
With so many classes out there, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices! Some have reputations that preceed them while others crop up overnight, like, well, weeds. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous schools out there that really don't have your best interest in mind.
One I recently came upon offered a DVD package where you can "learn all you need to know" to start a business. Unfortunately, when you review the breakdown, you see they make promises like telling you how to file otherwise very expensive paperwork for a paltry amount through their "exclusive system," thus, saving you hundreds - if not thousands! Once you buy it, you learn the cold hard truth. Forms they claimed cost hundreds to file actually cost as little as ten dollars!
In fact, the problem is so common, the Secretary of State has issued this statement:
Customer Alert - Misleading Business Solicitations.
"If you are representing a business, we want you to be aware of deceptive solicitations sent to many companies implying they have to go through a private, third party vendor - and pay an exorbitant fee - in order to file official documents with the California Secretary of State.
These solicitations are asking for fees of up to $495 to file various documents with our office - documents that, in most cases, have a filing fee of $25 for Statements of Information at most and $0 for termination documents."
If you feel you have been a victim, we suggest you contact your Attorney General!
Luckily, there are a lot of legit schools out there that are more interested in molding little minds than in gouging pockets!
Check back for a play by play review of classes we and our members have attended!