TV news about California suing YTB for being a scam

[savermaker]

all the YTB agents are just to ashamed to admit they've been SUCKERED into this crap so they keep sayinig "yea its great...it's growing" What a bunch of losers.

[TravelPays]

I like this cutecathy lady. It all comes down to the volume the company produces based on CUSTOMERS not the revenue from its own RTAs. The numbers dont lie. Stop drinking the koolaid YTBers. YTB = Yesterday's Travel Business

[xAznHomie101x]

lol i went to a YTB orientation today and when they asked us to pay 500$ i knew it was a scam alrdy xD

[cutecathy33]

And... this is coming from the Attorney General of California that is saying that YTB is illegal. There are other lawsuits that are from people that bought into YTB.

[yeahamhigh]

Alright Cuty. The problem its not YTB. its a hand full of YTB reps who just chose to lie to other people bout the business in some parts of the business. 1st Lie you will become rich doing Absolutely nothing. 2nd Lie you dont need to invest any money just the $500 to start. and the 3rd lie everybody is making money with YTB. I am sorry for the ones who joined YTB for those reasons, but they should have done some homework before joining YTB.

[travel2theoutdoors]

Cute...do you know how to read? Do some homework and find out what you are talking about.

[cutecathy33]

Who are you talking too? The news reporters? You must be one of those YTB people that are drinking the company Kool-aid.

[cutecathy33]

I sense a lot of anger and frustration in you. It must be hard to keep the faith when YTB is being sued and is starting to fall apart. It is understandable

[cutecathy33]

I can't believe that there are people that are still buying into YTB with this lawsuit hanging over their heads. It has to be recruiting hell. And the travel benefits are all but gone, since they lost their IATA number for good. Time to wake up and smell the coffee!

[yeahamhigh]

What has happen to many people is that they want a business were they can make lots of money but they dont want to invest money or time on it. IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN NOT ON REAL LIFE SORRY. And i know there is some people with YTB who lie to other people in oder to be able to recruit them. and i know thats wrong and i hope YTB take some actions about it. But everybody should know where they're getting into. And YTB it is not for everybody. everybody has a talent its our job to find it.

[travel2theoutdoors]

Well said , and so many people will never find their dream or do what they were put here to do because all of the energy they have is being used up tearing down somebody else. Karma is always working.

[cutecathy33]

In your world it must be ok to steal peoples dreams by promising them easy money. Now that is some good Karma there! Oh, and look! To reward that karma, the Attorney General is sueing you for 100 million dollars.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

And as far as Religion. NOBODY forces ANYBODY to worship God in YTB. It is their choice, who, what, and when they want to worship. It's unfair to say that we use God or religion to make money. Oh, and the churches don't have an offering plate?

[cutecathy33]

I'm glad to hear it, even though YTB has really brought religion into the business (like at their convention). And what does this have to do with the Attorney General suing YTB for being an illegal pyramid? Religion is not a part of the lawsuit.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

If YTB goes down,then ALL home based business should be scrutinez equally as well. Most of them have the very same plan.

[cutecathy33]

I totally agree with you on this. If any home business is breaking the law, they should be made to become compliant or be shut down.

[djsimpluva]

Any company that comes along and makes a profound impact on it's respective industry becomes a target of these types of lawsuits be they frivolous or true(Wall Mart,Microsoft, etc). I've seen this company take negative flack from so many for more than a year now and it continues to grow and get stronger. In another year we'll see it even bigger in spite of these futile attempts from the industry "haters". Hold tight and keep tuned in for the next "episode" boys and girls!

[cutecathy33]

A lawsuit is one thing. Being charged with being an illegal pyramid is another. That is not a badge of honor. (Walmart and Microsoft have never been charged with being an illegal pyramid.) Another fact is that YTB is sucking wind. They are not growing. They are shrinking. They are loosing reps by the thousands, and loosing money. Just look at their SEC third quarter financial report filing. This is not "stronger" or "bigger".

[cutecathy33]

YTB sold the jet for a $400,000 dollar loss. They are selling property for $300,000 loss. They are laying off workers. Boy djsimpluva, that really sounds like growth (not!) And I'm betting that the AG knows California law better than YTB. The lawsuit might not matter. It will be interesting to see forth quarter results. Interest in YTB has really gone down. YTB might not live to see the court date.

[djsimpluva]

Okay miss, on the topic of layoffs and losses let's not just stop at YTB. I'm sure it won't take much searching to see other major companies(the Big 3 U.S. automakers to start with), reporting quite significant negative activity in these economic times. This AG has the burden of proving that YTB is illegal. This guy in the report speaks of an "endless chain scheme" and that YTB offers ONLY memberships. YTB is actually a top 20 in leisure travel sales companies in the U.S. We'll see what happens.

[travel2theoutdoors]

And,don't forget, 414 million in travel sold by YTB.

[cutecathy33]

When you take the total amount of money that was paid out to RTAs in travel commissions, and divide it by the number of RTAs, how much money does that come out to per RTA?

[travel2theoutdoors]

What business are you working on Cathy? How soon before you reach financial freedom? Are all of your bills paid? How are you weathering the recession? What do YOUR fourth quarter results look like?

[cutecathy33]

actually I do direct marketing online, and my business is doing fantastic. Let's just say that I make more than 99% of the RTAs that are in YTB. (or better yet, were in YTB). There is a lot of interest in my products now because of the recession. But I do make more than the normal person. I know that there are a ton of people suffering now. What are you trying to prove with your question?  That everyone is sucking as bad as YTB now?

[feelgreatlookgreat]

If this is pyramiding than so is Real Estate Brokering and Mortgage Brokering etc. They all split their commissions all the way up the chain! NOW WHO'S THE PYRAMID!

[cutecathy33]

There is nothing wrong with splitting commissions, as long as certain rules are followed, and as long as the commissions are not generated simply by recruiting other members. The Attorney General feels that YTB does comply with their states laws.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

There are a lot of people who joined YTB even in my own team who are lazy and expect you to do the work for them. I am not gonna do the work for them, I would rather have them quit.

[cutecathy33]

I am sure that most of them will quit. So much for your big residual income! Or had you forgotten about that?

[BrookeBaggwell12]

When the company shuts down, you won't have any of those lazy people to worry about anymore. Apparently (according to YTB's own financial statement in 2007) almost 81% of the people that join are lazy because they made NO money in 2007. Maybe you should stop taking lazy people's money or come up with a better marketing plan.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

We don't split commissions, we are paid a portion of the store price as a referral bonus, just like when you refer a friend to Wachovia and they pay you $25. Same thing. The Attorney General has had a problem with YTB since day one because he doesn't understand the marketing plan because he's been in corporate America way tooooo long. What does he know about owning a home based business and comp plans,

[cutecathy33]

According to YTB, they have been working with the Attorney General for over 19 months now. I am sure that the Attorney General studied YTB before filing a lawsuit. Don't be stupid. And, according to your pay plan, YTB does split commissions. DUH!!!

[feelgreatlookgreat]

YTB is NOT a pyramid. We don't even charge our Reps to join. Travel Store Owners are the ones who pay to own their site which has over $1 million dollars of inventory on it for less than $500. Is it YTB's fault that stupid people can't open their mouths about it and then expect to sell? Give me a break. Is it fair to train the people that are making the money and not get an override on the commission from YTB, NOT from the RTA NO.

[cutecathy33]

The problem stems from the fact that 80% of YTB's money comes from recruiting. And a very small percentage comes from the actual sell of travel. Once again, I am betting that the Attorney General knows California laws better than you. They feel that they have a case against YTB. We shall see what happens.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

Duh, of course your gonna make more in recruiting, how the heck do you think they get their websites. That doesn't mean that a sale will ever be made on that site, if they don't tell anyone, no sale will ever occur.

[cutecathy33]

And DUH right back. That is exactly what the law doesn't like, and why they claim that it is an illegal pyramid. It would help if there was more travel being sold.

[yeahamhigh]

First of all am a YTB agent. and we do offer a product wish if the travel site, wish in oder to make money out of it u will need to invest more money on marketing and advertisement. thats way some people decide to work the marketing part of the business. wish u dont need to invest any extra money, all u need to do is recruit other people to do this business. But if you willing to invest money on advertisement like every single business dose, then you will make money

[cutecathy33]

What?!!!

[n0wave]

>all u need to do is ...

I don't want to sound rude or anything but trust me when I tell you that people who don't spell out "you", rarely become wealthy.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

If I bought $1200. of very popular cosmetic products (inventory) from a famous cosmetic company and paid $100 to join and didn't go outside and tell anyone about it and didn't sell a damn thing,Is that their fault or mine. You can't be a secret agent and be in business for yourself. I wish some dummies would realize this!

[cutecathy33]

Who are you mad at? RTAs? You are mad at your own people? Sounds like an issue to take up with YTB. Sounds like they need to school their people more to sell travel, and give more realistic expectations up front, before people buy into the business.

[dgoffed]

It's quite simple everyone who has bought in knows what they bought in to and if they don't their dumb. YTB gives you and oppertunity to make extra cash if your willing to work. Just like any other biz or company if you don't work you wont make any money. Its simple. Cutecathy keep on keeping on or join my team and make some money. Ytb is great and is unphased by a silly lawsuit. All its defending is the bums who aren't working their biz. No work no money.

[cutecathy33]

You ought to look into gifting. Why even bother with a product. And, you obviously don't care if what you do is legal or not... so, gifting might be a more honest approach for you.

[dgoffed]

Gifting is silly too and it has nothing to do with honesty. Do you realize California is the only state that has a problem what about the other 49 and Canada. Your attorny general has his work cut out for him and I can't wait to see that he wasted his time and you wasting yours. Smooth sailing from here cathy once we destroy mr brown in court you will have nothing. Its gonna be sunshine lollypops and rainbows for all the rtas makin the big bucks oh yeah. If your interested in a vacation call me

[cutecathy33]

I wouldn't do the victory dance yet. YTB is far from being out of the woods. And I wouldn't count the other states out either. IL and MO have both started looking into YTB. YTB is on the radar. AND even if things go YTB's way, still 99% of the RTA's make little or no money (per YTB's own financial statements). It isn't something I'd get too excited about.

[ShaneLavell]

Cutecathy- See your misconception are the same as everyone elses including Mr. Brown in California. You think YTB is all about recruiting. Its not about recruiting its about selling travel. Being an RTA for $449.95one time plus $49.95 monthly for hosting requires no recruiting what so ever. No where is it stated that you MUST RECRUIT any where in the YTB BUSINESS MODEL! If u want u can for free recruit and be compensated by YTB. Sell nothing make nothing & still break even sounds fair to me lol

[cutecathy33]

You seriously think that the Attorney General hasn't fully examined YTB's business model? You really do think that you know CA law better than the CA Attorney General! If that is the case, then YTB needs to hire you to represent them. I am sure that you can win over the heart and minds of the people of California. (I am being sarcastic here.) As even YTB has stated, they have been trying to work with the Attorney General for the past 18 months, to no avail. Guess they didn't buy it.

[feelgreatlookgreat]

Hum, just "recruited" a rep, and guess what, he didn't have to pay a dime and I didn't receive a dime, last time I checked that is not a pyramid. And I can't wait cause he's gonna sell so many travel stores, its gonna shake the industry, just like we've been doing and now their runnin' scared. Go YTB!!!!!

[cutecathy33]

I am glad that you aren't making a dime! Don't you worry if you are doing something illegal?

[ShaneLavell]

I have done my homework. Went to there 8K filings, 10K filings stuff most don't loook at but stuff that the SEC has and probable more inepth than most of us would and we are now in are 8th year of operation and did more this past year than in all 7 combined! Did 500Million in sales in are 7th where it took companies like google and microsoft 12-13yrs. WERE I COME FROM WE CALL THAT A CLUE! PEOPLE WILL SAY THIS & THAT WERE ALL SAY THIS WHEN THE LAST TIME EXEDPIA PAID YOU TO TRAVEL APOLOGY EXCEPTED

[cutecathy33]

Do you really think that you know CA business law better than the Attorney General? It is good you know how to read. Now you just need to learn to get the big picture. You need to stop singing YTB songs long enough to step back and look at the issues here. For example, what you read has nothing to do with this lawsuit. I would have to give you an "F" on your homework. Do you really think that YTB is in the same league as Google and Microsoft? Amazing!

[cutecathy33]

And what is with this "APOLOGY EXCEPTED" crap. You are such the little YTB Nazi! You have bought into the YTB cult, hook, line and sinker. You have become a YTB-bot. It is like watching Tom Cruise protect Scientology, and attacking Mat Lauer on the Today show.

[cutecathy33]

On a softer note: I know that it must be very hard for you to see the company that you invested your hard earned money into, get this kind of press. Afterall, you have put your heart and sole into recruiting for them. No one wants to look stupid. No one wants to be told that their mlm company is doing something illegal. So I understand your anger.

[TruthandTravel]

My Christianity gets bad press all the time too but that won't keep me from pressing onward. For some reason some people have the belief that you should only hang on as long as whatever you are doing is understood by everyone, even if their unawareness is costing those that oppose it. There are those that KNOW ABOUT some things and there are those that KNOW something. They KNOW it because they actually experience it. Those that KNOW ABOUT it can only talk from what they read or hear.

[cutecathy33]

You are comparing YTB to Christianity? Are you kidding?!! One is a religion and the other is an mlm business. There is no comparison in my book. One is about values and one of them has no values! (on so many different levels!). One of them is about giving, the other is about taking! I would say that you are sooo under the YTB kool aid that you can no longer see the other side of the coin. Good luck with the pyramid stigma! You don't have to go down with the ship!

[TruthandTravel]

I would say that you are under the anti-mlm/ytb kool-aid. What I find is that people like you known nothing about YTB except what you read or what is reported on. YTB has yet to be proven guilty of anything yet they are getting crucified. Sound familiar? I can't think of a better endorsement for YTB than the day they are found not guilty of Jerry's suit. I also have read that one of the persons that filed the class action was never even an RTA. Rep only. Lost money of a free position?

[cutecathy33]

Your comments are full of religous overtones (like the word "crucified"). You know, we will just have to wait to see what happens. I know nothing about the other lawsuits. Nor do I know the reasons why the board member who was YTB's legal advisor, suddenly resigned from the board. I feel for you. I must be really hard recruiting people right now. With the "illegal pyramid" stigma hanging over YTB's head.

[ShaneLavell]

Cutecathy- With all due respect if your computer has WINDOWS on it than you've bought into more than just one law suit already.

Being sued is the hallmark of any company that is a BIG threat to its industry. YTB has done nothing wrong and that is why this suit is being handle in the press rather than the court room. YTB will prevail without doubt. I suggest reading a book Called THE ABC'S of Making Money by Dr. Denis Cauvier and Alan Lysaght. Pg 194-197. We only differ in how we advertise

[cutecathy33]

You don't get it ShaneLavell. Microsoft has never been an MLM company, and has never been sued for being an illegal pyramid. BIG DIFFERENCE! The lawsuits against Microsoft are completely different. And my relationship with Microsoft is completely different.  YTB's lawsuit is no badge of honor. And, the case will be decided in a court room. But I am sure the bad press will takes it's own toll. Which is exactly why I wouldn't want to "buy into this lawsuit". It would be recruiting hell.

[ShaneLavell]

Wow the MLM or Pyramid side of YTB or even the so called SCAM part of YTB is free to enter and compensate from! Can someone explain whats illegal about that?

If it makes sense from a marketing standpoint YTB asks of nothing from you and will compensate you to sinply talk to others about it. Worst case is no one listens and your know worst off. 2 guys think its solid boom $100. 6 after 3 personals than 1 more direct and say 99 follow guess what $31,000 on a no $ money down investment!

[cutecathy33]

Shane, I guess you will have to follow the lawsuit and find out why the Attorney General is pursuing this lawsuit. They obviously think that YTB is doing something wrong. And my guess is that they know California law a little better than you do. I know that it must be a major bummer trying to recruit people with an Attorney General calling you an illegal pyramid. That alone has got to hurt. I know that I wouldn't want to have to explain it. Who would want to buy into a lawsuit

[dat1340]

I wonder if it will be all over the news when YTB WINS and proves it's not illegal....a pyramid is trading money for money....look at YTB Travel Sales and then ask yourselves why tons of vendors want to be listed on YTB's site...Because YTB has thousands of people promoting this site; HELLO!

We refer tons of people to businesses and receive no compensation, here is where YTB changes that. And like anything or any business you make the amount you put into it in time and effort.

[cutecathy33]

Why did IATA terminate YTB's travel credentials? Why is ASTA claiming that YTB is a card mill? Why did Royal Carribean ban YTB? Why is the Attorney General suing YTB for $25 million for being an illegal pyramid? Why are there class action federal lawsuits from former YTB RTAs? HELLO!

We will all just have to see what happens. My money is on the Attorney General.

[riodejaneir10]

Cathy, when YTB proves that they are not a scheme, would you sign up? Are you a woman of your word?

[cutecathy33]

After doing my homework on YTB, I would no sign up with YTB, even if they get out of trouble with the AG. I want to work in the travel industry, and actually make my living selling travel and not a biz-op/mlm company. YTB is not liked by ASTA and IATA. And it looks like even CLIA has taken steps to keep out the "card mills". I never have stated that I would join YTB. And yes, I am a woman of my word.

[riodejaneir10]

It looks like. It means that you're not sure. Why don't you call them?

You didn't do your homework the right way.

I've done my and YTB is the only member of the DSA (Direct sales Association) in travel. Do your homework the right way. I think you listen too much the media.

POOR YOU.

[cutecathy33]

What drugs are you on?!!

[travelismybiz]

In my opinion, the people that are involved with the lawsuit probably did not realize this is a TRUE business they have to work! You cannot just open the doors to a brick and mortar agency and expect people to flock in and buy your products. You have to spread the word and get your name out there to the public. This is exactly what YTB is doing with out the advertising expenses. This allows them to pay their reps.

[cutecathy33]

The lawsuit is from the Attorney General of California. This lawsuit is about whether or not YTB is an illegal pyramid. The AG thinks that it is, after 18 months of talks between them and YTB. Now the private lawsuits might fit your comment.

[Shawntbell]

I worked for the YTB guys several years ago at their hotel convention show. The guys running the show acted sketchy and were assholes to boot. We even caught one owner lying on his resume!

The last day of their convention was a creepy church service where a woman was speaking in tongues and flopping around on the floor.

Avoid them!

[cutecathy33]

I have often thought that it seems wrong that religon is used to promote a business.

[markewingandytb]

Hi Cathy!! I can't believe we found you!! This is a great Video!! All the folks in YTB say they love YTB and that YTB sells travel..Wow!! Sounds like the lawsuit will soon be over since YTB is not a pyramid! I can't wait to see how it all turns out!!

[cutecathy33]

This does not sound like the Mark Ewing that I have watched on youtube. You are an obvious imposter. I wouldn't be so confident about the lawsuit if I were you. And with the news that former YTB reps are also suing YTB in a class action lawsuit, I'm pretty sure that all the folks in YTB do not share your love for YTB. But I'm with you on the point that I can't wait to find out the outcome. I almost signed up for YTB. Glad I didn't!