‘TEXT CASH NETWORK’: RED FLAGS GALORE: New ‘Opportunity’ Linked To Ponzi Boards And To Phil Piccolo-Associated ‘Firms’: Hype, Vapid Claims, Alexa Charts, Launch Countdown Timer, Brand Leeching — And Possible Ties To Long-Running SEC Case

Until four days ago, the OWOW website associated with Florida-based huckster Phil Piccolo shared this message about Text Cash Network (TCN) with visitors. Joe Reid, a Piccolo associate, is leading conference call-cheerleading for TCN. Reid previously led cheers for Data Network Affiliates, another business linked to Piccolo.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A “program” known as Text Cash Network (TCN) that purports to share “advertising” revenue from text messages is spreading virally on the Internet. This column includes information prospective TCN members might want to consider before joining and asking others to join. There are red flags galore. Last week, the PP Blog compiled some research and sought comment from the SEC about the emerging program because the name of Brett Hudson, billed in TCN promos as the firm’s “president,” appears in a 2005 “press release” that quotes Hudson and Richard A. Altomare. The SEC acknowledged receipt of the Blog’s inquiries, but did not comment.

Altomare, of Boca Raton, Fla., was sued in this 2004 SEC action amid allegations of penny-stock fraud coupled with bogus press releases. The case, which involved an Altomare company known as Universal Express Inc., evolved to become an exceptionally ugly one. Altomare ultimately was found in contempt of court for flouting judicial orders and ordered jailed in New York. The court-appointed receiver in the case allegedly received threatening emails from individuals unhappy about the SEC’s action and follow-up events.

Here are quotes from two of the threatening emails, which allegedly were sent by investors. The quotes appear in an exhibit filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York:

1.) ” . . . you are going to be hit with a shit load of lawsuits, and if justice doesn’t prevail the good old American way then I will make it my personal duty to enforce the justice and I along with others will come and beat your ass to a bloody pulp, along with Judge (jackass) Lynch . . .”

2.) . . . you fu[!!!!!] slut . . . don’t get smart . . . you have no idea what could happen to you . . .”

Hudson, who has not been accused of wrongdoing, was not named a defendant in the SEC case. TCN promoters have identified him as president of Universal Cash Express, a company with a name similar to Altomare’s Universal Express Inc. entity. The 2005 “press release” that quotes Hudson and Altomare also identifies Hudson as the president of Universal Cash Express. Altomare’s title was not listed in the 2005 release, but the document was issued under the name of Altomare’s Universal Express entity ensnared in the SEC probe.

Until a few days ago, TCN was prominently featured on the website of OWOW (OneWorld, One Website), a site linked to Data Network Affiliates (DNA) and serial MLM scammer Phil Piccolo. Piccolo is known online as the “one-man Internet crime wave.”

Like Altomare’s Universal Express Inc. entity, DNA was registered as a Nevada company. DNA, like  Universal Express Inc., also conducted business from Boca Raton. (See the Better Business Bureau listing for DNA, which purported to be in the business of helping the AMBER Alert program rescue abducted children — while also purporting to be in the cell-phone, mortgage-reduction and “resorts” businesses. Although DNA appears to be defunct, it maintains a website — one that once redirected to the OWOW website. While actively conducting its purported business, DNA made bizarre claims about “going public.” Such claims have been associated with penny-stock scams and securities fraud.)

Joe Reid, a Piccolo business associate who helped DNA flog its mind-numbing mess to the international masses, was one of the speakers on a Nov. 11 TCN conference call. TCN is proceeding out of the gate in largely the same fashion DNA came out of the gate: conference calls featuring Reid, claims of rapid expansion involving tens of thousands of new recruits in days, a launch-countdown timer (now removed), suggestions of incredible earnings potential 10 levels deep, Blog and website posts, YouTube videos.

Here, now, a list of  additional red flags and some additional background . . .

RED FLAG: Piccolo has a history of threatening to sue critics and of planting the seed that, if lawsuits do not work, he knows people who can cause critics to experience physical pain. He is known to operate in the area of Boca Raton, although Piccolo also has been known to operate in California.

RED FLAG: DNA promos in 2010 referenced a purported texting and data expert by the name of Anthony Sasso. Sasso, a convicted felon arrested in a 2005 racketeering case in Broward County, Fla.,  was described in DNA promos as “The King Of Data For Dollars” and was said to be the “owner of the largest database of text numbers in the world.” Although Sasso appears not to have been referenced in the context of TCN, both DNA and TCN purport to be in businesses that involve texting.

RED FLAG: Early affiliates of TCN have identified Brett Hudson as the president of Text Cash Network Inc. Records in Wyoming show a company by that name was registered in the state on Nov. 8, 2011 — just days ago. Affiliates also have vaguely described Text Cash Network Inc. as “a new division of a five year old communications company owned 100% by The Johnson Group.” No state of registration was listed in promos that referenced The Johnson Group, and the “communications company” and the “division” under which Text Cash Network Inc. purportedly operates are far from clear.

Wyoming records show a company by the name of The Johnson Group Inc., but it is unclear if it is the same company referenced by TCN affiliates. The Wyoming records of The Johnson Group entity contain this notation: “Standing – Tax: Delinquent.” The firm appears to have used a residential dwelling in New Jersey as the address of its corporate headquarters.

RED FLAG: TCN’s website design and “prelaunch” approach are similar in a number of key ways to the tactics employed by DNA, which planted the seed last year that it could help the AMBER Alert program rescue abducted children by paying DNA members to record the license-plate numbers of automobiles for entry in a purported database. (Some of these commonalities are referenced lower in this story.)

Until four days ago, a promo for TCN appeared on the website of OWOW, a site linked to Piccolo. (Referenced in Editor’s Note above.) The TCN promo then vanished mysteriously, possibly because Ponzi forum posters were questioning whether Piccolo was involved with TCN. The OWOW website previously was linked to the DNA scam, and also was linked to purported cancer cures.

DNA — as is a Piccolo signature — sold the purported tax benefits of joining the DNA “program,” which traded on the names of Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump and also purported to offer a “free” cell phone with “unlimited” talk and text for $10 a month. The purported cell-phone “program” used the intellectual property of Apple Inc., claiming that DNA had a “branding” relationship with the company led by the late Steve Jobs. No DNA cell phone appears to have emerged in the marketplace. No branding deal with Apple appears to have existed.

RED FLAG: On its pitch page, TCN currently is publishing the logos of Groupon, Google Offers and Bing Shopping, among others. Last year — in addition to using the intellectual property of Apple and the images of Winfrey and Trump — DNA  used email pitches to compare itself to “FACEBOOK, GOOGLE & WALMART…” It is common for hucksters to tie an upstart business to an established business as a means of creating the appearance of legitimacy. Brand leeching is common in the worlds of MLM scams and securities swindles.

RED FLAG: Joe Reid, the Piccolo business associate, has led the conference-call hype for TCN and has suggested TCN is the next Groupon, which recently conducted an IPO.  Reid also led the conference-call cheerleading last year for DNA, which purported to be “going public”  while making a bizarre reference to Martha Stewart. DNA appears never to have gone “public.” Some members said the firm never paid them, but continued to charge them — and at least one website is claiming that Piccolo (aka “Mr. P.”)  stiffed it on orders for bottled water in the OWOW program.

Things got so strange at DNA that the firm asked members to imagine that an earlier “launch” (March 2010) had not occurred and to reimagine a relaunch that occurred last summer (July 2010) as the only time the company had launched.

DNA members were told it was the “MORAL OBLIGATION” of churches to pitch the firm’s purported “program.” Some DNA promos accented DNA commissions purportedly paid 10 levels deep. TCN also is accenting a 10-level payment plan.

RED FLAG: In November 2010, the PP Blog published a story about the FBI foiling a Thanksgiving holiday bombing plot at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Ore. The Blog’s report was wholly unrelated to DNA or OWOW.

An OWOW/DNA/Piccolo apologist who identified himself to the PP Blog as “John” took great exception to the Blog’s report on the Portland plot, despite the fact the Blog’s report did not reference OWOW, DNA or Piccolo in any way.

RED FLAG: Like DNA, TCN also is being promoted on Ponzi scheme forums such as MoneyMakerGroup.

When things went south at DNA last year, the DNA site began to redirect to the OWOW site, which was hawking products linked to Piccolo, including a purported “magnetic” product that prevented leg amputations while also helping garden vegetables grow to twice their normal size.. The DNA site then mysteriously stopped redirecting to the OWOW site — on a date uncertain, but after Piccolo started promoting OWOW products as cancer cures or treatments. At least one OWOW affiliate was trading on the name of the National Institutes of Health.

RED FLAG: Both the TCN site and the DNA site are using Alexa charts that provide viewers the same sort of fundamentally meaningless comparisons — while the sites accent the word “free.”

RED FLAG: Like the DNA site, there is no obvious way on the TCN site for prospects to contact Support.

RED FLAG: Like the DNA site, the TCN site is using Google Translate. The use of the Google service — along with other commonalities on both sites — leads to questions about whether TCN and DNA are using the same designer.

DNA, like TCN, is using an Alexa chart. Both sites use Google Translate software.

TCN, like DNA, is using an Alexa chart. Both sites use Google Translate software.

 

About the Author

39 Responses to “‘TEXT CASH NETWORK’: RED FLAGS GALORE: New ‘Opportunity’ Linked To Ponzi Boards And To Phil Piccolo-Associated ‘Firms’: Hype, Vapid Claims, Alexa Charts, Launch Countdown Timer, Brand Leeching — And Possible Ties To Long-Running SEC Case”

  1. Another red flag, if the Phill Piccolo connection wasn’t enough: The Terms of Use are practically identical to bdoffers.com. And groupon.com. And mpxmid.com. And many others.

    Also the domain was registered recently and for only a year. Classic red flag.

  2. Here is the Google cache for OWOW as it existed on Nov. 7, 2011:

    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RABGRyIwbnwJ:www.oneworldonewebsite.com/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

    As things stand at the moment, you’ll see the TCN promo — but the promo now is missing from the OWOW site.

    If you look at the top of the page of the Google cache for OWOW, you will see a URL for Data Network Affiliates (DNA).

    Patrick

  3. Tony H: Also the domain was registered recently and for only a year. Classic red flag.

    Yes, the site appears to have been registered on Oct. 23, 2011, less than a month ago. And yet there is a YouTube video for Text Cash Network that purports to have been uploaded on Jan. 26, 2009:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF06kFiycR4

    BTW, the Fatboy Slim soundtrack (“Right here, right now”) in the TCN video is the same soundtrack used by the BizAdSplash autosurf, another purported “advertising” program.

    We wrote about the BizAdSplash music selection here:

    http://patrickpretty.com/2010/03/15/death-cycle-for-bizadsplash-complete-site-resolves-to-blank-page-on-u-s-server-members-losses-unclear/

    Patrick

  4. I worked all of this out and even found SOLID PROOF THAT PHIL is behind this!
    I scanned the website with a scraper tool and found lots of hidden pages and features very much like DNA!

    Thanks for this article it’s good to see someone with common sense!

  5. […] this Nov. 13 post, the PP Blog published a list of red flags concerning online promos for Text Cash Network (TCN), […]

  6. Thank you very much for the research and all submitted information. Obviously, there is not direct connection of TCN to Phil Piccolo, it’s just assumptions on your side that are built on the facts that DNA’s website looks alike to the TCN website.

    I just want to understand how creators of TCN may try to scam their members, if it’s a Free program and members don’t provide any financial information like credit cards or bank accounts.

    It would be nice to hear from the author not only about possible connections of TCN to Phil Piccolo, but also some information and thoughts how owners and promoters of TCN might try to scam their members.

    Thank you

  7. I thought the same thing when I first started reading, how can you scam the people if you’re not asking for anything and it’s a free opt in? If Pretty is correct in his assumptions, he may have uncovered the most sophisticated scam ever. Then again, if his allegations are incorrect and he is hindering a business of their full potential, shouldn’t he be held financially reliable for losses?

    Just saying!

  8. Rich Olson: how can you scam the people if you’re not asking for anything and it’s a free opt in?

    Just what the DNA people (and the WebsiteTester.biz) people said on the Ponzi boards:

    http://patrickpretty.com/2010/09/01/websitetester-biz-delays-launch-produces-video-with-voice-but-no-faces-sends-members-to-news-release-by-unnamed-author/

    Rich Olson: Then again, if his allegations are incorrect and he is hindering a business of their full potential, shouldn’t he be held financially reliable for losses?

    Just saying!

    Rich,

    If TCN, which features known Phil Piccolo associate and DNA cheerleader Joe Reid as a TCN cheerleader, proves to be a scam, should your downline sue you and make you responsible for losses?

    Just saying.

    Patrick

    P.S. What’s your theory on why the Groupon, Google Offers and Bing Shopping logos — among others — have suddenly gone missing from the landing page of TCN’s website?

    And are you concerned that TCN happens to be using the same conference-call software that DNA was using — you know, back when it and Joe Reid were humping “free” and talking about the tens of thousands of members it had enrolled?

  9. Rich Olson: Then again, if his allegations are incorrect and he is hindering a business of their full potential, shouldn’t he be held financially reliable for losses?

    If we ignore the obvious Freudian slip in your post and concentrate on its’ intended meaning, the operative word in your above statement is “IF”

    I’m in no doubt whatsoever Patrick will be sleeping soundly tonight and no concerning himself in the least as to whether or not he’s going to be liable for anything.

  10. Ok, I still haven’t heard motive or has Americans also given that up and go after people purely on assumption. Of course, sooner or later, you accuse enough people and you will be right some time.

    I’m not saying they aren’t working deceptively but can someone tell me the motive of signing people up free.

    As for the post that Pretty put up regarding Mattera and his cohorts, where does that fall in with TCN? Did I miss something? Are they affiliated with TCN or is this another assumption?

    I hear people everyday compare the likes of Google, Facebook and other iconic companies to upcoming companies or ideas. Are they scamers or associated to felons by doing so?

    Again, I’m not saying there isn’t something wrong but I don’t see it and there is no way I would butt into others business unless I knew I was clear on my accusations.

    Please enlighten me if I’m wrong.

    Rich

  11. Rich,

    You are free to believe that Boca Raton — in the context of both DNA and TCN — is a coincidence, something that should not be of concern.

    You are free to believe the Phil Piccolo/Joe Reid connection at DNA was a coincidence, something that should not be of concern.

    And you are free to believe that the Phil Piccolo/Joe Reid connection to TCN is a coincidence, something that should not be of concern.

    But you might want to do some research on WarrantiesForLess.net and ask why it used Brett Hudson’s phone number and an address in Boca Raton and why Piccolo also surfaced in the WarrantiesForLess flap — you know, to rule out coincidences and such.

    Patrick

  12. Rich: I’m not saying they aren’t working deceptively but can someone tell me the motive of signing people up free.

    It’s what’s known in the trade as “bait and switch”

    “Bait-and-switch is a form of fraud, most commonly used in retail sales but also applicable to other contexts. First, customers are “baited” by advertising for a product or service at a low price; second, the customers discover that the advertised good is not available and are “switched” to a costlier product” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bait-and-switch

  13. Re: Bait & Switch

    In the 1970s, if I recall aright, American schools used to teach children in elementary school about common scams for their own protection. Including “bait & switch.”

    A pity that they apparently discontinued that.

  14. Not to mention the fact that emails are being sent out from OWOW database hawking Text Cash Network. OWOW is Phil Piccolo’s site – just look it up on YouTube and there is Phil Piccolo hawking items along with Joe Reid and some others.

  15. Yet another red flag: Ken Russo is in this one. Run away now.

    Also, one of the top “Team Builders” is “David R”. This probably David Reid, Ken Russo’s sponsor in other obvious ponzi schemes such as JSS Tripler2.

    This list from Nov 13:
    http://textcashnetworkteambuild.leaders-list.com/?p=54

  16. This is disappointing as hell …. something told me this was tied to DNA somehow…when I first heard it and heard the top names, Reid, Piccolo, Sherman etc…. that DNA was involved…also most of them already had 10k+ people in their organization right out of the gate…how the hell!!??!??

    It is free, but now they have this special splash page they are charging $99 set-up fee plus $29.95 per month… and the conference call from last night, I believe was Brian McClane, stated that TCN Terms of service doesnt allow affiliates to use their own splash pages anymore. If they want to use a splash page they have to use TCNPros. They claim this is an outside company and they don’t get kickbacks which i don’t believe that. I do believe it is an outside company because this company also did the splash pages for MyVideoTalk. I don’t believe they don’t get some sort of kick-back from affiliates signing up for the sites.

    I actually just bought my page last night before i saw this blog…its disturbing. I was ready to kick this thing into high gear, but now i’m rather at a stand still…don’t want to waste time or my reps.

    Chris

  17. I jumped on board T.C.N. 12-3-2011 and I felt this organization has great potential. I would like to believe that it is legitimate company. If some of the founders were perpetrating scams, I guess that you can only assume that this one is a scam too. Red flags are all over them, however, within the matrix of the organization there is some validity of a membership base free concept. If it is scam, millions of people will be disappointed. Hopes that something so good for all could be decimated by a few bad eggs at the top does not make it a reality. Truly a shame if this is so. I will remain a free member, and see where it takes me. Text Cast Network expresses the launch date set 12/12/2011 with new promises to members of additional back office features and a more detailed pay plan for VIP Referral Agents(who are not totally free members). When they post them, and everything looks good from the stand point of a free member. I will move forward promoting the company. People do change for the better sometimes and leave the past behind. One thing for sure, the individuals at the top of this organization have started something good that they should be proud of, and need to earn the respect from the organization they started. Follow up with due diligence to see that all that is promised is done. The business plan is correct with regards to members earning their keep. As for corporate profits, they will have to watch their back every step of the way. Distrust within the ranks will bring mutiny upon them. Brilliant minds can do amazing things, but only the right things are desired by all. Proof is in the design. Lets hope they make all the right decisions. The world will be a better place if this company is genuine.

  18. Marlin Julson: I jumped on board T.C.N. 12-3-2011 and I felt this organization has great potential. I would like to believe that it is legitimate company.If some of the founders were perpetrating scams, I guess that you can only assume that this one is a scam too.

    Were, are, and will continue do do so until arrested.

    Marlin JulsonRed flags are all over them,

    I have a legitimate company. There are no red flags anywhere just like any other legitimate company. Though people like you think that having to do actual work to get a paycheck is somehow a ‘red flag’.

    Marlin Julsonhowever, within the matrix of the organization there is some validity of a membership base free concept. If it is scam, millions of people will be disappointed.,

    As always with these clowns, there will be quite a few disappointed. Nowhere near a million much less ‘millions’ luckily.

    Marlin JulsonHopes that something so good for all could be decimated by a few bad eggs at the top does not make it a reality.

    Unfortunately, it is the reality.

    Marlin JulsonTruly a shame if this is so. I will remain a free member, and see where it takes me.

    It won’t take you anywhere. You have to be a paying member to get anything. Nothing is free. ever.

    Marlin JulsonText Cast Network expresses the launch date set 12/12/2011 with new promises to members of additional back office features and a more detailed pay plan for VIP Referral Agents(who are not totally free members).

    But if it’s legit, why isn’t it ‘launched’ now?

    Marlin JulsonWhen they post them, and everything looks good from the stand point of a free member.I will move forward promoting the company.

    You already are. That’s why you are here posting this garbage.

    Marlin JulsonPeople do change for the better sometimes and leave the past behind. One thing for sure, the individuals at the top of this organization have started something good that they should be proud of, and need to earn the respect from the organization they started.

    No, they don’t.

    Marlin JulsonFollow up with due diligence to see that all that is promised is done.

    You can’t and it never is. I can promise you the moon…..when would you finally realize it couldn’t b done?

    Marlin JulsonThe business plan is correct with regards to members earning their keep.

    No, it’s not. That’s why they fail.

    Marlin JulsonAs for corporate profits, they will have to watch their back every step of the way.

    Please…this is nowhere near a ‘corporation’.

    Marlin JulsonDistrust within the ranks will bring mutiny upon them.

    Yep, usually does as it has in previous scams these clowns have been involves in.

    Marlin JulsonBrilliant minds can do amazing things, but only the right things are desired by all.

    But you’ve never seen any.

    Marlin JulsonProof is in the design. Lets hope they make all the right decisions. The world will be a better place if this company is genuine.

    They, and you, have already shown they don’t.

  19. Anything that Piccolo or his “associates” touch is something to be avoided!!

  20. […] of the mysteries surrounding an upstart MLM business known as Text Cash Network (TCN) only is getting deeper. Despite photos published online that show the name of “TEXT […]

  21. There is nothing to lose in something that is “free” to join. If TCN is a fraud, then it will fizzle out just like all other frauds. I signed up for free, but I will not “upgrade” to the VIP or any other paid position. I still don’t see how this article relates to TCN. This article does not prove much at all. It seems the author is trying to link the founder of TCN with other scammers, and he has done a poor job in this article. Where does Brett Hudson have any connection to Piccolo, DNA, or OWOW??? This article makes no connection at all. I truly do not see the point of this article except to bash TCN. If no charges or wrong doing has been said about TCN, or Brett Hudson, let’s see what happens in the future, because it’s still FREE to join. TCN has a brilliant business concept. Again I say… what is the point of this article???

  22. This article is so bogus, there is “No ALerts” for DNA or TCN on the Better Business Bureau website. This update still does not link Piccolo to TCN. So what, the ad for TCN suddenly disappeared on the OWOW website, that does not prove anything. Patrick, you are trying to prove something out of thin air. Your statements have no basis for fact.

  23. Yeah, the truth makes you feel like a fool – free or not. LOL.

  24. People you are getting scammed ….. it’s so plain and simple to see…..Greed is what kills you and feeds them.

    TCN is a total and utter scam and if you can’t see it , i hope you lose your money.

    It’s 2011 almost 2012 . READ THE NET , inform yourself , ask the right people, there are many smart people outthere willing to help. TCN is a scam . Free yeah right , just by giving you SSN and Address they make money and you don’t .

    Please People don’t fall for it ……

    Thank You

  25. Mario: Please People don’t fall for it ……

    Unfortunately, the longer I’m around the world of “get-rich-quick” schemes, the more I’ve come to understand “true believers” generally only learn the truth behind the old saying “if it looks too good to be true, it usually is” through hard experience.

    “True believers” tend to be the most vicious

  26. Michelle: This article is so bogus, there is “No ALerts” for DNA or TCN on the Better Business Bureau website.

    Here is the Alert for DNA. It is in red. It says, ” ! There is an alert for this business !”:

    http://www.bbb.org/south-east-florida/business-reviews/business-services/data-network-affiliates-in-boca-raton-fl-92021725#

    Here is a story that reports on the “F” DNA carded with the BBB:

    http://patrickpretty.com/2010/08/10/bulletin-data-network-affiliates-gets-f-from-bbb-after-purported-data-firm-did-not-respond-to-complaints/

    Michelle: This update still does not link Piccolo to TCN.

    Michelle, TCN is ducking/deflecting questions about Piccolo. But it cannot avoid the DNA and OWOW ties — and that’s Piccolo and Joe Reid.

    Michelle: So what, the ad for TCN suddenly disappeared on the OWOW website, that does not prove anything.

    Sure it does. It proves that TCN management either did no screening or deliberately permitted practiced hucksters to enter the organization on the ground floor — importantly, BEFORE John or Jane Doe MLMer could register. Moreover, the TCN website — with its typos and vagaries and high-sounding spittle — does not inspire confidence.

    Prior to TCN, Joe Reid let cheers for the now-missing DNA. And he led cheers for OWOW. And Piccolo and Brett Hudson previously were champions for the now-missing WarrantiesForLess which, like TCN and DNA before it, was hawked on the Ponzi forums.

    Michelle, are you concerned about this oinker from the TCN FAQs?

    #9: DOES TEXT CASH NETWORK HAVE AN MLM ATTORNEY?
    Yes, and is very well known in The MLM Industry. In addition we have a host of traditional domestic and international legal representatives. Please note that our current and future legal team is not here to accept calls from our referral agents. They are hired and retained to insure us that we operate under the law within the countries we have chosen to do business in. They are also here to protect us from any legal entities or governmental agencies who wish to challenge our FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM.

    I find it particularly interesting that the company does not say whether the attorney is a man or a woman and is on record saying that the unnamed attorney and the “host of traditional domestic and international legal representatives” are there “to protect us from any legal entities or governmental agencies who wish to challenge our FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM.”

    Seriously, Michelle, what does a “host of traditional domestic and international legal representatives” mean?

    And what, precisely, does this host of individuals do after all the unnamed parties determine that an evil force has challenged TCN and thus the “FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM?”

    What TCN has done is create a free labor force to help TCN achieve virality, all while OWOW, which hawked purported cancer cures and miracle “magnetic” products, got a head start over affiliates — and all while new recruits who came on board vaguely claimed TCN was “a new division of a five year old communications company owned 100% by The Johnson Group.”

    What’s the name of the “five year old communications company?” Who owns “The Johnson Group” and where is it located? Where does it do its banking and who are its corporate officers?

    TCN is saying on its website that it is “striving” to create “shareholder” value and has an “empirically established loyal following.”

    Do none of these things trigger your gag reflex?

    Has TCN or its parent issued stock? Is is a public offering? Does it have a trading symbol? Does it file with the SEC? Does the “five year old communications company” file with the SEC? Does “The Johnson Group?”

    Based on your comments here, Michelle, I’d guess that you’re part of TCN’s “empirically established loyal following” — you know, the one it is leveraging as a free labor force while “striving” to create “shareholder” value as a photo of a building in Florida with TCN’s name affixed to the crown circulates online and the company is not naming its attorney or its “host of traditional domestic and international legal representatives.”

    http://patrickpretty.com/2011/12/14/police-confirm-that-name-of-text-cash-network-does-not-appear-on-building-in-boca-raton-fla/

    Patrick

  27. And you thought it was free……..

    “You may send any of the following amounts. Paid in full accounts save $60 (two interest free monthly payments). If you already paid the $129 and wish to pay it in full you may send in the difference via check or money order.

    $399 = (Save $60) by paying in full.
    $270 = (Save $60) for those who already paid $129
    $129 = 1 $30 Monthly Payment + $99
    $159 = 2 $30 Monthly Payments + $99
    $189 = 3 $30 Monthly Payments + $99
    $219 = 4 $30 Monthly Payments + $99
    $249 = 5 $30 Monthly Payments + $99
    $279 = 6 $30 Monthly Payments + $99

    Send VIP Payment to T.C.N. Processing Center,
    2255 Glades Road, Suite 324A, Boca Raton, FL 33431”

    SCAM ALL OVER IT…….

  28. That’s the thing……they all think it’s ‘free’ but don’t realize you have to pay if you want to be given money. Nothing is free. lol.

  29. […] has promotional links to Ponzi scheme boards and to MLM huckster Phil Piccolo and Piccolo-associated firms such as Data Network Affiliates (DNA) and OWOW, which stands for […]

  30. Anyone who sends in a cashiers check or western union to these guys are idiots…. it has been proven that the company is associated with con artists, they delayed commissions 3 times, they had their merchant account taken away within 3 days and have had THOUSANDS of people quit…. their reputation online is pathetic and there is not one person in the company that has made a nickel……

    You know what they say… a sucker is born every minute…..

    Now they are trying to get people to pay for a year in advance?

    Has everyone completely lost their mind?

    If you fall for this scam, you deserve to lose your money.

  31. I built a very big team at TCN only to have to quit because they kept lying and lying and lying. Broken promise after broken promise.

    The owner is constantly on Facebook bashing other members and pumping everyone to prepay $399 via western union to somebody named Jane Johnson. The president Brett Hudson is a babbling moron… all he does is posts misleading info on facebook about the industry showing pictures of large companies.

    I have lost my entire team and look foolish for ever getting involved with TCN.

    This is a SCAM!! Do not waste your time or money.

  32. They said I could get a refund, but they kept my money…..

    The delayed commissions AGAIN, after they have collected millions

    I am convinced that they are a scam…… they dodge questions, delete posts on their facebook page they dont want to answer. The leaders have left….

    Many people have already filed complaints with the state attorneys office in florida…. They kicked the lady off of their facebook page whose husband worked for the FBI….

    They said they have a money back guarantee…… I guarantee I got scammed.

  33. do people think this is a real company?
    these guys are scumbags and will go to jail
    scam scam scam

  34. I am pretty sure that this company is a 100% pure scam, just look at the facts. They have delayed commission paydays four !!! times, and still didn’t pay anyone a penny!

    They push for Western Union and Money Order payment, and refuse to accept credit cards! If you paid via Western Union or Money Order – you can say good bye to your money!

    The owners and communication director delete every legitimate question on their Facebook page and ban people for asking legit questions.

    They created a cheesy, unprofessionally looking website with only person – to scam people and get away with millions of dollars.

    I am pretty sure, that management will be held responsible for their actions sooner or later.

  35. Guys, TextCashNetwork is clearly a scam and people who send these guys any money deserve to lose it.

    You guys should check out this other text-based company by the name of CashTexts..It’s by invitation-only so use the code number:[deleted by admin]

    It’s totally free to join, unlike TCN.

    The concept of cashtext is very similar to TextCashNetwork, but they are more transparent with their business dealing and the people involve in CT aren’t tainted individuals like Phil Piccolo.

  36. Nothing is ever ‘free’. Especially coming from scammers.

  37. CashTexts has pretty much dried up (website is still there)… it was legit, but they couldn’t get things rolling – a classic “Chicken and Egg” startup dilemma: Advertisers didn’t want to spend due to a tiny member base, and the members weren’t very enthused due to lack of cashflow from no advertisers. Eventually, nearly every member has given up on it (I have).

    Their website is still active, but they shutdown their member forum due to too many negative comments and questions they were reluctant to answer.

    Elmer F.

  38. Forgot to mention: I was referring to the previous post by ” jim
    Feb 11, 2012 at 11:52 am” – my post WAS NOT referring to the site that is the topic of this article (TCN – Text Cash Network), but to a similar effort CashTexts that was legit but has withered up.