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American Income Life - American Income Life is a scam!!

  • by   Oct 11, 2008
  • Review #: 139009
CompanyAmerican Income Life
Product / ServiceLife Insurance
Category Auto Insurance
Views3519
Monetary Loss
$2
 
Update added by user Mar 12
You are all very welcome!! Every day I get multiple E-mails telling me how I have helped you. Sometimes it can actually get a bit overwhelming. ...But you are welcome!! Again sorry for the spelling. I guess a bunch of people are pissed off at this site for the inability to edit their posts. .....That is pretty terrible.
 
Update added by user Feb 14
without* :0)
 
Update added by user Jan 14
I typed this whole thing in about ten minutes, and never stopped. I clicked submit with checking anything like a dummy, and now this *** site won't let me fix any of my miss spells!! oh well I guess. I still get E-mails everyday thanking me. As long as it's doing it's job I guess. :0)
 
Original review posted by user Oct 11, 2008

My name is Jason. Before you concider employment with this billion dollar company, I ask you read this review I have posted as it may save you MUCH of the aggrivation, time, and money, that it cost me. I did not take the time to type this up because I have way too much time on my hands, I simply typed it because I want others to learn from my "and others" crucial mistakes. I was first hired with A.I.L in "N. Royalton Ohio," about the end of July 2008. I was promised riches as long as I was a go-getter, and was willing to work long hours. I was in construction for most of my life, and concidered myself very capable of both of these. Apparently, they agreed as I was hired rather quikly, "just as everyone else was with no experience in sales once so ever." I sacrificed EVERYTHING for this job. EVERYTHING in my life was put on hold so that I could give this job the attention I THOUGHT it deserved. I was told that i would be paid training, so that it would be easier for someone like myself to make the career change. The state exam for your insurance lisence is not easy, and you do have to pay for it out of pocket everytime you fail by the way. It took me only twice luckly. I spent both time...."about one month" and money "about $500" after all the application fees and whatever else to obtain my insurance lisence. Once I finally obtained my lisence, I was given a 4 page script that i had to memorize, word for word!! I did not like the fact they didn't tell me about it at first, but hey...i'm a "go-getter?." So i sucked it up, and memorized it/. This took me an additional 3 weeks to do "for free/." Once i acheived this, i was put in a one week training class that was NOT PAID;. When I mentioned the fact that I was told I was going to be paid for training, "hurting for some money by this point as you can imagine," I was told I misunderstood, as the class is paid for, not me'. I am not a *** man!! I know what i was told!! In fact, if it wasn't for that one little detail about the job, I probably would not have taken it|. They also told me they did not like me asking questions and pretty much told me to shut up "in there own words;." So just like before, I sucked it up and kept going!. If you play poker..."I was pot invested," I had no choice. This is where those "LONG HOURS" started. We would start class at 9 oclock, got out at 4. Then I was instructed to drive to wherever my manager was to sit in on presentations of the bennefits. My first "attempt" at a presentation was at 9 o'clock the same night of my first training day. I did not get home until 11 0'clock!! "FREE MIND YOU!!" 9 to 11....whats that?? 14 hours!?!? When I was dropped off back at my car, I was instructed to go home and read my script more, rather then get some rest for tomorrow morning. The next few nights were the same, not giving me anytime to study any of the material given to us "AND EXPECTED TO KNOW," in class. So about half way through the class week, I was told about all the postings from former employers and anyone who was/is affiliated with the company in any way shape or form. 95% of what I read was BAD!! And I read alot! No one had anything good to say about this company. I guess i'm not that smart of a man, other wise I would have found this on my own, way back when I was hired!! HAHA....jokes on me I guess. Anyways, the last day of training class was.....actually today October 2 2008. The class had ended at 4, and as soon as I walked out I was fired by my manager because MARCUS SMITH, the rich snobby *** who runs the joint, didn't have the balls to do it himself, even though he was standing right there. I was fired because someone overheard me talking about the sight with the same person who told me about it. We were both concerned "AS I'M SURE YOU CAN IMAGINE!" Now wouldn't you say it's disturbingly ironic they fired me with no hesitation at all once they found out I knew about the sight? They also said they didn't like the fact I wasn't willing to work 15 hours a day for training even after all i had a acheived thus far! Common sense will tell you that is no way to efficiently train someone! Please.......do your research! These people are very good at what they do, and somehow scam thousands like myself. I am a very religious christian "AS THEY CLAIM TO BE," and DO NOT want this to happen to anyone else, even though I know it will. All the numbers are in black in white if you just look for um. Absolutly no one stays with this company unless their dad is an S.G.A. who pays um a rediculous amount of money out of pocket. Of course its your decision you whether or not you listen to me......I pray to to the allmighty Jesus Christ that you do. if you have any questions at all about two-faced marcus smith and this company, PLEASE, DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK!! MY E-MAIL IS JPKING11@YAHOO.COM.
God bless all of you!!

2fa7ebb

 
 
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Gregory Gregory
2 days ago 
I got a call on a Monday to interview with this company. I asked them what position I would be interviewing for, and was informed that they have many positions available and that would be decided based on the interview. That was my first red flag.

They asked if I could come in Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. So I decided to come in on Thursday so that I could do some more research on the company as something didn't seem right. When I did a little bit of research, everything basically said that the job available was just sales. I have never done sales (nor was it listed on my resume), so I decided to call them back to verify that I wasn't going there for a sales job.

When I called on Tuesday, they ensured me that while sales was an opening, there were other opportunities other than sales that I could be an option for. I decided that I should give them a shot. I figured the worst that happens is that I get some practice doing an interview.

Thursday came and I get there 10 minutes before my interview. I notice there are about 20 other people in suits waiting to be interviewed as well. They are calling people back every couple of minutes. Eventually I get called back and am told that I have to fill out a personality test to see if I fit and they will give some type of presentation.

I decided against walking out at that moment because it would be unprofessional and I wanted to see how interesting this could
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almosttricked almosttricked
May 15 
Initially I had received an email from someone at a JSM Firm saying they thought they had a position for me that I would be perfect for. I was surprised because I've been having a really hard time finding a job. I emailed back, but honestly I had a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. When I got the second email from this Mike guy I found it somewhat odd, there were a few grammatical errors and some inconsistencies...I did some minimal research with my cousin and we found that this AIL company was a little fishy...so I just never emailed him back.

Recently I applied for an office manager position that I found posted on craigslist (that should have been my first warning)but I applied, I got a call yesterday and the lady sounded like she was really into me and we set up an interview for in Minneapolis, after getting off the phone with her I noticed she hadn't told me the company she was calling from. So again, my cousin and I did a little research and plugged the address and telephone number into google and found that it too was for this AIL company. my gut was telling me something wasn't right, so I called immediately and canceled the interview just saying I'd been offered a different position. I've been doing a little more research today and I'm so disgusted by the reviews I've seen for this place. But I'm so thankful I went with my gut and researched the company before any of this could happen to me. I'm sorry for those who have fallen for it, but I
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annoyed annoyed
2 days ago  from Hudson, Wisconsin
@ Almosttricked, I was also contacted by Michael from JSM Firm as well for a position with AIL. AIL wanted to set up an interview for 6pm, that alone struck me a little odd.
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Eric D. Eric D.
May 12  from Palm Beach, Florida
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. American Income Life subsists on slave labor, and once you start working for them, it will be about three months before you see a paycheck. I've had over $1500 pulled out from under me because clients didn't pay their first premium and require you to waste time in meetings, even though you're an independent contractor.

I've got better things to do with my time.
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renga renga
Apr 29  from Tulsa, Oklahoma
I am an insurance agent with AIL. I have been there for 5 weeks now. I made manager in 3 1/2 weeks because I have made bonus every week I have been here. I was never told that the $175 was not an advance. I was told that is exactly what it is. We have had a few sales people start recently and they are blown away by the awesome leads we get. They all attend a company overview where everything is explained to them. Maybe they practice differently in different states. I am in Oklahoma.
I am currently making about 6500 per month, and that is with little effort. The products sell themselves.
I was in the medical field for 18 years before this and I don't consider myself a sales person.
I do work for money and plan to work harder. I am on track to make 100K in my first 12 months.
As far as what it cost me to get started it was $80 for my online class (which has been lowered to $45), $45 to take my test (which I passed the first time) and $70 for my actual license.
This is a business opportunity in sales and its not for everyone.
AIL takes really good care of its clients. Its really not fair to post that it is a scam.
I guess as long as sales jobs exist, so will posts such as these.
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john doe john doe
Apr 29  from Cleveland, Ohio
It's not like this is even close to the only one. ......:/
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Chicago Chicago
Apr 10 
Had an interview planned! Thank you so much for having the balls to speak up! Saved me some gas! I hit BS by mistake, thought it was a link to explain why others would think it was BS. Take care!
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Mr. ? Mr. ?
Apr 09 
Thank you, i Just got a call for an interview and i was thinking about going (even though i hate being a salesmen)because i lost my job and have bills to pay... but after reading this, i dont think i will be going. THANK YOU!
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John John
Mar 18  from Providence, Rhode Island
I have to disagree with a lot of these posts. 1. I am sorry you did not have a great experience, but I will be happy to share mine with anyone who asks.
To start from the beginning, yes, this is a sales job. One with huge potential and the possibility for easy advancement to management. However, if you have NOT worked sales before, than the commission part may be new. You get paid by what you produce. Personally, I like this. In an hourly pay rate, I get the same, no matter if I work harder than the person next to me or not. Commission is great, because if I want to earn more, I can. Second, yes, you need a state license to be an insurance agent. That is decided by the local and federal government. You will need to take a pre license course but the test is not overly difficult. In fact, in my class of 10 students, 8 passed the first time and the other 2, on the second try.

This opportunity came to me because I replied to a post on CL. At first, I was a bit skeptical, because, let's face it, 99% of what is out there, is BS.

After my first interview, I too, much like all of you, looked at all of the negative posts online. However, after reading most of them, I realized that most of them were written by people who just did not understand sales and the 1099 type of job.

I passed my exam, went thru training and am a part of a fantastic team. I am so happy that I did not let these posts scare me. If you really want to explore
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wghholtrad wghholtrad
Mar 18  from Ashburn, Virginia
The question is whether it was disclosed as an independent contractor, commissioned, sales position during recruiting. From this site and dozens of other sites with thousands of submissions, it is clear that those disclosures are not made. Further, it is clear that gross exaggeration is made of the earning potential. Torchmark has disclosed in financial releases through the SEC that the average agent (not just first year) that stays 12 months earns gross commissions of $47,000 before paying their expenses for cell phones, car expenses, travel expenses, computer expenses, internet expenses, etc. That means the average agent that stays for 12 months exists just above the poverty level. The recruiting process also fails to disclose that 95% of newly contracted agents leave within 6 months, 98% within 1 year. Truly Opportunity Unlimited!
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John John
Mar 19  from Providence, Rhode Island
It, from the very beginning, was disclosed as a 100% 1099 job. There are several independant agenecies, each with different managers. I can not speak for everyone else's experience, but mine has been nothing like what is described here. Yes, there is work, and yes, there is turnover, as with ANY sales or team building job, but as for the potential, this is a top notch opportunity, just maybe not for everyone.

As for the stats on the average income, google the average income of a realtor or real estate agent. Their yearly fees are much higher and they too, pay for all of their own gas, computer, miles, software, continuing education, etc....again, this is a 1099 job, meaning, you own your own business and write off accordingly.
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wghholtrad wghholtrad
Mar 19 
Let me be clear, AIL has the worst contract in the industry. I deal with many carriers and my agents receive starting contracts from 70% to 105% depending in the carrier. Ail has the worst turnover in the industry 95% within 6 months 98% within 1 year. AIL has the worst persistence in the industry, less than 60% for 13 months. Many of my carriers have a 90% persistence for 5 years. Understand the information provided here, the extreme turnover is a result of bad information provided by AIL during recruiting. AIL makes exaggerated earnings claims, look at how many posters reference ads claiming $80,000 or $60,000 first year earnings that AIL by their own disclosures know to be completely false. Many posters refer to the position as a "job" and AIL as an "employer", they do not have a clear understanding of the 1099, independent contractor relationship. This stems from AIL illegally requiring adherence to a particular schedule, attendance at meetings,even particular training. Agents post of being "fired", how can a non-employee be fired? How can a non-employee be required to join the Office and Professional Employees Union?

AIL is expert in not telling the truth and spinning the truth, to agents in recruiting, to appointment setting practices, and finally in presentations to prospective customers. The results are the same, agent turnover, cancelled or no-show appointments, lapsed and cancelled policies.
Pass it Forward Pass it Forward
Feb 14  from Los Angeles, California
Thank you Jason!
I got a call from American Income and they found me on Career Builder. I always look for companies and websites and what people are saying about it and if they are a scam. I mean usually if you are not excellent at the job you have done people are not really going to be looking for you and offering you a job( specially in this economy), in my opinion. When I Googled the name the second link was a American Income Scam. It only makes sense to look into what you are getting into before you spend you valuable resources( Gas, time, and money). If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!! Find some dirt! Once again thank all of you that help us realize the scams or lack of job information available, you efforts were not a waste because you might helped someone in a worst position thank you and it is out duty to pay it forward!
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Camaleona Camaleona
Apr 09 
I was called today for an interview for a Benefit Director's Position, is this what they call for? I am certainly not interest in an insurance agent position. Just wondering if this is the way they phrase it so I can call back and cancel the appointment.
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Been there done that! Been there done that!
Feb 02 
I had my interview exactly 7 hours ago. I drove 112 miles round trip TO this interview because during my phone interview (how they retrieved my # is unbeknownst to me) I was ASSURED that upon receiving the lowest position for this company, I would start off earning $60,000.00 a year. In this area, that's extremely good money and in my opinion WELL worth my 2.5 hour drive to an from home. During my interview I was informed of EVERYTHING I have read in these comments and I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you all for taking the time out of your day to help others like myself. I have been in Criminal Justice my entire life. If I were to take this job willingly and then become responsible for the scam they are running, through the state, my reputation, and credentials would at that point be ruined and I could kiss my college degree and any other chances at working a federal position goodbye. IF by any chance I am called back for a final interview I am going to ask if they guaranteed paid training and if they swear by it I'm going to congratulate them for being such precise salespeople then respectfully decline their offer. Training or not, they are obligated as a "company" to pay their employees IF they are fulfilling work related duties. I do NO job for free! Especially if I am driving to BFE God's Country and putting out MY personal money plus wear and tear on MY personal vehicle! I'm not one to be known to tuck her tail and run, I confront people when they're wrong... Show more
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yeah yeah
May 16  from Lexington, Kentucky
so you will be a court appointed lawyer making 25k a year b/c you don't know what work ethic is... i love the job and make more than you and i've been there for only 6 months... i have no family in it. i play hard and work harder, the promise of residual income, which pays my family even if i were to die. you job sucks and keep being a crappy lawyer... no one wants your service anyway, due to your absolute weak point of view.... if you are a 1099 employee, that is one that owns their own business, do you think you get paid for not doing anything... which person that is about to be a business owner gets paid to learn how to own said business. you start getting paid when you know how to run the business you are running otherwise you're going to be a student for the business so you can start making money... smarten up you fake lawyer... pass the bar and work til you are 65 at minimum wage since it seems like even less of them make anything out of their lives.
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Anthony - Former Employee Anthony - Former Employee
Feb 02 
What other company scans the internet for 600 applicants per month? That's what you will be doing if you're promoted spending 10 to 12 hours per day so you can bonus $5,000 for every 3 people you recruit.

In the initial interview, you're told a base salary of $175 per week is yours for your cell phone bill and your gas money. However, $175 is a draw and can be taken back from you. So the job is a contract, commission only job but they won't tell you that up front.

You are also told you will be paid every week. Your first pay is in 4 weeks after you start and learn a 5 page script word-for-word. If you do not learn the script word-for-word, you will not be allowed to sell and you are asked repeatedly to recite the script. Most sales jobs may give you a script but it's more about product knowledge and you will not be kept from selling if a long, drawn out script, pages of it isn't memorized.

The information given to you after hire reveals the $175 per week is only paid "if" you make a sale; otherwise you are using all your resources to drive everywhere and hope you make a sale.

Here is an excerpt from an email from previous employee of AIL who is trying to recruit me; this is all his word-for-word except my name:

Dear XXXX,

Are you feeling like your current insurance agency manager mislead or just flat out lied to you about their business model, advancement opportunities, expenses
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John John
Mar 18  from Providence, Rhode Island
This is because the upper management spends a lot of money recruiting. That is how a company grows. Anyone who has built a company knos that it is a numbers game. Applicants state their skill set and often do not live up to them. So, with the turn-over rate, it is important to make your numbers and grow your base, would you agree?

This is a real opportunity. How do I know? I am doing very well with the agency I work for in RI. A great team and fully supportive.
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MP MP
Jan 28  from Cleveland, Ohio
Thank you so much for your comments. I just got an email from Mr. Smith saying they were interested in hiring me. I just opted out of his emails.
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BSdetector BSdetector
Dec 07, 2012 
@JoeDaddy, why are you here? If you are so good at your job in Spain then why come to a website that thinks AIL is dishonest? Congratulations that you're so successful that you have to troll this page with propaganda and name calling. Do you call someone a "***" when you don't make a sale? Your comments make me wonder about your honesty and character. Oh wait, you work for AIL so you must have neither one. Have a great day.
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American Income Life is a Scam!!

My name is Jason. Before you concider employment with this billion dollar company, I ask you read th...

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