Widow Shares Story Of $20,000 Loss In AdSurfDaily
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the story of Shannon Allison, an Idaho widow with five children. It is in her own words. Only light editing has been performed.
My name is Shannon Allison and I’m a widow with 5 children. My husband, 5 kids, and I were involved in a horrific car accident in July of 2003. A driver fell asleep at the wheel on the highway and hit our camper trailer, which resulted in our SUV rolling 8 times into the median. My husband was killed and me and my children suffered numerous injuries.
In a matter of seconds, my entire life had become a nightmare and it took many years to physically and emotionally recover from the accident. At times, I wanted to die myself until finally, one day I realized that my children and I survived for a reason and I needed to learn to live life again. We were given a second chance at life and I knew my husband would want us to be happy!
After all was said and done, I received a lump sum of money from insurance and settlement funds. I tried to make sound financial decisions and invest my money wisely. I even hired a financial planner and invested in various developments and projects. I bought some real estate and looked for ways to start my own business at home so I could spend more time with my kids.
I was a registered nurse but needed a change in my life. I started marketing a product I really believed in and set up my own website through the product I sold. I was introduced to the product by a good friend’s brother-in-law who was an oral surgeon in California. During that time he also introduced me to ASD.
No Early Reason To Doubt
He, my friend’s brother-in-law, had wonderful things to say about ASD! He himself had earned thousands over his original investment and really believed the rebates were legal and everything was on the up and up, so to speak. He loved the fact he could advertise his business through ASD and make money! In fact, he was so excited about it that he shared the site information with all his family and friends.
He had originally been introduced to the site by his Aunt, I believe, who didn’t invest a lot of money in the beginning but was making substantial returns. He said at first he was skeptical but once he got into ASD, he started making money right away.
A 20K Leap: Sent Check To One Of The ‘Top Guys’
I was always looking for ways to advertise my new product. This seemed like an easy way plus make money at the same time! He showed me his own site and his returns. He got me so excited about the site that I decided to take the risk and put 20k into it. In fact, I was given a name and address to one of the top guys in the company to send my certified check to overnight and I would start making money right away since he could set up my account personally. Basically, there would be no delays since sometimes it could take up to a month to get going or so I was told. I was nervous but the pressure to get going took precedent.
Back Office Showed 7K Profit In Weeks
Everything was set up right away as promised and I started building money right away, according to my ASD account. In the beginning, which was in June of 2008, I surfed my required pages and reinvested my rebate returns daily. By the beginning of July, my ad packs were worth 27k and I decided to start pulling out some money.
My gut told me to start taking out enough money every week until my original principal was returned. You could only get your rebates back on certain days. During this time, the site started having trouble. It would be unaccessible or it would freeze up often. It was nearly impossible to even get to your ASD account. Sometimes, it would take days before it was up and working again!
There would be a message on the site stating the site was down because of the increase in traffic and new software to handle the traffic was being installed. By the time I got back into my account and requested a check, the seizure of ASD assets by the govt. had begun. The first and only check for $1,800 sent to me by ASD bounced and that was it.
Finding Out Info From ASD ‘Nearly Impossible’
At that time, ASD members were promised daily that all would be cleared up and we would be back online in no time at all. Weeks turned into months and months into a year and a half! Finding out info. was nearly impossible and I had come to realize that I was a victim of a Ponzi Scheme.
I told you this story because I wanted you to know that many of us truly just got into ASD because it was a way to advertise and make money at the same time. We would spread the word because we were getting rebate returns and thought we were part of something legal. Yes, I should of known that some things are just too good to be true but I guess I thought if it was illegal, why did it continue on for so long before they were caught?
I trusted the system and had no idea it was a Ponzi. Apparently, I’m not the only one as many members lined up at numerous rallies in different states to give ASD money. I thought for sure if this was illegal there would be no way he would hold public rallies to increase revenue. Wouldn’t you think the govt. would of been suspicious after the first rally?
I have learned a lot since this whole ordeal started. I research and research before ever investing any money or what money I do have which isn’t much anymore. Unfortunately, I am so distrustful now that often I pass on good investments. It’s so frustrating. I feel there are more corrupt people out there than just plain good, honest folks.
What ever happen to having a conscience? How do these people live with themselves like Madoff and Bowdoin after they destroy good people and their families? We need to educate ourselves and make informed decisions, not ones based on impulsivity and making a quick buck! I feel if you don’t have the time to do the research, you don’t have the money to invest! Hopefully, things will change and these criminals will finally be punished for their illegal acts!
Shannon Allison
Pocatello, Idaho
That would be the “it’s paying, it must be real” selling point as used by the ponzi supporters. The reason they use excuses like this is because they know it works.
What a heart wrenching account, Shannon. Reading your words brings up a flood of emotions from that period of time with ASD.
Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your family, Shannon, on the loss of your husband. Also, please accept my sincerest condolences to you, Shannon, on your loss with ASD.
Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Shannon,
I would add that you may have civil legal action possible against the person who sold you on ASD. As one of the people who benefitted from the criminal activities of ASD, he has a civil and possibly criminal liability in front of him, and may be subject to clawbacks. Depending on your appetite for conflict, he may well also have a substantial civil liability toward you (ie you may well be able to get all, or some, of your $20K back from him, depending on the facts — he willingly misrepresented an obvious criminal scheme to you and got you to join). As an oral surgeon, he can afford to pay you back. He may also want to keep his name and professional reputation out of the public eye in what could be a very public civil Ponzi litigation if you go that way. I’d go after him if I were you…..something to think about.
If only she has joined the ASDMBA. Bob could have gotten back all of her money, for a price.
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for sharing your story.
My sympathy on the loss of your husband and obvious hardships this causes. I’ve had my share of tragedy and the only thing that heals is time and the support of loved ones but some moments are still rough. I hope you focus on the positive and choose to move forward…as it is a conscious choice in my opinion. You seem to made that choice.
The good news, relatively speaking, is that you have diversified your investments so you didn’t go “all in” with ASD which many people have done.
How determined are you to see justice done and/or retrieve your funds?
As Entertained has mentioned, I would personally consult a local attorney. In this instance, Idaho and California laws may apply in addition to Federal law. Most states have laws against unregistered investment advisers. Promoting a Ponzi is a felony in many states.
Most attorneys will give you a free consultation. If not, you can pay for an hour’s worth of their time for a flat fee. I would personally gather my documentation including emails, phone records, payment records, list of witnesses and anything else I could think of which may be relevant.
The surgeon may wish to settle as Entertained has stated. If not, or in addition to any settlement, you may wish to forward your documentation to Secret Service. The surgeon may be rather high up in the ASD food chain and your evidence may be of significant value to them in any prosecution of promoters, if any.
As always, consult a qualified attorney in legal matters.
Good luck and thanks for sharing your story.
dB
Hi, Mrs. Allison;
Entertained said an something important in his comments above: “…Depending on your appetite for conflict…”
My sense of fair play, justice, and dealing with a situation where I’d been “done in” led me into a legal battle over money. What I found was that the situation weighed heavily on my mind every day for a couple of years – and when it was over, after paying the attorney fees the amount received was a fraction of what I’d lost.
What I concluded when it was over was that it wasn’t worth the time, money, or emotional energy required to bring it to resolution. That’s obviously an individual judgement, but is an aspect of going after your enroller that may be important for you to consider.
– PWD
Pat,
Couldn’t agree more…..I had a situation similar to yours, and while the financial settlement was not great (I didn’t care that much), I was happy to see justice done. I’d bet Mr. (alleged) Criminal Oral Surgeon would settle, because I doubt he wants to see this headline in his local paper: “Successful Oral Surgeon Sued For Fraudlent Ponzi Scheme by Widowed Nurse, Being Investigated by Federal Authorities on Criminal Wire Fraud and Conspiracy Charges.”
Hpefully, Shannon and a lot of other folks will get at least some of their money back.
Pat and Entertained,
I had a similar situation a few years ago.
I was transferred due to a job situation and had to rent for a while. Since I knew the situation was likely not permanent, I elected to take out a sublease on a property. I did my due diligence, including calling the county for the name and phone number of the registered owner to make sure the woman had his authorization to sublease the property. I signed a 3 month lease to see how things would play out as I had a few reservations but needed to move a considerable distance in a short on short notice.
After 3 months, things seemed to be working out so I extended my lease. A few months later, I came home to a “3 day pay or quit” notice. Calling the owner, it turns out that the woman had been pocketing my payments and not forwarding the funds as stipulated in our agreement.
When I called the police to report the matter, I was told that my actual loss was under the threshold of what they would investigate so it was “a private matter”.
Consulting an attorney, I was informed that I would have to get a judgment, have the papers served and enforce the judgment privately. As the woman was actively trying to evade her creditors and had few, if any, assets, I elected to limit my losses rather than pursue the matter. The loss was irritating and a few thousand dollars, but it did not impact my standard of living.
I made the right decision from a financial standpoint. From a justice standpoint, I would definitely get some satisfaction in having her send me a check for some amount each month, however small. On the other hand, I walked away relatively unscathed and she had a mountain of issues to deal with….and likely still does.
Sometimes it makes sense to pursue matters, sometimes it makes sense to walk away with a loss. Just like any investment that does not pan out like a hot stock that sours.
You have NO IDEA how many stories there are out there like this, THIS is why I, along with a group of others, chose to fight Andy/ASD, Busby/Panda and the incompetent FEDS.. The money these folks invested is GONE, I mean GONE.. They will not see the light of day trying to jump through all the HOOPS the Feds will institute for a member to try and eventually, maybe , get some minor restitution..
Andy deserves to rot and die in a cell, Busby deserves to be there right along with him, as well as all the “LEADERS”, like Robert Fava, convicted of exposing himself to a minor TWICE in Iowa. Andy put up on stage to promote his product. This list goes on and on, I could give you 30 more names that sucked people in, well knowing it was all a big scam.. How about the ASD compliance office Peterson, or the peice of crap lawter that helped set it all up. Screw them all.. And the FEDS originally cut this piece of crap and Busby a deal?????
The real story is people just like this, thousands of them.. Ill give you another that effected thousands of newcomers to ASD in the final months. The scam within the scam. All the leaders knew about it, they scammed MILLIONS of unreported income. We told Cowden while in DC, gave him first hand evidence, including sworn affidavits and copies of checks. He did nothing, the DOJ did nothing, they never presented any additional evidence to Judge Collyer…
And dont all you armchair lawyers tell me squat, I have been to DC twice, face to face with the DOJ, so I think I might have a little more insight than these “internet” bloggers of nothing..
I have everyone’s authority to post this so I will. A very nice single, working woman from Minnesota, Pam Brown, who lost thousands herself in ASD, called the ASDMBA and asked me if I could help a disabled veteran who had been scammed by a ASD “Leader”, in Robert Fava’s line.. Again, there are hundreds of these letters and testimonials but this just struck home with me..
10-04-08 MR GEUNTHER, THE FOLLOWING IS A SYNOPSIS OF MY TRANSACTION WITH ASD/DAN TROST.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
MY TRANSACTION WITH DAN TROST OCCURRED ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 2008. I GAVE DAN TROST A CHECK FOR $2000.00 AND HE TRANSFERRED 2000 AD SURF DAILY(ASD) AD PAKS FROM HIS ACCOUNT INTO MINE. I WAS TOLD BY DAN TROST I WOULD BE ABLE TO SURF 12 WEBSITES A DAY FOR 15 SECONDS EACH AND BE CREDITED A MINIMUM OF A 1% REBATE INTO A CASH ACCOUNT ATTACHED TO MY ASD ACCOUNT. THIS WOULD UNTIL I HAD RECEIVED 125% OF MY PURCHASE PRICE OF THE ASD AD PAKS ($2500.00). THIS NEVER HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD ASD WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THIER SERVERS. ON AUGUST 1, 2008 THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN ASD OPERATIONS. SEEING AS HOW THE ASD AD PAKS DAN TROST SOLD ME NEVER HAD ANY VALUE AND THE PROGRAM NEVER WORKED AS HE SAID IT WOULD, I BELIEVE DAN TROST SHOULD RETURN MY $2000.00 TO ME. WILLIAM W SMITH JR. 1636 COLORADO AVE S., ST LOUIS PARK, MN, 55416. 612-558-3246. bsj@usfamily.net.
DAN TROST
ADVANCED BENEFITS GROUP LLC
7515 WAYZATA BLVD. SUITE 201
MPLS. MN 55426
612-816-8901 CELL
763-544-0247 FAX
As you can see by the date, we have been involved in this for well over a year, and a few whinners have cast a bad light on the ASDMBA because they have nothing better to do, doesn’t bother me one bit, because I know what we were able to do, AND what we could still do once the JUDGE finally rules..
Let’s just say a little “pressure” was applied in the right places, and Dan got his money back..
My “GET ANDY” at all costs moment came when I returned a call one Saturday morning to a woman in Virgina. She would call me almost every other day, sometimes talking to my daughter and my wife. She had taken $10,000 out of the kids college fund, put it into ASD, and also had went for the $5000 scam within a scam. She had accumulated almost $50,000 in her account when the end came.. She was devestated, mainly because she had not told her husband she took the money and was going to surprise everyone at what she had accomplished..
We had not heard from her in a while so that Saturday morning I called her cell and a man answered, it was her husband, long story short, she had committed suicide the previous Wednesday. I believe she had some personal problems before ASD, but this just put her over the top.. She left a husband and three kids behind , over $15,000…
You want testimonials?? Ill get the permission from the people, and I will forward them to you, some of the stories will make you wonder how people can be so gullible, some will make you sad, others will make you cry, but at the end of the day, they all will make you as PISSED as I am…
Bob Guenther
And you would know that “HOW” exactly ????
The operative word is “MIGHT”
You have absolutely know way of knowing the identity, location, experience, influence, associations or involvement of any of the posters here, or on any other ASD related board.
ESPECIALLY since, given your history of shooting off your mouth, no prosecutor, law enforcement officer or agency in their right mind would allow themselves to reveal a single, solitary piece of evidence to you, other than what is available to any member of the general public.
Bob is a legend in his own mind. I think Cowden quit just so he didn’t have to get any more calls or emails from Guenther.
What you internet people need to realize, you cant do anything on the internet but type and talk under your pseudo names. And I dont shoot my mouth off littleroundman and Don, I actually do something about it, face to face, on rhe phone, on the internet and in the court room.. What have you done about ASD lately besides type??
And it becomes more and more obvious wih your unintelligent posts you dont hve a country clue of what is going on with this case..
Good thing for this colume, otherwise you would be totally lost..
Yes Little Bobbie, we’ve seen how you like to apply “pressure”. Did you find a small child to threaten? Did you find someone disadvantaged or infirm to harass? Did you threaten to send your tame incompetent and corrupt lawyer on to them?
I wonder how many “poor widows” have sent money they didn’t have to Little Boobie?
I remember WELL the conference call Bob had concerning Dan Trost..he called to action anyone with several screws loose and guns to go to this man’s home and threaten him..he gave out all personal information on how to call Dan Trost and/or drop by his home in an effort to scare Dan into returning the money. Bob was called down about this incident, by Larry Friedman I believe, but it was the beginning of the end for ASDMBA. It became crystal clear Bob Guenther was a very disturbed person and the members of ASDMBA started distancing themselves from anything Bob Guenther. Bob’s remedy has been to take the law into your own hands.
Hi Kathy,
I think you’re aware of the Equity Investment Management and Trading Inc. (EIMT) securities case in California in which the FBI did not take kindly to a vigilante and his group’s efforts to try to shake down individuals for refunds.
If not, perhaps you’ll find this story illustrative of what can happen when people try to take the law into their own hands:
https://patrickpretty.com/2009/10/28/breaking-news-california-man-expected-to-enter-guilty-plea-in-ponzi-and-affinity-fraud-scam-kenneth-kenitzer-may-face-up-to-30-years-in-prison-case-features-allegations-that-a-vigilante-tried-to-sh/
One of the crimes alleged was attempted extortion. The FBI even issued a formal statement:
http://sacramento.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/sc032009.htm
As the investigation proceeded, the FBI ending up making four arrests — the alleged vigilante, and three accomplices accused of participating in a shakedown attempt.
Regards,
Patrick
Quick note: There was a call to action on the ASDMBA website to “make Dan Trost’s life miserable until he refunds Mr. Smith’s $2,000.00 dollars.”
It was listed under “testimonials” for ASDMBA:
http://www.asdmba.com/testimonials.html
Patrick
I think you mean “William” got his money back after a little “pressure” was “applied” in the “right places” — namely to “Dan.”
Patrick
Bobbie, if we cannot do anything on the internet, then how is it that YOU can? See, your own words in bold above. What am I doing about ASD? What did you do with $130K with the ASDMBA to get back the money you said you would… NOTHING!!! Not one piece of paper filed, only a vacation trip to DC for you and Lawyer Larry. And don’t think for a minute you are doing any good for anyone but yourself. That’s the only ASD member you care about. I’m waiting for someone to file obstruction charges on you. You are no one’s savior.
Patrick,
First, I would like to thank you for sharing my story. It
means a great deal to me that you took the time to read my e-mail and publish it on your website. Also, thank you to the individuals who shared their condolences and caring comments. It warms my heart!
I can see my story has stirred up a great deal of emotion and debate over such a scam. It is devasting, not only to me, but to the thousands of ASD members just like me who do have a story to tell.
Truth told, I was a member of ASDMBA and sent a $100 to Bob Guenther to help support his legal efforts. I also filled out the claim form provided to ASD members from the govt. twice.
So where am I? At this point, I am not out for revenge and have no intention of pursuing a legal battle for good reason. I have been through the legal system after my accident and it was like reliving my car accident and the lost of my husband for three years. What was worse, my children had to endure the loss of their dad daily too. It made it impossible to move on. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I agreed to pursue a legal case. I was bitter and numb in the beginning but once it was over, 3 years later, I had gained some money but at the expense of my physical and emotional well being! I was not the person I once was, nor the mother my children needed so desperately! I realized the driver was a real person with 3 kids of his own. He, himself, went through a medical bankruptcy and had suffered through depression as well. Finally, with the encouragement of a good friend, I got the help I needed to learn to live life again. With some much needed therapy and medication, I was able to get my life back on track and become the mother I needed and so wanted to be! More important, I wasn’t going to allow myself to be a victim anymore.
I just wanted to share my story so others, much like me, can see that when something seems too good to be true, than likely it is. Blaming others and becoming a life long victim doesn’t bring any happiness. It seems to only add bitterness and despair to one’s life as I have personally experienced. Yes, as an ASD member, I did at one time blame the govt., then Andy, then my friend’s brother-in-law until I finally realized it was me who sent the certified check without doing the most important thing! All I had to do was research to find out there were some negative things and warnings about ASD readily available on the internet. I didn’t even take the time to look. My excitement took over my gut instinct!
There are many corrupt men and women out there looking for people they can con but it’s up to us to be smarter than them! We can help educate others by telling our stories and support tougher laws to punish those who have the intent of defrauding and destroying others financially for their own well being.
I do believe, in my heart, that those individuals who intentionally hurt others for their gain will ultimately face justice in the end!
Thank you again, Patrick
Shannon
Bravo, Mrs. Allison!
It’s my observation that many people go through life playing what I have labeled “The Victim Role”, for somehow they get some sort of “payoff” for doing so. Allow me to applaud you for saying, “…More important, I wasn’t going to allow myself to be a victim anymore.”
Refusing to stay in that mode after your experiences of being widowed and physically injured as a result of someone’s carelessness, then being conned by Bowdoin and others, followed by being drawn into the ASDMBA scam, tells me a lot about you, and I greatly admire you for that! May the good Lord bless you and your children!
– PWD
Kathy,
I really believe you and Jack Arons must share the same bottle.
I have a recording of every single ASDMBA conference call that was made. My lawyer was on the calls 75% of the time. If anyone has a problem with what was said or done, bring it on.. If we were able to get a ASD Leader who had stolen money from a disabled veteran by bringing some pressure from a pier group of people, I think Ill worry about any fallout when it happens..
And Patrick, well pal, you just miss it, dont you. You are so accostomed to controlling the internet via second hand information, doing some real investigative work, with factual information, hands on, would be a stretch for you..
My point was , and is, there are thousands of Shannons out there. You want their stories, or just one.. Why not get to all the junk that went on within ASD, during final plea arguments, and in the event of a appeal, all of the scams within a scam can be used. You just dont seem to get it, you have taken an adversarial position with anyone that wants to post anything other than what you seem to like, well screw you pal..
Man up dude, use the site for something, make a difference..
Hello Shannon,
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and the time you took to share your moving, compelling personal story. Many of our readers will identify with your struggle to make sense of it all before gaining acceptance. You have served them well.
Thank you, Shannon.
Patrick
It certainly could be used for some transparency as to what you did with other people’s money that they sent you to perform a task or two. That could certainly be a start right?
Good grief.
Good grief.
Good grief. Here you are talking about what YOU’LL worry about.
Is ASDMBA going to pay the attorney’s fees of members for whom you’ve retrieved money or caused money to be retrieved if the government tries to claw it back — you know, the disabled veteran you cite, the police officers you cite, the “high profile Dallas Cowboy” executive you cite?
Or are they on their own?
The reason I ask is that, in all cases, you claim the money was retrieved under the auspices of ASDMBA. There is a “Testimonial” on the ASDMBA website in which ASDMBA suggests harassment is the means it employs to get people to part with money.
Good grief . . . plus:
Why not cover this on the ASDMBA website — or did the money members contributed to ASDMBA cover neither legal representation nor website updates?
You haven’t updated the ASDMBA website in months, even though its says “Updated Daily” — and yet you license yourself to tell me how I should be covering the ASD story.
Let’s see. As of this post, my Blog has published 446 stories since December 2008 alone. There are 5,813 comments from posters, an average of about 16.6 per day, perhaps making my Blog the most-visited site for ASD news and opinion.
My Blog includes a good number of comments from you. You appear to spend more time here and on other forums than you do your own website. Virtually all of your comments here have been rude, hostile, aggressive, threatening or menacing in one way or another. In some cases, they can aptly be described as guttural, even Neanderthal.
It must be said, however, that you are an Equal Opportunity Neanderthal when in that mode. Both men and women find your posts revolting, although some people do say that you provide some entertainment value from time to time. Some folks appear to enjoy observing you being you.
Me? I’m not among that group. I don’t enjoy reading anything you post and, in all my days, have never seen a person show such a lack of decorum or restraint on such a consistent basis.
Patrick
Bob’s life seems to have been written by Rod Serling of ‘Twilight Zone’ fame. It is definitely entertaining……you just have to take it for what it’s worth!!!
I THINK YOU TOLD HIM STRAIGHT, PATRICK. lol
Bob Guenther is BY FAR the most self-centered, selfish, egotistical, boorish, uncaring, and unlikeable individual I’ve ever had the misfortune to run across. The fact that he would inject his own psychopathic point of view in a column about a woman whose husband died (but who doesn’t feel sorry for herself) puts Bob so deeply in the “scum of the earth” category that he can’t possibly live log enough to dig his way out. Bob is not only going to straight to hell, when he gets there I bet he finds that Satan doesn’t like him either. Compared to Bob, Satan has his good points.
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