February 8, 2010 9:11 PM PST
I just read that FHTM has a BBB rating of B-, now in High School I would have been perfectly content with a B-...but for this MLM, is that good? Sounds it, but when the report states that they have had almost 40 complaints in the past 36 months and that 16 of them were within the last year, is that good?
Not sure I really understand the whole BBB rating, can anyone give me a little perspective on this?
February 8, 2010 9:12 AM PST
FHTM has posted a response to this:
Dear FHTM Reps,
We are pleased to be able to tell you that we have resolved our issues with the Attorney General of North Dakota. We had very positive discussions with his office, and were very impressed with their willingness to listen to us and to work with us.
As part of our agreement with them, we must remind you that it is a misrepresentation pursuant to North Dakota law (and the laws of all 50 states and territories) to tell any person that income can be earned solely by recruiting new independent representatives. All earnings are dependent on the sales of products and services, as required by law.
Further, our agreement does not constitute an endorsement or an approval of FHTM, our business model, our products or our services.
You may now resume your business in North Dakota. Please be mindful of the above, and know that we have full confidence in you and your ability to bring honor to the FHTM name.
Paul Orberson and Tom Mills
February 8, 2010 8:32 AM PST
Was this FHTM Cease and Desist ever resolved?
An Attorney General action in any state is usually a huge negative. Years ago, TravelMax International in California got whacked with an injunction by the Kentucky Attorney General, and that was the end of the company. No one had any confidence and everyone bailed out. The company closed within a few months.
That was before the Internet made finding info about a company like FHTM, is that when someone looks for an FHTM review, they are going to find info all over the internet on everything from FHTM SCAM to info on the FHTM Attorney General action whenever they do a search.
The most important thing the company can do is to try to resolve the situation and get an article or information posted that exonerates them, something legitimate, not just the usual corporate spin that comes out of companies when this kind of thing happens.
February 5, 2010 2:11 AM PST
The North Dakota Attorney General issied a Cease and Desist against FHTM recently. This is never good news for a business, and can often lead to additional scrutiny and sometimes similar actions in other states.
BISMARCK – Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued a Cease & Desist Order against Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing of Lexington, KY and its principals Paul C. Oberson, Jeff Oberson, and Thomas A. Mills for violations of North Dakota transient merchant, consumer fraud, and home solicitation sales laws. The Order was filed late yesterday, December 10, 2009.
According to Stenehjem Fortune Hi-Tech continued its business activities in North Dakota even after being told it could not do so without the required Transient Merchant license. “This business blatantly disregarded our effort to ensure compliance with North Dakota law,” Stenehjem said. “This is not the typical response from a legitimate company and its actions must have consequences.”
The Consumer Protection Division is reviewing Fortune Hi-Tech’s activities and it appears there also may be violations of the consumer fraud and home solicitation sales laws. “I’m concerned about this assortment of violations,” said Stenehjem. Stenehjem has requested information about the extent of the company’s business transactions in North Dakota including dates of transactions, customers, and payments received.
In addition to these violations, Stenehjem asked the Consumer Protection Division to review whether this company is engaged in any violations of North Dakota’s pyramid law. North Dakota law prohibits promotional pyramid schemes in which the participant pays for the opportunity to receive income primarily from the recruitment of other participants rather than the sale of goods or services.
February 5, 2010 10:52 PM PST
What do either of you hear about FHTM as just another pyramid scheme? Sure reads like one to me....
February 5, 2010 6:33 AM PST
I read several FHTM reviews that mentioned the $299 fee to join as well. In addition, one review, and this was just their opinion but it was worth noting, mentioned that in some cases, such as Magazine.com, you could actually go directly to their website, and register for free as an affiliate, and make a 35% commission that won't have to be dipped into by anyone higher than you.
I'm always a little leery of companies that charge me to join and don't offer a product or at the very least, a service for my money. Still, until more information comes my way about the company, either directly through an FHTM Rep or otherwise, I'll keep an open mind.
February 5, 2010 2:04 AM PST
FHTM charges $299 to join. It looks like they offer many 'affiliate' service programs, like Direct TV, VoIP, magazines, and health and beauty products, all of which pay a commission that somehow gets disbursed to FHTM Reps.
But based on FHTM reviews I've read it seems that most of the money is made through referring members who pay the $299 fee. It looks like unless you build a huge downline, you're not likely to see much revenue.
February 4, 2010 10:46 AM PST
I've just read that Fortune High Tech Marketing is an affiliate income based company. That means that I can promote the companies they represent, and earn commissions on everything I sell through them.
The FHTM reviews that I've read so far, say that this is not an unusual practice and that most companies will let you do their 'affiliate marketing' for a percentage of the sale. What makes this company's program better or different? Does anyone know?