Rich Dad Software Scam

I don’t know if the Rich Dad Real Estate Software is any good or not, it is still wrapped in the original plastic wrap… That did not prevent a $60 charge from appearing on last month’s credit card statement.

During the 3-day, $495 Rich Dad Real Estate / Tigrent Learning sales pitch, the instructor demonstrates several features of the Rich Dad Software. When you go through the actual purchasing process of buying a package that includes software, you spend one-on-one time with one of their real estate counselors. These people discuss your plan, courses, getting started, etc. You initial a box that lets you know that the software come with an activation code and a $40/ month fee. Some packages, like ours, include a second activation code for an additional $20/month. Even though we don’t have any use for a second software site, we didn’t see any harm in having it, since is was included in the package… The counselor was clear that the charges would begin once we activated the software.

So, why the charge? I called the number on the statement for Rich Dad Software that was listed on the credit card statement and navigated to a person in billing. I asked about the reason for the charge, since I had not activated the software. I was told that I agreed to the charges and that “on the back of the contract, paragraph 5, it clearly states that, after the free 15-day trial period, I would receive a monthly charge for the software.”

Really? I told the billing person that the sales person at seminar told that the charges would begin once I activated the software. She then went on to tell me that, while she did not know what I was told, the contract is clear. She gave me a fax number to cancel my activation, but she would not refund the $60 charge. WOW, such arrogance. These sound like the strong-arm, under-handed tactics of a company with a lousy product.

In my business dealings, I make sure that the client is satisfied with the value received – it never occurred to me that you could build a business by bullying people, ripping them off, and hiding behind a contract.

I find it interesting that I never provided approval for a credit card to be billed – I look forward to seeing the ‘documentation’ that they provide the credit card company to resolve the disputed charge.

I have always believed that a contract is only as good as the person who signs it. Any contract can be misrepresented, inaccurately explained or interpreted. This is a case of clearly deceptive practices. I am seeing this company in a completely new light – these guys feel like a bunch of crooks.

One last comment. Upon signing up, you are given the number for your Program Coordinator. This is your ‘go-to’ person for the whole program. While you do receive an introductory email, this person (Angela, in my case), is not accessible. Her voicemail greeting tells you that she will get back to you within two business days and that leaving multiple messages will only delay the process. The irony is that leaving a single message must also delay the process. Of the multiple messages that I have left, only one was returned in the two day window. I have tried at least 5 times, and while I eventually receive a call back and sometimes an apology, we have yet to speak.

I will let you know how it turns out…