California Attorney General sues YTB for being Illegal Pyramid

[MarkEwing33]

@nicole4trance pull your head out of the sand and check it out for yourself. You won't have to look to far to find the dirt on this company.

[MarkEwing33]

@nicole4trance Do your homework! YTB is not in the passport business. You get your passport from the government. The facts stated in this video are just that... FACTS! If you do any searching at all, you'll discover YTB's legal problems. Unfortunately for you, ignorance is not bliss.

[cordedpoodle]

Don't ever sign up with them. I never signed up ended up on their spam list. Cannot get rid of them. SPAMMERS.

[Rain4Fuel]

very unprofessional Mark... you are purposely degrading an entire industry to promote yourself.

[MarkEwing33]

@Rain4Fuel you are kidding.. right?!! This was a news story about YTB. Not the entire travel industry. And not a promotion for myself. It was about YTB being sued for being an illegal pyramid.

[Rain4Fuel]

@MarkEwing33 Yeah...I get that dude. You are doing nothing but bashing your competition, the Network Marketing/Direct Sales industry. You conveniently forget that the State of California doesn't need proof to sue anyone, and they typically target network marketing companies because the state is broke. You are making the network marketing industry look bad, when it is a perfectly legitimate business opportunity. I know plenty of people in YTB that did quite well, there are no guarantees..ever

[MarkEwing33]

@Rain4Fuel What color is the sky in your world? While it is true that anyone can sue anyone. To win a lawsuit, you have to have a preponderance of evidence (which means that they DO have to have proof). California WON the lawsuit! YTB made the network marketing industry look bad. They did that on their own. Sure, a small percentage did well. The other 99% lost everything. Regardless, this video is a news report. It is telling people about factual events. YTB lost the lawsuit.

[MarkEwing33]

Respond to this video... I am always amazed at the people that want to live in denial, and pretend that nothing happened. Or worst, they want to protect the business, regardless of what they have done. These people drink the company Kool Aid, and become mindless zombies. It goes beyond mis-placed loyalty. Folks, YTB LOST THE LAWSUIT. PERIOD. It is a fact. It happened. Like it or not, it happened. Why would anyone want to take on that baggage? I don't know.

[alexinemw]

I should have seen this or done more research before I joined YTB several years ago. I lost thousands just keeping up the travel website. Not to mention, I lost valuable time attending meetings and hosting travel meetings which people attended, but were smart enough not to be bought into, like I was. My advice, avoid YTB!!

[therealrockondon]

sounds like SCAMWAY

[spingelingdingdong]

It's so sad people keep falling for these things over and over and over and over. And when you point out that they're probably involved in a pyramid scheme and gently try to tell them that the best thing they can do is get out of it, they get all defensive and act like you insulted them personally and start telling you how "this one is different". It's no different than joining a brainwashing cult.

People at the top of these schemes should be hanged and their money given to their victims.

[btbluv]

The CFO & Corporate Secretary resigns

A SCAM COMPANY

[conserv8ive]

Mark, I finally received a response from you. As I expected, you continue in a feckless rant in which you site inaccurate and baseless accusations. Your claims regarding any difficulty for YTB to operate in California are laughable at best. California is booming! YTB is ranked 26 in the world by Travel Weekly! That's right, IN THE WORLD!! Carnival cruise lines pinnacle award 4 years in a row? Put down the crack pipe and slowly back away!

[MarkEwing33]

What ever floats your boat. I'm not going to debate history with you. How pointless is that! It happened! Get over it! I think that the record speaks for its self. So...Good luck with YTB and all it's problems. It's not for me. I've got better things to do with my life.

[Linda12k]

YTB IS THE BEST COMPANY OUT THERE! Im sure you have anout ten more videos you want to post about how "bad" YTB is. What do u do for a living? Yea focus on that!

[MarkEwing33]

Wow! Linda! You must know something that no one else does! I have some swamp land to sell you.... and a couple of bridges!  No need for more videos.

[Linda12k]

LOL... Funny video!

[MarkEwing33]

You have a sick sense of humor Linda. Why do you laugh at people getting ripped off?

[conserv8ive]

YOU have a sick sense of humor Mark. You think you have it right in attacking YTB by calling it a pyramid? Do you know what a pyramid is? Your videos are a comedy in and of themselves. Your perspectives are a series of jokes, feckless jokes, but jokes none the less. Give up this sick comedy of errors and stop attacking a business you can't beat no matter how hard you try.

[MarkEwing33]

Conserv8ive.... you need to get a life buddy! Stop defending mlm scams that have major legal problems!

[btbluv]

@conserv8ive

The CFO & Corporate Secretary Resigns

A SCAM COMPANY

[Linda12k]

YTB Is the BEST Business on the planet! People need to stop exerting so much energy on YTB , go about your own business if you aren't interested.  Why FOCUS so much of your time on YTB if it isn't a threat to you? Shows how much we "YTB" burn so many people! By the way, California "law suit" only made YTB better! We will get sued again and again and again just like the large companies "Microsoft and Walmart" do. But we are unstoppable...!

[MarkEwing33]

YTB settled the lawsuit with California for being a pyramid scheme by paying the state a million dollars and paying money to ripped off customers. They also have to adhere to very stiff rules, that make it very very hard for YtB to do business in CA. They also have been slapped with more lawsuits from other states. They are losing money and people fast. If this is your idea of the "best" business, I'd hate to see the worst. Thanks but NO THANKS!

[conserv8ive]

Mark, why do you keep perpetuating these lies? YTB is still going strong in California, and COLORADO! Sorry, buddy, you need to move on!

[MarkEwing33]

Perpetuating lies? You need to catch up! YTB settled with California for millions of dollars...and California has made it nearly impossible for YTB to do business in the state.  For the record.... I never joined YTB. Everyone should move on!

[jodylax]

YTB Paid a $1,000,000 fine and is BANNED from California until they come into compliance. Yeah YTB "won"

[MarkEwing33]

Things did not go well for YTB in California. The settlement is very restrictive. Very hard for YTB to do business in CA. And with a hefty fine.

now Illinois (their home state) is trying to shut them down.

[dncnmeesh]

It's all cleared and was not found to be a pyramid scheme! I am part of YTB and love it!

[SirKingArthur]

Thank you! I just called them looking for a job, they told me about it and I started googlig youtube. Thank you for the information....

[Milyenair]

The lawsuit is over. An agreement has been reached. YTB is not only still going, but they're still growing. What does the "expert" MarkEwing33 have to say?

[MarkEwing33]

I would say that you need to check your sources. According to the Attorney General, it is not over. And then, I would wait to see what they agreed to before I would start celebriating a victory.

[Milyenair]

I went through this entire, ridiculous thread. I just have one question. Now that an agreement has been reached and the lawsuit is history. What do you have to say now Mr. Mark Ewing33?

[MarkEwing33]

First of all, as of today date, no agreement has been reached. And... when and if an agreement is reached, it doesn't change my position at all. I still don't recommend YTB. They would have to make major changes before I would recommend them.

[CubeTX]

Great video. Thanks for being a voice of reason in the MLM craze. It seems like scam artists are taking every opportunity to either scare or excite people into trying to make "easy money" by scamming their friends and family.

I think it's funny when people use the "my friend or I made big money in this" argument. They made the money by scamming their friends and family who probably all lost money. You can make a lot of money selling crack, but that doesn't make it right.

[FergusonTO35]

I can think of much better things to spend thousands of dollars on than a gigantic foam statue, Statue of Liberty or not. What the hell is wrong with them??!!

[mellowguilt]

So what? Microsoft has been sued on hundreds of occasions and look what happened. You get to complain about a company on your computer which was engineered by a successful company that was complained about.

[MarkEwing33]

Microsoft was never sued for being an illegal pyramid scheme. That is a big difference. YTB is being sued for being a scam. Microsoft was sued for being a monopoly.

[MarkEwing33]

YTB's bank was shut down by the FDIC for unsafe practices on Friday October 10, 2008.

[MarkEwing33]

Apparently YTB's Coach Tomer was involved with another company that was shut down by the Texas Attorney General in 1978. It was a fuel additive MLM. Coach was a distributor. The story broke on STLtoday. Coach bought an airplane that Elvis owned, and was going to charge addmission, and sign up distributors. It is a veryiInteresting story.

[MarkEwing33]

One of YTB board members resigned abruptly on september 7th, 2008. The board member was the attorney.

[MarkEwing33]

Did you catch the news about the bank that YTB uses, and is owned by YTB board members? I guess the FDIC slapped them with a cease and desist order over bad business practices. Not sure if it is connected, or just an unlucky circumstance.

[danielle1961]

OH get over yourself Amway went through the same thing you can say the same for Avon and Mary Kay been around forever. You don't have to buy a hamberger at Wendy's but you do and where is the franchise owner sitting back collecting your money. So what's the different the people that do not work the busines don't make any money bottom line with any job. My friends have match there government job salary in 4 to 5 months. So every company has disgruntle lazy jealous employees

[MarkEwing33]

I'm not the one you need to worry about. I am not suing YTB. I am only following the story because I am involved in the travel industry. It will be interesting to follow this case. You should direct this comment to all the AG's.

[danielle1961]

and the idiots that is suing will lose and all there money because I figure they bought in and did not do what they needed and wanted a refund and it was to late so they decided to sue. So now they are going to sue for millions when they only paid 500 wow people will sue for anything these days to make fast money. All the rta's I met are making money so I don't see the problem with the company YTB it the people who join the company.

[MarkEwing33]

I am betting that the Attorney General knows California business law better than you, Danielle. The AG seems to have an issue with YTB. And just because someone is making money doesn't make it right or legal. There are a lot of rich drug dealers in the world.

[MarkEwing33]

My announcement about the Attorney General's lawsuit against YTB for being an illegal pyramid is obviously not popular amoung loyal YTB reps. But, like it or not, the lawsuit is real. This is really happening... Regardless of whether or not I report on it.

This is information that everyone in YTB should know about, and everyone considering YTB should know about.

Read the lawsuit. Read the press release. Learn the facts. Make an informed decision.

[Mspence5000]

YTB is changing peoples lives all over including mine from 1 year ago. There are also people on my team bringing in a couple extra thousand a month. Hey Mark, put your money where your mouth is and throw a bet down that YTB won't be around in 5years....I only take accepted challenges, besides that I (YTB) can't waste my time with negative people like you....

Keep believing you'll somehow get ahead by bad-talking your competition, Your not even on the radar bud.

[MarkEwing33]

Mike, Obviously YTB is changing peoples lives. Over 80% of YTB's reps didn't even get a paycheck last year. Most people ended up in the red as they lost their investment. Will YTB be around in 5 years? Time will tell. I'll bet you won't be with YTB in 5 years. And being on the radar isn't always a good thing. I am sure that YTB wishes that they weren't on the Attorney General's radar right now.

[MarkEwing33]

And, just because I tell about the other side of YTB, it doesn't make me a negative person Mike. I am very positive. But I do believe that people should be aware of lawsuits before they join YTB. Wouldn't you want to know? I believe people should be told everything before you take their money. Full disclosure.  Then, if they decide on their own that YTB is for them, so be it.

[MarkEwing33]

I do question the ethics of someone that continues to promote and sell a business after learning that the business may be an illegal pyramid. Have you checked this out with your own lawyer Mike? Or are you just taking YTB's word for it? This is a serious charge Mike. I'm not sure that your positive thinking is going to work in this case. I appreciate loyalty. I just think it is misplaced this time.

[MarkEwing33]

How much money have to made Mike? How much money have you spent making that money? How much of that money was made recruiting people? How much have you made selling travel? How many people have you recruited? How many of them have seen any profit? Do you think that it is ok to continue to sell people on a company when you know that they are facing a lawsuit for being an illegal pyramid?

[MarkEwing33]

This kind of statement is typical of YTB reps that want to believe that their investment was a good one. No one wants to be "had". It doesn't matter. What matters here is that the Attorney General of California wants to shut YTB down for being an illegal pyramid. You should read the lawsuit, and study California business law before assuming that you are not violating the law just because someone with YTB said so.

[MarkEwing33]

Before you get involved with YTB, you owe it to yourself to check with an attorney. This is a very serious lawsuit, and if you join YTB, you will have to deal with the lawsuit in every aspect of your business. The best advice is to have your attorney look into the situation, and give you advice.

[flpete]

to "oinman" i guess your thoughts fall on deaf ears. YTB is a scam. A year ago i was very close to joining them and decided not to. If your a YTB dist, you should get out now 8/17/08

[danielle1961]

well if you stayed in you would be making some decent money my co worker matched her government salary in 5 months. you are stupid because this is something your grandmother could do you just could not so don't blame YTB that you don't have 3 friends.

[MarkEwing33]

I was never in YTB. I certainly would not sell my friends on a business that has been deemed an illegal pyramid by the attorney general.

[MarkEwing33]

YTB is now being sued in federal court by former RTA/Reps in what appears to be the making of a class action lawsuit.

[IONman110190]

There is nothing wrong with this company, I have been working as a travel agent for over two years with no problems with any of my IATAN/CLIA numbers. The travel industry is just surprised how successful we have become. Last year we were listed as the 35th best on line travel agency and this year we moved up to 26th. There are many MLM's that have been around for a long time and have gone though a few bumps in the road. I know YTB will come out on top.

[MarkEwing33]

You need to watch my video on "IATA terminates YTB Travel Credentials IATAN Your Travel Biz". You don't have an IATAN number! You should also view the lawsuit before you spend a lot of time, money, and effort on your YTB business. Just a suggestion.

[essante08]

Again ,, ALL OTHER TRAVEL AND TIME SHARE COMPANIES WILL FOLLOW!!!

[MarkEwing33]

The country of Bermuda is now investigating YTB, as is the Illinois Attorney General.

[mymobilephonepaysme]

scary i think mlm is safe people should go after wall street big time lost more money there i trained people in sales yellow pages people are scared to talk to people and lack discipline to learn so they dont succeed whether it is sales in the job system our mlm however when a company relies on 3rd parties to carry out services that can be a problem waiting to happen looks like ytb should sue the provider that messed up those peoples travel arrangemnts

[essante08]

The only Networking Companies that stand the test of time are the Companies that have Multiple Ancilary Products.THIS I THE BEST RULE TO FOLLOW if you want Long-Term Residule income with a Fantastic Profession.

[essante08]

Oh, And another Word to the Wise --- There is a TIME SHARE Company out of Florida that is now under a NETWORKING MODEL as well!! Again,

STAY AWAY --- Just another program that will get hit by the FTC because they cannot govern under Networking Law. Here is a Good Rule to follow -- If any person says ,,"Oh were not MLM or Network Marketing ,,, RUN! They are at that point ,,,, most likely,,, trying to operate and pay people under that same model.

[essante08]

Just remember ,,, There is NO travel Company that can exist in the Networking Industry. This will be the begining of the end for all of them. The FTC always takes them down in groups. The rest will follow ... STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING TO DO WITH TRAVEL AND HOME-BASED BUSINESS!!!

[danielle1961]

you must be a travel agent say that to traavelocity, orbitz, cheaptickets be mad at them but hey you can't stop beating a dead horse you only mad a YTB because they sell people their own travel website and there is nothing wrong with that at all and if you dont want to pay the monthly fee get six people and you wont so that should give you some incentive.

[MarkEwing33]

Whatever Danielle. You are missing the point of the video.

[essante08]

ALL THE REST OF THE TRAVEL DEALS WILL FOLLOW!!! I got news for ALL of You. I am a very successful consultant for the Netwoking Industry. ALL and I mean ALL Travel companies in Networking will be shut down in time by the FTC. They cannot comply to the laws that govern the industry. STAY AWAY FROM ALL TRAVEL COMPANIES IN THE NETWORKING INDUSTRY. Every single company in travel that Networks will follow YTB.

[FreedomReigns55]

The dedicated people of YTB r happy w/ their company. I met our founders & they have a heart of gold & would do all they can 4 this company. New people will buy into all this propaganda, cuz they don't know any better. It is not true that only the top person makes all the money, there r people on my team who passed me in income & by the def: of a pyrmd I would be making all the money.

[MarkEwing33]

The Illinois Attorney General announced that they are opening an investigation into YTB, and that they are co-operating with the California Attorney Generals office.

[essante08]

I got news for ALL of You. I am a very successful consultant for the Netwoking Industry. ALL and I mean ALL Travel companies in Networking will be shut down in time by the FTC. They cannot hot true to the laws that govern the industry. STAY AWAY FROM ALL TRAVEL COMPANIES IN THE NETWORKING INDUSTRY.

[FreedomReigns55]

Pyrmds cant be traded on the stock market & approved by the SEC. A pyrmd is if there are no products or service, in exchange 4 money. We sell travel stores! Kim one of our founders, has been named one of the most influential people in travel industry by travel Weekly. I am doing well in this company. It gives hope 4 the average person,. Let the people of YTB be happy running our business..

[MarkEwing33]

This is another total mis-conception. They think that if they are traded, the SEC wouldn't let anything happen. There are bad businesses that are traded all over the place. Enron, qwest, etc... The problem with letting YTB continue is that YTB is all about recruiting people. The Attorney General wants to stop more people from being harmed. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to lawsuits.

[FreedomReigns55]

The SEC stands for (Securities and Exchange Commission) Created by an act of Congress in 1934 regulates the securities industry and protects investors from fraudulent practices. I know there's bad businesses traded all over the place, that wasn't the point. It's that the SEC wouldn't approve us if we were sooo fraudulent.

[MarkEwing33]

So far both the Illinois and California Attorney Generals offices have gotten involved. Missouri and Florida have expressed concerns. The FDIC just put a ceases and desist order on one of the banks that is involved with board members of YTB. The SEC covers securities. It is not the only governing body. Nor is it a catch all as far as fraud. YTB actually bought a company that was a public company, so they came in the "back door" in being traded. So the SEC may not of OK'd anything.

[FreedomReigns55]

And it's not all about recruiting that's what it seems because most people choose to do that, however many of us do the travel part of it and has made money. Why pick on YTB when there are sooo many companies that do the same thing we do, (travel and recruit?) With all do respect If any YTB members offend you I apologize on their behalf. Whatever happens I would have to accept and move on. All the best in what you do and God Bless.

[MarkEwing33]

I am sure that all the other companies that have the same business model are watching the proceedings like a hawk. Traverus and WorldVentures are set up a little different than YTB. It is not a matter of picking on them, it is a matter of compliance. No need to apologize. I have not been personally harmed by YTB. I was never a part of YTB. I am involved in the travel industry. My youtube video states my position. If you click on my channel, you can watch it.

[danielle1961]

I new you were a travel agents be mad at travelocity and orbitz. You only picking with YTB because they are going to sell a billion dollars in travel in 2008 so that is a company not doing well. I think lehman and Merrill and bear sterns were doing worse.

[MarkEwing33]

Are you high? Get a clue.

[ohnoitsryan]

Shut up already danielle. Mark knows his stuff.

[ken5005]

I must agree with Danielle. It seems Mark that you have a bone to pick with YTB. What have they done to you? By the way, YTB's California case is still pending.

[MarkEwing33]

You need to watch my other YTB videos. Then you will know my position with YTB. And yes, the State of California is still suing YTB for $25,000,000.00 for being an illegal pyramid.

[ROGERWHEELER]

California is broke and they need the money

[MarkEwing33]

There are instructions for filing a complaint against YTB in the video information section (just right of the video). There is a link to the website.

[keepingyoureyesopen]

If you refuse to refund my money I will have no other choice but to contact my local AGs office and file a complaint.

Thank you for your consideration

(Make sure you tell all of your friends to do the same)

[keepingyoureyesopen]

I just recently joined your business and wasn't informed that you:

1. Do not have an functional IATAN number

2. Do not have a functional CLIA number

3. Do not have Royal Caribbean as a vendor

4. Is being investigated by the California AG

Based on my findings I am requesting a full refund of my money back, within the next 72 hours.

[keepingyoureyesopen]

Neither of you need to worry about your investment. Because of what California is doing you now have a legitimate reason to receive your money back. All you have to do is go into your back office of YTB and send them a support ticket with these words.

[sascsadi]

OMG!!! I didn't do my homework. :(

I just bought into this just 5 weeks ago. I took every last cent I had..... single working mom..... sheesh. What a lesson!

[chrisrodney79]

I hear ya sister ... I hear ya. I'm right with you.