Guru Scam Words!

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Guru Scam Words!

Michael Rossi
Real Estate Investor · OH · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes

I've been around this business long enough to see just about every scammer out there. I've noticed that all of the scammers use certain words: Here's my list:

1. SECRET (the gurus have a secret alright. The secret is that they don't have a secret, beyond the secret to fleecing newbies.)

2. SYSTEM (many of the gurus claim to have a "system" that will allow you to get rich without work)

3. AUTOPILOT (also meant to convey to newbies that money will just fall from the sky without effort. One internet marketing program claims that you will make money while you sleep. Just take a nap and you'll be rich I suppose.)

4. OUTRAGEOUS PROFITS - no business has outrageous profits. It always sounds easier than it is.

5. EXPLODE (your income, profits, wealth, etc) - in the real world you work hard for these things, they don't simply explode!

6. INNER CIRCLE (meant to convey that you will be best personal friends with the guru)

7. UNIVERSITY (meant to give legitimacy to the guru when they clearly aren't accredited as an institution of higher learning)\

Can you think of more words that the gurus use? Let's hear them!

Mike

1Reply
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Most Popular Reply

Eliott G.
Real Estate Investor · Elgin, IL · Member since 2009 · 135 posts · 9 votes
17y

Hope
Change

This sounds like a scam of Presidential perportions! :mrgreen:

3Reply
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  • Dory Peters
    Real Estate Investor · dc, Washington D.C. · Member since 2008 · 392 posts · 89 votes
    17y

    Actually, I have to admit that I like to use "turn-key . . ." in some of my marketing materials for properties under property management. Blame it on the consultant in me.

    Nevertheless, some of my favorites are:
    "Please try my product . . . for free" (with the fine print for S/H and credit card logos at the bottom of the display/page); "Our phones are ringing non-stop with orders . . ." (every time we see the commercial--even at 3AM); "Don't be the last one . . ."; "Access to our foreclosure/buyers/sellers/etc list . . ." that's such a secret that the government can't identify the names on that list--neither can those sellers (because the list doesn't exist); and I'll save the best one for last.

    My favorite gimmick of all--as an Ohioan transplanted to the East Coast--is when the marketers flash to that "ordinary" person from Ohio (or somewhere else in the Midwest), and then flash to that person surrounded by models, palm trees, and other cheesy, tropical scenery (that you know were either green-screened or PhotoShopped into that scene) with the steel drums blaring in the background. The implication is "my method will lead to the good life".

    1Reply
  • Timothy W.
    Attorney · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    17y
    Originally posted by Dory Peters:
    My favorite gimmick of all--as an Ohioan transplanted to the East Coast--is when the marketers flash to that "ordinary" person from Ohio (or somewhere else in the Midwest), and then flash to that person surrounded by models, palm trees, and other cheesy, tropical scenery (that you know were either green-screened or PhotoShopped into that scene) with the steel drums blaring in the background. The implication is "my method will lead to the good life".


    Yeah, talk about guru nonsense. We all know Ohioans don't know how to invest in real estate. ;-)
    1Reply
  • Michael Rossi
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · OH · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    17y

    That's not fare, cause wer not all inbread egnorunt hillbillys her en ohio!

    0Reply
  • Mark N.A
    Real Estate Investor · North Carolina · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 483 votes
    17y

    "ABSOLUTE AUCTION !!!"

    I've been to a few around here and it soon becomes obvious that the audience is peppered with shills bidding the real estate prices up.

    0Reply
  • Lafi S.
    Real Estate Agent · North Jersey, NJ · Member since 2008 · 287 posts · 51 votes
    17y

    In just 15 minutes I'm going to show how I made $5230483580374508734538743258725 in real estate!!

    Come find out how I did it!

    1Reply
  • Jim Sharp
    Real Estate Investor · Colorado Springs, CO · Member since 2008 · 108 posts · 9 votes
    17y

    I suggest reading Robert Cialdini's book Influence. The reason gurus use these statements are because they work.

    The gurus aren't all bad... seems they probably pay for this website with their pay per click advertising.

    1Reply
  • Rachel H.
    San Antonio, TX · Member since 2009 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    17y

    "Easy Money"

    1Reply
  • Dave Toelkes
    Investor · Pawleys Island, SC · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 837 votes
    17y

    "Get to the next level"
    "Reach financial freedom"
    "Exclusive offer expires at midnight today"
    "Price doubles after this offer expires"
    "Exclusive offer only available to the next 15 14 13 action takers"
    "Just 15 minutes a day"

    1Reply
  • Ricky Ostrom
    Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2009 · 85 posts · 23 votes
    17y

    This important 45 minute phone conference will cover; 20 minutes about my past, family, house, cars, boats and trips; then a 20 minutes review on what is wholesaling, shortsaling, or probates; and finally 5 minutes about you buying my product.

    0Reply
  • Dory Peters
    Real Estate Investor · dc, Washington D.C. · Member since 2008 · 392 posts · 89 votes
    17y

    We just cracked the code . . .

    0Reply
  • Matt Rosen
    Lender · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 166 posts · 46 votes
    17y

    Guru IS the scam word.

    Or how about.."I am offering this program for FREE, thats right, FREE!!

    Then the next month your billed $299/month for coaching from someone manning the phones.

    Remember-FREE is the most expensive

    1Reply
  • Robb Terranova
    Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2009 · 12 posts · 2 votes
    17y
    Originally posted by Jim Sharp:
    I suggest reading Robert Cialdini's book Influence. The reason gurus use these statements are because they work.

    And they work in despite the fact we know they're using them on us. They teach you the top 100 "power words" when you study advertising, so I wrote an ad using all of them. Don't you want this FREE product??

    "Now, the easy, simple way to solve your financial problems free! This new, no risk, no cost method is guaranteed fast, proven and secure.

    Yes, you can save money with this important, limited offer and you’ll love the results! Discover this dramatic new secret finally revealed and seize the opportunity to create stunning profits almost immediately! As seen on “Today,†get the shocking proof that experts who have taken advantage of this goldmine are talking about. Finally, eliminate frightening financial problems forever!

    This offer expires soon, so grab your chance to take advantage of this money-making solution! This is not one of those scary scams – it’s based on a crafty trend recommended by experts to instantly create a jump in personal wealth.

    See your profits explode by getting an exclusive glimpse into the latest key study with astonishing facts that can suddenly change your financial world forever! Learn the revolutionary information that big industry leaders know risk free! The report outlining this method is complimentary and it works! At last, information you can see and touch for actually becoming rich!

    This is not a bargain, this is not a discount where you can save up to 20% off, this is not a sample of the latest information, but a roadmap to wealth that is shaking up the financial world. Now, an effortless answer to more huge profits that you’ve ever imagined. At last, you can obtain all of your favorite luxuries, live the sexy life, be the envy of your friends and family in a flash! Warning, other offers don’t compare, there’s no exact match and our system works almost instantly.

    As an amazing complimentary bonus, you get our improved critical financial safety report– hurry to receive the complete update. Finally, more wealth than you ever dreamed possible! There’s never been a better reason for action – act now!"

    2Reply
  • Dory Peters
    Real Estate Investor · dc, Washington D.C. · Member since 2008 · 392 posts · 89 votes
    17y

    Wow, Rob, sign me up for whatever it is you're selling! :mrgreen:

    Fleece me until I lose control! :cool:

    Just curious, how many of those power words do you use in your actual copy? :D

    0Reply
  • Robb Terranova
    Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2009 · 12 posts · 2 votes
    17y

    Ah, now that I have you under my power I can sell you my system! :mrgreen:

    Unbelievable but true, I have split tested ads using these and they get better response...

    0Reply
  • Leesa Cramer
    Real Estate Investor · Levittown, PA · Member since 2008 · 36 posts · 3 votes
    17y

    Here's one:
    " we are local guys out there in the trenches everyday doing real estate! We'll show you our system for getting the deals. Use our attorneys, contractors, funding, agents, investors...Come to our "Free" seminar. We're not going to try to sell books and tapes or bootcamps. We're not some guru that comes to your town...they don't know our market....

    This is from a radio infomercial of a seminar I went to 3 years ago. At the end, to get into their "exclusive" club you needed to fork over $7995 for their 3 day training and lifetime membership LOL. You could take a friend/ spouse for one price and you would get that back with your first deal!. ooohhhhaaahhh!

    1Reply
  • Brian G.
    Investor · Bloomfield, NJ · Member since 2008 · 95 posts · 14 votes
    17y
    Originally posted by Robb Terranova:
    Originally posted by Jim Sharp:
    I suggest reading Robert Cialdini's book Influence. The reason gurus use these statements are because they work.


    And they work in despite the fact we know they're using them on us. They teach you the top 100 "power words" when you study advertising, so I wrote an ad using all of them. Don't you want this FREE product??

    "Now, the easy, simple way to solve your financial problems free! This new, no risk, no cost method is guaranteed fast, proven and secure.

    Yes, you can save money with this important, limited offer and you’ll love the results! Discover this dramatic new secret finally revealed and seize the opportunity to create stunning profits almost immediately! As seen on “Today,†get the shocking proof that experts who have taken advantage of this goldmine are talking about. Finally, eliminate frightening financial problems forever!

    This offer expires soon, so grab your chance to take advantage of this money-making solution! This is not one of those scary scams – it’s based on a crafty trend recommended by experts to instantly create a jump in personal wealth.

    See your profits explode by getting an exclusive glimpse into the latest key study with astonishing facts that can suddenly change your financial world forever! Learn the revolutionary information that big industry leaders know risk free! The report outlining this method is complimentary and it works! At last, information you can see and touch for actually becoming rich!

    This is not a bargain, this is not a discount where you can save up to 20% off, this is not a sample of the latest information, but a roadmap to wealth that is shaking up the financial world. Now, an effortless answer to more huge profits that you’ve ever imagined. At last, you can obtain all of your favorite luxuries, live the sexy life, be the envy of your friends and family in a flash! Warning, other offers don’t compare, there’s no exact match and our system works almost instantly.

    As an amazing complimentary bonus, you get our improved critical financial safety report– hurry to receive the complete update. Finally, more wealth than you ever dreamed possible! There’s never been a better reason for action – act now!"






    That's insane :lol: Good job! I've read Influence, it's definetly an eye opener. Rob, what book had all those "power words" in it?

    Brian
    0Reply
  • Steve Babiak
    Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    17y

    More that I just received:

    At this price, we're practically giving it away...

    100% Iron-Clad, Money-Back GUARANTEE

    Here's a blog link where the comments offer some explanations on the guru mindset and operations:
    http://realestate.bryanellis.com/1167/why-i-wont-participate-in-product-launches-with-the-gurus/

    0Reply
  • Eric Medemar
    Real Estate Coach · Grand Rapids, MI · Member since 2008 · 204 posts · 188 votes
    17y

    ==>You'll find yourself getting very sleepy and you may or may not notice yourself wanting to get out your credit card and send me money.

    ==>If you've ever wanted to make $10,000,000 investing but didn't want to do any work, spend any money, or get off your a$$ then this maybe the most important letter you'll ever read.

    Some "Guru" insight....

    99% of people who buy investing products buy based on completely irrational fears or desires, then they justify it with real world reasons.

    Unfortunately the reason guru's use ALL of those terms is their customers on some level want a:

    Special hands free device that will do all the work, without ANY effort, making all family members respect you, while making your "Special part" just a little larger (if your a guy), or your "Curves in the wrong spots" a little smaller (if your a woman), all the while paying you massive amounts of money....

    If silly words like AUTOPILOT INCOME didn't sell, then guru's would no longer use them....

    0Reply
  • Dick Green
    Residential Real Estate Broker · Conroe, TX · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 43 votes
    17y

    I laugh when I see the words To: undisclosed-recipients: ; in an email from someone that I don't know. Why don't they just say To: All Suckers.....lol

    And not to forget the scammers who mix in religion with their sales pitch and claim that God has somehow ordained them to sell me something.

    1Reply
  • James Hiddle
    Altus, OK · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 690 votes
    17y

    You gotta love how they include bonuses that total around $14,521 lol making it like you are getting a good deal on just the bonuses alone.

    0Reply
  • Steven Gore
    Real Estate Investor · Naperville, IL · Member since 2008 · 20 posts · 1 vote
    17y

    My favorite are those offers which imply that a *** digital product *** well somehow "sell out".

    1Reply
  • Shannon Feol
    Real Estate Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2009 · 15 posts · 8 votes
    17y

    Just because someone is selling a home study course, has a a "boot camp" or gives you a special "bonus" with your purchase, doesn't mean they are a scammer. It all depends on if you truly take the material seriously, study, and execute.

    Nothing is more important than educating yourself - especially in the world of real estate investing. My husband and I have invested in thousands and thousands of dollars worth of educational materials from real estate "gurus" and have never felt scammed. We have turned that education in to a very successful real estate investing business.

    I wonder how many people who have felt "scammed" have honestly and seriously spent time studying and applying the information in the educational material???

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Manhattan, NY · Member since 2008 · 801 posts · 61 votes
    17y

    The issue isn't that they have an information product for sale.

    The problem is the misinformation, half truths and out right falsehoods some of them use to market their stuff. The problem is when they claim some super secret only they know but will share with you for $99 if you buy their book. Then they tell you the real secret will be revealed in the $499 home study course. Then you are told to really learn the techniques you need the $999 weekend seminar. Then you're told you need their coaching or mentoring program to realize your full potential and that is just $500 a month.

    The other good one is the "free" offer of something, but you pay a small shipping and handling charge (or a $1 donation to charity as I recently pointed out in a podcast). But the fine print signs you up for their monthly "service" at several hundred dollars a month unless you cancel. Even those who cancel report being charged and of course, there are no refunds.

    Those are the ones I made fun of on the satellite feed and on the podcasts like the one yesterday. Which, apparently the mods here thought was a bit over the top since they deleted my thread where I asked others if they thought the parody went too far.

    These are the types I am going to continue to make fun of and talk about their bogus programs for as long as I am on the satellite feed and the podcasts are produced.

    No, I am not on a crusade to wipe out the gurus. I am having a ball with the gurus and sharing information at the same time. The feedback has been positive so far and at least a couple of times a day someone will send a comment saying they learned something that will help them in their investing.

    I think Jeff T says it best when he says, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, guru."

    2Reply
  • Keith Andrew
    Real Estate Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2009 · 9 posts · 2 votes
    17y

    How about,

    " proprietary method "

    and my all time favorite !

    " money flows to good deals "

    1Reply
  • G Simpson
    Real Estate Investor · Vancouver, British Columbia · Member since 2009 · 44 posts · 11 votes
    17y

    This thread is hilarious...the one thing i notice however is the thousands of dollars spent on GURU books etc by looking at all the quotes you all have provided.....someone is making money...guess who!

    0Reply
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