Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  10/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  This is the timeline of the Clove Consulting scam that took advantage of my trust.

  01/07/2023 I responded to an ad on Instagram that was soliciting investors to invest in an online Faceless ******* Automation type company.

  The company name is Clove Consulting the owners name is Abdull Ibaid.

  The ad promised a Vehicle to start making $3,000 - $5,000 per month.

  Mr. Ibaid promises a return on investment over 6 months with passive income after that.

  However, the ******* channels never got off the ground even though he promised each month that ******* channels exceeded key point indicators and metrics.

  Mr. Ibaid repeatedly affirmed my 6 month policy, expectations and timeframe.

  Misleading me to anticipate ethical conduct, fair reciprocation and financial transparency. Ultimately frustrating me financially.

  Unfortunately I suffered from economic hardship via loss of job which contributed to my gullibility and desperation to believe in Mr.Ibaids get rich quick scheme.

  Business response

  10/20/2024

  Hello BBB, I have attached the contracts that me and Mr.Bovenberg signed. Clarifying the deliverables and terms of our agreement. Everything agreed upon has been delivered. And I am actively talking to the clients to try to figure out a resolution to satisfy him. I am wondering how this complaint will be handled and if I am needed to respond if I am actively talking to the client. I have the full evidence and proof of delivery. Also the terms of the contract attacthed. Any guidance and or information would be much appreciated.

  Business response

  10/20/2024

  Response to complaint ID ********.
  
  Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I take all feedback seriously and want to provide clarity regarding your statements.

  Please note that our agreement which I have included, as outlined in the written contract you signed, clearly indicated that this was a service-based arrangement. Our services involve ******* automation and content creation, which requires ongoing effort, adjustments, and strategy. As such, the contract explicitly stated that refunds would not be provided, and no specific income guarantees were made.

  We provide tools, strategies, and management services, but financial outcomes can vary due to factors outside our control, such as market trends and platform algorithms.

  I also want to clarify that while I work hard to support clients in reaching their goals, I did not promise or guarantee any specific financial return, including the figures mentioned in your message. Nor do I ever advertise or refer to this as any form of get rich quick scheme. Our focus is on building a foundation for success, but results depend heavily on several variables, including platform performance and timelines that are unique to each business and channel and the reason for the structure of our program.

  My intention has always been to provide a valuable service based on realistic expectations, and our communication was intended to align with those terms. I remain open to explore potential solutions going forward.
  
  For example, I am willing to work something out that will be much more fruitful for you and allow us to find a path forward.

  Firstly, I am willing to as previously mentioned refund one month of content across the channels $6,000.

  I will also be willing to refund an additional $4,000 just out of curtsy and for the sake of moving forward. Total refund of $10,000.

  This is only something Im willing to offering once. The other option I was planning on discussing with you. Was giving you direct access to one of our contracted teams and the pricing we have negotiated with them.

  You are free to use this team to create content for your channels at a massively discounted rate. You are also free to use this team to resell and keep the profit difference in between. And something where I can give you my resources and strategies to scale this structure up.
  
  These are my options that I believe will help come up with a resolution that will satisfy you.

  Customer response

  10/29/2024

  Complaint: 22419279
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The agreements shared by Mr. ****** automatically expired on 10/21/2024. Dissolving any form of agency and bond.  According to section 2102 of the California Financial Code, I reserve the right to refund. According to California Financial Code Section 2102, ***** and Federal law principles. Consumers should be protected from fraudulent transactions.

  I am requesting a reversal of multiple transactions from fraudulent and material misrepresentation because of the social media content posted on Mr.Ibaid's Instagram account do not follow FTC requirements. The *** requires that any ad claiming a specific income amount must also disclose:(1)The number of previous purchasers who earned the claimed income. (2) The percentage of previous purchasers who earned the claimed income. FTC Report Number 178721269 
  
  With clean hands and good faith,
  ****** Bovenberg

  Customer response

  10/29/2024

  images attached

  Customer response

  10/29/2024

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  Customer response

  10/29/2024

  image attached

  Customer response

  10/29/2024

  image attached

  Customer response

  10/29/2024

  You said it.

  Customer response

  11/06/2024

  ****** Bovenberg <*****************************************>
  Wed, Nov 6, 8:39 AM
  to Better
  
  Hello can I talk to some one about reconciliation?
  
  Sincerely,
  ****** Bovenberg
  *****************************************

  Business response

  11/17/2024

  Have laid out all the options for Mr.Bovenberg that he agreed to and am waiting for a response.

  Customer response

  11/18/2024

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 22419279
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The money making opportunity contract provided by Mr. ***** might be misclassified as a "service-based arrangement" according to *** code.

  I am in contact with the *** for clarity to determine the validity money-making opportunity as Mr.***** and I work through the dispute resolution process. 

  It is important for me to understand the Penalty Offenses Concerning Money-Making Opportunities regarding this "service-based arrangement" if I will market and sell this service in the future per Mr.*****'s dispute resolution offer.

  **** ****** from the Counsel, ******************** of the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation and ******* *****, CFE Investigator Supervisor for the *************************** Division of Securities refer to the *** to determine if certain acts or practices used to attract participants to money-making opportunities are unfair or deceptive, and violate the *** Act.

  When I receive positive feedback from the ***, I can accept Mr.*****'s offer to teach me to sell and market this money making opportunity as a "service-based arrangement".

  *** Report Number ********* / 179804587
  
  Warm Regards,
  
  ****** Bovenberg

  Customer response

  11/19/2024

  Dear, *** **** *******
  BBB Dispute Resolution Team
  BBB Serving ************

  Thank you for asking for clarity. Can you please tell me if what I say to you remains confidential or is it automatically shared with Clove Consulting,LLC? 

  In Regards to your question, Clove Consulting was offering a money making opportunity. I did not and currently do not offer a service or product to enhance with ******* marketing. 

  I am rejecting the refund of ****** because I paid  $50,766, I was asking for a passive income vehicle that would generate 100% return on investment in 180days. Which was in line with Clove Consulting marketing.  See attached image. Their deceptive marketing influenced my decision making process and did not yield a genuine meeting of the minds.

  I have realized I may have been deceived their clickbait marketing that violated *** code. In addition to an unconscionable telecommunication solicitation that omitted material facts to induce me to enter into a contract that was unfair and did not issue a Notice of Cancellation Rights at the time of the sale per Ohio Revised Code *******. Nor did the agreement meet electronic solicitor code ******* and signed written confirmation of sales code *******. Specifically, the contract did not include the following statement: YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO PAY ANY MONEY UNLESS YOU SIGN THIS CONFIRMATION AND RETURN IT TO THE SELLER 

  ******************************************************************************************************************
  ********************************************************
  ********************************************************
  

  The *** requires that any ad claiming a specific income amount must also disclose: The number of previous purchasers who earned the claimed income. The percentage of previous purchasers who earned the claimed income. It is important to bear in mind that disclaimers are not always effective and are not a defense if the net impression is still misleading. The ***  has determined that the following acts and practices are deceptive or unfair, and unlawful under Section 5 of the *** Act: Misrepresenting that purchasing a money-making opportunity is risk-free or involves little risk. Falsely claiming an endorsement by a third party; misrepresenting that an endorser is an actual user, a current user, or a recent user; misrepresenting that an endorsement represents the experience, views, or opinions of users or purported users; using an endorsement to make deceptive performance claims; failing to disclose an unexpected material connection with an endorser; and misrepresenting that the experience of endorsers represents consumers typical or ordinary experience. Note that positive consumer reviews are a type of endorsement, so such reviews can be unlawful, e.g., when they are fake or when a material connection is not adequately disclosed.
  

  It is an unfair or deceptive trade practice for an advertiser to use testimonials to make unsubstantiated or otherwise deceptive performance claims even if such testimonials are genuine. It is an unfair or deceptive trade practice to fail to disclose a connection between an endorser and the seller of an advertised product or service if such a connection might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement and if the connection would not be reasonably expected by consumers. It is an unfair or deceptive trade practice to misrepresent explicitly or implicitly through the use of testimonials that the experience described by endorsers of a product or service represents the typical or ordinary experience of users of the product or service.
  

  ******************************************************************************************************;
  ***************************************************************************************************************

  The financial impact of this fraudulent money making opportunity scheme has been significant. I have suffered substantial financial loss and emotional distress as a result of Mr. ******* deceptive practices. I should be seeking justice and restitution for the damages incurred. However all I am seeking is a peaceful resolution where Mr. ***** sees the error of his marketing and removes it from public broadcast. Then stops all unfair business practices, including threatening to sue me or harm me financially without reasonable cause other than retaliation against my request for refund.
  
  

  Customer response

  11/19/2024

  On January 7, 2023, I was lured into a deceptive money making opportunity through paid and unpaid clickbait advertisements on Instagram. Mr. ***** promised substantial returns within 6 months through a ******* automation service in exchange for a $50,766 investment. However, the reality was far from the rosy picture he painted.
  Despite repeated assurances and promises of significant returns, Mr. ***** failed to deliver on his verbal and written affirmations. The provided ******* channels were of poor quality and showed no signs of growth or profitability. It became evident that Mr. *****'s primary intention was personal gain, rather than for the benefit of his clients.
  The fraudulent nature of this transaction was further exacerbated by Mr. *****'s use of clickbait advertising and his failure to disclose material information, including the significant risks associated with the investment. By withholding crucial information and making misleading claims, Mr. ***** engaged in fraudulent misrepresentation and unconscionable behavior.
  
  Mr.***** knowingly gave misleading opinions on which I would rely on for my decision-making. He was aware I was borrowing currency from creditors to finance this option based on his misleading opinion. I stated, if I put all my funds in channels... He confirmed his misleading financial advice to me over text and on the phone. He stated, Same as we spoke on the phone if you remember. This unfair practice violated Ohio Rev. **** *******(B), which provides various factors to be considered when determining whether a supplier has knowingly taken unfair advantage of a consumer.  For example, did the supplier knowingly give a misleading opinion on which the consumer was likely to rely.
  Moreover, ******************* engaged in unfair business practices by selling me a service that I could not afford or benefit from. This practice, which may violate consumer protection laws like the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, demonstrates a blatant disregard for consumer welfare. According to the Consumer Sales Practices Act of 1972 Section ******* of the Ohio Revised ****, which states: "(A) No supplier shall commit an unconscionable act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction. Such an unconscionable act or practice by a supplier violates this section whether it occurs before, during, or after the transaction. Ohio Revised ****, ******* prohibits and defines deceptive and unfair practices which include misleading representations, fake promises, and failure to disclose material facts that would be important to a consumer's decision-making process. Such as using sensationalized headlines to entice potential customers. Mr. ***** engaged in deceptive marketing practices to manipulate my decision-making process, including the use of clickbait advertising and false promises of rapid ******* growth. These tactics, combined with the failure to disclose potential risks, such as copyright infringement and algorithm penalties, constitute fraudulent misrepresentation and unconscionable behavior. 

  
  

  Customer response

  11/19/2024

  Mr. ****** written agreement is invalid, unconscionable, immoral, unfair, illegal, and unenforceable because the agreement unfairly assigned 100% of the risk for failure to launch on me when Mr. ***** lied to me about the risk of failure and loss. A genuine meeting of the minds did not occur. Thankfully the fraudulent agreement automatically expired on 09/21/202. Lastly, Clove Consulting, LLC actively targeting the California market with a virtual presence, without registering as a foreign entity to transact interstate business. Goes against the California Corporations Code Section 17150.
  
  

  Business response

  11/24/2024

  At Clove Consulting LLC, we take all client concerns seriously and remain committed to providing clarity and resolution in any dispute. This letter serves as a response to the complaint filed by ******************************** claims outlined in the complaint, including allegations of misrepresentation, financial exploitation, and promises of guaranteed returns, are entirely baseless and inconsistent with the documented communications, signed agreements, and deliverables provided during our engagement. This response aims to address each point raised by Mr. ********** substantiate our position with evidence, and propose a fair resolution in light of the circumstances. 
  
  Transparency from the Start 
  
  Mr. *********s claims regarding deceptive practices, including withholding information about copyright issues and monetization risks, are entirely unfounded. From the very beginning of our relationship, we were transparent about the nature of ******* channel management and monetization.
  
  - Onboarding and Disclosure: Mr. ********* completed an onboarding form at the start of the contract, acknowledging the potential for copyright claims and monetization challenges. This form clearly shows his understanding of the risks and processes involved. Please see the onboarding form screenshot in "evidence.zip".
  
  - Ongoing Communication: Throughout our engagement, we maintained open communication, addressing concerns and even covering the expenses for multiple channel replacements and a complete relaunch, despite being under no contractual obligation to do so.
  
  Addressing Complaints:
  
  Mr. ********* references our onboarding call in his complaint, claiming we promised him certain returns or guarantees. However, the attached screenshot from the onboarding call clearly shows that no such promises were made. During this call, we thoroughly reviewed the agreement with him and made it explicitly clear that we could only guarantee specific deliverables, such as content creation and channel managementnot any specific monthly revenue. 
   
  In his complaint, Mr. ********* also cites multiple FTC complaint articles regarding unfair and deceptive practices, alleging that we made guaranteed return promises. These references add no merit to his complaint, as our position remains clear and consistent: nowhere in our agreement are financial guarantees made. Furthermore, we took the additional step of personally reviewing the agreement with him via Zoom to ensure he fully understood the scope of our services and the deliverables we were providing.
  
  Even if the channels did not perform as expected, our service agreement outlines a clear strategy to address this issue. We offer free reposting of all created content after six months to help generate additional engagement.
  
  Our role and responsibilities were clearly outlined in the signed agreement, which focused on delivering pre-monetized channels, comprehensive channel management, and original content creation. These were the direct actions our team committed to and fulfilled, as explicitly stated in the contract Mr. ********* reviewed and signed at the start of our engagement.
  
  Clarifying the "Performance-Based" Misunderstanding
  
  Contrary to Mr. *********s assertion, we made it abundantly clear that our service is not performance-based, nor do we guarantee financial returns.
  
  - Initial Consultation: During a Zoom call before the agreement was signed, we thoroughly explained the scope of the service. While we discussed potential earning ranges based on industry trends, we explicitly stated that these were estimates, not guarantees. Please refer to the onboarding call screenshot in "evidence.zip".
  
  - Written Agreements: The service agreement, signed by Mr. ********* explicitly shows that no financial guarantees or performance-based promises are made. The document also includes a clause12. Entire Agreementwhich confirms that the signed contract supersedes all prior discussions or informal agreements. Please see the attached Service Agreements.
  
  - Terms of Service: Our publicly available terms of service reinforce that our role is limited to content creation, channel management, and monetization setup, and that we do not guarantee specific financial outcomes.
  
  Term of Service: **************************************************************************
  
  Delivery of **************************** services Mr. ********* purchased were clearly outlined in the contract, and every aspect was delivered in full:
  
  Content Creation and Structure:
  
  - We created 10 long-form and 30 short-form original videos per channel per month, aligning with the deliverables outlined in the agreement.
  
  
  - The content was carefully curated using our proven strategies to maximize engagement and growth.
  
  Monetization and Management:
  
  - All six channels were successfully monetized, enabling ad revenue generation from day one. One of the channels was replaced, and we currently do not have documentation or access to confirm its monetization status.
  
  - Our team provided comprehensive management for these channels, ensuring consistent uploads and operational oversight.
  
  Please review the monetization attachments, which include proof of monetization for the 5 active channels.
  
  24/7 Support:
  
  - We offered lifetime access to direct communication via Telegram, providing guidance, support, and real-time updates throughout the contract period.
  
  Reposting Option:
  
  - As stated in the agreement, we provided the option to repost all created content if Mr. ********* chose not to renew the contract, ensuring the continued presence of valuable content on his channels.
  
  Advertising and Marketing Transparency
  
  Mr. ********* alleges that he was misled by advertising, yet the advertisement he responded to clearly aligns with the deliverables outlined in the agreement.
  
  - Ad Content: The advertisement detailed the services offered, including pre-monetized channels, content creation, and channel management. At no point did it promise guaranteed income or specific financial results.
  
  - Consistency Across Platforms: The ad content, service agreement, and our verbal and written communications all emphasized the deliverablesnot financial guarantees.
  
  I have also attached this full response in a PDF "Response to BBB Complaint by ****** *********(UPDATED ATTACHMENTS)-2.pdf" Which includes the direct evidence being referenced all in one place. As well as the two contracts that were referenced, and all of the individual pieces of evidence (including the exact advertisement that Mr.********* messaged us from) referenced in the zip file "evidence.zip".
  
  Proposed Resolution
  
  While we firmly believe that we have fully upheld our contractual obligations, we are committed to finding an amicable resolution. To this end, we propose the following: 
  
  Refund Offer: We are willing to refund $18,000, despite having incurred over $36,000 in expenses to deliver the agreed-upon services. This offer represents a significant concession on our part.
  
  Additional Support: We can connect Mr. ********* with one of our contracted teams, offering exclusive pricing for ongoing content production. He is also free to use this exclusive pricing and team to resell for a potentially highly lucrative structure that will only benefit him further. We are also willing to share a cost-effective "No Team" strategy for channel growth, which has proven successful in our own projects.
  
  Ownership of Channels: Mr. ********* retains full ownership of the monetized channels and all associated content, which he can leverage for future opportunities or sell for additional returns.
  
  Conclusion
  
  Clove Consulting LLC has acted in good faith throughout our engagement with Mr. ********** delivering all promised services and maintaining transparency at every stage. The allegations made in his complaint are inconsistent with the documented evidence and fail to account for the clear terms of the signed agreement.
  
  We urge the BBB and Mr.********* to consider the attached evidence, which includes the signed service agreement, onboarding form, terms of service, and communication records, all of which confirm our fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  
  Our resolution offer demonstrates our commitment to client satisfaction, even in the face of unfounded allegations. We hope to move forward positively and bring this matter to an equitable conclusion.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Clove Consulting LLC
  Abedalrahman Ibaid
  ******************************************************************************************
  ***********************************************************************************************************
  *****************

  Customer response

  11/29/2024

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 22419279
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I was not aware my last message directed to BBB would be sent directly to Mr. *************** so I would have broken down the sections for discussion. For clarity and to get to a dispute resolution. 

  Mr Ibaid, Please readdress section 1

  "I am rejecting the refund of ****** because I paid  $50,766, I was asking for a passive income vehicle that would generate 100% return on investment in 180days. Which was in line with Clove Consulting marketing.  See attached image. Their deceptive marketing influenced my decision making process and did not yield a genuine meeting of the minds"

  Can I use this powerful advertisement if I choose to solicit this as a good faith opportunity?

  Regards,
  
  I ****** Bovenberg do not consent to interacting with with a representative  of Clove Consulting other than Mr.Ibaid in an attempt to bill me for legal fees.

  Customer response

  12/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

  I would like to reject the offer of Mediation for complaint ID ********.

  Regards,

  ****** Bovenberg

  Customer response

  12/07/2024

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 22419279

  Notice to Principals is Notice to Agents, Notice to Agents is Notice to Principals
  
  I decline your invitation to participate in binding arbitration and reject all types solicitations offers. I cancel all contracts without prejudice and without recourse. 

  I object to the criminality perpetrated by Clove Consulting, LLC by misrepresenting money-making opportunities as beneficial to clients financial wellbeing.

  I object to the unlawful behavior perpetrated by Clove Consulting, LLC by violating the following consumer protection codes: Ohio Revised **** 1345.22, electronic solicitor code 4719.01, signed written confirmation of sales code 4719.07, **** Rev. **** *******(B),  Investment advisers act (IAA), Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, of 1972  Section ******* of the Ohio Revised ****, Ohio Revised ****, 1345.02, Extortion under 18 U.S.C. 875(d), Section 5 of the *** Act, California Corporations **** Section 17150.

  I have requested Clove Consulting, LLC and its agents to be investigated by the local police department(s), the ************************************************************, the California Department of Justice, the *****************************************, the Better Business Bureau, ***, the ******************************** the ************************************, ********************************************************* (*****) ************************************ and the ************************. While these agencies may have different jurisdictions and specific mandates, they share common goals of protecting consumers like myself. Deceptive marketing practices can have serious legal implications. They violate federal and state consumer protection laws, including the ************************ Act and the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. By misleading consumers and inducing them into unfair contracts, these practices harm consumers and undermine fair market practices.
  
  Regards,

   ****** Bovenberg without prejudice and without recourse.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩