The Force Field Investigates: LAN/WAN Professional.com

I received an invitation today to receive free training to be a LAN Administrator as part of a “LAN/WAN Internship and Placement Program”. “Woo hoo!”, I thought to myself. “free training. You can’t beat free.”

The invitation was sent under the guise of “newsletter@lanwannews.com”. Immediately the red flag went up.

Now, I subscribe to dozens of tech newsletters so that in itself wasn’t cause for alert, but I know what I subscribe to and I don’t recall subscribing to this one. On closer inspection, it wasn’t really a newsletter at all, it was an unsolicited e-mail offer. Spam.

The first line said it was an “official e-mail” and said that I was “authorized” to receive a $2,995 training program gratis. Well, I thought, I guess I had better read the entire e-mail and find out just how free this offer is.

As it turns out, it wasn’t as free as they claimed. In fact, it wasn’t free at all.

The word “free” means just that. FREE. No strings attached, nothing to buy, no conditions. It is something given without clauses, without any charge, without supplemental fees. It costs absolutely, positively nothing, zero, that is why It’s called “FREE”.

The training program is offered by a company called LAN/WAN Professional. Although the first paragraph of the e-mail stated that I would receive the “LAN Administrator Remote Training” free of charge, it later states that the offer is limited to “Stage 1” of the training only.  Further down it adds that this “free” training requires a $95 application fee, a $195 registration fee (aren’t “application” and “registration” generally the same thing?) and a $29 materials shipping and handling fee. Excuse me, but aren’t we are missing something here, the “r” in “free”?

So it isn’t free, it’s fee.

The e-mail went on to spew out starting salaries for IT professionals and statistics about how job growth in the industry is expected to be 53.4% over the next ten years. Considering that figure is spread out over ten years, which is a long time in the IT industry, that margin of growth isn’t too impressive, but it sounds great in a sales pitch to someone who isn’t already in it.

They even set a deadline for application of November 13. That is only five days away. “Well, I’d better get busy then”, I thought. There was a contact name, phone number, fax number, e-mail address and URL to a web site. I decided to give them a call.

The name of the contact was Patrick Pule, Director of Client Relations. It was a 949 area code, which was California. It was around 9:15 AM when I called and Mr. Pule wasn’t in, but he had voice mail, so I left him a message. Of course, I had no intention of signing up, but that wasn’t why I was calling. I wanted to check them out and find out if they were legit, or just how reputable they were. Since he wasn’t available, I decided to Google around. What I found out was very interesting. I feel it is important to post it on The Force Field, in case anyone else gets such an e-mail and is in the market for certifications.

First, the company now called LAN/WAN Professional was previously known by another name, Tech Pros Group. Apparently this company, also known as TPG in some forums and web sites, has quite a shady reputation. The company was allegedly founded by Eric Choi and operated by Choi and his brother, Ray. According to the company web site, their guaranteed success of the IT professional is somehow tied to or dependent on the “financial success of the company”, A strange statement for an organization that purports to train applicants for IT certifications. What does the financial success of the company have to do with how successful an IT professional becomes after he is trained and certified? Is this marketing double speak or an indication of the company’s real objectives? One has to wonder.

But that was only the beginning. As it turns out, a number of techs and techs in training signed up with the company for the alleged “free” training that was pitched to me. The results of this training, depending on who you talked to, were mixed.

Complaints were posted and logged on a number of web sites. TechRepublic had the longest and most controversial discussions on the company and I only had time and patience enough to wade through about half of the posts about LAN/WAN Professional.com . One notable and ardent supporter of Tech Pros Group/Lan/Wan Professionals was Steve Copeland, allegedly Vice President of Business Relations at Tech Pro Group, both defending his company and blasting dissenters for their posts.

Consumer complaint site complaintsboard.com seemed to corroborate at least one of the stories posted by members of TechRepublic.The Better Business Bureau also had something to say about Tech Pros Group, saying that the company “failed to respond to complaints”, “their advertising is grossly misleading”, “they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements” and gave the company an F rating.

The company marketed itself heavily on CareerBuilder.com until complaints and bad publicity prompted CareerBuilder to suspend their accounts in August. This may have been, at least to some degree, due to a series of postings in a blog by Brad Reese on NetworkWorld called Brad Reese on Cisco , in which Reese investigated complaints against TPG/LAN/WAN Professional and its questionable tactics in July 2008.

Among the controversies circulated in several of these venues was a concept that brought into question the validity of the training program itself. Despite the claims by TPG that their internship and placement training program was “proven to fast track you to a professional level position as a LAN/WAN administrator, engineer, analyst or project manager”, the company  was not actually an accredited school or training center for IT certification. For instance, TPG had advertised Microsoft\Cisco paid internships on CareerBuilder that were actually marketing pitches to recruit applicants for their training programs. Reese posted an official statement on his blog August 1 from Fred Weiller, Director of Marketing for Learning@Cisco, in which Weiller said emphatically that TPG/LAN/WAN Professional.com had no affiliation with Cisco.

“Cisco has no relationship with them, and Cisco does not endorse their programs in any way”, Weiller was quoted as saying. “Eric Choi is not registered as a Certified Cisco Systems Instructor CCSI.”

As for the actual certification, CertGuard, a company that validates IT certification testing sites and certification integrity, advised users in its forums to check out the company thoroughly before giving them any money for training programs.

While it is possible you may not receive an e-mail from TPG, LANWAN Professional.com or LANWANProfessional.net (there were links to both a .com and .net domain, so beware), It is likely you will receive similar solicitations for other IT training and certification programs from time to time. There are many of them out there and this industry is just as prone and vulnerable to solicitation from companies, individuals and organizations with questionable intent as any other.

Just because we are in a field which requires us to be aware of all manner of schemes, scams and fraud against our customers doesn’t mean we are always on guard against such things ourselves, as evidenced by complaints and lawsuits lodged against companies like TPG. As such, I will include such companies and organizations in the IT Business Resource Directory from time to time in the future, not as an endorsement, but as a red flag to those who are solicited by these companies and want to know more about them before they get involved.

19 thoughts on “The Force Field Investigates: LAN/WAN Professional.com”

  1. it is not what you read
    This company was founded by a manipulator

    The owner Eric Choi has practically ran this company to the ground from the start.

    From the looks of it, he over works his employees and pays them in peanuts and lies.

    From speaking with one of the employees about the history of the company, it sounded like things were looking up for this company but then the owner decided not to pay rent at the old building and was evicted and was sued for it. Not so smart right?

    Now when I came to test-drive the camp I had to pay up the wazoo for airfare, and when we were picked up it was great customer service. Then ad we reached our destination…it was a house with outdated equipment and bunk beds…I came here for training not a sleep over.

    The owner then comes in and gives his elevator sales pitch that should’ve lasted an hour but went on for almost 8 hours. just they way he talked felt like a lie.

    His poor employees work day and night for almost for 15 hours straight. These guys look tired and beat up. I heard that they severely underpaid for what they are actually worth.

    The place over all is just depressing that someone could get away with running a company this way.

    Don’t waste your time with this company. Unless they get their act together and change the atmosphere and philosophy of this company. this company will continue to stay where they are for a long time.

  2. Mr
    @Stephen W. Sievert
    Totally agree with you Stephen. I’m a CCNA. My certification expired 3 years ago and I’m preparing to retake the exam to recertify. There is no need to pay that much money to learn. You have the ability to study on your own. The information now than ever is at your fingertips and free. YOU should be payed to study and not the other way around. But the education on the western “modern” civilization is flawed. However it is up to you to do your research and get all the info needed to succeed in your education. All the info again to get certified and have experience (basic not real world) is on the internet. Just do your homework as our friend Stephen W. Sievert says 🙂
    Cheers!!!

  3. Systems Administrator
    I’m glad I read this review. I almost jumped on it but something told me to do a search before hitting the send button. One thing to note iwth LAN/WAN Professionals in addition to what has been already stated, how up-to-date is their training material and does it match up with current Certification Test Questions? I’m hearing alot about monetary compensiation but not much concerning the content. Buyer beware.

  4. I took the training
    Hello All,

    I have my own experience with LWP. I don’t say it is a scam. They have a program with exaggerated fee quotes (some trainings are worth $40000+ etc.).

    This program is not for everyone. Only for hungry, focused and a determined individuals who are willing to spend time to train themselves with their help, guides and pressure. If you don’t have flair/passion for networks, it is not easy. I don’t regret the 13 day training I did. I spent 16hr/day training myself in CCNP concepts. They manipulated and made me put my resume in 20 sites and it worked. I attended couple of interviews and got hang of it and found a job with a good salary.

    Pros: Fairly good training in Cisco concepts
    Interview taking skills training
    Confidence building motivational talk
    Cons: Pressure tactics to sign up
    Constant pushing/prodding to worked
    Too much money if you compare with others

    I did the training, found the job and I paid $10,000 to get out of their debt.
    I was desperate, confused and lacked confidence. They found the right guy in me and made their money. I found them right for me at that time.

    Any Cisco certified CCNP program costs from $6 – 10K and there is no guarantee you will find a job.

    Anyways, don’t take it unless you have it in you to become a network engineer and ready to sacrifice $10k win or lose.

    Sam
    ps
    This is my honest opinion and I am not influenced by LWP. I dislike the way they promote the business and hate their pressure tactics.

  5. Changed Mind
    I did the two day hands on training and spoke to Eric Choice at length regarding the four day camp. I now have the proper information to make the right decision. I learned much, but when Cisco does not support them, THAT is important.

  6. LAN/WAN PROFESSIONAL SCAM/WAN
    So glad I performed a quick Google search about this “program” before returning the voice mail that was left on my phone yesterday. thanks again for saying me the time and trouble of discovering this further down the road. Will Smith

  7. Check out alternate free training resources available on the internet
    Searching the internet and reviewing the results with due diligence can yield opportunities for free training and preparation for those who can afford to pursue the same on their own time. I am currently reviewing the IT security course available at alison.com and the free Cisco course available at itmasters.edu.au/free-short-course-cisco-ccna/. I know from my google searches that there are wide varieties of other vehicles that provide some free training towards professional IT certification. Free resources that I have found include videos, router simulation software, and practice tests. With such resources available, it is possible to obtain training and review towards taking IT certification tests while experiencing limited out of pocket expense. With this in mind, it may be worth the investment in time to investigate and review on one’s own prior to pursuing any training that requires personal expense. Finally, it is definitely not worth anyone’s time to pursue a training course which appears to over promise, under deliver, and which cannot outline the program’s obligations and responsibilities, the trainee’s obligations and responsibilities, and the employer’s obligations and responsibilities concretely.

  8. LAN/WAN Professional
    Yes I received one of these emails today. Of course because I am out of a job (been Lay-ed off) I jumped all over it sending in a resume. It wasn’t necessarily the idea of free training for me. I have already had the MCSA course twice over the past 10 years but never took the tests to certify myself. The cost at the time was the issue with all the tests after completing the courses. After working customer service in a call center for 4 years for DSL and cable companies, this really seemed like a good way to expand and develop myself. Well here I am researching and glad I have found you. I will make sure I will let them know I already received a better offer after reading this website. thank you all for being there and caring.

  9. DO NOT GO THROUGH LAN WAN PROFESSIONAL’S PROGRAM OR WORK FOR THEM!!!
    The owner of LanWan Professional ERIC CHOI IS A SHYSTER MONEY HUNGRY shady man. He tries to get every penny he can from anyone he can take advantage of. If you are thinking about going through the training program DO NOT invest your money or time. ALL ERIC CHOI cares about is how much money he can get from each candidate that goes through the program and will make you pay 19.95% out of your pay after job placement for about 24-36 months. The total cost of the program is valued at about 50,000.00. You will have to pay this back through a percentage of your pay check which can be 19.95 %. You will also have to pay a security deposit which ranges anywhere from $500-$1000 depending on your credit check and work experience, not including meals and lodging and air fare to get to camp. Meals and lodging fees vary depending on what Eric Choi decides he feels like changing it to that week. Also, after attending a 3 day camp, and you decide you want to move forward

  10. DO NOT GO THROUGH LAN WAN PROFESSIONAL’S PROGRAM OR WORK FOR THEM!!!
    The owner of LanWan Professional ERIC CHOI IS A SHYSTER MONEY HUNGRY shady man. He tries to get every penny he can from anyone he can take advantage of. If you are thinking about going through the training program DO NOT invest your money or time. ALL ERIC CHOI cares about is how much money he can get from each candidate that goes through the program and will make you pay 19.95% out of your pay after job placement for about 24-36 months. The total cost of the program is valued at about 50,000.00. You will have to pay this back through a percentage of your pay check which can be 19.95 %. You will also have to pay a security deposit which ranges anywhere from $500-$1000 depending on your credit check and work experience, not including meals and lodging and air fare to get to camp. Meals and lodging fees vary depending on what Eric Choi decides he feels like changing it to that week. Also, after attending a 3 day camp, and you decide you want to move forward into the program and

  11. RE: The Force Field Investigates: LAN/WAN Professional.com
    They are still at it advertising high paid internships and free training, then bait and switch trying to charge $800-$1300 for a 3day camp and a worthless certificate of their own. I wouldn’t attend unless they paid me.

  12. RE: The Force Field Investigates: LAN/WAN Professional.com
    I’ve read all of these blogs as well as others on many other sites. First, I want to comment on the current BBB rating. Yes, it is A-. That is only because Choi complained to the BBB and said that most of that rating stemmed from his previous company. They decided to start him all over with an A+ and all he did was change the name and program structure. I looked recently and still see the same problems he had before. It won’t be long until it is an F again.

    Second, there are no partnerships with Cisco partners or any other company for that matter as of May 2011. There may be now but I doubt it. They don’t have a placement program that you enter after you go to camp. They help you find a job. That’s their “placement”.

    Comment too long so I have to stop…let me know if you want more information. I can post for days about this scumbag.

  13. BBB Rating changed
    Jethro, At the time this article was written, the BBB rating was indeed “F”. Since then, the BBB apparently changed it to “NR” (Not Rated). There is no specific reason given for it, however, according to “What Are BBB Ratings” on their web site, in can be due any one of the following reasons:

    (From the BBB web site)
    1. the BBB file is being reviewed or updated
    2. the BBB does not have sufficient information about the business
    3. Recent activity requires further review by BBB.

    When this article was written over two years ago, the facts were accurate as stated. The company did, indeed, have an F rating. Since then things may have changed. Perhaps the company cleaned up their act and improved their image. I don’t know. The BBB itself states that their ratings change on a daily basis, so just because the facts in the article don’t match your personal experiences doesn’t mean they weren’t relevant at an earlier time.

    The article was not intended to slam LAN/WAN Professional but to use the evidence available on the company at the time as an example as to why techs should always check these companies – all companies – carefully before simply signing up with them.

  14. RE: The Force Field Investigates: LAN/WAN Professional.com
    I used LANWAN Professional’s service, and I did settle shortly after camp and saved over $15,000 on the training costs. I’m currently in the placement program. I have acquired 4 Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNA Voice, CCNA Security, CCNA Wireless) and will acquire 3 more (CCNP, CCDA, CCDP). I am also planning on participating in LWP’s CCIE Consultant Program. You are not required to spend 60 hours a week searching for a job, only 40 hours. The above article has many half truths stated in it. TPG does not have an ‘F’ rating on the BBB. LWP actually has an ‘A-‘ rating. The program isn’t free, you pay for the training through a percentage of your income once you are working. There are no registration/application fees, just your own exam fees for the 7 Cisco certifications you will test for. The financial succes of the company is tied to the success of the client, not the other way around. All-in-All LWP is an honest company that helps those who are serious about their own careers in IT.

  15. LANWAN Is a SCAM, be careful
    guys,

    i just searched google and i found all kind of scam stories about this company, thank you guys for this alert, i was so close to sign up! also check

    http://www.lanwanprofessionalscam.com
    http://www.lanwanprofessional.info

    the other thing i found about the owner “CEO” Eric Choi is this article, search google image for the keywords “eric choi lanwan”

    Admin, please approve this post, its really important for people to know….

  16. You better listen to this guy!
    Please do not use the LAN WAN Professional service. You can get the same service for MUCH less money through, for example, The Bryant Advantage. If you do use the service make sure you do not choose a settlement option at the end of camp. If you do then you are trapped and have to start paying them whether you are working or not. They say this is only true if you do not put in atleast 60 hours a week looking for a job and validate it in their system, but I put in my hours and they still said the system did not validate my hours. It is a trick and a trap. If you are going to use their service just go ahead and pay the 20% a year for 2 years, which by the way could be around $24000 for you CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, and CCIP. Trust me when I tell you that I wish I had never used their service.

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