Action 9: College student tricked by online moneymaking scheme

Joshua Porch is a struggling college student living at home with his mother, who can’t work.

After seeing an infomercial by financial guru Anthony Morrison, they bought his $20 book on how to start an internet advertising business at home.

“They said they would turn us into a success story,” Porch said.

However, Porch said Morrison’s representatives at Professional Marketing International told him he needed their coaching program for $7,400 to guide him.

Porch’s mother reluctantly paid with her credit card and he launched the business, JKPorch.com.

Using PMI’s materials, Porch said he worked 40 hours a week for a full year placing ads for things like online fax services, but he never made any sales.

He said during this time, he would call PMI for assistance and they would not always return his calls.

Finally, Porch gave up and told himself he had been scammed.

PMI refused to refund Porch’s money, telling him he had not yet completed the program. That’s when Porch called Action 9.

Action 9 sent PMI a letter and called twice, but no one has replied.

The Better Business Bureau gave the company an F rating and has issued a warning against the company.

“What we tell people is to do an awful lot of research before they get involved in anything like this,” said Maryanne Dailey, a senior vice president at the BBB.

Porch said he has learned an expensive lesson that he does not want anyone to repeat.

“I would tell them, ‘Don’t fall for it,’” he said.