Mars Venus Coaching Franchise Scam and Rip Off Melbourne AUSTRALIA

State of California - Department of Corporations

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS

TO: MarsVenusCoaching.com
Mars Venus
Coaching Global, Inc.
Rich Bernstein, President
5940 S Rainbow Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89118

DESIST AND REFRAIN ORDER

(For violations of section 31110 of
the Corporations Code)

The Commissioner of Corporations finds that:

1. Mars Venus Coaching Global, Inc. (Global) is a Nevada corporation, organized in 2008, with its
principal place of business at 5940 S Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89118.

2. At all relevant times, Richard Bernstein was the President of Global.

3. Global used the website http://marsvenuscoaching.com to offer franchises to California residents since at least April 2012. Global offers franchises in the coaching business based upon books written by John Gray, PhD., including Men Are From Mars, Women Are from Venus.

4. A business agreement that is defined as a franchiseunder the California Franchise Investment Law, California Corporations Code section 31000 et seq. (FIL), is subject to registration under the FIL. Section 31153 of the FIL statesthat the burden of proving an exemption or an exception from the FIL is upon the person claiming it.

5. Global and Richard Bernstein have not been registered to offer or sell franchises under the FIL and are not excepted or exempted under that law.

6. In its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with each franchisee,Global states that the agreement allows the franchisee to run a coaching business or businesses in the territory, under the trademarks and brand and program systems and proprietary information of Mars Venus Coaching.

7. The MOU requires franchisees to engage in the coaching business under the marketing Plan or System that is prescribed in substantial part by Global in its confidential operation manuals. These manuals set forth the practices, procedures, and methods to be utilized in operating a Mars
Venus Coaching business.

8. The operation of the franchisees business is required by Global to be substantially associated with Globals Proprietary Marks, which identify the franchisee as an affiliate of Global. under the MOU, the franchisee may use these commercial symbols only in the manner Global authorizes the permit.

9. Global franchisees are required to pay a fee of five thousand six hundred dollars ($5,600) for Induction Training fees, prior to being allowed to enter into the business. In addition, franchisees must pay Global four thousand six hundred dollars ($4,600) for the Key Managersinduction
training, prior to any training.

10. In addition to the Induction Training fees, the franchisee must pay Global four thousand one hundred and sixty five dollars ($4,165) for the right to do business under the Global Brand and System.Based upon the foregoing findings, the Commissioner of Corporations is of the opinion that Mars Venus Coaching Global, Inc. and Richard Bernstein have offered and/or sold franchises in California that were subject to registration under the Franchise Investment Law without the offers and/or sales first being registered, in violation of Corporations Code section 31110. Pursuant to section 31402 of the Corporations Code, Mars Venus Coaching Global, Inc. and Richard Bernstein are hereby ordered to desist and refrain from the further offer or sale of Mars Venus Coaching franchises unless and until the offers have been duly registered under the Franchise Investment Lawor are exempt.

This Order is necessary, in the public interest, for the protection of prospective franchisees and currently registered franchisors, and consistent with the purposes, policies and provisions of the
Franchise Investment Law.

Dated: March 4, 2013

Sacramento, California

JAN LYNN OWEN

Commissioner of Corporations

By_____________________________

Mary Ann Smith

Deputy Commissioner

Enforcement Division

www.corp.ca.gov/ENF/pdf/2013/MarsVenusCoaching_DR.pdf

I found a massive amount of negative information on the internet about Mars Venus Executive Training, Mars Venus Coaching, and the executives working there after I was invited to join their team. Nothing is more powerful than a Nevada Deputy Attorney General singling out Richard Bernstein, the President and CEO of Mars Venus Coaching, as one of the top 3 arrests and convictions in the State of Nevada in 2012.

On page 12 of the link listed below, the Nevada Attorney General goes into detail how important the recent conviction of Richard Bernstein was to protect the public.    

http://www.nevadajudiciary.us/images/judicialselection/JudSelection2012/escobar.pdf

In researching Mars Venus online nothing was more nauseating than one business that alleges that Richard Bernstein out of fear of exposure for his illegal activity, falsely accused them of being child molesters when they tried to sever a business relationship with his organization. This appears to have happened during the exact time Bernsteins fellow Mars Venus coach and cohort Scott Lippitt was trying to lure underage girls on the internet for sex. Mr. Lippitt was later convicted for attempting to have sex with a 13 year old girl and his name and photo can be found on sexual predator lists nationwide. He is still currently employed as a Mars Venus Coach.

In the youtube video promoting Mars Venus Coaching, John Gray and Richard Bernstein ask QUALITY people to contact them if you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in people's lives. I personally think individuals that prey on children are among the worst criminals we face and would never entertain the idea of hiring one as a life coach or trainer. Rotten to the core, Richard Bernstein the CEO appears to break the law to simply just do it. Sorry John Gray but I will have to pass because I am not one of those quality individuals like the ones above where their idea of making a difference is destroying peoples lives with absolutely no remorse.

RICHARD BERNSTEINS 2nd FELONY CONVICTION.
05/14/2012

Sentencing (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Thompson, Charles)
Minutes

05/14/2012 9:00 AM
- By virtue of his plea and by Order of this Court, DEFENDANT BERNSTEIN ADJUDGED GUILTY of SECURITIES FRAUD (F). Statements by Mr. Segal, Defendant and Mr. Brown. COURT ORDERED, in addition to the $25 Administrative Assessment fee and $150 DNA Analysis fee including testing to determine genetic markers, DEFENDANT SENTENCED to the Nevada Department of Corrections for a MAXIMUM term of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) MONTHS with a MINIMUM parole eligibility of FORTY-EIGHT (48) MONTHS andPAY $460,875.70 RESTITUTION; SUSPENDED; placed on PROBATION for an indeterminate period not to exceed FIVE (5) YEARS. CONDITIONS: 1. Complete impulse control counseling. 2. Pay $460,875.70 restitution. Mr. Brown handed a check to Mr. Segal for the remainder of the restitution;now what is owed is $10,875.70 for investigative costs by the State of Nevada. 3. Sign a Civil Confession of Judgment for unpaid restitution. 4. Have no contact whatsoever with the victim or victims family. 5. Disclose this conviction to present/potential employers. 6. Submit to full and complete financial disclosure. 7. Comply with an imposed curfew by Parole and Probation as deemed necessary. 8. Submit to genetic markers testing and pay a $150 fee to the Clerk of the Court. 9. May notparticipate in any securities transaction, but may borrow money from a family member or financial institution. Defendant was directed to report to Parole and Probation today.

Basically what these two con artists do is befriend you, tell you they want to invest in your company and then they attempt to steal everything you own. In my case it was my family business. After uncovering all the lawsuits against them, tax liens and Rich Bernsteins previous felony arrest I tried to dissolve the partnership. To retaliate against my family and I, Valerie Carpenter Bernstein falsely accused us of being child molesters and attempted to destroy our good name. I ended up filing a lawsuit against them. We were not alone, several others also have filed lawsuits against the Bernsteins claiming the same scenario as us, one by the name of Jack Saffron who claimed in his lawsuit that the Bernsteins took him for almost a hundred grand then to get out of paying filed a false police report claiming he attacked Valerie Bernstein. During our partnership, dealing with these two "Swingers" as they like to call themselves was actually quite comical. Valerie Bernstein an unstable mess on mood elevators she describes as her HAPPY PILLS was anything but happy. This train wreck of a person tries to pass herself off as an actress see her Valerie Carpenter Bernstein facebook account at http://www.facebook.com/people/Valerie-Carpenter-Bernstein/708256184 but other than some local plays in Vegas good luck ever finding a commercial, movie or television show she ever appeared in.  Seeing the truth finally come out about these sleazy phony people really makes my day. Got to admit seeing Bernstein in the prison jumpsuit from the local jail  is just priceless.

The criminal case was filed in Las Vegas Nevada. It is public record so anyone can obtain a copy of the plea agreement. Richard Bernstein has plead guilty to one count of Securities Fraud, he has also agreed to repay the hundreds of thousands of dollars he stole from the victims prior to his sentencing scheduled on March 14, 2012. The plea agreement also states that if the victims are repaid the state will not seek additional charges against Richard Bernstein or his wife Valerie Carpenter Bernstein who appears by the plea agreement to have been an accomplice in these crimes. Here is the information you requested.

State of Nevada vs Richard Bernstein 
Case Type: Felony
Date Filed: 09/15/2011
Location:Department 14
Conversion Case Number:C276205
Defendant's Scope ID #:2676480
Lower Court Case Number:11F04978

Good Luck

I am concerned because I think I may have been swindled by a marsvenus coach. My lawyer pointed me to these posts that I wish I had read before hiring a mars venus coach. what is the court case # associated with the richard bernstein's felony conviction for fraud ? my lawyers are investigating his organization. thank you

Ex Felon Richard Bernstein who is John Gray's partner in the Mars Venus scam can now add another felony conviction of SECURITIES FRAUD to his resume.

On March 14, 2012 Bernstein is ordered to be sentenced for "Securities Fraud". Below are the court minutes.

11/10/2011 9:00 AM Adriana Escobar and Jeffrey Segal, Dep. A.G.s present on behalf of the State. Information and Guilty Plea Agreement FILED IN OPEN COURT and NEGOTIATIONS are as contained therein.DEFENDANT BERNSTEIN ARRAIGNED AND PLED GUILTY, PURSUANT TO ALFORD, TO COUNT 1 - SECURITIES FRAUD (F).Offer of proof by the State. Following CONFERENCE AT BENCH, COURT ACCEPTED plea and, ORDERED, matter referred to the Division of Parole and Probation (P&P) for a Presentence Investigation Report (PSI Report) and set for STATUS CHECK on sentencing. CONFERENCE AT BENCH. Mr.Brown advised the State agrees to return Defendant's passport to him
and presented an Order which was signed by the Court. Court directed Mr. Brown to take the Order to the Clerk's Office on the third floor to have it filed and to contact the Evidence Vault and present them with the Order for return of Defendant's passport. BOND 3/14/12 9:00 AM STATUS CHECK: SENTENCING

Hey John Gray and Mars Venus Coaching 1 Question. Didnt you put out a press release that Bernstein was going to be exonerated? Mars Venus Coaching Global President and CEO is Stepping Down to Resolve Legal Challenges
http://www.franchisewire.com/article.php?id=5862

The Mars Venus debauched, double-dealing team of nonprofessionals claims in the above press release the following,We are confident that once the truth comes out, the charges will be dismissed in their entirety, says Dheeraj K. Singhal, a Mars Venus Success Coach and California-based litigation attorney. Rich has been the unfortunate victim of his former business partners, who by misrepresenting information, have persuaded the Attorney Generals to take up a matter that should be handled in civil courts if anywhere.

Rich Bernstein is a knavish deadbeat with a long history of lawsuits and even a previous felony conviction which the Mars Venus team has hid from investors. Rich is definitely not the poor pitiful victim that John Gray and these other nefarious crooks would like you to believe.

In regards to the Mars Venus disclosure document discussed above in this thread. None of the lawsuits against Mars Venus Coaching or the previous or current felony convictions against Rich Bernstein are disclosed in this document. This is illegal and just another con perpetrated by John Gray and his organization.

Imagine if you bought into this mess only to find out that the company has been sued several times for their unethical behavior and the CEO which Gray erroneously is trying to convince individuals has stepped down is still running the company.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rich-bernstein/8/113/a85
http://www.coachrichbernstein.com/

Below is a video of footage of the arraignment of Richard
Bernstein the Mars Venus Coaching CEO arrested on felony charges.

The news footage shows Bernstein in court dressed in prison attire and
shackles in which at one point he smiles for the camera. Later there is
no smiling after the judge sets the bail at a quarter of a million
dollars. Bernstein faces 20 years in prison.

http://www.mynews3.com/category.php?id=5404&n=5037


Other News on the arrest of Richard Bernstein the CEO of Mars Venus Coaching

http://www.bluemaumau.org/ceo_bernstein_mars_venus_coaching_faces_felony_charges

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/mar/24/life-coach-accused-swindling-250000-couple-arreste/allcomments/

http://www.lvrj.com/business/hearing-held-for-life-coach-accused-of-swindling-couple-118639484.html

To all the victims of Mars Venus Coaching and Richard Bernstein:

Richard Bernstein is scheduled to be arraigned on criminal charges filed against him by the Nevada District Attorney on June 25, 2010 at 10:45 am in the District Court in Clark County Nevada located at 1900 E. Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

In support of all the victims this horrible organization has stomped on, robbed and stolen from show up to rally against these crooks and put a stop to all the hardship and suffering they have caused so many.

Richard Bernstein's drivers license has been revoked and suspended as well. If you see him on the road driving his Bentley or any other automobile call 911 and report him for he is breaking the law.

The response above from the Mars Venus Coach fails to address several issues which are instrumental in making an intelligent decision on investing in a Mars Venus Franchise. Instead he attacks a poster claiming they fail to disclose their name (he does not disclose his either) or discredits another poster because they were burned 2 years ago and should not have any bearing on the organization now.

The questions I suggest either this Mars Venus Coach answer or the corporate office is this.

1. Isn't it true there are 2 pending fraud cases against Mars Venus Coaching and the CEO Rich Bernstein?


2. Isn't it true that Bernsteins previous employer Actioncoach (another company selling business coaching franchise) sued him and obtained a judgment against him for theft against the company?

3. Isn't is true their are several judgments filed in the state of Nevada against Mars Venus CEO Rich Bernstein?

4. Isn't it true several Mars Venus Franchisee's in the States have walked away from their Franchises after discovering the system does not work and several listed above outside the US have done so as well?

5. Isn't it true the Mars Venus disclosure documents have expired in several states and therefore Mars Venus Coaching is not authorized to sell franchises in those states but continues to do so?

These are 5 simple questions that should be answered along with a current Franchise Disclosure Document that has been filed with the required state agencies. Not a bunch of dribble pointing fingers or side stepping the facts.




 

This is classic Rich Bernstein and Mars Venus Coaching Franchise! As soon as they notice that someone is speaking the truth about the SCAM they are selling, they immediately put up long, overly detailed excuses and LIES!!!!! This site, and most others will not allow a post with anyones contact details for privacy reasons, otherwise yes, I would supply my email and phone #. What I speak is the truth. Mars Venus Coaching Franchise is a SCAM and a waste of your hard earned $$$. Richard Bernstein is a liar and a scam artist who will steal as much of your money as possible, as long as you let it happen.

Don't be a sheep by following this loser...he is very good at telling lies, making up stories, and getting you to believe the Mars Venus Franchise system works, but it does not work!!!!! You are better off putting the $20,000-$40,000 dollars under your mattress so it will be safe and secure. Buying into this company will only make you poor!!! Please trust me.....I know, it happened to me, and it is happening to many others. Rich Bernstein and Jim Taylor of Mars Venus Coaching cannot be trusted, they will steal your money, and you will go broke!!! They use the SPIN selling technique to reel you in and make you feel good and comfortable, then they attack like vipers and force you to send them thousands of dollars. They are cheaters, liars, and scam artists! They should be in jail, but the laws in Las Vegas protect the criminal! DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU!!!!! Mars Venus Coaching Franchise is a SCAM!!!!!

I am a certified Mars Venus Success Coach.  If you would like to speak with me, just ask Rich Bernstein or Jim Taylor.  Both know me, and both coach me on a weekly basis.  Either can give you my contact info.  To learn more, you can also contact any one of the certified coaches on the Mars Venus Coaching website.  Prospective franchisees who are serious about adding value to the lives of others should demand to hear the truth from actual coaches. 

 

I have been a Mars Venus coach for about one year.  Before joining, I had qualms about the Mars Venus Coaching franchise based on information posted on sites like this one.   

 

Nonetheless, I was definitely going to investigate the opportunity to be involved with John Grays organization before making a decision.  Not taking the steps to learn about the Mars Venus franchise because a few salacious posts throw mud at the organization would be like deciding to never travel to great cities like New York City or Rio de Janeiro because some guide books tell you to be careful of criminal activity there. 

 

What did I do?  I went through the process and held off on making any decision until I met Rich.  I wanted to see for myself what the organization was.  And I didnt shy away from the issue.  I asked Rich point blank about these allegations, and his responses were more than satisfactory.  I also spoke with several Mars Venus coaches about their experience.  If you are serious about buying a business, and as a prospective franchisee, this is the minimum due diligence you should be doing. 

 

Its important to investigate the statements and promises made by the franchisor.  Its equally important to have a critical eye when reading anything on the web. 

 

In our new internet world, anyone who has had a bad business experience with a company has the ability to say whatever they want to the whole world.  Shared experiences could help you avoid doing business with a bad company, but placing excessive reliance on someone elses opinions may be imprudent as well. Suppose one customer posts a bad experience at a well-known restaurant that others rave about.  Do you try the place out or avoid it altogether? 

 

The comments posted here need as much as scrutiny as the investment opportunity. 

 

Back to my experience.  Mars Venus coaching has changed my life, and I am not only a much better person and better coach as a result, I run my own company far more efficiently.  I teach successful professionals and CEOs on the very concepts that Rich has been teaching meEACH WEEK for the past one year. 

 

There are statements made by people who claim they were wronged by the Mars Venus organization in Australia prior to 2009.  Whether those are true or not, I cannot say.  I have heard, however, that there were leadership issues, and the dilution of the Mars Venus image and mark was one of the reasons for bringing in a new CEO and moving the operations to the United States. 

 

From my point of view as current Mars Venus coach, whatever people may have done in Australia several years ago has NOTHING whatsoever to do with the coaching services I deliver to my clients nor the value I get week after week from the coaching I receive from my Mars Venus coaches.

 

That leaves the person who uses the screen name "ex-employee" on this site and "Veronica James" on other sites.  That her statements are wildly accusatory is obvious from merely counting the number of exclamation marks she uses.  As to the substance, here are some questions you may consider asking yourself when you read her posts:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-          <!--[endif]-->A scam is a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation.  What exactly is the scam here?

-     Ms. James uses a screen name of "Ex-Employee," but claims she was a franchisee.  It's unlikely that she was both.  Which one was she, if either?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-          <!--[endif]-->Want to know if the franchise is legal?  Its your choice to rely on Ms. Jamess bald assertions or ask Rich for the all important Disclose Document, also called a UFOC.  Want to read more on that subject?  Check out the Federal Trade Commission website for investigating franchises:    http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/invest/inv05.shtm#5

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-          <!--[endif]-->How a franchisor can steal every penny from a franchisee is beyond my understanding.  Not getting value for your franchise fee is one thing.  Saying that the franchisee took all your money is plain silly.   (If you only have about $20,000 to your name, as Ms. James seems to, buying a business that requires you to develop the clients yourself is probably not a smart bet.  Its not too different than having an architectural degree, law degree, or even a medical degree.  People dont start coming to you just because you have a degree or a certification.  You need to get out there to let people know who you are and how you can benefit them.)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-          <!--[endif]-->How can someone force her to give $20,000?  And why would she have given the money without receiving the requisite disclosures?  FTC laws prohibit that practice.  See the link above.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-          <!--[endif]-->Would you own a business as a Mars Venus Coach?  Of course you would.  Thats the franchise.  How is that Ms. James bought a franchise and didnt own a business of her own?  Think about it.  That makes zero sense.

 

At the end of the day, one is left to wonder whether Ms. James was ever a part of the Mars Venus organization or if she is simply someone looking to propagate a smear campaign.  If Ms. James wants us to trust her, she should provide her contact information and share details as to when she became a franchisee.

 

As a prospective franchisee and business owner, you will be faced with the daily challenge of deciding fact from fiction.  That process starts now.

As an ex-Mars Venus Franchisee, I can assure you that this company is a SCAM! They start off with forcing you to give them $20,000 to $40,000 US for training and a b/s Franchise that isn't actually legal anywhere except in Nevada. Then they give you high financial income expectations, which do not happen!!! In my own case, they stole $20,000 from me, without giving me any Franchise documentation at all. Then they demanded that I pay $1000.00 per month for Franchise Fee's...for a Business I did not even own!! These people are very good with the SPIN selling techniques, and can spin any story and create lies upon lies, just to take your money. I know, it happened to me. Don't be the next victim of this company!!

After they left the Mars Venus Coaching franchise in a shambles in Australia they moved the corporate office to Vegas.

Not even 2 years old and MVC has racked up a couple fraud lawsuits already. They claim in their Franchise Documents they are Agressively defending one of the lawsuits but it appears they are doing it on their own with no attorney.

One after another the Attorneys representing Mars Venus Coaching have asked the court to remove them from the case. The last one left with a court ordered judgment for attorney fees on his final exit.

The financial documents for MVC claim they lost almost a half million dollars in 2008 and looking at the pending lawsuits things don't look so rosey for 2009.

Next stop Mumbai. 

Does any one know what happens to the people that bought franchises before MVC just closes up shop and moves to another country? 

The franchising disclosure laws have been updated so that franchisors need to provide all franchisees with a list of ex franchisees and their contact details.

This is good news. If you are buying a franchise here in Australia make sure that you ask for the list of all previous franchisees.


Mars Venus Coaching have also now moved completely to the USA, closing down their online presence in Australia.

The new US office inlcludes Rich Bernstein as CEO.

Lets hope that with the new leadership team they can do credit to the good work of John Gray rather then leave a trail of pain and debt like they have done so in Australia.

Recently Mars Venus Coaching have begun recruiting new franchisees in the USA. I am not sure if they have changed their system, although they seem to have reduced their initial investment by 50%.

In response to the previous claim that Franchisors are not required to list all previous franchisees i have listed them here, so that future franchisees are able to due their due dilligence.

Company History
The company was formed into a franchise operation and since its inception has had a number of Franchisees with also a high number of drop outs.

It launched to the market with great success and Master Franchises in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and New Zealand.

In their attempt to grow the organisation they sponsored the St Kilda Footbal club and during the process had Robert Harvey as a coach. StKilda and Robert Harvey withdrew their support and involvement from Mars Venus early in 2006.

One of the first Master Franchisors for Victoria was Ross Clennet (now with Ingenius at www.ingenius.com.au) who operated the franchise for 12 months before taking Mars Venus to mediation for missrepresentation during the sales process. The action was settled out of court. During Ross Clennet operation of the franchise Susan Dean purchased a unit franchise.

Susan Dean and Michael Dean then purchased the Master Franchise from Mars Venus Coaching and during their time were very successful in bringing on franchisees growing the organisation from consisting of a few master franchisees up to 12 franchisees at one point.

The franchise list below includes both current franchisees and franchisees that have left the system. There are also a number of master franchisors who have left the system from both Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.

Victorian Franchisees
Rowan Eagles
Daniel Eagleton
Bernhard Pethabridge
Bev Bradley and Liz Corbett
Ben Schuster
Ian Pollard
Toni Culph
Rob Hilliar and Anni Hilliar
Val Tragea
Ziggy Frankefeld
John Gearon
Craig McCarthy

QLD Franchisees
David Traylen

NSW Franchisees
Reich Webber-Montenegro

Western Australia Franchisees
Jill & John Raynor
Ed Wykman

Slovenia
Alex Gregoric

India:
Dr. G. P. Kumar MD and Dr Niru Kumar

Singabpore:

James Yip - Master Licence for Singapore.


Before purchasing this franchise I would highly recomend you contact at least 10 former coaches on the list.

You may be able to find some contact details on the mars venus coaching website archive below, or simply try googling some of the names.

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.marsvenuscoaching.com

I hope you find this website before you have invested your hard earned dollars.

The franchisor is not required to update the disclosure document on a regular basis throughout the year. I work in the franchise industry and am responsible for updating the Franchisor's disclosure document. The franchising code of conduct requires that the disclosure document is updated once per year within 3 months of the end of the financial year. The franchisor has not breached the code of conduct by providing the current document.
Perhaps you didn't carry out enough due diligence prior to entering into the franchise agreement. Or maybe you didn't make enough sales to make your business profitable. Remember, when you are pointing the finger at somebody else, there are three fingers on the same hand pointing right back at you.