My Online Business Education Scam

My Online Business Education Scam: The Shocking Truth Revealed!

Introduction:

Alright, folks, gather around because we’re diving headfirst into a rollercoaster of emotions. Ever heard of My Online Business Education (MOBE)? If not, buckle up because we’ll uncover some real talk. MOBE dangled dreams of financial freedom in front of us like a carrot on a stick. But let me tell ya, the reality was anything but a walk in the park. In this article, we’re going deep into the rabbit hole to unravel what went down with MOBE, who got caught in the crossfire, and the lessons we need to learn.

What Was MOBE?

The Promise:

Imagine this: MOBE was like that smooth-talking friend who convinces you to join their get-rich-quick scheme. They painted a picture-perfect world of online success, promising us the moon and stars. It was all about making bank without breaking a sweat. They had us believing we were on the fast track to Easy Street.

The Reality:

But here’s the kicker—the dream turned into a full-blown nightmare. Many of us forked over our hard-earned dough to MOBE, thinking we were on the path to financial nirvana. But guess what? That 21-step system they sold us? Yeah, it was more like a 21-step hustle. We were left high and dry, with empty pockets and dashed dreams.

FTC Lawsuit and Refunds:

Legal Action:

Fast forward to 2018, and the Feds finally caught wind of MOBE’s shady dealings. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) swooped in like a superhero, accusing MOBE of being the ultimate scam artist. They called them out on their deceptive tactics and shady ads. Talk about a wake-up call!

Refunds:

It wasn’t all doom and gloom. In April 2022, the FTC started handing out refunds—nearly a million worth—to folks who got burned by MOBE’s lies. It was like a glimmer of hope during the chaos.

Additional Payments:

And get this—the refunds just kept on coming. The FTC wasn’t about to let MOBE off the hook that easy. They handed out over .6 million more to those who met specific criteria. It was like a little extra something to soften the blow.

Engaging with MOBE:

Now, let’s talk about how we got roped into this mess. MOBE wasn’t just some faceless corporation. Oh no, they made it personal. We had these phone meetings where they’d butter us up, asking about our hopes, dreams, and fears. Some of us were sold on the dream, while others smelled a rat from miles away.

Industry-Leading Engagement:

Say what you will about MOBE, but they knew how to reel us in. Despite the mess, they had some seriously high engagement levels. People were buying into the dream; thinking MOBE held the keys to their success.

The Human Cost and Financial Losses:

But let’s get real for a minute—this wasn’t just about the money. Sure, we lost some cold, hard cash, but it was more than that. It was about shattered dreams, broken promises, and the toll it took on our mental health. MOBE left a trail of devastation in its wake, and we were left picking up the pieces.

FTC Findings and Aftermath:

So, what did the Feds dig up in their investigation? Brace yourselves, folks, because it isn’t pretty. They found that MOBE was playing fast and loose with the truth, using deceptive tactics to reel folks in. As for the aftermath of the settlement, well, let’s just say MOBE’s founders didn’t exactly ride off into the sunset. They faced some serious consequences, and rightfully so.

The Origins of MOBE and Post-Settlement Fallout:

Let’s delve into the origins of MOBE (My Online Business Education) and explore what happened to its founder and key individuals after the settlement. MOBE was founded in 2014 with a mission to improve people’s lives. Its inception was fueled by a vision of empowering individuals through business coaching and investment opportunities. The company aimed to create a workplace as joyful as its meaningful mission, fostering an environment where employees could thrive.

The Key Players:

1.  Mark Evenstad (Founder and Chairman): Mark Evenstad played a pivotal role in establishing MOBE. His vision was to build a company that would positively impact health and well-being. In addition to MOBE, Mark has founded other innovative companies that focus on solutions for better population health and well-being.

      2. Matthew Lloyd McPhee (Founder): Matthew Lloyd McPhee was one of the leading operators behind MOBE. However, after legal actions were taken against MOBE, McPhee settled                the charges brought against him by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Details about his post-settlement activities are not explicitly mentioned in the available sources.

The Fallout and Settlement:

The FTC sued MOBE in 2018, alleging deceptive practices and misleading advertising. The company made false claims and used misleading testimonials to entice thousands of consumers into paying substantial amounts (up to $60,000) for MOBE’s “mentoring” services. Most participants who bought into the MOBE program were unable to recoup their costs, experiencing crippling losses or mounting debts. The FTC’s case targeted MOBE and affiliate marketers who promoted the scheme. These marketers made millions of dollars in commissions by enticing consumers with unrealistic earnings claims. The named defendants in the FTC case included Michael Giannulis, Michael Williams, Steven Bransfield, Gar Leong Chow, Scott Zuckman, and several corporate entities they controlled.

The Settlement Terms:

The settlement orders permanently banned each defendant from selling or marketing any business coaching program or money-making method. The defendants were required to surrender millions of dollars in assets to settle the charges. The order against Gar Leong Chow specifically required a judgment amount of $3,350,000 to be paid in full to the FTC for potential consumer redress.

While Matthew Lloyd McPhee, the founder of MOBE, settled the charges against him, what followed the settlement is a bit murky. The spotlight shifted to the affiliate marketers and their accountability for pushing the deceitful scheme. This case is a stark reminder of the perils linked with deceptive online education and coaching practices.

 Stay Sharp: Safeguarding Against Online Scams

Alright, let’s talk turkey. We’ve seen the aftermath of schemes like MOBE (My Online Business Education), which isn’t pretty. But fear not, my friends, because I’ve got your back with a foolproof plan to keep you out of harm’s way. Let’s dive in.

1. Do Your Homework

First things first, don’t dive headfirst into any shiny opportunity without doing your research. Check reviews, scout the web for testimonials, and don’t just take their word for it. The internet is your oyster, so crack it open and dig deep.

2. Sniff Out the BS

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for those smooth-talking sales pitches promising you the moon and stars with little effort. Ain’t nobody getting rich quick without breakin’ a sweat, so keep your guard up.

3. Cross Your T’s and Dot Your I’s

Make sure the company is up-and-up with the law. Check for terms of service, privacy policies, and any other legal mumbo jumbo. If they’re dodgy about their legalities, it’s time to skedaddle.

4. Transparency Is Key

Transparency is like a breath of fresh air in a world of smoke and mirrors. Look for companies that lay it all on the table, from their business model to the risks involved. If they’re playin’ coy or dodgin’ questions, it’s time to bail.

5. Trust Your Gut

Your instincts are your best defense against online scammers. If something feels off or you’re getting major pressure vibes, take a step back and reassess. Don’t let fear of missing out cloud your judgment.

6. Start Small, Think Big

Don’t go all-in right off the bat. Dip your toe in the water with a small investment and see how it goes. Test the waters before you actually dive headfirst into the deep end.

7. Seek Support and Training

Legit opportunities come with legitimate support and training. Look for companies that have your back with quality training materials, mentorship programs, and customer support. If they leave you hangin’, it’s time to bounce.

8. Stay Informed

Knowledge is power, my friends. Stay in the loop with industry trends, common scams, and warning signs of fraudulent schemes. Educate yourself and arm yourself against the wolves lurkin’ in sheep’s clothing.

Remember, folks, stay sharp and keep your wits about you. With a bit of know-how and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can steer clear of online scams like a pro.

Conclusion: The Real Deal on MOBE

Alright, folks, let’s wrap this up and lay down the truth about MOBE. It’s a tale of greed, deceit, and dreams left shattered in its wake. But hey, let’s not dwell on the past. Instead, let’s use this as a wake-up call, a nudge to sharpen our senses and protect our hard-earned dough. Because let’s face it, when it comes to our wallets, nobody is going to watch out for us but ourselves.

So, here’s the lowdown. We’ve busted open the MOBE mystery, exposing the harsh reality hidden behind the glittering promises. But don’t lose hope, my friends. We’re not here to mope around. No, sir, we’re here to rise above it all, armed with knowledge and street smarts.

Let’s learn from the mess we’ve uncovered and pledge to be savvier, wiser, and more discerning with our cash. In the Wild West of online biz, it’s every man and woman for themselves.

So buckle up, stay sharp, and keep those scam radars on high alert. With a dash of common sense and a pinch of skepticism, we’ll navigate these treacherous waters like seasoned pros.

And remember, amigos, the power to protect ourselves lies in our own hands. So let’s roll up our sleeves, keep our eyes peeled, and show these scammers that we’re nobody’s fools.

That’s a wrap, folks. Stay safe, stay smart, and keep hustlin’.