Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/04/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This org offered free content after sign up then provided empty content before insisting you purchase for actual info. Their unsubcribe page for e-mails doesn't work. I would like to unsubscribe

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  I am unable to resolve this complaint as I do not know what free content **** *** read that she would receive as we offer many free options.  I would be happy to troubleshoot what it was to see if there is some sort of technical glitch as we always strive to deliver what we promise.  We do not employ Marketing schemes of any type and if we offered free content would provide it.  If it didn't work we are more than happy to troubleshoot and deliver.

  I did not find **** *** with the email address provided here in our data base at all to unsubscribe her.

  With further info we are happy to resolve any further concerns.  If she wants to provide us the email address she used when signing up and a link to the page she went to that offered the free content then we can review it and deliver it to her ASAP.  We can also unsubscribe her if she signed up with a different email address other than the outlook email she provided here.  if she did use the outlook email address, she is not subscribed and we have no record of her email address or any other details.

  Best regards,

  **** *******
  Finance Support

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/02/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am writing to file a formal complaint against The Brave Institute regarding their deceptive business practices and unauthorized financial arrangements. Here are the key details of my complaint:- The company's representative contacted me and initially offered me a position at their institute as a coach, knowing I work as a therapist.- They said that in order to get the position I had to enroll in their leadership program.- When I explicitly stated I did not have funds available, they proceeded to open a ****** line of credit for $3,000 in my name without informed consent.- They charged $1,000 as a down payment and attempted to enroll me in a $16,000 coaching development program with monthly payments of $500-600.- Upon discovering the full scope and cost of the program, I immediately requested cancellation and a refund of my $1,000. The company initially refused to return my money, claiming it would be "my loss".I believe these actions constitute predatory and deceptive business practices. They:- Opened a credit line without my informed consent - Misrepresented the nature and cost of their program - Attempted to force me into a significant financial commitment despite my clear statements about lacking funds - Initially refused to provide a refund for services not rendered I am requesting assistance in obtaining a full refund of the $1,000 that was charged to my account. I have discovered numerous other victims who have experienced similar deceptive tactics from this company.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/10/2024

  Hello,
  
  We are currently trying to reach out to ***** to have a conversation with her.
  
  Ultimately, the Institute is in agreement to refund ***** her full $1000 payment.
  
  To clear up the misunderstanding about ***** being hired by the institute:  There is an agreement signed committing to the program that in no way should be construed as an employment agreement as that is not the position of the Institute when enrolling clients in our coaching program.  ******* signed agreement is attached.
  
  Additionally, the Institute has no way to open a line of credit on a client's ****** account as we would have no access to their personal information in order to perform such an action.  The only action we could take on our part is to create an invoice - the payment would have to be initiated by the client.  The ****** credit line is merely a suggestion of how other coaches have been able to finance their coaching business.  Additionally, the Institute would never participate in an action to obtain funds from a client without their expressed authorization.  This is the reason we obtain signed agreements since we offer pay plans so that we have signed authorization to bill both the initial deposit and future payments.  Again the agreement is attached that provides ******* signed authorization to bill her for the program on a pay plan via ****** that is clearly outlined.
  
  We are in agreement to refund ***** her $1000 deposit and would love the opportunity to clear up the other two issues that were a misunderstanding between the Institute and ***** directly.
  
  We will continue to attempt to connect with ***** and then will promptly issue a full refund back to her ****** account.
  
  Best regards,
  **** *******
  Director of Quality Systems

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/13/2024

  I am writing in response to the recent communication regarding my ongoing dispute, and I kindly request that this case remain open until the situation is fully resolved. Once resolved, I will happily close the case. 
  
  On December 12th, I spoke with **** *******, the Director of *************** at the company. During our conversation, **** agreed to refund my full $1,000 payment, which I greatly appreciate. However, she also stated that I would need to sign a letter indicating that both parties agree to end the matter amicably.
  
  While I am completely open to signing such a letter, I need to ensure that it accurately reflects the terms of our resolution. Specifically, I would like the letter to:
  1.Confirm the companys agreement to issue a full refund of my $1,000 payment.
  2.Clearly state that the resolution is amicable and that neither party admits fault or liability.
  3.Specify that no further obligations or claims will exist between myself and the company once the refund is processed.
  
  I have requested that the company provide me with a draft of this letter for my review. Once I have received and reviewed it, I will respond promptly.
  
  Additionally, I respectfully ask that the refund process not be delayed while waiting for the signed letter. Given the time that has already passed, I believe it would be fair for the company to issue the refund promptly.
  
  I kindly request that the BBB keep this case open until the refund has been issued, and the matter is fully resolved to ensure accountability on both sides. Thank you for your continued assistance and support in this matter.
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/13/2024

  Hi *****,

  I appreciate your response back and we have just processed the refund.  The agreement you signed
  I believe did contain all 3 points you had requested.
  

  Please let us know if you have any further concerns - otherwise we will consider this matter resolved.

  Best regards,

  **** *******

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/25/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Around 8/20/24 I bought one if the self help programs, 8 Spiritual Secrets to Manifest Your Money, offered by the Brave Thinking Institute . Half way through completing the course, On 10/22/24 I get a call to set up a personal coaching session . I went through the session and at the end, they were very keen at persuading of to sign a contract to pay $ ****** total for this other program they offered over a year, and I paid up front $******** on my credit card. In the contract, I am responsible to pay over $1,346.30 in monthly installments . Today, 9/24/24 I get a call from ********* *******, Client Resolutions Clerk, I was told I could have my contract rescinded pending a review by the program manager. But She flat out said there would not be a refund back to my credit card for the $******** this is unexceptionable!Going forward I expect to the following:1. The ******** refunded back to my ****** Master Card credit, if they refuse, Bbb works on my behalf with ****** ********** credit card company to make sure I am not held responsible for the $******** telling them they will get me out of my contract but refuse to reimburse me for the amount on my card. This will help my cause . 2. Make sure that my contract is absolutely and completely recinded ! I await your prompt response to my complaint. Thank you very much.Kindly,****** *******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/26/2024

  Brave Thinking Institute had already escalated this request and the full refund has been issued to the client per her request.

  Client has indicated she is satisfied with this resolution to her complaint.

  Best Regards,

   

  **** *********
  Director of Systems Quality
  Brave Thinking Institute
  

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/15/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Friday, March 15,2024, after a zoom call with a life coach/sells man- **************** I put a down payment on a coaching course from BraveThinking Institute/ Life Soulutions That Work for $2800. The total price of the course is $15,597, which is about half the cost of the higher price course ****** initially encouraged me to purchase. The next morning March 16,2024, I realized this course was not what I wanted. The reality of the price set in. I conveyed my desire to cancel the order and receive a full refund of my deposit to ***************************** had scheduled a follow up call for morning of March 16 after I made the down payment on March 15 with me to make sure I could get into the new coach trainee website and answer additional questions. Three times ****** asked why did I change my mind. Each time I responded I would like to cancel my order/purchase, and receive a full refund. ****** finally told me a customer service rep will reach out on Monday, March 18, 2024 and concluded the phone call. I also sent an email to *********************************** the email address at the bottom of the receipt for the down payment, late Saturday , March 16.evening, stating I would like to cancel the order and receive a full refund of my deposit. I sent 3 more emails to Brave thinking to cancel my order and refund my deposit. Finally, on March 28, 2024, ***********************, Client Resolution Manager, called me. We had a short conversation- I was at work. ****** stated she would recommend I be released from the balance of the course, but not refunded the deposit, because this releasing me from the balance was an exception. She sent me an email, echoing her statement. In my reply to her email, I asked for a full refund and balance cancelled if possible, but if the full refund was not possible, I would agree to the balance being cancelled. My request of the BBB is to help me receive a full refund of my deposit 0f $2800 and cancellation of the balance of $12,797.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/10/2024

  We were able to contact this client and after reviewing her request we have opted to give her a full refund.

  We appreciate her feedback and she acknowledged that this resolution was satisfactory to her. 

  We wish her the very best moving forward.

  Sincerely,

  ***********************
  Brave Thinking Institute

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/13/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/26/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  6 months of same content being repeated, not learning anything new. New students keep being added and we begin by getting them caught up. Students that have never coached before and students that are more advanced in the same group. Students that are graduating in April in the same group as beginners. The first 3 months it is just a trainer reading scripts.Could have just signed up for $495 package of Dream Builder Program instead of the $30,000 for LMC LMC Program has not been covered at all. It is a self paced program, this was not explained to me.LMC meetings every week are all about Dream Building, and nothing to do with LMC. Totally disappointed. When I switched from BTM to LMC all this should have been explained to me.BTM is OK.I tried to cancel within the hour of registration but was told that I could not.Felt pressured and the program is way overpriced. Pricing should be open and honest upfront, which it was not.Some content and recordings are outdated.Definitely not worth the $30,000 of my extremely hard-earned money.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/03/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid a deposit for Brave Thinking Masters on Friday, 9/29/2023. Yesterday, Monday, 10/02/2023, I suffered car accident & is now inoperable. While insurance companies do their investigation, I needed to rent a car because I need to take my daughter to school every day, go to job interviews, ******************** to make ends meet. I texted & called to get a refund to no avail.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/04/2023

  Hi *****,

  Requesting a refund is a process with the Brave Thinking Institute as our members have enrolled in personal development program that they were inspired to do to take action steps towards creating a life they would love.  Therefore.when requesting a refund, you are referred to our Client Resolution team who will be happy to work with you.

  We have already reached out to you about your refund and have left a voice message.  If you will please respond, we can set up a time for you to speak to a specialist who can assist you with your refund.

  I am very sorry to hear about your accident and am holding the very best for you.

  Warm regards,

  ***********************
  Director of Quality Systems
  Brave Thinking Institute

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/06/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/21/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am filing on behalf of my wife ********************* who did a fb event on Aug 31, 23 with The Brave Thinking Institute. My wife is both physically disabled and has a traumatic brain injury that is ************** told them in advance she didn't know if she could do this because of her status. They gave her a hard sell telling her how much money she can make as a life coach & changing people's lives. They convinced her verbally to make a $1000 deposit. She told them she could only afford 250 a month. After she signed I believe a digital contract she realized they were going to bill her 550 a month. I believe she signed it before reading or realizing what she signed. She reached out to them right away to cancel & they told her the contract was non negotiable and was told there was no 3 days to cancel. She called them several times telling them she could not afford it. On Sep 12 she got an email from ********************* they would agree to release from further payment and cancel but would keep the deposit. She would have to reply agree to the email and she has not done so. We need assistance on going further. If she agrees I assume she would not get her deposit & if she does not they will bill her account the full 550 a ********* have no clue as to the terms or length of contract. Her bank will not help her out I assume because she initially approved the transaction. I have the email from ****** & will see if I can get the contract she signed. I do not know if she was provided a copy.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/29/2023

  Hello *********

  It is a standard practice of ours to keep the deposit as we do need to cover our expenses for administrative costs and the materials that are shipped upon enrollment
  in the program. Having said that we also ensure client satisfaction and are always willing to **** to come to a mutual agreement.

  Without going into intricate detail, as we do protect our clients right to privacy, we were under the understanding that your wife was satisfied with the solution presented
  to her. 

  Since now learning that isn't the case and the additional info you provided us about her, we are more than willing to offer a full refund.  We have been reaching out to your
  wife to ensure this would satisfy her request, but have been unable to reach her. 

  We will move forward with refunding her in full.

  Thank you,

  ***********************

  Director of Quality Systems
  

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/21/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up for the coaching curriculum and was informed that I would have one-on-one coaching sessions while going through the curriculum. Once I signed up, I noticed the curriculum was tough to follow, and no one has lent any support, nor have I had any one-on-one coaching sessions. I have contacted several people requesting a refund, and still nothing. I don't want to waste my money on a wonky curriculum and request a refund for the total amount paid.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/29/2023

  We have been working ongoing with *************** to provide her a refund.  We had already attempted to refund her
  and were just informed by her that we need to refund her using a different method.
  .
  We are more than happy to refund ***** and have already attempted to do so and will complete the refund as
  soon as we hear back from her on what method she would prefer to receive her refund.
  

  Kind regards,

  ***********************

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/30/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************