It’s a scam that never ends… so don’t get suckered. For over a decade, a company called Scentura places ads everywhere — including Craig’s List… offering a high paying ‘manager’ job. But these scumbags rope innocent people into hustling cheap perfume. No manager’s job — it’s a sham. I signed up ten years ago in 1999 and now in 2009 this scam is in almost every city. How did law enforcement miss this stinking mess? Watch the story.
I got your back
John Mattes
I got dragged into it the same way, a high management position great pay on craigs list too. I worked for J.D and Kurt I was told all the same things, but the kept dragged me around telling me they wanted me as there partner. When i started to quit because i lost my apartment I still have two maxed out unpaid credit cards from trying to live and feed myself. I lost my cell phone everything I had was sucked and gone within two months!! The most I ever got from them was a few meals, and 200$ when I left after all the trips I did. Staying up all night making my goals in bad areas. Total scam and the fact that this creeps left girls go out and do this is ridiculous. I had to stay in a bad motel that had cameras in the room I found them and the motel guy got mad when he noticed i had found them. I called Kurt and J.D saying I need to call the cops but they told me not to, because i needed to stay on track and sell bottles and just to get out of there.I hate them everything was going alright in my life until I found them, i was promised so highly I didn’t want to believe the truth when my mom kept telling me it was a scam.
Message:
Scentura is operating out of 2 South Florida offices called “Regional Managment” and “Innovative Solutions”.
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I came across their job post on craigslist Phoenix under the company name AXIS. I submitted my resume, was contacted and set up an interview. I came across this site before I went. Thank you. Below is the email I sent cancelling my interview. You may find it rather amusing, possibly disturbing, but I feel much better.
July 12, 2010
Dear Shay
I regret to inform you that I will not be keeping my scheduled interview for tomorrow 7/13/2010 at 4:30 PM. As I was researching your company to prepare myself for tomorrows interview I was fortunate enough to come across numerous web sites and hundreds of complaints exposing your company for the scam it really is.
I am thankful for that, and you and your company should be as well. You see, I am SO fucking sick and tired of being screwed over by people like you and your company. Sick of being scammed, fucked over, lied to and taken advantage of. I am at the end of my fucking rope. I was excited about my interview tomorrow, about the job offer and openings we had discussed, and had I showed up tomorrow only to learn it was a scam…? I fear that would have pushed me over the edge, caused me to snap…go postal…and then you and many others wouldn’t have made it home to dinner tomorrow night, and I would be behind bars for a very long time.
So, thank god (seriously, you should), that I’m the type of person to do my research…and thank god, there are people to expose scam artists like you and your company. And as you continue on, lying to and misleading innocent people…I would pray…religiously, often, because one day you are likely to piss off the wrong person at the wrong time and not be so lucky. Something to think about.
Sincerely,
K Ambriz
Another Scentura scam is happening in Cherry Hill. The address is
2428 Route 38 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002. The first training date is Tues. July 6 from 11-5 pm. The person who does the talking tells all the candidates to unlearn everything and not listen to their family member who talk down on them. Then he brought in the perfume and explain that all the real brand is ripping people off and that a bottle of perfume only take $1.35 to manufacture. I hope you can do something about it
$$$ Entry Level Positions $$$ (Jacksonville)
Date: 2010-07-02, 8:53AM EDT
Reply to: see below
Entry Level Openings – Immediate Availability!!
AMG has lived by a company philosophy of loyalty and results; loyalty to our people and results for our clients. We specialize in creating and executing promotional incentive packages for our clients; we are the alternative to generalized mass media advertising! We are experiencing unprecedented growth and need a few great individuals to help us further reach our goals collectively. We are looking for career oriented individuals to run new locations. Positions involve face to face customer service, promotional marketing and sales presentations to new customers.
Skills/Abilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
* Good verbal communication skills
* Interacts effectively with people and groups
* Upbeat & positive attitude with great energy
* Maintains good customer relations
* Handles large crowds effectively
* Ability to approach and ask consumers to participate in a promotion
* Interacts effectively with all levels of staff
* Self-motivated and works with limited direction
* Reliable with excellent attendance
* Team player
For personal Interview CALL KAYLA @ 904-683-8979
Location: Jacksonville
Compensation: Earn while you learn! Up to 500/wk to start! 1st yr. to 52k, Experience to 100k w/commissions, profit sharing and bonuses
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
Phone calls about this job are ok.
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
The guy in this video is in an office here in Jacksonville. I just didn’t feel right meeting this guy & being in their office. Things just didn’t add up. The guy you interviewed in the 2009 interview is the guy from my “interview.” He cussed, had rock n roll music, and during the 2nd “interview,” he actually had the nerve to tell the 10-12 ADULTS to turn off their cell phones. RED FLAG!!! I walked out. Came home and happened across your youtube link I have above. The “new” office is at 2980 hartley blvd ste 5. The advertised on craigslist the same thing you said. The “name” of the company is AMG. I don’t remember the guys name, but it is him!!! He still dresses the same.
John Mattes does such a great job exposing these idiots for who they really are!
I wish you had your own National TV Show dedicating the show premise on getting all these losers off the streets and behind bars..it would be such a HUGE hit!
We’ve all been hit up by these losers at Gas Stations, Shopping Center Parking Lots, etc.
Great job John!
Teri
I saw your piece on Scentura. I just left the 2nd interview for a company called Prestige. After looking at a website they gave us I saw the Scebtura name and googled. That is when I saw your piece. I would like to you to know that Prestige is the same company they just changeed their name. After seeing this I will not be going back. I live in Saint Louis missouri
Scentura strikes again! There is a branch in Hayward, CA calling themselves “Empire Management.” I found it on craigslist and after the 2nd interview I decided to do some research and instantly I found a dozen stories identical to what I went through. Larry Hahn is a scam artist. My first day of training starts Monday. Needless to say, I will not show up. I feel sorry for the rest of the saps who don’t know what they’re getting into. The number is (510) 886-2110 and the address is 24565 Soto Rd, Hayward, CA., if anyone is wondering.
Yea the “Axis Inc” A.K.A Pinnacle Systems Group-HBH and Maxum Industries Inc in Tempe, AZ tried to Recruit my girlfriend into doing it. They never explained the job nor what she would be doing. Soon after hearing about this from her I found this company to be shady, After a phone call to their Local Tempe office ( 602-414-0357 ) I found out they were worse than I expected. I couldn’t even push the information I wanted out of the lady on the phone named ” Ashley”, then after that she has the nerve to ask me to come in for a interview. ” We are interviewing over 300 applications and Monday is the only day for interviews.” This Ashley didn’t even want to hear about my qualifications, didn’t even want me to send my resume.
Seriously Shady business, go at your own risk…So far all the information points at disaster and the more exposing we can do the better informed people can be about these horrible scams.
I recently applied for a job with a company called AXIS INC A.K.A Pinnacle Systems Group-HBH and Maxum Industries Inc in Tempe, AZ . The company was looking to hire customer service and marketing managers. I also recognized the address. I had been there before when I tried to be convinced into the perfume scam. They have gotten trickier now. It has gone to selling perfume to promotions of products. The most interesting thing is they are trying to make them self’s look legit and professional by having a great web page at http://www.axisincorporated.com/ to make it look legit!
This is a marketing scam they keep on changing the name and products, but use the same building. For all I know it depends on the day and the scam. I personally feel the man who runs this Chris Hinshaw needs to be looked at and investigated. He’s been running his scam in the way valley to long!
I was employed by SYNERGY EXPANSION, located at 1425 Koll Ciecle Suite #101 in San Jose, CA 95116.
I was there for one week because I found out they were liying to me, I was hired for the Maneger Position, and ended up saleing Scentura Creations fragances on Parkinglots all over the City. I was told that I was going to get paid on Friday the 14th, but nothing happend and they did’nt mention anything about it in our meeting that same day Evan & Liz, that’s how that Office’s Owners are called. I know I did something really wrong because I kept 7 bottles of Perfume, but I am very Overwhelmed by what they did to me, I was their number one seller in their office and they keot telling me that I was going to get Promoted on that comming Saturday, But when I started conecting their lies I did’nt know what to do, I’m a Single Mother of two Beautiful Children, and they made me work for them from 9:00 to 6:00pm. I was expecting some Money for my hard work, so I just did’nt show on Saturday nor any of the rest of this week, I still have the Bottles with me, and I just received a call
from them saying that they want me to bring them their bottles or else the are going to turn in My Information to their Insurance Company, and going to get a warrant for my arrest. At this point I am willing to give up and take them what they want, but I also want to take them to court and make them stop doing this to Innocent people.
Please If I can have your advice I will be Happy to Hear you. Thank you.
Yours Truly,
Hello! I have 1 of your best scam artist new location in Atlanta,Ga.Once again Mr.Larry Hahn Scenteura Creations.They almost got me.My training start this monday at 10:30 everything you said is true.I wanted not to think anything bad about the business but,I just could not help to look and research for myself and others that will be there monday.If you can please got catch them to save the others.I was able to meet some very cool hard working new people that will be starting training monday & 1 girl even is a young single mother catching the bus and a college student, other are just out of high school & married with a family like me looking for extra income.I seen you on youtube I know what you are about so please crack down on them again.I remember some of their names but could not find them on facebook so i’m asking to help them.
Need help regarding Scentura. my step daughter has been involved w/ this company for over 4 months were concerned about her welfare. is there anything legal that we can do to shit this down?
i think that the scentura people are in arlington, texas. i worked there with some other people. we saw their ads on craigslist and applied for the job;however, they sent us on the street to sell those cheap perfums for them. thank you for you video. i will not go there anymore. its a shame. can you stop those people from abusing honest people that want to make a living? the office address is 2221 west arkansas rd, arlington texas. phone number: 817 801 4466
hello.. i just saw the sentura creations video and it is hilarious. there is another office in long beach at the Cambrian home care building. There on the Corner of- Pacific Cost Highway & Anaheim st. there phone number is 562-986-6300. the man in charge is Jamie Sterns .. please do expose them to.. Thanks John mattes..
Thank you John Mattes, for all your support on my case, you saved my life and my children’s security.
You are the Greatest in what you do, never change and MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR WAY!!
Thank’s again
Yours Truly,
Susana Perez
This is a very detailed account of my experience in this “opportunity.” I spent a total of six months in this “business” and absolutely lost everything. I’ve e-mailed this to I-Guy already and it should be here for everybody to see this. Prepare for a lengthy read:
The e-mail I sent to I-Guy:
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I wanted to share you with a very embarrassing experience concerning the Scentura Creations “opportunity.”
I must preface something first so anybody who reads this can understand just how big of a ride I was taken on. At the time I started this “opportunity,” I was 22 years of age and had been living abroad since I graduated High School at 18. Within six days of receiving my diploma, I took my $200.00, filled my truck with fuel, put everything in the back and trucked on out “into the world.” I first went to Florida, then to Texas and then returned home. On year later I set out again and this time – became successful at taking care of my needs, earning money, paying rent, becoming responsible with my bills, etc. I lived in Indiana and had recently moved to New Mexico – just traveling. At the time, no woman in my life and no family – just kind of had the free spirit thing! I had my own car which was completely paid for and kept in good condition, good clothes with no holes in them, and always had a little bit of cash just “in case.”
Well…
Its summer of 2008, I’m working like a dog in a Supervisor position of the security company SECURITAS in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After many weeks of having merely half-days or one day off a week; I’m tired, hot, annoyed and definitely ready for a new line of work. I start buying the paper regularly and looking at the jobs section. You know the story – “Fun and fast paced atmosphere! No training required!” I actually didn’t bite for the first three weeks I bought the paper – instead trying other places first. As a last resort, I call this place and get an interview that very day!
We know the drill – the two interview process, etc. Something wasn’t right in my mind, but I was so completely tired of working consecutive 18 hour days for weeks that I was ready to try anything so I could at least get some sleep at night – if I only knew! My first week, I was chosen to go on my very first Satellite trip that very weekend. However, I had given SECURITAS my two weeks notice and definitely intended to properly work the final two weeks to leave a good impression for that company – as I had a near flawless employment/attendance record. Somehow, the co-owner was able to talk me into neglecting my duties and go on the Satellite – which I did. At this point, I thought I would be riding in a rental car with those expenses taken care of. Wrong! Instead, I was chosen to drive my own car at my own expense. Forty minutes into the drive, my radiator blows up and myself and one other guy were stuck in the middle of I-35 for almost four hours sweating in the he
at as antifreeze went everywhere on the road. The tow truck finally came, and when I saw the amount I immediately realized I couldn’t pay it. That day, I lost my vehicle. That’s not even the best part: after being stranded for hours on the side of the interstate, the owner called and expected us to continue our job and hit our team goal, which was 21 bottles. We finally arrived back in Albuquerque at 22.30HRS, with 21 bottles to sell. I soldiered on thinking that perseverance was the key.
Weeks pass, my situation drastically deteriorates. I’ve missed rent on my apartment for almost two months in a row; I now have a court date for past rent and an eviction notice. I missed so many payments of my debt consolidation program that I was dropped and my interest rates skyrocket again. I went from eating steaks in the comfort of my home to living on Ramen noodles (chicken flavor) for almost three weeks straight. And still yet, I just think: persevere! Nothing comes for free!
It then comes to my attention that the owner wanted to move to Arlington, Texas. At which point, they asked us how many of us would be willing to relocate. I thought: see! Perfect timing! Everything is unraveling at an unmanageable pace for me in Albuquerque; I can hitch with them into Arlington! Perfect! What this really translated to was me moving their five bedroom three bathroom house and they paid me in pizza and beer – no cash. I drove one of their cars all night into Texas – they paid me with a McChicken from the dollar menu. They rented a luxury apartment in Arlington on the third floor. I and one other guy hauled all of their belongings up three flights of stairs for nine hours… pizza and beer as payment. No money, no check, no cash. For all of this hard work, they allowed me to stay and room with them. My belongings, which went from a considerable amount to just two boxes and a military footlocker, were stashed away in a closet. I didn’t have a
penny to my name – not even clean clothes. They did just enough to keep me interested a little while longer. I turned 23 during this time and they took me out for a night of free food and drinks – it’s one of the three times in my entire life that I purposefully drank to get as drunk as possible in the hopes I could get a decent nights sleep.
Upon moving to Arlington, I’d been in this business for almost three months. I had no income and had lost my apartment and vehicle. Normally, I’m a healthy 165lbs with a very muscular frame – two months after working for Scentura I was barely tipping the scale at 140lbs. I was even more tired and burned out than I was working for SECURITAS, and I had had about all I could handle. Just then, as if the owners knew I was ready to leave, they offered to pay my first months rent at an apartment complex they found as well as “promote” me to Manager Position and give me extra profit sharing. It’s at this point they handed over $190.00 – the most amount of money I’d ever held in my hand from the Scentura Opportunity. I took the apartment and immediately bought a paper, intent with finding another job and leaving Scentura. Also, again, is if they knew what I was doing, I was suddenly needed around the office even more! I was going on two Satellites a week, trai
ning new people in a city I couldn’t even navigate because I didn’t know where anything was. I started to lose my luster for this “opportunity.”
Finally, in December, I was again destitute and morally wiped out. I was on the streets in un-ironed pants with a button up shirt that hadn’t been washed in weeks. My shoes were worn flat, I was lucky to get a .79 cent taco at Taco Bell once a day – I had had enough. I took the remaining $47.00 and bought a very cheap phone with PCI Express and I called my father all the way back home – a 26 hour trip by vehicle. Three days later, I would be in his vehicle on the way home. The last three days in Arlington, TX were spent in my apartment with no power, no heat, no bed, no pillow and no food. I packed up my belongings and left.
What did the Scentura “Opportunity” give me? Well, in summation, I lost my vehicle, my money, my drums, my guitar, dozens of books, dozens of pieces of music, clothes, movies, and pride. After years of being on my own and always making it through, the Scentura “Opportunity” squeezed all the life out of me, and they made thousands off of it.
Presently, I’m starting to finally get a grip on my life again, taking almost two years to recover from the six months of absolute disaster. I fell for the scam and it took me for a very big ride. I learned a lot and I’m glad this happened to me at a very young age when all I had to lose was an apartment, a car, and some money. I hope this story can be a warning for anybody else considering the Scentura “Opportunity.”
This is not an opportunity at all; it’s not even a scam – its textbook slavery. That’s all there is to it.
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The Albuquerque office in this story that of J.D. Smith and Kurt Sanger. When it relocated to Dallas/Arlington, it was changed to C.S.I (Central Scents International.) I understand that work is very scarce right now; but do NOT carry through with this. I am an exceptionally hard worker and very loyal, loyal to a FAULT (as you can see.)
One last thing, they always talk badly about McDonalds and other places like this – the thing they don’t tell you is that McDonalds will actually pay you with an actual check – and the management opportunities in McDonalds are actually REAL and McDonalds WILL train you to be a manager and you CAN have your own franchise McDonalds — Scentura will just slave you out. Pure and simple as that.
Just don’t do it.