The other report here helped me realize I wasn't paranoid about this and my experience was similar. It probably helped me from getting in too deep. The only positive thing I'll say is that they refunded my 10% deposit which they do authentically say is refundable if you change your mind before getting licenced.
I saw them advertised on Linkedin and Indeed. Injury prevention is a noble cause to take up and they claimed they weren't a recruiting and scouting company which I've worked for in the past and isn't so great itself. So I'm looking for coaching related job in the area and it's a difficult field to work in full-time so this sounds like a good idea. I was impressed by the CEO's pitch in his video. They have testimonials from pro athletes and claim to employ some pros such as Fred "Crime Dog" McGriff. I dont know if he has any association with them for real but it wouldn't shock me if it was very minimal.
The company allows everyone an interview as long as you have 2 years related experience. I have about 7 (including college) and related education so dont think I'm bitter because I wasn't qualified. So i have my interview and it goes well, though I was surprised the interviewer didn't test my knowlege. I brought up the big red flag that I have to be licensed to do the job and that it costs 7,900 to so. It was explained away as cost of flying us to Tampa or Vegas for a day, hotel cost, marketing, the people training us to do the BASE assesment. Usually companies train you for free or pay for it themselves. I asked if I was paying to buy a franchise and was told no. Very soon after I'm told he wants to reccomend me to the Board of Directors and they send me a contract. Hooray right?
Well the interviewer is texting and emailing me a lot and requests a 2nd video call. Of course they want me to sign up and fork over the refundable 790. I was cautious to when he was pressing me but wanted to learn more so I figure what's the harm if it's refundable? So I did.
Soon after, interveiwer is desperate to get me back on the phone. At this point I had done more research and been able to log into glassdoor (have to leave your own review to see others) and seen that of the 6 reviews there, 4 said "run away it's a scam. They took thousands from me." 1 was positive but seemed disingenious, and the other 5 star review was from the CEO of the company! So I start asking the interviwer questions again. I need more explanation why a training trip would cost so much, and though I expect a few disgruntled people, why so many people are saying it's a scam. He accused me of not being serious about this job and when I asked to speak to HR or his boss he kept backpeddling and saying he has to be on another call. He had called me and set the time. He got off the call immediately. More red flags. Especilly because no one checked my references. I kept being told that the way I'd make money was to put on assesment camps. More vague answers.
I received 1 more followup email asking if I wanted to proceed and talk to the CEO to see if I was qualified or get my money refunded and quit the process. I responded I wanted to talk to the CEO before I decided. Maybe the CEO didn't have time for me but it was presented as an option. The response email was that my money had been refunded and I haven't heard from them since. I think this company sort of exists but it's absolutely insane that they ask for money upfront for a license that they give out. It's not a state license. What are you going to teach me in 2 days in Tampa that costs 8K?
Area Scouts Reviews
The other report here helped me realize I wasn't paranoid about this and my experience was similar. It probably helped me from getting in too deep. The only positive thing I'll say is that they refunded my 10% deposit which they do authentically say is refundable if you change your mind before getting licenced.
I saw them advertised on Linkedin and Indeed. Injury prevention is a noble cause to take up and they claimed they weren't a recruiting and scouting company which I've worked for in the past and isn't so great itself. So I'm looking for coaching related job in the area and it's a difficult field to work in full-time so this sounds like a good idea. I was impressed by the CEO's pitch in his video. They have testimonials from pro athletes and claim to employ some pros such as Fred "Crime Dog" McGriff. I dont know if he has any association with them for real but it wouldn't shock me if it was very minimal.
The company allows everyone an interview as long as you have 2 years related experience. I have about 7 (including college) and related education so dont think I'm bitter because I wasn't qualified. So i have my interview and it goes well, though I was surprised the interviewer didn't test my knowlege. I brought up the big red flag that I have to be licensed to do the job and that it costs 7,900 to so. It was explained away as cost of flying us to Tampa or Vegas for a day, hotel cost, marketing, the people training us to do the BASE assesment. Usually companies train you for free or pay for it themselves. I asked if I was paying to buy a franchise and was told no. Very soon after I'm told he wants to reccomend me to the Board of Directors and they send me a contract. Hooray right?
Well the interviewer is texting and emailing me a lot and requests a 2nd video call. Of course they want me to sign up and fork over the refundable 790. I was cautious to when he was pressing me but wanted to learn more so I figure what's the harm if it's refundable? So I did.
Soon after, interveiwer is desperate to get me back on the phone. At this point I had done more research and been able to log into glassdoor (have to leave your own review to see others) and seen that of the 6 reviews there, 4 said "run away it's a scam. They took thousands from me." 1 was positive but seemed disingenious, and the other 5 star review was from the CEO of the company! So I start asking the interviwer questions again. I need more explanation why a training trip would cost so much, and though I expect a few disgruntled people, why so many people are saying it's a scam. He accused me of not being serious about this job and when I asked to speak to HR or his boss he kept backpeddling and saying he has to be on another call. He had called me and set the time. He got off the call immediately. More red flags. Especilly because no one checked my references. I kept being told that the way I'd make money was to put on assesment camps. More vague answers.
I received 1 more followup email asking if I wanted to proceed and talk to the CEO to see if I was qualified or get my money refunded and quit the process. I responded I wanted to talk to the CEO before I decided. Maybe the CEO didn't have time for me but it was presented as an option. The response email was that my money had been refunded and I haven't heard from them since. I think this company sort of exists but it's absolutely insane that they ask for money upfront for a license that they give out. It's not a state license. What are you going to teach me in 2 days in Tampa that costs 8K?