Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/14/2024

  Type:Product 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.

  Purchase: Limitless Mastermind Program by Christian Mickelsen. Amount Paid: $136,000 in December 2019. Program Completion: March 2019. Attempted Resolution: I requested a refund 4 times. Currently, I am seeking partial refund of $68,000.Description: I joined Limitless, a high-end mastermind program offered by Christian Mickelsen of Future Force, in December 2019, paying a total of $136,000. The program was sold as an exclusive, elite group with specific promises that were not fulfilled. I have requested a refund three times but was denied each time. I am now seeking a partial refund of half the amount paid.Program Issues:1. Misleading Advertising: I was promised exclusive, high-level experiences, including: Three pre-paid trips each year to exotic locations, which never materialized; Introductions to nationally and internationally known speakers, authors, and influencers, which never happened; Personalized support for product launches, which was not provided.2. Forced Signing of the Contract: I was required to sign a contract after arriving at the first event, two months after paying. If I did not sign, I could not participate.3. Lack of Exclusivity: The program was advertised as exclusive and selective based on applications. Actually, membership was determined solely by financial ability. Other attendees were offered seats for free or at significantly reduced prices.4. Lifetime Membership Misrepresentation: As part of my payment, I was promised lifetime membership in programs, including another mastermind program (BIGs). After the last event, I was told that the cost of future participation is $25,000 annually.5. Inappropriate Conduct at Events: At one event in ***********, another attendee distributed psychiatric medication, and Christian Mickelsen pressured everyone to take some. This is not appropriate for a professional mastermind.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/07/2024

  **********, we genuinely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you've shared, and we are deeply grateful for the many wonderful reviews youve given us over the years about this program. Its been a privilege to have you as part of our community and to be a part of your journey.
  
  As mentioned in the agreement you signed, refunds arent available due to the nature of the services provided to you. This includes the high-end retreats, gourmet meals, exclusive activities, the personalized 1:1 coaching and extra experiences youve enjoyed over the past five years. We are proud to have delivered more than promised to you in many areas of this program.
  
  Please know that we truly value your relationship with us. We would love to continue supporting you and working together toward a positive resolution.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22286279
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Contract  signed under pressure and false advertising.
  Thank you for your response. However, I must respectfully reject your explanation for the following reasons:
  

  1. Contract Signing Under Pressure: I was pressured into signing the contract after already paying for the program. This occurred two months after payment, at the first event. At the time, I was told that if I did not sign the contract, I would not be allowed to participate. I believe this undermines the validity of the agreement, as I was not given full disclosure or sufficient time to review the terms beforehand.
  

  2. False Advertising: The program was sold with several key promises, none of which were fulfilled. These included:

     - Exotic locations for retreats: During the promotion, brochures for resorts in locations such as **************** were shown, but the actual trips did not meet this standard.

     - Personalized support for product launches: I did not receive the level of personalized support promised for my product launches.

     - Lifetime membership: It was clearly communicated that lifetime access to all programs,including the **** mastermind, was part of the agreement. However, after the program, I was informed that future participation would require an additional $25,000 per year.

     - Introductions to well-known personalities: Despite being promised networking with nationally and internationally recognized speakers, authors, and influencers, these introductions never materialized.
  

  3. Inappropriate Conduct at Events: At one of the events,attendees were pressured into taking psilocybin, which I found highly inappropriate for a professional setting. This behavior further detracted from the credibility of the program.
  

  Given these issues, I stand by my request for a partial refund of $68,000, as the program did not deliver on the advertised promises,and I felt pressured to sign the contract under circumstances that I believe were unfair.
  

  Given these issues, I stand by my request for a partial refund of $68,000, as the program did not deliver on the advertised promises,and I was pressured to sign the contract under circumstances that I believe were unfair.
  

  I expect this refund to be processed without further delay.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/25/2024

  Please see our response to consumers rejection of our initial response:

  Dear ******,

  
  Our entire team has loved having you as a valued member of many of our programs. You have been a wonderful part of our community, and it has been my pleasure to support you throughout these years.
  
  It has truly taken us all by surprise that youre expressing dissatisfaction now, as you were such a raving fan every step of the wayfrom the first retreat to the last, consistently giving us glowing testimonials. Weve always appreciated your positive feedback. (*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************)

  
  Your customer record and interactions with our staff also indicate happiness with our program, and we remain confused by the change in your opinions. We value transparency and open communication, so please know we take your feedback seriously as we aim to provide the best possible experience for all of our members.

  
  It seems this current unhappiness may stem from a misunderstanding that you believed you would have access to our programs 1:1 coaching and masterminds indefinitely. That was not the case, as was made clear in the contract you signed. None of the other members in the program had this impression.

  
  Addressing Specific Concerns

  
  1.  Contract Signing Under Pressure:
  The contract was signed at the first retreat, a standard and appropriate time for formalizing agreements in such programs. There was no pressure to sign, and no one from our team told you that you would be excluded from participation if you did not sign immediately. Had any concerns been raised at the time, we would have been more than willing to address them. Its important to note that you continued to attend multiple events over the years, all while providing positive feedback.

  
  2.  False Advertising:
  Retreat Locations: While **************** was initially considered, we ultimately decided on hosting that retreat at the ******************** in ***********, an extraordinary location that also offered a glimpse into my personal life. We held retreats in other world-class locations, including the ******************, ********, ******, *****, *********, and my dream home in ********, Californiaeach adding a special and intimate touch.

  Product Launch Support: Product launch support was not a formal part of the program, though there were numerous opportunities to receive guidance during masterminds, group coaching sessions, and 1:1 sessions with me. If specific support for a launch had been requested, I would have been glad to provide additional guidance, though no such requests were made.

  Lifetime Membership: I understand how the *************************************** Program may have led to some confusion. This program was designed to offer continued access at a reduced rate, not lifetime access to 1:1 coaching and masterminding without cost. This was clearly outlined in the agreement you signed.

  
  3.  Inappropriate Conduct at Events:
  The plant medicine ceremony was entirely optional, with no pressure to participate, and several attendees chose not to. You voluntarily took part, expressing positive feedback afterward, even inquiring about participating in a similar experience again shortly thereafter. This reflected your satisfaction with the experience at the time.

  
  ******, I am extremely confident that we have not only met but exceeded the terms of our agreement. Originally set as a two-year program, we extended the program to almost five years, from March 23, 2019, to September 20, 2024, providing additional exclusive retreats, masterminds, personal and group coaching, and other valuable resources far beyond what was initially promised. You fully participated, attending the high-end retreats and contributing many positive testimonials along the way.

  
  The funds for these extensive, high-cost services have been fully allocated, and as both contracts you signed clearly stated, there are no refunds. We fully delivered on our promises and went above and beyond, providing you with additional years of program benefits.

  
  I remain committed to your success and am always open to exploring ways we can continue to support you moving forward.

  
  With all the love in my heart,
  Christian

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/04/2024

   
  Complaint: 22286279
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The company's response attempts to gloss over significant discrepancies between the programs promised features and the actual experience delivered, which did not meet the advertised value of the program.

  Thank you for your reply. I am formally requesting a partial refund of $68,000 based on unmet expectations, multiple instances of misalignment with core promises, and gaps between the programs advertised features and actual experiences.
  My continued participation after my initial request for a refund in April 2021 was denied was largely due to my connections with other members rather than contentment with the program's offerings. In fact, I expressed my concerns and ongoing dissatisfaction in a discussion with **** ***** in June 2022. My attendance should not be misinterpreted as satisfaction with the program.
  1. Testimonials
  My testimonials focused on specific highlights rather than a comprehensive review of my experience. I anticipated added value based on verbal assurances of lasting access to coaching and masterminds, elements promoted as program bonuses. However, upon reevaluation, I find the benefits I received were disproportionate to the program cost of $200,000 and my investment of $136,000. The discrepancy between promised features and their delivery has led to my disappointment and my request for a partial refund.
  2. Contract Signing Under Pressure
  The contract was presented after my arrival in ***********, two months after full payment. I recall being told that participation required my signature. Two other attendees can corroborate this because they heard it, too.  When concerns were raised, the response was that the contract was boilerplate. Requiring signature months after payment deviates from best practices, where contracts are typically provided before payment to ensure informed consent.
  3. Misrepresentation of Event Locations
  The program's advertised high-end retreat experiences did not align with program promises and demonstrated poor judgement by Future Force. Here are examples:
  ***********, February 2020:The ******************* issued travel advisories because of damaged infrastructure and inadequate emergency services as a result of a series of earthquakes. The Limitless event took place in a fourth-floor condo where one member had a view of the stairs.  The activity resulted in my being sea sick on a snorkel boat in the Atlantic Ocean.
  *********, October 2021: The *** recommended limited travel and strict Covid prevention guidelines due to continued Covid outbreaks.  At the Limitless location the rooms were noisy and the sub-standard bathroom had to be shared with someone I never met before, causing health and sanitation concerns.
  *********, March 2022:*** advised not to assemble in groups because COVID was still being actively transmitted.  Our event accommodation was split between the event location and a nearby hotel. People were shuttled back and forth for meals and events, creating more exposure to the virus.  
  ******************, June 2022: Level 2 travel advisories from the ************************ cited a high crime rate and advised increase caution. At the Limitless event location, armed guards checked IDs upon entrance and exit. Disappointing activities left participants in the sun for several hours, causing heat stroke for one participant.
  *********, November 2022:the *** was still warning travelers against gathering in groups due to COVID and to the flu. The Limitless event location was held in the home of the organizer in congested neighborhood in ********, lacking the advertised resort-level quality.
  *****, April 2023, Travel advisories from the ************************ cited caution due to security issues and high crime.
  ********, ******, March 2024: A Level 2 travel advisory from the ************************ warned travelers of high crime and kidnapping. At the Limitless event location, there were security, privacy, and accessibility issues, as well as health concerns.  The facility was locked or policed at all times. Privacy concerns were due to my assigned room location. Uneven stairs made access difficult for seniors and people with disabilities. Health and sanitation concerns resulted from the inability to drink the water or flush the toilets.  The activities were not only disappointing but also caused injury and illness for me and several other participants. 
  These examples indicate how the events were inconsistent with the exclusive,world-class retreats initially promised and demonstrated poor judgement on the part of the organizer.
  4. Product Launch Support
  Product launch support and introductions to thought leaders were promoted as key benefits. However, when a member sought publicity support for a book launch, none was provided. Furthermore, no introductions to thought leaders occurred, despite assurances. This lack of support for promised features was disappointing.
  5. Lifetime Membership 
  The program's initial marketing described lifetime access to all programs as a benefit, which I reasonably understood to include all program elements, not solely online resources. The distinction between in-person and online access was not made clear at the time of purchase, adding to the disparity between advertised and delivered benefits.
  6. Distribution of Psilocybin
  Psilocybin was introduced as a plant medicine without clarification on its legal status. In ***********, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance and its use is illegal. This lack of transparency on potential legal implications undermined my ability to make an informed decision.
  The statute of limitations has expired in *********** so no further legal action will be taken. However, it could be damaging to your business if it becomes known that you distribute illegal substances at your events.
  7. Program Extension Due to COVID-19 
  The program extension was not added value but rather a necessary adjustment due to pandemic restrictions. When gatherings resumed, I continued to participate with the expectation of receiving the programs full benefits, as initially promised. My participation was grounded in anticipation of the original commitments being honored, not in satisfaction with the programs ongoing execution.
  Conclusion
  In conclusion, the difference between the advertised program and my actual experience has resulted in significant dissatisfaction.Despite efforts to find positives, the program did not deliver on itsadvertised promises of a quality, high-end mastermind.
  I respectfully request a partial refund of $68,000 to account for the gap between promised and delivered value. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********** ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/17/2023

  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.

  Deceptive sales practices!! I was told that because I was attending the High End Selling Secrets event, I had 15 minutes to purchase Instant Miracle Mastery with these incredible bonuses. Christian said he "couldn't believe he was offering so many bonuses but loved the participants' energy and wanted to give them more!"This was supposedly the typical cost for the ticket:Ticket to Instant Miracle Mastery$10,000.00 After the 15 minutes ended, that price and these bonuses were not supposed to be available for "7 easy payments of $499." Instant Miracle Healing And Abundance Vault$10,000.00 1:1 Instant Miracle Healing Session$2,000.00 6 Months of ********************* Healing Sessions $2,000.00 Instant Miracle Mastery **************** GroupPriceless Turns out that these offers are always available:******************************************************* When I met with ***** to relay my concerns, he maintained that Christian didn't lie.I am including a screenshot of the supposed temporary offer from Sat Nov 10th and a screenshot of the permanent page today with the same exact offer. You will see the gross misrepresentation of the "7 easy payments of $499" unavailable the next day. Total lie!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/05/2023

  Please close my claim as satisfied. The business completed a full refund. Thank you for your help BBB.