For how many people were in this office suite, it seemed rather small At least the atmosphere was one of a party variety My interviewer asked me a few brief questions about myself, but seemed disinterested as I told her my work history and personal skill sets. He was very vague. He told me Primerica can be compare to charles schwartz, and a list of fortune 500 financial companies.Anyway, thanks for saving a hour drive to the interview. The company is not a scam. To the last comment, the most draining 2 months?? I would seriously consider investing in the company since, realistically, their pitch is great for the uninitiated and their motivational tactics (weekly motivational conference calls and meetings at fancy/lavish venues) work on those that take what they pitch at face value. The guy who stated the *69 comment, yes that does call back the last call, so why tell someone that you are blocking a call and why are you calling back a number that you already talked too?!?!? So excited that I had an interview yesterday!! Employers are not evasive about what they need. They contacted me, offered to meet me to just talk, and sat me down at a coffee shop (they wanted my husband to come to but he wasnt interested). Being very analytical, I would have not had a good interview with another manager in a different company. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. I just didnt understand.. when they hired me on they told me that referrals would pour in and we never cold call.. in fact the company prohibits it! complete with fake hearty chuckle. 1. Does How the Company Works Show a Pyramid Scheme? I listened to all the BS coming out of everyones mouth. The business of Primerica Reps is recruiting other reps. By the time he is licensed, he has alienated many of his friends, made some money for his upline, and is now expected to trick others into doing what he was duped into doing. NO legitimate for hire position will require the applicant to pay for the privilege to work for the company. Got a free dinner out of it, but I never did anything with it and didnt give them any money. Was met by slick, greasy sales guy in an office the size of a shoebox. Thanks for this post. http://www.sequenceinc.com/fraudfiles/2015/03/multi-level-marketing-is-not-a-business-its-a-pyramid-scheme/. I was making nothing doing work that was not only boring, but physically painful. I was actually recruited by a Primerica rep that paid the $99 fee for me. mail in a letter with your info, we will give you a call. Fortuna, the goddess of wealth!? The lead asked me for $99 upfront, which I did not have. THIS IS A BUSINESS, and youre too lazy to work for yourself or want to educate people on their finances. I knew that a job selling insurance wasnt really up my alley, and my intention was to leave the first opportunity I got, but that opportunity came when they asked me to put down $99 for an investment licensing class. Third, my agent told us that he much preferred to bring in people to work just part-time, and he had for his first 18 months with the company, because it takes a while to support oneself in this or any commissioned sales position. If you look deeper every single business entity can be labeled as a rip off because essentially take peoples money for their own financial gain. so annoyed [emailprotected]. Average salary is 6K per year less than McDonalds. Low-Cost Business Startup Not every business opportunity comes with a low-cost setup like Primerica. Looking them up, I found this thread and Im grateful I told him to take a hike. Multi-level marketing is not entrepreneurship. Just like most of these posts, they said they werent looking for people who have college degrees or serious career experience. Other Mutual Fund/insurance companies invest in them. I can feel itll just be a waist of my time and I would rather work for a company with a good reputation. They said they would need my bank information. It is not a MLM or they would have been charged and gone the way of most MLM. With all the information on the internet available to everyone, it is crazy to me that people do not at least look up the people and businesses they are considering getting involved in. Just got a call myself from George saying he was with a booming company called Primamerica and he found my resume on CareerBuilder. Thank you for the information. I totally see it now. it is clear that it is not a typical job if you build a business with them based on the comments. I did the hard work, but realized that I am was more ambitious than most. Im a chatty bend-your-ear kinda bartender, so as shes sipping her coke we start up a conversation. Do not get suckered in, I was lured in by a friend that saw I was making pretty good money and figured 100 dollars to start isnt too bad for me. This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. I have followed this blog for quite some time. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. Please please please stay away from this scam!!! That is a big reason why this company has so much negative publicity online (even on its Wikipedia page!). They are a public traded company but a lot of slime-balls are publicly traded and perform well in the stock market. I know a couple that have reached their $100k status and are so proud of themselves, except they have no money and do nothing. Only one company filed a lawsuit in a failed attempt to prevent these upgrades. Learn about pyramid schemes and other crimes at FindLaw's Criminal Charges section. 1. transfer job locations to my home time and end up getting paid a little more + be with all my family + be happier. As of 7 hours i have been in Primerica, I do understand what everyone is saying about it. I didnt want to be rude to him with my best friend trying to work there but it just didnt sit right with me. The interview ended there. This is the same for any insurance or investment company. That you have to buy your own business cards even? In fact, in a few months they are sending her to Atlantis. Really 99 dollars for a background check and then more money was asked to start and get your license. I ran a department in a communications company that was ultimately relocated. Im not recruiting people into a pyramid scheme and praying that they recruit more so that I can make a few pennies. Income is limited and since they, were at a point in time, only selling term life, there whole pitch was buy term invest the rest, which is great considering their term to is age 99. Im glad I didnt give them the $99 dollars, they told me it was for a background check, plus $25 a month to access your account through their website. OMG thanks for this website!!!!!!!!! Its not a business. Both part time and full time. Just had an interview todayit stated just as everyone elses with a phone call from a lady stating someone gave me your name and advised me you were looking for work and you have a background in administrative work and customer service she said she wanted me for an office manager position. Its not a business, its a scam. Turns out that of the top 25 life insurance companies out there, Primerica is at number 22, and they have a very small share of the entire life insurance market to begin with, even though they have more agents than every other life insurance combined. It wasnt until i read all the posts on this blog that i truly realized i was being bent over that corner desk of his because so much of it made sense. Those that ask real questions will be shown the door shortly. If you're familiar with MLM schemes like Primerica, Optavia, Evolution Travel, Beachbody & American Income Life they are pretty similar to Transamerica's MLM scheme. How did she get my information? Why would you not want to help your friends, family, and referrals with this information? I basically got the same answers I received from the man at Target again. The company and product reputation aside, as a source of personal income they truly fall shortgenerously speaking. How what they do helps people. People like you almost deserve to get scammed. Was very surprised to receive a phone call, as never applied for anything, still cant understand how did they get my phone number . She asked if I wanted change of career. I went to the office the next day and talked to the rvp and told him what I knew..his wife was there and was furious. They have no jobs to offer, despite making it seem that way. I took a few deep breaths and began to greet reps I knew as they began to enter for the Opportunity Night. The address to the building was messaged after the call. You may even have to buy products before you're eligible to be paid or get certain bonuses. She said they were just getting established here. I thanked the VP for the opportunity and ended the call. Thing is I have a nose for pyramid schemes and multilevel marketers, so my radar was going off right away when I heard all the generalizing. At the time my mind was elsewhere so about 10 minutes later I called her back and asked her what company she was with, who referred me and what position was I interviewing for. also I asked for what position ? 1.) I received a call today for just such an interview in West Chester, Ohio tomorrow. SHe is paying double for the same thing. Tony Thanks for your concern. Indeed, I was invited and liked. im so agree i wonder how they got my info. FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITIES, INC., PRIMERICA ADVISORS, PFS INVESTMENTS INC. CRD#: 10111 /SEC#: 801-72263,8-26486. He set me up with an interview with the lead, and when I went in, it was really no interview at all. Apparently Im not too lazy, and Im actually quite good at being self-employed. I think not! I also heard the leadership bit. The women who spoke on their first visit asked what Im looking for in a career and mentioned I was very impressive with customer service. Nevermind they had all tacky, cheap, white trash decor. Their 6 digit earners boast is misleading as its a cumulative, not annual figure. Again, we talk a long time. Also, Tracey thank you for your continued service on informing the public about MLM businesses. The hairs on my neck stood up when she spoke like this, but I figured it couldnt hurt to hear about the position. But he had no idea who. RUN from anything to do with them. Our government allows them to operate. I started to feel a bit angry as I realized that John wasnt really interested in teaching me, he just wanted to get any recruits in that he could. So I booked an interview with him. Expectations low (as I am VERY cautious) I agreed to meet with him. why are they still in business? I therefore come to this upcoming information event with a favorable impression of the companys products. Obviously the other side of this coin is that reps/and recruits dont benefit, and dont find enough value to stay. She called me today asking me about coming in. I wouldnt say I was victimized. What should I be doing? Hey guys, so I went through the exact same thing, someone on one of my social media had publicized a post saying anyone 18 and over looking for a.job, my company is hiring. I was interested so I messaged the person and I asked what company and what position, she briefly told me it was a financial services company and that was it. I remember hearing negative things about Primerica, but that was in the late 90s. Young people of united states and canada please pass this pages along to your friends . A few of us bought into a resume site, access to hundreds of local resumes. First of all, the company does have physical product within its structure - insurance and financial services around debt-solutions, investments, legal protection, etc. I was told by a friend that if we met I would be informed about a great opportunity working from home. I assume there was a bathroom off the other direction, but I never saw it. Heres this site. Thank you for the heads up!!! He has no right to call people that didnt go to college dumb. he will help me get lower car insurance, maybe life as well. Everything else followed was muffled. I blew it all off the moment I was dismissed. When this approach is adopted, the need for the original insured amount would not be necessary. this is wrong! Now I have my 2-15 and Im not going to waste that on just Primerica products. I am suppose to have an interview tomorrow as well. I went to all of the trainings thereafter, but it was the most painful thing to do. I was left dumbfounded by all these comments. It isnt right how these companies take advantage of folks in need of employment. I googled ahead of time, but only really to find the place, which, like everyone elses experience around here, was on the outskirts of town in a rented building. Well talk about me and what I do later. Um, alright. Shame. ?, Dont you want one of these nice vacations? Mike No matter what they tell you, MLM is not a business. All of his uncles work for Primericaeven Uncle Doug!! So you see that I neither need to support myself nor expect to support myself solely via my any Primerica earnings AND you see that this particular recruiter, my agent, appears not to use the deceptive and high-pressure tactics used by other recruiters discussed above. They had the chairs so close together, Im sitting next to strangers and our knees and arms are touching, so Im uncomfortable next to some guy. Asked for my phone number, stating that while he didnt know my situation, he would be interested in offering me a job. I told her to keep my money and I left. Please look up elizabeth warren cornering the president !!! It was a group interview. I called and told her straight unless u give me more info about the job I wont be doing the interview.she sounded upset and threw me a few crumbs more about this fake company BS stuff . Representatives of PFS troll the internet for job seekers, harvesting resumes from job sites. No, I have never been a part of Primerica. I got a random call on my cell phone from a Primerica Financial Services rep in Charlotte, N.C. Said his office manager was trolling the Internet for resumes and found mine. Throughout the presentation I grew more and more skeptical. Just my two cents worth. It appears that some above posters (mostly young) do not realize this? They have my info and I am I did not quite have the similar negative experience as many posted, but mine was similar. I, actually sat through the orientation, and afterwords the deception started. He tried recruiting me so I took the interview mainly as a courtesy to him. Operated a pyramid scheme: The company also encourages consumers to become Financial Education Services "agents" themselves, selling the company's services to other consumers. This may be a rough road, dead end, pain, death and not get anywhere. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. There were about 20 other people sitting in the chairs. Primerica is a SCAM period. And they came from very humble beginnings working 9-5 jobs now they are free and independent! Wow. I interject, Im sorry, what exactly is it that you do? I express admiration and order another coke and a sandwich. Something was definitely off. For instance, he said Whats your favorite restaurant? I had to smile a shake my head every time I saw one of these unsuspecting people heading in. One last question: Might you also direct me to the financial services provider anxious to hire a gray-headed, chicken-necked, bifocaled old cronewhose work ethic and ethics generally are strong?! I was not familiar with them, so I went in for the so-called interview. I read the story that was provided above and a handful of the comments. I mumbled something about Ill see what I can do said my goodbyes, and bowed out. I fill out an application. They were in my home for almost 3 hours, 10 minutes before they left (which was an hour ago btw!!) Are you looking for a Primerica review to determine if the insurance company is a scam, multi-level marketing company, or pyramid scheme? Immediately they sit down and start talking about investing in life insurance for our kids (whom are all under the age of 5, and was around at the time) Talking about prices and growth , im interested, fail! Thank you to all for your comments! He told me to have a seat and that there was going to be a presentation. They have my info and address and all kinds of info will they use it against me if I dont work for them? After my daughter hung up the phone I received a call from the recruiter. Again, I figure worst case scenario its a connection. If you really want to sell financial products, youre much better off doing so through a company that is not an MLM. I dropped out because most people shop for bargains rather than invest in the business. The agent was a very nice Italian-American woman who actually knew something about financial services. Report pyramid or Ponzi schemes to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It smell like a pyramid scheme and look like ones. Pyramid scheme type set up. Legit MLMs and pyramid scams have a few key differences. Im not joking whatsoever. As soon as I answered I heard someone making silly sounds and I wondered if it was someone I knew but no it was the gentleman who said he was calling me because my friend had recommended me for the job before I was a hard worker and he wanted to know if its true..we began talking for a while. Primerica offers a variety of financial products and services to consumers through their nationwide sales force. Then she laid it on the table: I needed to go out and start recruiting. If you join Primerica your commission schedule is ridiculously LOW. She told me, I dont think of it as sales, but rather as helping people; dont you want to help people? I replied, yeah, by repairing computers, not by getting them to give me their money and expect unrealistic returns on their mutual funds! Well, dont you want to see what sort of assets you currently stand to retire with? No, came my reply, do you have a need for an IT guy or not? We need people from all walks of life! she reminded me. I had come across this blog a few months back after hearing about this scam. I guess I get to add to the list, I received a missed call, I dont check my messages usually and I typically just google the number and see what comes up and then once something pops up I call or dont call this time nothing came up so I called. People have no consideration!!! Primerica gives additional life insurance policies that cover 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years. I asked what does this have anything to do with life insurance, or a job? Only regret filled out the intake paperwork, but kept a copy intentionally messed up. You wouldn't want to associate yourself with them, especially when fully aware. PERFECT CANDIDATES! After attending a couple of the information sessions myself. I got a call a little while again and it seemed very odd. Also, MLM companies are notorious for overcharging and under performing. I have morals, I have my beliefs, everyone has their entitled opinions. I was approached last night while grocery shopping at Star market. He told me about how his grandfather started the company and now his whole family owes everything that they have to Primerica. The lady that answered, said Prime America, how can I help you. He not once mentioned how or why he chose to contact me. Here are just some of the things that threw me off, he contacted me on Facebook, very informal. 2. WHO calls someones parents to schedule a meeting to make them feel more comfortable to work for them. Finally, in the course of mulling this decision I have read at Primericas own website that new life insurance agents earned $6000/yr on average in 2013, I think was the year cited. Are you saying that all the people who commented on this thread that they participated in a fake job interview like this are lying? He didnt even walk me to the door, shake hands with me, give me a business cardnothing! Thats the nature of working in several industries overseen by a regulatory body. What a waste of human DNA both of them ! Primerica multi-level marketing system offers the following advantages 1. Then he spent the next 5-10 minutes telling me that the company is called Primerica and what they do is sell life insurance, auto insurance, and help people with debt. And, how come there stock is listed on the NYSE? I still like her, she seems nice. As for NFTs, exclusivity and FOMO run the gameeveryone wants in and where there are winners, there are losers. Anyone who lasts with them is a masochist. This did not yet trigger any alarms for me as I had interviewed with a couple construction companies on that edge of town as well in similar accomodations. I am so glad I found these comments it saved me the time of going to somewhere that was not what it was suppose to be. Why keep this guy waiting, wasnt that terribly unprofessional and disrespectful? A phone call is more personal, and taking down someones number to give to ones own trainer is the model we use. ), I think these Primerica idiots need to get trolled HARD. Just before the session started I looked at the guest book and noticed that John had put his name beside most of the new guests, though 4 were a result of my resumes. Given my lack of experience, I was not sure if this was normal or not. I like helping people. They are not giving you a job! My name, what I do, how much Id like to make, what my goals are. I respect that! File a complaint about an investment or an investment account with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He specifically mentioned that he was looking for a qualified office manager and that my resume looked like I was very well qualified. The rep said she got my resum through Monster and wanted to give me an opportunity. Finally he had a female associate call from a different number who told me I had been referred to her as a candidate from the man who approached me at Target. Im still researching the fact, yet still smell pyramid. I reminded her I was not there for a financial health check, but rather for a job pertaining to repairing computers NOT a door-to-door 3rd-party insurance salesman. Since it was scripted, I never got a chance to really speak about what my views are and what I look for in a position as well as my strengths. Thanks for all the information. So I just got out of a presentation not an interview. An hour and a half already? I also know another person who has been doing it for 10+ years now and he doesnt make much at all. Needless to say I didnt invest the time and effort to go back there for the presentation that night. She then proceeds to pitch to me what Primerica does and how important life insurance is. - The Anti-MLM Coalition. So I cancelled, and avoided an unpleasant and wasted evening. (Kind of like someone asking you out on a date and then you saying I have a girlfriend, they should get the hint) The guy keeps talking and says something like we should have a discussion when youre free about the position. this is defamation. I gave them my information, and even the information from one of my credit cards (which Im afraid that they will still use even though Ive already called & told them to shred/dispose of the information!). She starts telling me all the wonderful places her job has sent her, free of expense. I got suspicious and ask if this is an mlm company (I dont even know why, well, I know a lot about mlm companies from the past). Tameka All insurance agencies are NOT pyramids. I got suspicious after I asked her the company name and her voice sounded muffled everytime she said it. 4. Water, food, ever other necessity you can think of should not have to be provided to people at a cost. THANK YOU so much for posting this.. Should have gone with my gut. It would be nice if the government would step in and help protect the people who dont have the sense to see these for what they are. Reading that it is a Citibank subsidiary was a surprise; that products and services are not the best value is in direct contradiction of what was said as I recall. The first red flag of the call was that she did not state the name of the company from which she called. Now I also understand more about success too. He asked if I had a job and I said no but I need one. When I told my boyfriend about it, who is currently taking a bunch of business, marketing and economic courses (Im a FILM MAJOR so the fact that they wanted me at all should have tipped me off), he said it definitely sounded like a pyramid scam and to look it up. I have an Accounting degree so I already had a great handle of budgeting but this was really impressive. We set up the interview within a week and Ive never had someone more eager and desperate to hire me. I got a random call from a guy name nico saying that I was referred to them and they have a job opening and I could scedual a interview for me and that I should come dressed business causal and come on time because he is a busy man. Maybe I should add only serious, legit, employers may contact!. It is a shame that there are companies out there who still make money off these scams. To those who did not get what they expected, please ask yourself if you did what you were told, if you persisted, if you actually did the work. In addition, how Im going to have to pay $99 for license + $25 utilities (no other job makes me do this?). BUT, there was something not quite right about him, too smooth. Big giveaway: when an interviewer asks you questions about who you live with, and if you have a lot of family and friends that live in the area I mean, come on! To all those who think youll make money from this, it is mathematically and logically IMPOSSIBLE for EVERYONE to make money in a business like this. I told her I dont have friends, so Im just telling her anything so shell drop it but she was so persistent it was ridiculous. Then again two days later. The final weird thing was if she felt like the discussion went well she would invite me to a formal interview where I could ask questions. I have mine scheduled in a few hours..you saved me gas and time! The recruits have to pay $100 for a credit check and training. If it is such a scam, why is it that people can actually make some extra money once they are trained? The PSF Representatives testimony at the beginning is full of holes. Im really glad I found this, but sadly the damage was already done. I find it odd that a company that hypes fancy cars, unlimited incomes, and financial independence has a sales force where 99% earned less (and way less) than $50k during any single BEST 12 months, BEFORE EXPENSES. Especially one that deals with financial education and asset management. I asked him if i got the license would the job be guaranteed and he said yes. But, I didnt want to join the business they lightly mentioned because I didnt really see any real income coming from this and I knew I could make more money doing my own thing if I applied myself. She told us that her and her husband are preachers, therefore we should trust them. At that point, she became very persistent and it immediately became evident with the posts I read on this site. We need educate general public ! I wen to to their office and was asked to fill out an application form. As someone whos in commission sales- I feel bad for people who fall into companies like this one.