Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/20/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Also within 10 business days you will receive a jump drive in a package.
  
  
  
  You should join the event each day by 8:45 AM using the link provided.
  
  
  
  I had informed Lance ********, that same day via email I didn't receive the actual link to attend the training on Webcam virtual training! Please advise?
  
  
  
  On February 19, 2024 I emailed Monique ****, with Lance ********,
  
  
  After I send them another email stating. “Good evening, Lance and Cathy, I hope you are doing well. I still haven't received the link for the additional service for attending the 3 day bootcamp. To use the software for submitting offers for small apartments.
  
  
  And on the Feb 26th 2024 Cathy, in Client Care with Lance ******** , responded.
  
  “ We have sent the instructions on how to access the software and Deal Finder tab to submit deals.
  
  
  
  
  And on March 1st 2024 I send another email to Lance ********, To inform him and his
  
  team that I am very not satisfied with the response I have received looking for help with getting a coach for helping me level my real estate business with getting small apartments.
  
  
  I been misinformed about the program concerning Lance ******** small apartments
  
  program giving me disinformation and not delivering products and services!
  
  
  
  I received an email from Cathy, in Client Care that I was not entitled to a refund do to me watching the 3 day bootcamp Webinar”.
  
  
  
  
  
  . I'm disabled, on a budget I can't afford to lose my $1,797. For Lance ******** and
  
  his team Over promising and under delivering!
  
  
  
  I am demanding a refund to be totally satisfied with settling this matter!

  Business Response

  Date: 04/29/2024

  We have been trying to work with Mr. ******, and will continue.   However, the main confusion seems to be around 2 items: 1) he is asking for "coaching" which is not included in the written terms of the 3-day seminar agreement he signed and 2) he has defaulted on his monthly payment obligations for the seminar (just prior to posting his complaint).
  
  He signed a 2-page agreement which clearly spells out the program and the refund period.  We intentionally do this so our clients understand their programs and we can avoid allegations of "overpromising" as he is claiming here.   
  
  In addition, the refund terms in the written agreement generously allow each seminar buyer to attend the FULL 3-day seminar before deciding if it's for them.   If they are dissatisfied, they can ask for and receive a FULL refund - no questions asked.   Mr. ****** attended and completed the seminar some weeks back - with no negative feedback or request for a refund.
  
  We have been bending over backwards to provide special accommodations to Mr. ****** but he has actually hung up on our staff while trying to help him.    And he is asking for a refund (weeks after the refund period closed)  because we are not providing services that are not included in the scope of his written agreement.
  
  Finally,  in good faith,  we are emailing him the software which he has been trying to download, as evidence that we are supportive of his success.  But it's a 2-way street...  he needs to be receptive to our phone help and he needs to fulfill his contractual payment obligations.
  
  Client Care
  First Cornerstone Group

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/13/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In ***** ******* webinar he itemized the benefits of signing up for his 3-day webinar and becoming a member. I signed up for the most expensive membership Platinum Plug and Play at a cost of $55,000 annually. The program offered several benefits. I will discuss the two items that sold me on the program.1-I was especially interested in investing with *****. If you invest $50,000 to $300,000 with ***** you were guaranteed a monthly payment that would ultimately pay 12%-16% annually paid over the life of the loan . The payments were split payments with a final payment when the property was sold. It was basically treated like a loan with a fixed interest rate. This was the reason I signed up for this program. My plan was to invest $100,000 a year for the next several years.Due to the limitation of space here I will not go into the other reason I signed ***** Complaint:I contacted the administrative office in July ************************************************* Lances program and that I was going to invest $100,000. They sent me the paperwork to complete. I completed the paperwork and submitted it to them. Once they got the paperwork, I was told that ***** would call me and would move forward with the investment. My annual membership expired in November 2023 without ever hearing from *****. I had made several calls to the office and was always told he will call you later this week. He never did. This investment was the main reason I signed up, without this option I would not have signed up for this program. I was never told that ***** may or may not want to invest with me. It was always let us know when you can invest, and we will move forward. All the times I called I was never told "He's not doing this right now." I was always told he will call later this week. I was definitely misled.What I want: I want my $55,000 refunded. I was definitely misled on being able to invest in properties with *****.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2023

  This is in response to our client, *** ******** submittal.  In parallel, we are also replying to *** because he never voiced this to us.  Unfortunately, it is clear there was confusion on his part over two separate and unconnected programs.
  
  As clarification...
  
  *** enrolled in our 12-month coaching and business services program called Platinum Plug and Play (the "Coaching Program") in October 2022.    Beyond that, here are the facts:
  
  1) The Coaching Program is completely separate from the Investment Program.  In fact, the two programs are conducted by different companies.  There is not even any mention of the Investment Program in the Coaching Program documentation.
  
  2) ************** Program is open to all of our clients, subject to suitability standards set by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  It is not limited to, or specially entitled to, Coaching Program clients.   
  
  3) There is no guarantee of any return in the Investment Program - as stated in the documentation provided ***.  It is an investment.  As such, it carries the risks of any investment.  
  
  4) There is no guarantee that anyone can join the investment, such as by joining the Platinum Plug and Play program.  
  
  This is simply a matter of confusion.  We hope to clarify it separately with ***.
  
  Regards,
  
  
  ***** *******
  President of DDIM, *** as 
  Manager of First Cornerstone Group, LLC 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  Regards,
  
  
   One thing that I request is that you forward this email to them.  My comment is that I strongly recommend that you (*****) be very emphatic to your new customers that they are signing up for a "******" program that renews annually for the same price.  I was a couple of months into the program when my Mentor happened to mention that the program is a 1-year program and that it has an annual renewal.  Now, I am not accusing First Cornerstone of not telling me that it was an annual membership.  I am just saying that I never heard it.  The program was giving out a lot of information and maybe I just overlooked it.
  
  One other thing is the investment program where you invest $50,000-? on specific properties.  I told them back in July of 2023 I wanted to invest $100,000 with *****.  I submitted all the paperwork, and they said ***** would call me.  In 5 months, he never called.  I kept being told he would call me in a few days.  Why would he not call me?  I kept being told he would call in a few days.  I would like to know why he never called.  He could have had the decency to call and say "Hey ***, we are not investing in properties right now".  Instead for 5 months of being told ***** will call you in a few days, I hear nothing.
  
  I know the complaint has been closed but again I would appreciate it if you would forward this email to them.
  
  *** ******
  

  
  

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2024

  We are reaching out to the client again to help understand the issue and its resolution.  He didnt reply the first time we reached out.  Hes welcome to contact us directly.  Wed welcome the conversation. 
  
  Send this reply to client

  
  ***,
  
  Im reaching out to you again to schedule a time to speak. I want to understand the issue you raised with the BBB, and its resolution. 
  
  Please reply here with some available windows of time we might speak.  
  
  Regards,
  ***** Edwards 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/15/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ******** and have responded below.  
  
  *****,

  You can call me at ************.  I am available 2/19/24 9am-12pm CST, 2/20/24 9am-10pm, 2/21/24 9am-10pm,

  Regards,
  *** ******
  
   

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/04/2024

  We attempted, unsuccessfully, to reach Mr ****** prior to his Feb 22, 2024 post to BBB. Since Feb 22, he has contacted us about doing more business together. We consider this matter closed. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/02/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 1/23 I received an email from Lance ******* regarding a webinar on how to get started in Small Apartments. A few days later a representative from Lance's called and told me that he noticed that I had watched the webinar and I hadn't participated in the offer. I told him I couldn't afford it and he said that this special offer would be withdrawn soon and when do I think I'd be ready to purchase the course. I told him I didn't know. Anyway, I continued to get about three or four more calls, at two week intervals, from different representatives wanting to know if I was ready to purchase the course. I found it amazing that the offer would be rescinded
  soon, but weeks later they're still trying to get me to purchase the
  On the last call I told the representative that I still couldn't afford it and I was informed that I could make payments. That info was also given on the webinar, along with the ability to return the package in 30 days.I then decided after all these calls to try the program out and return it within the 30days, because I know that I wouldn't be able to afford 5 payments of $599 every 30 days. As a matter of fact, after I made my first $599 payments I had a few bounced checks that month. So I knew I had to return the product within that time frame. I then purchased the course on 2/3/23 and made my first payment of $599.
  On 2/27 I called the representative that had actually taken my payment and sent me my welcome email. I told her I wanted to cancel and she told me to send an email to client care. I did, she responding by send me instructions on how to return the materials. Shortly after I had mailed the package I received an email from the admin stating that my return and refund did not go through because I had attended the 3 day Virtual Boot Camp on 2/16-2/18.. Now, not once was this mentioned by the person who I first reached out to when I notified her of my cancellation. Also, she was the one who initially scheduled the 3 day Virtual Boot. Camp.
  They did returned the package back to me, for which, I will gladly return again and get my refund.
  I'm here, a retiree, on a budget with bills piling up. I can't afford to lose my $599.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/10/2023

  Hello Ms. *******, 

  I understand your frustration and apologize if there was any miscommunication. However, you did electronically sign the Small Apartments agreement for your program purchase, which states the following: "If I am not fully satisfied, I can notify FCG in writing (at [email protected]) in the first 90 days from my order date or by the end of the Boot Camp I attend (whichever is sooner), and receive a 100% refund. I simply return the physical materials within 90 days from my order date AND I keep ALL of the digital downloads." The signed document is attached for your records. 

  As you have stated, you attended the entire three-day boot camp and consumed all of the knowledge provided by our systems. Therefore, you are not eligible for a refund. 

  If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to us at [email protected]

  Best regards, 

  Trevor ****** 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/10/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]

  According to the statement of this company, First Cornerstone Group, "If I am not fully satisfied, I can notify FCG in writing
  (at [email protected]) in the first 90 days from my order date or by
  the end of the Boot Camp I attend (whichever is sooner), and receive a
  100% refund. I simply return the physical materials within 90 days from
  my order date AND I keep ALL of the digital downloads." The signed
  document is attached for your records.

  I have fully complied with their requirements. I purchased the program on 2/3, had the Bootcamp on 2/16/-2/18 and requested cancellation in writing on 2/27. Returned packages  on 2/27 & 2/28.  One was over night mail and arrived on 3/1 and the next one arrived on 3/3. The package that was sent by overnight mail was not found by them until two weeks later, due to their negligence.

  This company kept calling me on several occasions to buy their product and I did and now they do not want to honor their refund policy.
  

  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/02/2023

  Hi Nova, 

  As you stated in your rebuttal, our cancellation policy is 90 days from the date of purchase OR the end of the 3 day boot camp. You then stated that you attended the boot camp from 2/16-2/18 then requested to cancel on 2/27.. Nine days AFTER you completed boot camp.

  While we wish this system was a better fit for you, we have fulfilled 100% of our obligation to you. A refund will not be issued.

  We wish you the best. 

  Trevor ****** 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/28/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  I am not satisfied because they claim that I visited the three day Virtual Workshop so I'm not entitled to the refund. Now the agreement that I signed, when I first started with this program, did not state in any place, that attending the three day Virtual Workshop would forfeit a refund. Thankfully, I had only paid  the first of three payments and I requested a refund within the 30 days that was given.

  Thank you.
  

  
  
  Regards,
  
  Nova *******
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/13/2023

  The Docusign agreement that you signed (attached) states that you have 90 days from purchase or the end of your three day boot camp, whichever is sooner. It's at the very top of the first page. Please review it. 

  At this point, we have provided 100% of what we promised you. We have abided by the agreement that you signed. I don't know what else we can do to show you this. 

  We wish you nothing but the best.