I got caught up in an internet scam regarding Concepts Execution, Thrive Learning Institute, and Ameritax Financial. I believe these companies to be inter connected.

This specific complaint is to target "Ameritax Financial". They contacted me to provide tax services and an Agent for me to conduct an online e commerce business through the state of Wyoming. All the scam artists are located in Utah. I forked over $3, 000.00 being convinced that I needed the services.

Ameritax was supposed to register my company name with the state of Wyoming. It was explained to me that registering in that state would provide me more tax benefits than registering in California where I reside. It made sense, who wants to pay state taxes if they don't have to?

The fee for registering in the state of Wyoming is $100. Ameritax charged me $990. They did register the business name and they did send me a nice binder, but I am sure that they made a very nice profit. That is all they provided me.

I purchased a tax saver program for $1, 890.00. That was supposed to allow me free consultations with a CPA that was going to personally file my tax returns. Of course, I would still have to do the work in gathering all the information and sending it to them. Basically, from what I could see, they would probably use an online tax form service and just enter in the data. They made it sound like they were providing me with my own personal CPA and receiving personalized service specific to my company.

I only got one free consult and since the business wasn't up and running with a website, they haven't done anything but charge me the $29.95 per month for their services.

Having a physical registered Agent in WY connected to my company was $49.95 per month. Basically, this person would only forward any mail to me in California, and file a yearly report to the state. I found out that the yearly report is $50.

Ameritax Financial has an F rating from BBB in Utah and I can see why. They refuse any refund and claim that I was told about a 3 day cancelation, which I don't recall at all. Their contract shows that refunds are at the company's discretion. I have tried to resolve this on my own, but they are refusing any satisfaction, so they have raped me of $3, 199.60.

I could live with giving them $150 to cover the registration and binder, but since they were deceptive and drove the sale at all costs by making me think that they were part of the Thrive coaching team and convincing me to purchase the packages to be successful, I want a full refund.

Word of advice:

1. Don't do business with anyone in Utah without checking the Consumer Protection Services website.
2. Don't do any business with anyone without checking first the BBB from the state where they are located.
3. Don't make any decisions about parting with your hard earned money during stressful times in your life.
4. Reflect about the promises and services for at least 3 days and don't allow anyone to pressure you into a purchase.

Hope this helps others avoid the stress and heart ache of being scammed.

BTW, I found a registered Agent in the state of WY for a yearly fee of $135. A huge savings from nearly $600 that Ameritax would have collected in a year minus the other charges.