On April 27, 2010, I charged $800.00, discounted from $1, 497.00 retail, on my HSBC MasterCard to pay in full for a “3-Day Workshop Package” (May 7-9, 2010 – transaction #1117) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After paying, I was given a “Master Home Study Course” as well as a workshop certificate and two so called money back guarantees.

I disputed the charge for “legal services” not received based on what was promised at the seminar versus what was delivered at the workshop. Bottom line, the workshop was used to up sell each attendee to either the Gold Elite ($21, 495.00) or Platinum Elite ($25, 495.00) AMS memberships costing thousands more instead of fulfilling the original contract for $800.00. That is, plain and simple, “bait and switch” which is not only unethical but illegal!

From May 11, 2010, until filing for a charge back on June 02, 2010, I tried to resolve this issue in good faith with AMS. However, all I encountered, from countless phone calls and e-mails, was the run around and finger pointing. Even when I proved to Heather Serrano, at her request, the home study course was nothing more than repackaged free information online (ex. foreclosureuniversity.com) that even contradicted sessions taught at the workshop, she replied their prices for goods and services were justified by Montelongo’s TV show, “Flip This House, ” on A&E.

What follows is an e-mail I was asked to send by Serrano to the attention of the AMS Director stating reasons for the refund along with Stacy Connor’s reply:

Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 9:11 PM
To: heather serrano
Subject: Armando Montelongo Seminars Director
This e-mail serves as final notice to refund $800.00 as a credit to the MasterCard on file ending in 0138 for 'legal services' charged on April 27, 2010. The reason for the refund is over promising at the seminar followed by under delivering at the workshop that included but is not limited to:
1. The workshop is complete requiring no more training or investment to get started.
2. All attendees will be taught the foreclosure process in an easy to understand manner.
3. Necessary foreclosure paperwork will be distributed then completed by each attendee.
4. Breakfast and lunch will be served all three days of the workshop at no additional cost.
5. The hard money list used by Montelongo to fund deals will be available to attendees.
6. Contact data for each investor attending the workshop will be distributed to all.
7. An approved contractor list for local rehabs will be made available upon request.
8. 'Master Home Study Course' will mirror the workshop and expand on each session.
9. Each attendee will leave with a personalized game plan based on current funds and credit.
10. Montelongo will make a personal appearance at the workshop either live or virtual.
Bottom line, the workshop was used to up sell each attendee to either the Gold Elite or Platinum Elite memberships costing thousands more instead of providing the promised above. That is 'bait and switch' which is against the law!

RE: Armando Montelongo Seminars Director‏
From: Stacy Conner ([email protected])
Sent: Fri 5/28/10 12:53 PM
Hi Joseph,
We did receive your email and we are reviewing the information you provided.
I will have a response for you by Tuesday, June 1st, as Monday is a company holiday.
If you have any questions, please email or call me at (210) 209-8869.
Thank you,
Stacy Conner
Office Manager/HR Director
Armando Montelongo Seminars
Education Management Services
2935 Thousand Oaks #6-285
San Antonio, TX 78247
210.209.8869 Office
210.957.6965 Fax

To date, no response from AMS, as promised by June 1, 2010, has been received. I’ve disputed the charge with MasterCard as well as filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Oklahoma Attorney General, Texas Attorney General, California Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, Ripoff Report, Complaints Board, Consumer Affairs, and My 3 Cents. By the way, others at the workshop are demanding a refund also.