While there are so many real and legitimate opportunities out there, there are also a lot of scams. Sooner or later, you will encounter what may seem to be a very enticing investment opportunity, but you need to be prepared to discern what is real and what is not.
Be ready to ask the right questions, as part of due diligence.
Failure to do so can mean saying goodbye to your hard earned money… forever!
BEFORE you part with your hard earned money, be ready to ask the following 7 questions you need to ask to avoid real estate investment scams.
1. Who is offering the investment?
Do you really know the person or corporation offering the investment? If the one offering the investment is an individual, do you know him/her personally or do you know someone who can vouch for his/her integrity?
Ask for his/her NBI clearance. If the offeror is a corporation, get its Articles of Incorporation (AOI) and latest General Information Sheet (GIS) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to check if the company is operating and to check who are behind the corporation. Check the track record of the persons involved, and trust your instincts.
Let me tell you a story.
Once upon a time, a bunch of people that included some friends of mine formed a team of real estate investors. One of those who joined the group, who looked like your average, harmless person, had apparently started inviting other members of the team to invest in her agency, and she promised the investment will give a 5% return of investment per week.
Thanks to some of the team members that confided to the rest, they all found out what this person was up to. Part of her modus operandi was to present the AOI of her company to would-be investors to make it appear as legit. Being very trusting people, some of them actually invested in her agency.
After comparing notes, they learned that at first, she was able to pay the return she stated. However, after some time, the payments stopped.
It appears she was just using the money from new investors to pay the old investors, and there was really no investment that would earn the promised interest, much like a ponzi scheme. When they learned about her scheme, they had her NBI records checked – Lo and behold, she had a BP 22 (Bouncing Checks Law) record that was filed several years back!
What is sadder is that some of the team members had already told their friends and family members about the “investment opportunity” and thus unwittingly helped the con artist perpetuate her scam! This was before they found out about her ponzi scheme.
It just goes to show that there are good people and there are bad people in this world, and there will always be people who will try to entice you to part with your hard-earned money. Scams and scammers come in many different, harmless-looking forms.
In the example above, the mess could have been avoided if an NBI clearance was asked at the very start. In addition, there is wisdom in not being too trusting. I also believe it would help to pray for guidance and discernment.
2. What are the supporting documents?
There should be supporting documents and you need to read them carefully to determine the nature of the transaction – whether it is an investment or a loan or some other contract. Read the document(s) carefully as you need to know what’s in store for you. Remember that an investment may be lost completely – as in you get zero – but a loan needs to be repaid with interest.
3. If it is a loan, what is the collateral?
One example of a collateral is real estate. The collateral is what you will get in case the debtor defaults. That’s where the real estate mortgage contract comes in. More on this later.
a. Is the collateral just post dated checks?
Post dated checks are simply not enough in terms of protection and there is a need to revisit the Bouncing Checks Law[footnote]Atty. Lorna Patajo-Kapunan. Revisiting Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 or the bouncing checks law. BusinessMirror.com. Last retrieved on February 27, 2018 [/footnote] or BP 22[footnote]The LAWPHIL Project. BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 22. LAWPHIL.net. Last retrieved on February 27, 2018 [/footnote]! Sure, a bouncing check will result in penalties, but you will have to enforce your rights through the courts, and as it is, the issuer can easily escape by going abroad. Thus, it will obviously be very hard for you to recover your money, if ever.
b. If the collateral is real estate, will it be mortgaged to you?
You need a deed of mortgage or a mortgage contract to ensure that you are holding on to something, just in case the loan becomes in default. Through the mortgage, the loan will be secured by real estate.
4. How exactly will your money earn the promised interest?
You have a right to know exactly how your hard-earned money will be used to earn more money. Will it be used to buy real estate, and then the real estate will be sold to buyers for a profit? If the proposed investment does not even say where your money will be invested in, how will you know if it will be capable of earning the interest you desire?
In the story above, my wife actually could not believe how a small agency will be able to earn more than enough to give 5% interest per week. That point alone should have alerted the potential investors already. Being the good persons they are, however, they just assuaged themselves by probably saying, “Di naman siguro sya manloloko diba?” (“She can’t possibly be a con artist right?!”).
If the investment really has the capability to bring in the money, with a solid basis among other things, then that should be the only time for you to invest.
5. If the money will be invested in real estate, will the property to be purchased really be a worthy investment?
You need to see the property’s prospectus so you can check the numbers. Do the numbers make any sense? To begin with, is there a specific property tied to your investment? If none, then how the heck are they going to make money? Hint: Refer back to question #4 above.
6. If it is an an investment contract, is it classified as a form of securities?
Section 3.1 of RA 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC)[footnote]SECURITIES REGULATION CODE – CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY. Chanrobles.com. Last retrieved on February 27, 2018[/footnote] defines “securities” as
“shares, participation or interests in a corporation or in a commercial enterprise or profit-making venture and evidenced by a certificate, contract, instrument, whether written or electronic in character. It includes: xxx
(b) Investment contracts, certificates of interest or participation in a profit sharing agreement, certificates of deposit for a future subscription; xxx”
7. If it is indeed an investment contract, is it duly registered as mandated by Section 8.1 of the SRC[footnote]SECURITIES REGULATION CODE – CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY. Chanrobles.com. Last retrieved on February 27, 2018[/footnote]?
Section 8.1 of the SRC states that:
“Securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution within the Philippines, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the Commission. Prior to such sale, information on the securities, in such form and with such substance as the Commission may prescribe, shall be made available to each prospective purchaser.”
Furthermore, section 3.1(G) of the SRC Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)[footnote]AMENDED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE – REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8799. Chanrobles.com. Last retrieved on February 27, 2018[/footnote] defines an investment contract as:
“…a contract, transaction or scheme (collectively “contract”) whereby a person invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits primarily from the efforts of others.
1. An investment contract is presumed to exist whenever a person seeks to use the money or property of others on the promise of profits.
2. A common enterprise is deemed created when two (2) or more investors “pool” their resources, creating a common enterprise, even if the promoter receives nothing more than a broker’s commission.”
If it is not registered and approved by the SEC, then my advice would be for you to just walk away. If I were you, I would rather wait for the Philippine REITs to become available.
Conclusion
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we all need a healthy dose of skepticism, while keeping an open mind.
Learn to discern and don’t let yourself fall for “get rich quick” schemes.
If something does not feel right, or it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. But the only way to be sure is to do your due diligence.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask the right questions!
~~~
To our success and financial freedom!
Jay Castillo
Real Estate Investor
PRC Real Estate Broker Registration No. 3194
Blog: https://www.foreclosurephilippines.com
Follow me in Twitter: http://twitter.com/jay_castillo
Find us in Facebook: Foreclosure Investing Philippines Facebook Page
Text by Jay Castillo and Cherry Castillo. Copyright © 2011 All rights reserved.
Full disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
![Why invest in foreclosed properties in the Philippines? + Top things to consider [Video]](https://www.foreclosurephilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/video-how-to-invest-in-foreclosed-properties-in-the-philippines-v3-728x410.jpg "Why invest in foreclosed properties in the Philippines? + Top things to consider [Video] 6")
Good points and thanks for enlinghtning
You’re welcome Jay. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!
Update: Complainants through their counsel asked for reconsideration and re-assignment of the case after it was dismissed by the prosecutor. The outcome of this request: Denied. See scanned image:
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a599/jnsbtrtrjn/Resolution_2013/resolution-false-complaint_zps9c01cb1a.png
Thank you.
Case dismissed again by the Prosecutor.
Resolution scanned and uploaded…
http://s1285.beta.photobucket.com/user/jnsbtrtrjn/library/Resolution
Thank you.
Mrs. Trajano # 2, do you know when your husband will be back to answer the charges against him? Did Mrs. Trajano#1 gave in to his request. The DC Group of Companies is also looking for him
http://www.dcgocs.ph/news-trajano.html
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
MR. TRACE WENDELL D. TRAJANO
This is to officially inform and notify the general public and all concerned that MR. TRACE WENDELL D. TRAJANO, his organizations, corporations, transactions, deals, programs, projects, events, affiliates, associates, partners, staff, personnel and the like, are and have been no longer connected to any and all corporations, subsidiaries, partners, affiliates, conglomerates, associates, personalities, shareholders, directors, staff and personnel of the entire DC Group of Companies.
The DC Group, having the core value of genuinely helping Filipinos through its businesses, activities and endeavors, agreed to take on Mr. Trajano, as referred to us by one of our former associates, which also happened to be his student, for the main reason of assisting him in a noble mission of creating one million Filipino millionaires, which was at that time, to us, very much evident because of the numerous personal, written and video testimonials by the people he has taught through the years.
However, after a majority vote by the Executive Council of the DC Group of Companies, Mr. Trajano has been officially released from the umbrella of the DC Group of Companies and the agreements with him nullified and terminated on the grounds of non-compliance, non-remittance, neglect of obligations, duties and responsibilities, among other violations on legal, administrative and corporate policies, ethical standards, rules, regulations and matters.
With this, we hope that we have shed a clearer light on the matter to the general public and to all concerned. More so, should you have any information about Mr. Trajano and / or his whereabouts, please get in touch with us.
Thank you!
AQ Ancheta & Partners and their clients filed a syndicated estafa case in 2011 but said case was dismissed for lack of merit. Recently they filed two cases of exactly the same nature in Pasig and in Imus. A case of forum shopping is set to be filed against this law firm. A case of malicious prosecution is set to be filed against their clients.
a case of syndicated estafa has been files against Trajano, Sabater and their cohorts – pls. check with AQ Ancheta and Partners if you are interested to join (case filed in Pasig City Hall of Justice)
http://zobella.com.ph/contact-us.html
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sir Jay, si Trace Trajano din ba ang nasa asensodito. com?
Hi Questor. It’s funny, your the third person who asked about this website during the past week, although the others already knew that Mr. Trace Trajano is indeed behind that website. They just asked me if I knew about it.
By the way, I had to edit your comment as I do not want that website to have a back-link from here.
Anyway, please checkout http://www.letsstopscam.info/false-advertising-practices-of-trace-trajano.html for more info.
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does anybody here know if trace is still plying his “trade” ??? or has
he dropped off the radar? why hasnt anyone sued him or why isnt he in
jail????
It seems he he is still at it, check this out:
http://www.letsstopscam.info/false-advertising-practices-of-trace-trajano.html
does anybody here know if trace is still plying his “trade” ??? or has he dropped off the radar? why hasnt anyone sued him or why isnt he in jail????
I believe your second question should be addressed to those who joined his “Passive Income Program”. The mechanics can be found on this link:
http://api.ning.com/files/Y48NtLdiBxCZHsLkj4dyNFla9LxqlsD2B83V3vx*XCt4reZ56hTqjIc9J7A-S5elP-DzSt0ratePilalJpSFpIAnccJn3JHe/THEPASSIVEINCOMEPROGRAMGeneralMechanics.pdf
Too late for me to read this, Sir Jay. I should have read this when you posted it!
But I thank God that I wasn’t victimized “much” by Mr. Trajano. I am thankful I was too busy to talk to people about investing for his joint venture program, otherwise, I would also have ruined my name just in case.
While writing now, my heart started to ache and tears are starting to swell in my eyes. It is at this point in my life that I came to understand, prove and appreciate the saying na “hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto”, and remembered “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.- 2 Corinthians 11:14.”
Well, I felt sad and angry (normal reaction siguro) that he can and did and do such things! Ang lakas ng loob niya. But I still believe that God sees him and he can never hide from the wrath of God (sobra na ba inabot ng emotion at imagination ko? sorry, all!).
I joined Mr. Trajano’s “last apprentice challenge” and I am one of those who stayed when the others left the meeting place for the orientation because I felt this is the best opportunity to learn and earn at the same time.
During the challenge, when some challengers started asking, questioning, verifying some things about One-Seven Holdings (the company that claims to be Mr. Trajano’s new company), its registration, income sharing, etc, they suddenly stopped the challenge. (The letter posted by Apprentice Challenger here are from Mr. Trajano/his team. They probably figured that their foul play is already out in the open or have been discovered).
So they ended the challenge 4 months before its supposed end and replaced it with a so-called “one last challenge (Sell units from 2 Bldgs in Valenzuela Subd/area) to make us earn “a little” even if the challenge is ending early coupled with a promise to reimburse our money based on how much we’ve paid for the challenge.
Some of the challengers went to see the property, and to be honest, I did not believe what they were saying for a while. I struggled as I saw pics of the property to be so different from the pics that were given to us in paper (all teams had a copy of the property and how the challenge will go). I really had to battle with myself (because I had good faith in him), asked if they went to the right place/address of the property etc, and even my teammates had the same question. and yes, it’s true. It was a property that no one would want to market bec it is old an dirty, not good to live in, had no water supply, etc.
Since then, all challengers decided to just quit the challenge, not continue anymore, and come up with a letter to demand a refund for our payments. we made the letter, guided by a lawyer, but it did not reach Mr. Trajano since he moved residence already. You’d say, where is the promise of the refund? Gone…. with the wind. hehehe. But I’m moving on. Let it be. It’s gone and I could no longer turn back the hands of time, nor change my decision to join that so-called last Apprentice Challenge.
I know a lot of people will say, do your due diligence. This is very true. I learned this principle/teaching thru what happened in the apprentice challenge. I’d say the same (DO DUE DILIGENCE) to anyone, now that I’ve had this bad experience. But if the issue is Mr. Trajano, then, my say is, “have nothing to do with him”. I can say this because I got scammed myself and will say this because I saw people in the AFP Theater cry over their can-not-be-reimbursed money (because it was hard-earned money for them) and I know what it meant to them. That was just a few thousands, I warn all esp those who have hundreds of thousands or millions of money in their hands, do not invest. Just also for due diligence, there are other names you should avoid having deals with (but I don’t have them- sorry- due diligence na lang uli- they are partners of Trace who, if not for taking people’s money, they bypass people they have deals with in the sharing part, or would “steal” the deal for a property. tsk tsk).
If this is the only way to warn people about Mr. Trajano and his ploy, then it is worth it. I believe that because I have a first-hand experience of being scammed myself (even if it was just a few thousand pesos), I also have the responsibility to help people understand why they have to avoid him. And this is my way of telling the world why.
Ay, mahaba na!
Thanks, Sir Jay, and the rest of you for all you do for people who want to make their lives different/better! We’ll get there, with God’s help, and true mentors around!
Good day Mr/Ms disappointed kay Mr. Trajano. I feel angry, sad, and sorry after reading your long comment. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your experiences.
I will “sleep on it” before I write a reply, It would not be a good idea to write a reply when I am fuming mad (not at you)…
AND YES., we are spectacular in Money Summit Cebu because of Heinz and Ambie Bulos of Learning Curve., grabe!
ALSO Central Visayas warm welcome to all speakers coming from Manila is heartfelt; even the water of Cebu served to me is delicious!! SARAP!
I think you will be up for Cebu next year!
Wow! Congrats Eireen!
AY– OO nga ano!!! Thats a biggy!!! You are not in good faith to begin with and yes how can you expect a smooth transaction involving MILLIONS if you open a transaction with a lie?????! And he has a track record of not completing transactions, history of not paying back, or sweet talk his way out from coaching programs gone wrong and became ugly at the end di ba?
LIKE http://www.ripoffreport.com/seminar-programs/trace-wendell-trajan/trace-wendell-trajano-trace-tr-559b0.htm
LIKE http://business.inquirer.net/16803/%E2%80%98think-rich-quick%E2%80%99-author-quits-amid-controversy
LIKE http://www.maribojocbohol.com/trace-trajano-scandal-bo-sanchez-washes-hands/
Too shady!
I do not mean to put him down but from the mouth of alot of people complaining based on the link above, its my prayer no more Filipino will lose money from his offerings.
I agree! As the saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
If you say foreclosed property for sale, a buyer would have that impression that its mura right?
Would it be a big thing if you are trying to buy a foreclosed property and then Trace/Seller would just say.. “ay hindi pala foreclosed” hihihi… ok lang ba iyon?
Any implication, if you are selling a foreclosed real estate tapos hindi pala foreclosed?
Hi Eireen, long time no see! The biggest implication would be – HE IS LYING… and if someone lies to you at the start, you can expect more of the same in the future. Just my two cents.
And yes, he is taking advantage of that premise that foreclosed properties are cheaper, and he is actually contradicting himself (again!). he mentioned in the past that buying foreclosed properties is risky, and yet he is using it in his marketing ploy.
Congrats nga pala sa iyong super successful Money Summit Cebu stint!
Hi Jay. I’m not sure if all of the properties are foreclosed properties. They were submitted to him by the other associates/club members. I think, as what you’ve said, they are FSBOs, most especially from distressed sellers.
By the way, thank you for the info regarding the RESA Law. Thank you for everything. I should have seen your site first.
Hi Rae, thanks for sharing more info. These are definitely not foreclosed properties. This confirms that this is one of those marketing ploys that are based on lies and deceit. He really thinks there is nothing wrong with using lies in one’s business.
WOW., very well said Manong Jay! Akala ko baka naman this time wala naman illegal sa ginagawa ni Trace sa ngayoon, UNETHICAL PRACTICES LANG, like from FREE WEBMINAR to upsale ng upsale, he needs to earn from his listeners kasi kaya he needs to offer more and more like an ordinary sales man. Good thing you made more due diligence for us, digging deeper to his real estate offerings, its normal for Trace pala talaga to make false claims.
Alam mo nagtataka lang ako, how come he is into foreclose properties in the Philippines whereas in the US napakamura ng mga foreclose property doon , sobrang mura magugulat ka!
Foreclose property in the Philippines, mataas pa rin eh, although i have to say baka mas-stable seguro ang real estate market dito sa Pinas than in USA, pero OA talaga ang kamurahan and its easier for Pinoys to buy in the US lately if your broker know what to do.
Di ba, Trace is originally from Ohio? And alot of his own press releases claims he is a big time property real estate success story in the US. Kung tutuosin he has immediate access to US foreclose properties, if he can, if he could, mas-mura bakit hindi iyon ang focus niya?
Don’t tell me hindi niya alam? Or alam niya kaunti lang ang possible buyers sa Pinas ng mga overseas foreclose properties? Pero magaling na teacher sya, he can easily sway listeners in seeing the investment feasibility of the US properties if he likes to, it could be a niche for him. Naku baka ako pa ang nagbibigay ng idea sa kaniya ngayoon how to ask/scam investment from people here in the Philippines, or for OFW.
Pero why he is in dog fight here in the Philippines and copying with exaggeration the ideas of Mr. Larry Gambao Think Rich Pinoy and Jay Castillo for foreclosure properties whereas if he has a good record in the US he can easily market US foreclose properties.
Yes I am speculating.
Pero in the event dumating siya sa ganoon, Trace will offer foreclose US properties, don’t invest with him by giving him money, you have to have a relative in the US that can verify the validity of what you will buy in there. I do not want to expand on it., im not selling US properties, WARNING LANG if ever.
Eireen
Hi, Jay
Thank you for all the information you presented here regarding Trace Trajano. The reason why I came across your blog is because I am in doubt of the credibility of Trace Trajano, so I googled and found your blog. I am a member of the current Quick Cash Power Dealer Club of Trace Trajano. I found his site thru Facebook. Most of the members of these club are OFWs working abroad. I am also based abroad.
We paid P10,000 for the webinar for the 4 modules he gave. (I must admit, I learned something from him). By attending this webinar, we became automatically a member of this club for 1 month. He is giving us a free webinar for 1 month every Saturday (September) to make deals with him. After which, we have to pay P2,500 every month to be a member, if we want. What made me questioned his sincerity in mentoring is when he offered us a challenge on the Real Estate Planner. This excel spreadsheet is said to be for free as what he said. We pay any amount (minimum P1000, maximum P10,000 depending on how committed we see ourselves) as a bet to challenge ourselves to do RE investing (looking for properties and buyers everyday) for 40 days. He said, if we do it consistently, he will return our money back. We have to send him a proof (eg. pictures placing bandit signs, email addresses of friends and people we communicate with and etc.) thru the spreadsheet and email it back to him. What bothers me is why would he ask the email addresses of these people we communicate with. That’s one.
Another thing is, he is advertising his BahayRemata.com website to us. To have a page in that website, we have to pay P1000/month. The question is, on the sharing: He is asking 25% on the share of the profit if a deal is made, 25% to the buying associate and 50% to the listing associate. I do not understand why he is asking an outrageous share when he is already asking P1,000 every month from us. His ploy is highway robbery.
Once again, I thank you so much for all your comments here. It’s a good thing I found you guys earlier before I waste more money on him. I thought he was for real. I have learned my lessons well. Thank you.
Hi Rae, thanks for your comment and for sharing this… let me compose myself first before I write my reply…
Hi Rae,
Honestly, when I first read your comment, I felt disturbed to say the least, which is why I decided not to reply immediately so I can recover and remain objective in my reply.
Anyway, If Trace is really doing all of the things you described here, then I would have to agree with you, his ploy is highway robbery.
My suggestion for all of those who are now members of his “Quick Cash Power Dealer Club” is to get everything under a signed and written contract just to make sure all of them are protected and are holding on to something. I sincerely wish this would turn out differently from the stories of the others who shared their own dealings with Trace.
Real estate investing is a solid way to earn money and I’m sure you really learned something from him during his webinar, but doing business with someone can turn out so differently, which is why I highly suggest having written agreements from the very start.
I wish you good luck and I am also very thankful to you for sharing your experience with Trace Trajano. I’m sure it will help others make a well informed decision with regards to him…
By the way, is he really selling foreclosed properties in that site? (I don’t want to mention it because I don’t want to give it any backlinks).
I stumbled upon an advertisement on facebook and the marketing ploy it used was “Make millions by buying cheap, foreclosed properties in the Philippines. Click here because we only have 2 properties left!”. Please see printscreen below.
Is there any truth in the advertisement above? Are they really selling foreclosed properties or is it just another marketing ploy to get email addresses of buyers?
Another thing, with regards to getting e-mail addresses of those you are transacting with as you mentioned, they must also get permission to receive emails from them (they must optin), otherwise it would become plain and simple spamming.
I checked their site and it appears the properties there are FSBO’s or For Sale By Owners, not foreclosed properties.
https://www.foreclosurephilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/trace.bahayremata.facebookad.jpg
Furthermore, they neither say who they are on their site, nor include any PRC license numbers of any real estate broker/sales person which is now mandatory for sites selling properties online because of the RESA Law. Even http://www.sulit.com.ph is observing the law and complying to it (checkout http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/faq+view/category/39/Sulit+Real+Estate+Terms+and+Conditions), just like https://www.foreclosurephilippines.com where I ALWAYS include my real estate broker license number at the bottom of each post.
Oh i see….!
Thank you for sharing his blog annoucement before. So normal talaga iyong I QUIT, I WILL RETIRE, I WILL GO TO HELL with a BIG BUT !???? iweee!
Hi Eireen. While reading your comment, I let go a big sigh…
Tutuo ba ito? Are you kidding me? Sino in a right mind after everything will end up doing this?
If this came from Trace, tell him STOP! If he is personally retiring, if he is quitting, if you said no more, then NO MORE!!!!
Trace you are making a fool of yourself. If you will exist, exist with grace my friend, ano ba iyan???!!!!! You are sounding like a 16 year old girl.
Give kaunting dignity to yourself, to your university, to the people who once believed in you. Hindi ka naman nagpapatawa hindi ba?
I am sure you will read me… This is Eireen once we were friends, i am telling you, SIR YOU ARE MISLEAD, WAKE UP! You are corrupted! STOP!
Honor yourself; humility is a virtue you need right now. Everything collapsed around you because of your pride; you think you are a celebrity? SIR YOU ARE NOT! Anybody can make themselves a celebrity in Facebook or in the internet. If we come out once in a while in TV, in radio in print, it does not make us more valuable from anybody else.
You have incubated this idea you are exceptionally gifted? That is where it all went wrong. You have made an illusion you were big, that you are meaty, you are rich, you can make people rich, where in fact you where just selling your name, and don’t take pride na tuso ka, don’t take pride you are outsmarting other people with your lies and drama! Goshhh! Hinayang na hinayang ako sa iyo, you can be a real price for this country, pang bato sana. So many good people believe in you. You let your own ego blinded you from what is right.
This business of mentorship, coaching, trainer is FULL of B__L S__T! If you will teach, then teach! Thats all what it is!
Mga kaibigan wag kayong papadala sa nga picture namin, those who claim as GURU, photoshop lang iyan. Dont fall in sa mga name dropping, sa mga pictures as if may kasamang important person., endorsed by baloney! What is important is check the meat of the workshop or seminar if it matched what you need, if it does then go for it.
Friends wala talagang formula for quick millions, ang mayroon ang tawag ACT OF GOD. Its normal to earn millions, its normal to be successful, its greed what make you struggle with success.
Sorry ang haba na naman, nayayamot kasi ako sa nabasa ko.
Yes Eireen, this is true. I have saved a copy of the e-mail that has a link to the survey questions that Meeh posted above through her comment.
I agree with everything you said and I also wish Trace would stop using his “I QUIT BUT…” marketing ploy.
A message to all members of Buy Your First Real Estate Deal
BuyFirstDeal.com is closing down this Friday, September 9 – 9 PM Philippine time. After that, you will not be able to access it anymore.
I am personally ‘retiring’ as a real estate guru – and that means no more seminars for me, and no more BuyFirstDeal.com
But, I like to know what you think.
I am thinking I might still be able to operate BuyFirstDeal.com but only if it will help me find good real estate deals.
I want us to do real estate deals together.
Let me know what you think here – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VXRDMP8*
1. Did you find value in BuyFirstDeal.com?
Did you find value in BuyFirstDeal.com? Yes
No
2. If you answered “Yes” to question #1, what value did you get out of it? (You can choose more than 1 benefit below)
If you answered “Yes” to question #1, what value did you get out of it? (You can choose more than 1 benefit below) I networked with other real estate investors.
I sold my property to one of the members.
I found a good property from one of the members.
I learned a lot from the videos, chat, forum posts, and documents posted there by Trace Trajano.
3. If you have bought or sold a property through BuyFirstDeal.com, how much money did you make?
If you have bought or sold a property through BuyFirstDeal.com, how much money did you make? P50K to P100K
P101K to P250K
P251K to P500K
P500K to P1M
more than P1M
4. How valuable and useful are the knowledge you have learned as a result of BuyFirstDeal.com?
How valuable and useful are the knowledge you have learned as a result of BuyFirstDeal.com? Not so useful
Useful enough I know how to start
Very useful I was able to make an offer on a property for sale
Extremely useful I actually made money with real estate investing because of it
5. The only way for BuyFirstDeal.com to continue to operate is to get a nominal fee from its members to help pay for its expenses. How much are you willing to pay for BuyFirstDeal.com?
The only way for BuyFirstDeal.com to continue to operate is to get a nominal fee from its members to help pay for its expenses. How much are you willing to pay for BuyFirstDeal.com? $1 or P50 per month
$2 or P100 per month
$5 or P200 per month
$12 or P500 per month
6. If you can get Trace to send you 1 tutorial video (about real estate investing) once a day, 4 days a week, how likely are you willing to pay P1,000 a month for it?
If you can get Trace to send you 1 tutorial video (about real estate investing) once a day, 4 days a week, how likely are you willing to pay P1,000 a month for it? Unlikely
Likely
Very Likely
If you answered unlikely, how much are you willing to pay for this then?
7. If you can get a website that will help you build your buyers’ database of OFW buyers or buyers based abroad, how likely are you going to pay P2,000 a month for it?
If you can get a website that will help you build your buyers’ database of OFW buyers or buyers based abroad, how likely are you going to pay P2,000 a month for it? Unlikely
Likely
Very Likely
If you answered unlikely, how much are you willing to pay then?
8. BuyFirstDeal.com has more than 6,500 members worldwide. How likely are you to advertise your property for sale and pay a P500 fee so we can expose it to all the members?
BuyFirstDeal.com has more than 6,500 members worldwide. How likely are you to advertise your property for sale and pay a P500 fee so we can expose it to all the members? Unlikely
Likely
Very Likely
If you answered “Unlikely”, how much are you willing to pay then?
9. If BuyFirstDeal.com has been useful to you and have made you money or it has improved your life in anyway, please write a short testimonial for it. If we get enough good testimonial for it, we might change our mind and continue operating it.
10. What is your name and phone number so we can contact you?
Ay sus, closing down daw eh press release lang pala. Deceptive talaga!
I know what you mean and I understand why you are annoyed.
Hi Meeh,
Thanks for sharing this message that was sent to all buyfirstdeal members, I also got a copy of this email but I never paid any attention to it.
I remember Trace did this before on his blog where he made a threat that he will shut-down his blog if he did not get any interaction from readers.
This time around however, he has a different motive. It seems he really likes to say that he will quit as a ploy to catch people’s attention.
https://www.foreclosurephilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/trace-trajano-threatens-to-shutdown-his-blog.jpg
Here’s the latest update on Trace Trajano:
http://business.inquirer.net/16803/%E2%80%98think-rich-quick%E2%80%99-author-quits-amid-controversy
Don’t forget to read the comments section of the article above.
Even in the virtual world, there is still someone who deceives others for their own gain…
Sad but true Mark. We all need to have discernment so we wont be deceived.
Pingback: Are you violating the RESA Law?
One thing is that “the too good to be true” investment return is always the scam. So, we should have knowledge to know it.
Sir Jay,
Isa ako sa mga apprentice challenger ngayon at gusto ko lang ho kunin ang opinion nyo dito. 1st challenge is to “lease and sublease”. Nasa mechanics ng challenge na kailangan 50-50 ang hatian nung group na makakapag sublease at ng company ni Trace. Nagbayad na ko ng 20k tapos kailangan may 50% pa sila sa kikitain? E kami yung naghahanap ng property na ipapalease at kami din yung maghahanap ng mag rerent tapos kailangan may 50% pa sila sa profit ng group? Nagbigay kami ng letter sakanya na pirmado ng representative ng bawat grupo para sagutin nya yung mga tanong namin at eto yung naging sagot nya regarding dun sa tanong kung bakit kailangan pa silang makihati sa kikitain ng group:
“You don’t agree on a 50-50 split because you have paid PhP20,000.00 for this challenge. Well, you know what, I don’t need your PhP20, 000.00 or what you’ve paid so far for this challenge. I did not even make money from your PhP20, 000.00-entry/joining fees. We have spent more money than all the accumulated payments combined in developing this challenge and, we are even paying a lot more money every week for our board meetings so that we may deliver more to you.
If I may say, I believe my time, efforts and knowledge are worth more than just PhP20, 000.00, to train you and give you the opportunity to earn 5 to 7 million pesos in just 12weeks. If you don’t agree, then look for someone else or a book or such that would help you and give you the same learnings and opportunity as we have given.
Furthermore, for this challenge to be worth my time and that of the board’s, I believe we deserve, and it is just but right to make at least 50% of the profits generated. This is just but fair, in the same way that a broker deserves to make 50% of what their agents make even though their agents did most of the work.”
What do you think of this sir Jay? Tama ba sya na humati pa kahit na nagbayad na kami ng 20k as entrance fee sa challenge na ito?
Hi Apprentice Challenger,
As requested, I will share my opinion on the 50-50 split of profits. As long as this was explained to you at the very beginning, and you agreed, then I see no problem. As part of the team that participated and won the 1st apprentice challenge, I can say that this was the same mechanics in place back then. The only difference is we did not pay any “entrance fee” to join the challenge.
By the way, please be aware that leasing is covered by the RESA Law. Leasing can be considered as an example of “an act or transaction embraced within the provisions of Section 3(g), Rule II hereof, as performed by real estate service practitioners, shall constitute an act of engaging in the practice of real estate service.”.
Since leasing is an act engaging in the the practice of real estate service, I believe only a duly registered and licensed real estate professional (a real estate broker in this case) can “act as an agent of a party to offer, advertise, solicit, list, promote, mediate, negotiate or effect the meeting of the minds” for the lease of a property as per the RESA law. I hope you have a licensed real estate broker in your team.
Good luck!
Sadly, I have too been scammed by not following rule #1. That was a very expensive mistake I will never forget. Thanks for the remaining great tips.
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for dropping by. You’re welcome and I guess all of us have made similar mistakes in the past, and we just need to learn from the experience and move on. Cheers!
hmmm..house of cards???
Hi Vince, thanks for the comment. Maybe, maybe not. I guess only time will tell.
I FEEL THIS LINK SHOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE HERE
In the spirit of fairness and transparency
I’m sorry, I am not perfect..
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/I-m-sorry–I-am-not-perfect–.html?soid=1102409757158&aid=OIKHrb5ZbTU
Hi Eireen,
Thanks for the link. Nobody’s perfect really, and no one expects him to be perfect.
Also in the spirit of transparency and fairness, let me share this note from Brother Bo Sanchez which captures in essence exactly what I wanted to say, although in my case I included an objective due diligence list that can help guide people to do their own due diligence. https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150273150335701
I too was at the last TRQ…I was really skeptical but at the same time curious on what was to be discussed.
First day pa lang napansin ko na na walang value and mga ibinibigay na info…actually nasa libro nya lahat yung dini-discuss. Even his emails always quote the same examples…binibigyan lang ng konting spin.
I was more as a marketing serminar with his affiliates like Calub, etc. duon naubos ang oras.
Sinabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko na baga sa pagkain ay nanawa ako. Puro upsell…magbibigay ng konting info then straight sa upsell. Lahat ng kilos ay may bayad.
I still believe that real estate investing is a good vehicle for wealth creation. Hindi lang siguro through Trace’s model.
Even Bo Sanchez has distanced himself from Trace.
The best thing I got from TRQ3 was to meet really nice and good people.
Hi Carl,
I’m glad you still believe that real estate investing is still a good vehicle for wealth creation. I totally agree with you!
Thanks for dropping by!
A GOOD INVESTMENT SCHEME CAN TURN INTO A SCAM:
With all good intentions presented to possible angel investors, sincerely packaged with the hope it can deliver its projections and ROI, yet be aware according to a UP ISSI study and stats/findings in 2008-09, around 85% of start-up businesses fail 95% of the time, in the course of initiating the feasibility, the expected projections will not materialize within the time frame expected.
There are a lot of underlying factors why, but normally if you have an investors and your business scheme is failing, what you will do as remedy is seek or ask more investments to pay off promised returns to previous investors. You can actually systematize the cycle and call it a scheme, yet if your business scheme relies more on asking investments, and not on profit, then IN TIME YOU CAN CONSIDER IT AS A SCAM.
In a lot of ways there are so many systematized investment schemes syndicated by legitimate firms/corporations that is patterned from accepting or getting money from one individual to pay off another individuals., EXAMPLE SSS, preneed insurances etc…
Bottom line, thank you Jay for an excellent write-up., i appreciate it! Especially with number 6 and 7 guideline that is very important, not all are aware of the specifics and logic of these laws that is already there and meant to guide people how to invest and where to invest.
May I emphasis Jay’s #6 point?
. Section 3.1 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) or RA 8799 defines “securities” as
“shares, participation or interests in a corporation or in a commercial enterprise or profit-making venture and evidenced by a certificate, contract, instrument, whether written or electronic in character. It includes: xxx
Investment contracts, certificates of interest or participation in a profit sharing agreement, certificates of deposit for a future subscription; xxx”.
And Jay’s #7 point?
“If it is indeed an investment contract, is it duly registered as mandated by Section 8.1 of the SRC.”
“If it is not registered and approved by the SEC, then my advice would be for you to just walk away”.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, at the very least it’s
not meant as a guarantee, but more as a protection.
REAL ESTATE is not volatile, and most of the time it is not true you can easily flip it, just because you found a diminished value property, it does not follow you can quickly turn it around to millions, in days! You may want that result, you can hope for it– — Yes it could happen, in an ideal scenario, but don’t count on it as the answer to your prayers, its gambling with luck.
I believe in REAL ESTATE investment as our PERSONAL SAVING strategy… time is a factor in any investment.
NOT ALL BRILLIANT BUSINESS ideas are really brilliant; most of the time it can backfire to you/ to anyone and even to the one conceptualizing it. Everybody, please be careful, even w/ your own thoughts.
Professor Ed Isidro of AIM and Philvencap always reminds us not to get too overwhelmed and excited with our own business ideas. You have to contain the excitement and not immediately advertise it.
For me always test your ideas, you need to study and secure validation.
I believe the write up of Jay Castillo is not indented to discredit anyone but should serve as a guideline for all of us.
Thank you very much Jay., these things are very important for us especially at this point.
Hi Eireen,
Thank you so much for sharing this very long but very enlightening comment. Thank you also for pointing out that it was not indented to discredit anyone but should serve as a guideline for all of us.
Cheers!
Hi Jay,
If the company of Trace is SEC registered how come they are not issuing official receipt? They are saying that if they issue an OR then icha-charge nila ang challenger ng 12%. So even in this area may violation na silang ginawa sa BIR by not issuing an OR, right?
And some of the challengers tried to check their company “one7” holdings on SEC via the internet, hindi daw nag-aapear!
Is this Apprentice thing a SCAM?!
Hi Challenger, I believe the best person who can answer this would be Trace or anyone in his corporation. I hope he would find time to do so, his last official statement did not address any of these.
Hi,
Thank God i followed my instinct of not joining the TRQ ever. I have a friend who have been a victim of The Apprentice. One of the challenger borrowed money form her promising high interest. But suddenly she was nowhere to be found and realized that she was not the only one who was a victim. She left to the group to run after the Lady but i guess the Apprentice Group was hesitant to do so to protect the group. I am glad that the SCAM of TRQ will soon end and members eventually realized that it is a SCAM… too bad it seems that Jay is being identified with TRQ…but good thing he cleared it out early!!! There is a Department at NBI Anti Fraud Division where you can bring your claims and run after these people and prevent more people to be a victim….
Hi Sheila,
Good for you. With regard to the challenger who borrowed money, in my opinion, concrete steps should be taken by the concerned individuals to ensure she won’t be able to do the same thing to other people again.
Yup, I wrote my postscript above to make it perfectly clear that I am no longer connected with Trace. I am simply concerned that some people might decide to invest with him based on the perception that I am somewhat connected with him as a student and as part of his local coaching program as one of the coaches, which are things of the past.
Cheers!
Hi Jay,
I should have known earlier that this is one money-making activity by people who pretends to be advocates of improving Filipino lives by creating one million millionaires. I’m one of those who were trapped by this “too good to be true” millionaire guru, convincing people of his selfless motives “kuno.” TRQ3.0 was just an expanded version of the Quick Cash Seminar, thanks to Jomar Hilario and John Calub, my P5k made sense a bit. You’re asking how was the lunch? Mcdo and Red Ribbon satisfied the hunger of many from their own pocket!
Such a painful journey towards financial freedom – a betrayal of trust especially for people who blindfoldedly embraced him as a “MENTOR”!
Thanks to those who made us realize this early that we are gearing towards a dangerous path. God is working in His own ways. Nevertheless, it is not yet too late.
God bless us all!
Hi Ex-apprentice Challengers 3.0, thanks a lot for sharing your experience. God bless you!
Hello Kuya Jay,
It was Ronald Cagape who got my attention that I was mentioned here. Hard hitting nga. Thanks Ronald for buzzing.
I am here “mouse”. Truth be told, I also promoted TRQ1 and TRQ2 but not TR3. I have my own reasons, one is that I just following my wife’s instinct. Period. Peace, Kuya Jay.
I agree, TRQ1 and 2 is really different specially TRQ1 where in fact me and my team didn’t pay any amount for the first TRQ apprentice challenge.
Negative thoughts and words are very contagious, sabi nga ni Brother Bo, “Please do your own due diligence”
Thanks,
Red
Hi Red,
Nice to see you here! My wife said “buti ka pa, nakikinig sa asawa!”. (good for you, you listen to your wife!) 🙂
Yup, things may seem negative, but people need to be aware of things before they part with their hard earned money. Sweeping things under a rug can lead to really negative things down the road in my opinion.
What’s important is for people do their due diligence, and that is the purpose of my due diligence list above. I don’t see any reason for people to think this is negative, investors do their due diligence all the time right?
Hi Jay,
I am a participant of TRQ Cebu’s Apprentice Challenge. But unlike Mouse’s (and many others’) experience, I wasn’t charged with 20,000 because the internet was down at the time when we’re about to be charged. Our last webinar was May 8. Nothing followed since then, and we didn’t hear from our mentor after that. We tried to contact him, but to no avail.
We’re still on Challenge# 2, i.e., acquiring properties – and so what will happen to us? We’re taught to post/advertise this: “We buy houses cash!” – but how, now that there’s no one to back up our deals?
Hi Pacific Star, I honestly don’t know what will happen to you and the rest of the TRQ Cebu apprentice challengers. You should ask the concerned people directly. I sincerely wish you good luck.
Hi again Jay,
You were asking about Trace program that costs p5k/month. That’s the exact amount you pay when you deposit to his bank account. But it varies according to the dollar conversion rate to the peso if you pay using your credit card, which I did.
It’s called Perpetual Apprentice Challenge. Benefits include 2 monthly coaching calls, webinars, audiobooks. The biggest come-on was that he offered to lend money to his students if there was a good deal. There was supposed to be a recording of the webinars but they never came.
I enrolled last January but cancelled the month after. The problem was, I was still being billed for 3 consecutive months. It seems continuous billing pala ang nangyayari. When I checked my paypal account, my transaction history states that my subscription was cancelled inFebruary. So what I did was just remove my credit card from my Paypal account.
There was even a time when I didn’t get any material for 1 whole month so I presumed that was subscription was indeed cancelled.
Thanks,
Daryl
Thanks Ms. Daryl for sharing. If you are not getting what was promised, you know what to do. 😉
Oh,well.It’s been a while since Aug 18,2007 when my interest with all things real estate was piqued and actually attended Larry’s TRP seminar,of which I believe you were a fellow attendee,Jay.The fire is still burning in me and the passion is there and once in a while we do come across some setbacks.But the true believers in us will continue.Once again a very timely,enlightening,objective and unselfish post,Jay.Keep it up!
Hi Julz, batchmate! I’m glad the passion is still burning inside of you. Setbacks are okay, it helps us become wiser real estate investors… hehe. Glad to see you here again, cheers!
HI JAY!
JAY……..JUNE 4 2011 ..GENERAL ASSEMBLY SA AFP PA….. 17 MEMBERS OF APPRENTICE CHALLENGERS NI MR TRACE TRAJANO NG “WIDRAW” ” TUMAYO” AT “UMAYAW” MISMO SA ROOM ……AYAW IBALIK SA AMIN ANG PERA NA BINAYAD NMN..ANG IBA NASA 20 THOU ANG IBA NASA 10 THOU ANG BAYAD………HND PA NGA NAMIN NAGAMIT ANG SERVICE NYA NA MAGANDA SA ILALIM NG BASEMENT NG AFP…….. THEATRO PA…… AKALA KO SASAYAW KAMI…… DAHIL PINALIGIRAN NG SALAMIN……ANG PROJECTOR NASA SAHIG PA…..ANG DAMING BANTA SA EMAIL NAMIN …GANYAN BA ANG SERVICE……….AYAW DIN MAG ISSUE NG OFFICIAL RECEPT…….AYAW DIN MAGPAKITA……..PINAHINTAY KAMI MULA HAPON HANGGANG DUMILIM KAYA UMUWI NLG KAMI……NONG HAPON MALAKI ANG TIME MO AYAW MO….DATI ANG DALI MO LNG MAKAUSAP …..NGAUN NGTATAGO NA…………..HAPON NANDON SYA SASAKYAN MY TIME SYA MAKIPAG USAP AYAW NYA? BAKIT? IBIG SABIHIN DISTRUCTION KAMI?NASA LOOB LANG NMN KMI NG ROOM NA ANG CR AY ISA ……PANG LALAKI AT PANG BABAE….ANO BA YAN……PWD NMN KMI MAKAUSAP DAHIL NASA ISA NMN KMING ROOM AT HND NGGUGULO…… KNG “CONCERN” SYA AT SINCERE “LALABAS SYA” AT KNG CONCERN TALAGA SYA NA PASALIHIN KMI HAHARAP SYA….UMIWAS MY TIME NMN MAKAUSAP KMI……………. ANDON LNG NMN SYA SA SASAKYAN AYAW BUMABA AT NG HINTAY NG TURN NYA SA BASEMENT PARA MGSALITA….PINAHINTAY KAMI ………….. IBA PALA ANG GAGAWIN SA PINAG USAPAN UNG KUMAUSAP UNG DC ATA UN….ANG GUSTO BA NMN ISA ISAHIN KAMI KAUSAPIN…..AYOS AH PARA MACONVINCE NA SUMALI…AYAW NG GROUP KAMI….ANO DAW ANG REASON NA BAKIT DAW KAMI UMAYAW……..ILANG BESES BA DAPAT ULITIN ANG DAHILAN…..SALAMAT JAY SA POST MO AT MASKI JUNE 2 MO LNG NA POST NABASA PA NMN……TANONG KAMI SAAN ANG OFFICE HULA KO SA MCDO YATA KAYA PAG NG MEET SA LABAS…..ANG DAMING LUGAR MAG SEMINAR SA BASEMENT PA…….MAGKANO KAYA ANG RENTAL DON…..ANG ISA NMIN KSAMA NG MAY READY NA LETTER SA KANYA PERMADO NMING 17…NKASAAD DON KNG BAKIT…TAPOS MG TANONG PA ULIT…………… UNG IBA NMIN KASAMA NASA PROBINSYA PA….MG ABISO SA AMIN SA EMAIL MADALING ARAW NA…..PAG NG TX KA WALANG SASAGOT PAG TUMAWAG KA WALANG SASAGOT ………PABAGO BAGO ANG EMAIL ADD AT UNG CP NUMBER…BINAGO DAW DAHIL PERSONAL NYA….DAPAT NGA DAPAT I ADDRESS SA KANYA DAHIL HINDI SINASAGOT NG MGA EMPLEYADO NYA…
KIKITA DAW TALAGA…..
MAY NAIWAN PA SA ROOM 62 KAMI LAHAT WALA KASI ALAM ANG IBA….JAY KNG CONCERN KA TALGA TULUNGAN MO KAMI.. UNG NAIWAN..AT UNG MGA HND DIN SANG AYON SA MGA GINAGAWA NYA MAY ALAM KMI NA HND LNG IKAW AT SI LYNN MONSANTO….MAY MAS MATAAS PA……..
KAYO BA NANALO DATI? NASAN NA SI RED DENAL? AT UNG SUMUNOD NA NANALO….. VILMA?
JAY NG HINTAY KAMI SA SUNOD NA ACTION …..UNG IBA NA NAIWAN DON KULANG LNG SA INFO KAYA NAIWAN……DAPAT MAPOST SA KANILA TO…..ANG PUNTO DITO HND UNG MABALIK UNG PERA MAS MAHALAGA SIGURO NA MATIGIL NA TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MARAMING SALAMAT JAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Mouse,
Fist of all, I would like to point out that my post is intended as an objective checklist on how to do due diligence, prior to investing one’s hard earned money, and also as a reminder to those who might want to raise capital for their real estate deals.
With regards to my post script, it was intended as just that, I just wanted to give an update to clarify my independence, (and my decision to leave the coaching program) and also to correct misconceptions that people may have as people might be led to believe that I am a business partner of Trace because of his emails and videos (I got an email from a reader and he thought I was a business partner of Trace because of a certain video). I would also like to make it clear that we do not consent to the use of me and my family’s picture in a video which was brought to my attention by friends of my wife. I did not expect this because an agreement was made prior to TRQ 3 that Trace needs prior written consent before he can use me in any of his promotional campaigns.
With regards to the apprentice challenge, thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I don’t see any reason why a refund can’t be given to you. In fact all of the problems you have narrated above could have been avoided if they just issued a refund. As far as I know, a no refund policy is not acceptable, based on what I heard from the DTI, but you can check this out with the DTI directly at telephone number 751-3330 or you may visit http://www.dti.gov.ph to verify your rights as a consumer.
By the way, I removed the facebook wall status from Ms Lynn as you need to secure permission from her to repost it here because her facebook wall can only be accessed by her facebook friends. In other words, I believe I cannot make public a private facebook wall post without her permission.
Hi Jay,
My husband attended the seminar last May and we were really disappointed by it. We had a bunch of questions but not one got answered. We felt like we paid php6500 just so that Trace can sell some other scheme. I was surprised that to get the info we wanted, we would have to pay php5000/month and if we want to be part of the apprentice challenge, we would have to pay ~php20k. Aside from that, they were unprofessional, they started both seminars really late. The whole thing was just disappointing and waste of our time and money.
Hi Vanny,
Sad to say, I feel responsible for promoting TRQ 3, even though I did promote it very late. Nevertheless, the regret is always after the fact. My wife also scolded me for promoting it. She was right, I never should have promoted it.
TRQ 1 and 2 were very different, I even spoke during those seminars, but TRQ 3 was really one of a kind. Somehow, things just didn’t feel right anymore, and what you said above probably explains it. As for the apprentice challenge, I wonder if Donald Trump charges people if they want to join “The Apprentice”?!
What did he call that program where you would have to pay Php5,000/month?
Do you remember what he said about foreclosurephilippines.com when I dropped by during the afternoon of the first day? It was really hard to describe how I felt.
By the way, how was lunch?
Hi sir,
Can you refresh me sir on what he said about foreclosurephilippines.com on the first day sir? =)
Hi Laurent,
He said that if only he got paid each time he promoted foreclosurephilippines.com, he would have made millions already, or something to that effect. While I’m very thankful and grateful to people who promote my site, I don’t feel comfortable when someone puts a monetary value on helping, especially when I did not ask for his help in the first place. I’ve heard him say this many times before, although as far as I can remember, that was the first time he said it with a monetary value. Let me put it this way, I try my best to help people whether it be in real estate investing or internet marketing, but I have never ever thought of telling anyone that I have helped “Hey, If only I got paid each time I helped you, I would have made millions…”. I feel doing so would be inappropriate.
Thanks sir Jay. I remember it na. I agree with you sir.
very well said. helping is expecting nothing in return.
Thanks Einjhel!
Jay, it’s called Perpetual Apprentice Challenge. It’s 5k if you deposit in his bank account. It’s more or less php4,400 when paying using credit card.
This is a hard-hitting post, Jay! Para ka ng Tulfo brothers. Hehehe.
It’s also good to be scammed once in a while as long as you keep your losses down and learn from your lessons. It’s good to be reminded to not put your eggs in one basket – especially if you don’t hold the basket!
It’s not a pleasant feeling and it’s never enjoyable but the hope is being scammed makes you a better investor. It fine tunes your B.S. detector.
Just use your own money first. If you are not yet sure about the investment, don’t use OPM. It’s bad enough to lose your own money, it’s terrible to lose somebody elses.
Oh yes, I’ve been scammed before. Fortunately, it’s a small amount and I made the mistakes while I was young. I’m pretty sure I’ll still be hoodwinked in the future but the chances are considerably lower now.
Happy Birthday again Ronald!
Mala Bitag ba ang dating?! Hehe! I like what you said about the B.S. detector. I guess men need to develop this as it seems woman have a keener sense of detecting if someone is full of B.S.
Thanks a lot for sharing good points on getting scammed. I have also had my share (not the one in the story in my post) and I am just like you I guess because I lost a little amount compared to other people, but it really saddens me when I remember those people who cried their hearts out when they found out what happened.
This I suppose is the reason why I wrote this post, I simply don’t want to see people get scammed. I cannot turn a blind eye and I need to do something, which I did through a very objective due diligence list.
Bro, salamat sa post! Madalas greed ang reason talaga bakit naloloko… Hmmm.
I remember investing in a networking company that returned your money and earned more pa nga in 15 years, parang may pension ka na. I told myself many times that it was “too good to be true” but because of my greed I explained my way through by saying “wala namang mawawala dahil may products naman ung monthly payments”. Eventually, the company stopped making the monthly payments to its members. Wala na atang pera… obviously, of course. Talaga naman ang greed! Kung may “love is blind” meron ding “greed is blind and deaf”. Hehe.
God bless bro!
Hi Bryan! You’re welcome and thank you also for sharing your insights. Greed is definitely one motivating factor for some people… sigh. I just hope people will learn before it’s too late and read between the lines.
Thanks for this article Sir Jay. Timing eto sa mga gustong mag-invest ngayon that they should know ALL the facts before parting with their hard-earned money. Just because a close friend or relative is endorsing it doesnt mean its credible. I was once a victim of a investment scam and I learned my lesson, sad to say I see it being peddled all over again but in a different coating/guise.
You’re welcome Andy, I felt it was my duty to come out with this due diligence list so that people can make a well informed decision. I really hope this empowers people to make the right decision. Cheers!
Good day Sir Jay!
I would like to express my deepest appreciation for your wonderful articles especially this one about avoiding investment scam. I’ve learned so much from your articles that helped me as a beginner in the real estate business. Keep up with the good work and for a job well done. May your tribe increase. More power and God bless!
Hi Carlito, thank you so much for the encouraging words. May God bless you and your family!
Hi Jay!
Thanks for the very enlightening blog. It is indeed an eye opener, I shared it at my FB also..It’s like a bomb to us!
Thanks
Hi Yollie, you’re welcome. Just want to help people become better informed about things like these.
thanks for this well written post! just came in time when i needed it. one thing i have to ask is about the nbi clearance. how did they get the clearance without authorization from the person in question? i called the nbi ofc and they said they need the authorization or a govt employee can give you a letter for that. but i dont want to go ask someone from the govt because i dont want to ask favors. i dont want to ge sucked into a culture of favors. well i guess if the perdon in question doesnt want you to give authorization then that would be a red flag na. but what if the perdon gives u a different name? will the clearance show a picture? thanks again and pls keep up the great work! you are helping a lot of people without asking for money unlike some real estate seminars around.
Hi Vanny, thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it!
Regarding your question, if you will notice in what I wrote, “NBI records” indicated that the person had a BP 22 case filed against her, it was not her NBI clearance.
From what I remember, my friends were poised to file a case already and a friend from the NBI helped by checking the records concerning that individual who victimized them. I’m confident that if there was due cause, like what happened to my friends, one can already file a complaint/ask assistance from the NBI who can then check records of the individual in question.
With regards to an NBI Clearance however, you are right, a copy can only be secured with proper authorization.
However, I believe you can always ask for a copy of his/her NBI clearance from someone who is asking you to invest with him/her. As you said, If he/she refuses to give a copy, then it means he/she is probably hiding something, and is a red flag.
In my friends’ story above, I wonder what would have happened if they asked for an NBI clearance at the very start. The person in question would have probably made excuses to avoid giving them a copy, or she might have given them a fake one.
However, in case you do get a copy from the person in question, the NBI clearance is still not enough unless you can verify that it really is authentic. Yes, NBI clearances have a picture in them.
By the way, we should also consider that it really happens that people will have the same names as those of people who have criminal records. This can really complicate things.
I also remember a true story I read somewhere about someone who had a case against him, and he went to an NBI satellite office to get an NBI clearance. Once the people from the NBI learned he was a fugitive through their computer, they arrested him right then and there. In that case, the NBI clearance really helped catch a fugitive.
Cheers!
very enlightening Jay. Beginners are really gullible so it’s important to ask questions from people who have been there before and who has your best interest at heart. One big question on my mind is, why hide under a corporate name if you know you’ll be able to pay all those who have invested with you? I remember listening to an audiobook where the speaker advised to “never personally guarantee debt”. What if the company folds up? Sinong hahabulin mo?
Hi Ms. Daryl!
With regards to corporations, I believe it’s not really supposed to be a place to hide, although it can help reduce one’s exposure and liability. I suppose this was what the speaker in the audiobook you were listening to meant.
Having a corporation also has other advantages. Because of it, people will not think you are a “fly by night” operation. I’m not saying NOT having a corporation means you are a “fly by night” operation. I’m just saying with all the requirements needed to setup a corporation, it is assumed that it is a legitimate operation that intends to operate for the long term.
A corporation is also required to register with the BIR, and then it can issue “official receipts”, which I believe also gives some form of legitimacy. Of course, the corporation would still have to pay the right taxes etc.
Speaking of taxes, having a corporation also has tax advantages. For example, a corporation can deduct allowable expenses from taxable income, and thus lower taxes due. There are a lot more advantages but my wife can explain these better. 🙂
If the company folds up, it would be very hard to pursue the persons behind the corporation. As they say, it is hard to “pierce the corporate veil”. Again, it boils down to the track record of the people behind the corporation.
Cheers!
Hi Bro. Jay,
Did I not saw you at TRQ 3? I would like to ask when and why you left the team of Trace Trajano, but it might seem that I am poking on your affairs. Please feel free if you want to reply. If not, I hope I do not offend you by asking.
Thanks for sharing. Can I ask you a favor? I am actually a newbie in seeking for Angel Investors for a Low-Economic housing project. I had attended many seminars including that of Bo’s, Jomar’s, Trace’s, etc. Can you please advise me on how I can I can find and convince Angel Investors for my project. I will gladly show you the plans for this project and seek your professional advice on this matter. And please tell me how I can make your expertise and time worthwhile.
This project will not only benefit the low to average income earners to have their own houses but also our municipality as well. This was personally whispered to me by our town Mayor, but being apolitical, I will move the project but thru private investors to avoid “political strings”.
As you barely know me, I suppose, and we met only through seminars also, allow me to introduce myself and present my plans personally at your more convenient time.
Thanks for your attention. More Power and God Bless.
Yours Truly,
Ferdinand Callueng
Hi Ferdinand!
Yes, I was at the TRQ 3 seminar and I stayed there for about an hour to see what was happening.
By the way, I saw your message in facebook which is just like your comment above, and I have already answered it there.
Thanks again, cheers!
Great post Jay!
As they say, the single best tool is common sense. But this appears not to be common anymore. 🙂
Cheers!
Hi Bro!
Thanks for the compliment!
With regards to common sense, yes I know what you mean!
By the way, I hope that aside from serving as a guide for those who want to invest, I hope this would also give pointers to those who are legitimately raising capital for their real estate deals.
See you soon bro, I believe I can now focus on the more important stuff. Cheers!