact the Attorney general of New Hampshire and the Federal Trade Commission and give them the same news that I gave her. I called the New Hampshire Attorney General and spoke with the Consumer Protection Department there about this company and gave them all the information i knew, she too agreed that this sounds like a Scam. I also called the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and gave them all i knew including website and all names of people involved. The lady at the FTC said this sounds like an MLM scam and to never take a business opportunity from the internet, they are usually too good to be true. Boy was she right. This case will be forwarded to a team of lawyers and consumer protection advocates to see if it falls under a pyramid scheme and if it does they will get a hold of me by mail and seek further information. I will continue to update you further on all information i receive. Have a great day!!!

I called the Ohio Attorney General today and asked that the person i spoke with in Consumer Protection Department look up Financial Destination Inc. website (located above) and upon her arrival at the page, she said what i have thought all along. This company is operating a pyramid scheme. She and I both thought it was more of an MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) scheme. Either way it's a scheme, She said. She asked that i contact the Attorney general of New Hampshire and the Federal Trade Commission and give them the same news that I gave her. I called the New Hampshire Attorney General and spoke with the Consumer Protection Department there about this company and gave them all the information i knew, she too agreed that this sounds like a Scam. I also called the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and gave them all i knew including website and all names of people involved. The lady at the FTC said this sounds like an MLM scam and to never take a business opportunity from the internet, they are usually too good to be true. Boy was she right. This case will be forwarded to a team of lawyers and consumer protection advocates to see if it falls under a pyramid scheme and if it does they will get a hold of me by mail and seek further information. I will continue to update you further on all information i receive. Have a great day!!!

I called the Ohio Attorney General today and asked that the person i spoke with in Consumer Protection Department look up Financial Destination Inc. website (located above) and upon her arrival at the page, she said what i have thought all along. This company is operating a pyramid scheme. She and I both thought it was more of an MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) scheme. Either way it's a scheme, She said. She asked that i contact the Attorney general of New Hampshire and the Federal Trade Commission and give them the same news that I gave her. I called the New Hampshire Attorney General and spoke with the Consumer Protection Department there about this company and gave them all the information i knew, she too agreed that this sounds like a Scam. I also called the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and gave them all i knew including website and all names of people involved. The lady at the FTC said this sounds like an MLM scam and to never take a business opportunity from the internet, they are usually too good to be true. Boy was she right. This case will be forwarded to a team of lawyers and consumer protection advocates to see if it falls under a pyramid scheme and if it does they will get a hold of me by mail and seek further information. I will continue to update you further on all information i receive. Have a great day!!!

Thomas,
Thank you for your comments but i believe that maybe you mis-read my information i gave in the post.
1.) This person never called. It was through Instant Message that we chatted. They wanted to call and chat about the business but i never gave them the chance. But i do agree with that comment you made regarding them calling.

2.) I NEVER gave this person any of my life history. So, I'm wondering where you got that one from! I only stated that he wait as i was trying to determine if this was in fact a scam. No personal "life story" as you put was given to the guy in my post.

3.) I've come to learn that most people as you put it learn their lesson and become very leery of the next person offering them something for nothing or at a low low price. I'm not sure if you read the post but you're kind of way off on your rebuttal.

I agree with the cards comment but since your comments totally had nothing to do with my post, I'm going to disregard them and say thanks for your rebuttal but it was unhelpful as I have not been scammed and my post was only to help those in the future with this company. I even gave examples from the law as to what Pyramid Schemes are in both regular fashion and tiered fashion. Not sure how your rebuttal will help, but thanks!!! Spread the word, WWW.Ripoffreport.com

1. Strangers do not call you to help you. They are calling you to help themselves.

2. Stop telling strangers your life history. A hustler will use any personal information or history that you are willing to tell him against you.

2. People are repeat offenders. If you have been scammed once, you are a much better prospect to be scammed again, compared to someone who has never been scammed before. See #1. Repeat.

Play your cards closer to your chest.... a LOT closer. Loose lips sink ships.