Attorney General Slams Liberty League Scam
By Trina L.C. Schiller
(Phoenix, Ariz. – May 24, 2006) In the wake of consumer complaints, regarding false income claims, the Arizona Attorney General's Office has ruled against the personal development marketing company, Liberty League International, in a case of consumer fraud.
According to the complaint filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, the company lured consumers into spending large sums of money (from $1,495 to $12,995 per person), promising substantial returns, if they promoted and used their personal development products and recruited new participants to the program. However, participants did not generate the commissions promised. In fact, most people did not even recover their initial investment.
According to consumer letters received by MLM Watch Dog, one man was taken for $63,000.00, a blind couple was pressed to mortgage their home so they could invest $40,000.00, and a single mother was scammed out of $23,000.00.
Liberty League International and its principles, Brent Payne and Shane Krider, have been ordered to pay $115,000.00 to cover the costs for attorney and investigation fees, and to provide consumer education regarding MLM scams. Victim restitution has not yet been established, but will be forthcoming.
They have also been ordered to:
Refrain from making unsubstantiated income claims.
Advise potential customers of the correct percentage of participants who have made a profit through their participation in the Liberty League program.
Refrain from making any false or deceptive statements in their marketing materials.
Apparently, LLI has taken to heart, this court order. After reviewing their web site, they have implemented all of the income disclaimers possible. They also have included a statement saying that none of the testimonials have been paid for by the company. I wonder why they felt it necessary to make that claim?
It is not very easy to get detailed information about the program. They not only have omitted income claims in their copy, but it seems as though the only way to get any real information at all is to join first. There is information on the products, but no pricing is visible.
There are plenty of testimonials on the site as well as a nice sized list of extras that should be purchased for business operation. For example: If you want to take part in the conference calls, which they say is essential to success with the program, you have to pay LLI $33/month, which they graciously bill quarterly, for $99.00. (This is the only company that I have ever heard of that charges members to participate in conference calls, outside of normal long distance charges.)
In light of the recent action by the Arizona Attorney General, I wonder what the future holds for Liberty League. Will people continue to throw their money away, or will LLI go under?
This reporter's recommendation: Look, but don't touch.
If you would like to file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, in regard to Liberty League International, please visit this link: http://www.azag.gov/consumer/OnlineInstructionsEng.html or call (602) 542-5763.
Copyright © 2006
The Trii-Zine Ezine
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Keywords:consumer fraud, scams, liberty league scam, liberty league international
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