Transam Associates

In 2009, I was contacted by them stating that they had seen my resume online and were interested to see if I wanted to work from home as a medical transcriptionist. I thought that this was the answer to my prayers, but it wasn't.

They wanted me to pay $495 for their special software. I did not have the money, but they were willing to work with me. I was allowed to make payments for the initial cost of $260 to have access to their software to begin my training however, they insisted that I pay via money order.

I went so far as to buy my medical terminology book and begin the medical terminology course they suggested. After starting the course, I decided I liked it and wanted to go to CNA school, so I dropped out of the program.

I knew that my initial payment of $260 was non-refundable and that after 6 months of no-contact with them, I would be dropped from their program. Well, I only check my e-mail once in a while and I received an e-mail from them that I still have a balance of $250 and that I have to pay it or they will turn it over to a collections company.

Seriously, since I quit the program, I did my research that I should have done previously. Do they really think they are going to get another dime from me?

I got an email from someone I thought I knew. I went to their web site. The live recruiter came online. She got pushy and tried to gather money right away. She offered me a "monthly special" of $260, with balance of nearly $500 to be paid later for software. She said that training is 'free' and it's guaranteed work. I told her I could not see paying to go to work. She again tried to get me to buy in. I'm glad I didn't after reading these complaints.

I recieved a Work at home Medical Transcription course, plus job from Transam Associates through email. I had been out of work and was wanting to work at home so I gave this a great thought and decided to contact the company. I contacted them through chat on their MT Professional site. I spoke with a lady named Sherryk in which she assured me this was a good way to get started as they provided you with the software and schooling all I needed to do was take a small quiz type audio testing of 2 different audio's and type them on Word. I did take the tests and then she proceeded in telling me i was a good typist and had a furture of becoming a Medical Terminologist.

She told me the software could be purchased through them at $495 and since I didn't have it all up front I could pay half $260 and begin although I would need the rest before I could go further than the two groups of 30-31 audios. I paid the money like the sucker I was being pulled in for and they proceeded to tell me continue forward with the audio's and once I was done I had to take 3 testings and get those 3 testings done at 100% accuracy. I done the audio's, I could hear fine, but once I started on the testing audio the same man I had done fine with was now sluggish, blurbed out all over the place and simply no way of getting 100% accuracy as the gentleman couldn't be understood. I spoke with Sherryk my instructor and told her of the hard times I was having in hearing the testing audio's she said well Doctors are doing things while they talk you have to be able to understand them. I said there was no way of understanding this man it was totally unclear and blurbed altogether. Sherryk said, "this is a real job I had to do the same audio's you are doing and I am working for Transam Associates."

I kept working at it trying to be the best I could be as this was to be my career. They say you get a certificate if you take their schooling for Grammar English and Terminology courses so I took them and passed with A and B work. When I completed my courses I asked how I would receive my certificate of completion and Sherryk wrote me said you don't get that until you are hired with us. I worked hard to complete the courses with exceptional grades. I continued the audio's and got to Group 8 with 30 audio's. I took another test and same thing, the man speeking was so blurred out you couldn't understand parts of what he was saying which again made me fail the test because it was not at 100% accuracy.

Now I am to do Group 9 and 10 before I can take another test. I have done this since October 2010. I feel they lied to me in many ways. They said they would have a job for me, they said I would get certificates if I took the courses and passed them. It did not say I would get the certificates after I started to work for them, but at completion in which I did with high marks. I done this to better myself so I could get work as I need the money for my home, family. Not to mention this is my career and every day is important to pass these audio's in order to work and make money to help provide for my family.

In 2007, I completed my Medical Transcription Career Training with a local reputable college. I was looking forward to starting a career where I could work out of the home and be more available to participate in my children's education. I came across the ad for TransAm Medical associates and after having been turned away from a number of work from home transcription firms because of lack of real-time experience, I foolishly thought this was the answer to my many prayers on this subject. I might mention, I also have earned a degree in creative writing.

After trying for over a year to gain access to "live work", I was dismayed with my third trainer in a year time period and even after quickly passing two qualifying dictations, I was very perplexed that I was consistently being denied "live work" because the third dictations were found to have extremely minute punctuation errors. In 2008, I unfortunately had a blood clot ground me for a year, so I had to drop out of the program. I have just gotten into contact with TransAm and found that because I was out of the program for greater than 6 months, in order to be reinstated, it will cost an additional $90! This on top of the over $400 paid initially for the specialized software that the AAMT RMT review provides instructions on gaining access too for free!

The saddest part is I have over 12 years of critical care and neurological experience as a Unit Coordinator, so I have had to listen to many doctors dictating right next to me, the files transcriptionist type everyday. I have had to take orders from doctors as well as ask many clarifying question. Additionally, I am also a trained court reporter so I have experience in that way too. I just wish I had stumbled across this site before the initial investment was made. I am glad, however, I came across this information before investing an additional $90! After recovering from my blood clot situation, needless to say, it impacted my family finances very negatively. So of course, I am in a desperate situation where having a secondary income is a need. To have a scam like this out there is just awful!

If anyone knows of a company that would in jurist hire an entry-level transcriptionist for either legal or medical transcription, please send them my way as I truly have the need. I am released medically to return to full-time work but had to take a part-time opening which leaves a big gap in my monthly finances that I need to fill. Thanks!

I had the exact same experiences as all the other people who have reported this scam. My husband decided to do a thorough check into Transam Associates' background after talking on live chat. I did the routine transcription that I was sent and they immediately got back to me to come to live chat and said welcome aboard.

I told them I had no experience but had an excellent background in grammar, spelling, and medical terminology. I was told that the training was absolutely free but I had to purchase the software for $495.00. In addition, I would receive through the software a library that was worth at least $500.00. I did not get back to them for a week because I, like many people, do not have that kind of money to pay for something I know nothing about.

After speaking again with live chat, they told me that they had a deal for me. I could pay a partial payment of $260.00 and begin immediately of I responded by July 31, 2010. If I met their standards, then I would be reimbursed on my first paycheck for the software expense. I was told that it would be no problem for me to pass, "it is easy". I proceeded to ask the recruiter about being refunded and asked that if I passed, would I have to pay the remainder of the software. They told me that I would have to pay the rest sometime during my training.

This did not seem right to me after they had told me I should pass easily and quickly. If I passed quickly then why should I have to pay the remainder if they were going to reimburse me? I noticed that some of the responses were what I considered automatic. My husband has years of computer experience and he told me that there are key words that can be used in live chat so that an automatic response can be used. He said that it is possible that there is not a live person on the other end. I sent him the last live chat and he found at least 7 websites saying this company is a scam and everyone has had a similar experience. I have to say that I am extremely upset that a person can be led on in such a manner.

Speaking for myself and I'm sure many people, I need additional income and have limited hours to work. I have spent a lot of time on live chat with this company to find out it's a lie. I want to pass this on to anyone out there that is being sucked into this scam. It is not only hurtful financially but at least in my case, personally and I spent a lot of hours going back and forth on this when I could have spent the time on looking for other work.

Fortunately, I did not purchase the software. I think there should be some kind of law against this. For anyone reading this, you should not have to pay to get a job as my husband has always told me. He thought this was a legitimate company at first until he got their name and address. I understand they can get away with some of this but it's wrong. Another thing that really bothered me is after all of this, the live chat recruiter said each time to have a blessed night. Unbelievable!

I have been looking for additional income for some time now and have limited hours in which to look since I have a son to take care of. I have a part time job but with limited hours. I can't make enough to help out our family and I can't afford to go back to school now nor do I have the time. After passing the initial screening, I was very excited about this opportunity and spent a lot of hours trying to get answers to my questions. I had very high hopes that our family would be in a better financial situation.

I am a spiritual person and believe that people are basically good, not to use a cliche so I am very hurt that all of this has happened. I am very grateful that I did not invest in the software but I am very hurt by it all and want to make sure that no one else has the same experience. I feel sad for the people that bought into this scam. There must be something that can be done. This is not acceptable. It's just very, very sad.

I have just had the same experience with Transam Associates, Inc. and how they get you to sign up. One thing, I caught on to was having to contact them at 8:00 p.m. for an "interview." Then, the pressure to sign up. I opted to "sleep on it."

I just want to thank everyone that has shared their bad experience, you saved me! I started checking at this website medicaltranscriptionistsalary.net which provides a lot of lay information. It appears to be giving information about being an MT. The writer provided the following two websites to see if your school is accredited: ahdionline.org and chea.org. Of course, Transam Associates is not listed on either of these sites, so I started looking further and that is when I happened upon your comments. Again, I thank everyone for taking the time to warn others. I appreciate your efforts. All this cost me is time. Thanks to the many people that shared their experience of being scammed. Fortunately, it didn't cost me money I don't have.

Glad to read the feedback. This was my experience, exactly. I might add, I went along with this, knowing in the back of my mind it was probably a bogus deal. But, being anxious to find a new career and job, I did it anyway, without checking them out first. I did give common sense feedback when asked for the $495 software package, like I do not have this in my budget at this time.

Followed by their response, no problem, you can pay $260 now then the rest next month. I told them to forward additional information via e-mail, so I could talk to my husband, they replied I could copy and paste the above for him. They also put the 3-day expiration of offer back to me and to go to the link for the application, work agreement. Also sent me a thank you and to grade my experience with them, (the nerve!)

I gave them a "Poor", the lowest grade and told them with this type of investment, I would expect more personal involvement from their company, no an online chat with canned type responses. Also said the free training ad was very misleading. Anyway, heads up to others before they get duped. Being out of work and looking for another job is stressful enough, without being preyed on by these kind of vultures. Why can't they be shut down and not allowed to search websites for unsuspecting victims? Something should be done.

Transam Associates is a joke. I did the emails and got replies the next day. Then the final step was to speak to a live representative. I have copied the full transcription below of our conversation.

Chat Information: Please wait for a site operator to respond. You are now chatting with 'Qualifying Operator' Qualifying Operator: Hello! Thank you for contacting Transam's Live Support. How may I help you today? Shawn: I was responding to an email for a transcriber position and it said I needed to do this. Where are you in the application process? Did you transcribe a sample for us yet? And if so, have you heard back from the company?

Shawn: Hello We have a job for you! Please come to Live Chat this morning at 9:00 am. EST to discuss this job in your job interview. We are here today: from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. EST also, 2:00 to 5:00 pm. EST. and tonight from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. EST. Work and pay is guaranteed. We have received your paperwork and it has been accepted as a true representation of your work and worthy of moving forward. Please chat with one of our recruiting operators today to discuss this opportunity. We are expecting your live contact.

Qualifying Operator: Great. Let me help you with this. This is a guaranteed job! You work for and get paid by us. This is hard work. Tell me a little bit about your background. What working experience have you had? Did you go to school for this? Shawn: I do not have any direct medical background. I have had some heavy data entry in a previous sales job along with some filing. As far as I read on the posting and the email replies, that seemed to be enough. As long as I can type and utilize a computer and internet.

Qualifying Operator: Great. That will help We will train you and bring you up to speed to the way we transcribe. We assign you your own personal trainer to do that. The trainer designs a program specifically for you. Based on your background, experience, and previous training. That way you don't have to repeat what you already know. Here's the guarantee: as soon as you are accurate in your transcription we move you over to 'live' work and you start getting paid right away by us. We pick up all the cost for training, your only investment is in the software itself.

Shawn: How much is the software?

- Are you in the position financially to purchase the software at this time?

Qualifying Operator: That's okay. Don't worry about the money. We will work with you....and you can start today. You may be wondering if we are a credible organization. Is this for real? We are with the Chamber -- and we are not just members of the Chamber of Commerce --- we are on the board of directors too. You can email the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Member:You can also know that the state of Florida has 'certified' Transam Associates as a valid legitimate corporation. We are listed with the Better Business Bureau and we are celebrating our 11th year in business. You are in good hands with us. We have over 200 transcriptionists all over the country. From Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and sprinkled all across the USA. You are in good hands with us.

Shawn: Why are you not accredited with the BBB?

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by the BBB, or that the BBB has made a determination as to the business product quality or competency in performing services. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not PAID A FEE to the BBB.

Qualifying Operator: We do not expect you to have ALL the money right now. We will work with you. The good news is that you can start your training today. We want you to start this month. This limited opportunity of free training and a guaranteed job has been extended to 5:00 pm. EST on January 31, 2010.

- Hold on.

Shawn: whoa. Is it possible to have a payment taken out of each paycheck?

Qualifying Operator: No That's okay. We will save a spot for you. Please stay in touch. In the mean time please read the work agreement. It's been my pleasure talking with you today.

And that's it, whoever it was just terminated the chat session right after that. Don't get your hopes up people. I did the research, but I gave them a chance regardless.

I am a recent graduate of a medical transcription program. I have been turned down by many companies because of lack of experience. I received this email from hotjobs.com and thought it to be legitimate. I typed the sample dictation. I filled out the application. THEN, I did research on the company...BIG NEWS. This is a fraudulent company. Many companies offer few computers, software, and foot pedals. This company wants you to pay for all of this...and wait on them to approve whether you are good enough to be paid. Several people have said that they never pass exams and never get real paying work. I'm glad I did the research and saved my money and my precious job hunting time.

I recieved a job offer email from Transam Associates, took their test, and I have not yet recieved the email that I passed the test but I am sure I will get it tomorrow. I thought it sounded too good for it to be real, so I researched the name at the bottom of the letter and found out it was a HUGE scam. They are not accredited by the BBB, if that says anything. I would not have sent them the money anyway because there is no job that you have to pay for but I am concerned now because they have my personal information from my resume. How can these people steal your resume off of yahoo jobs website anyway?

This company emailed me after seeing my online resume. At first i was so thrilled because it is very hard to find an entry-level MT position. It is frustrating because I worked really hard in school. When I received this email I was thrilled...I past their little sample test and was told it was my choice whether I wanted to train through their program or just start working. I already finished MT school so I said working but I found it strange that in the email she didn't mention pay rate or benefits or equipment so i googled and I found all these horrible reports.

Then I got on their website and started asking the live chat about it...wouldn't answer my questions. I am so grateful people posted their bad experiences bc I thought I was about to have a lucky break.

I have been unemployed for Four months and am getting desparate so i thought i would try this seeings how they got my resume from YahooJob.com but when they sent me a second e-mail telling my the found my resume from another site that i had not even heard of i be gan to investage turns out they are not all they say they are. I want to thank everyone who has made a report it has saved me alot of hard saved cash at this time.

I was sent an Email from Transam Associates for a home medical transcriptionist job. I took their test and passed it and was told I would need to purchase their software at a price of $462.00 and their foot pedal and adapter for $135.00. I purchased this equipment only to find out that they are a scan operation and will not refund my money. When I confronted them with it, they did not reply to my Email, and I have not heard from them since.

As a result, I am out $395.00 and since I am out of work, this is a lot of money to lose.

On Sunday, November 30, 2008, I received an email in my mailbox indicating that I had been selected for an Entry Level Opportunity from Transam Associates, Inc. The email sender was identified as Yahoo Hot Jobs offer. The way the email was addressed, it appeared to be legitimate. In any event, I responded to the email and was told that I needed to take a test to prove my ability to become a medical transcriptionist.

Shortly after I took this test I was told that I passed and was offered a jobthrough their organization. Transam Associates stated in their email that I was to purchase training materials for a price of $60.00. Then I was told that in order to obtain my training that I was to purchase the transcription software used by their people, along with a foot pedal. The price of the software was $462.00 and the price of the foot pedal was $130.00 When I responded that due to my financial situation that I could not pay the entire amount up front, I was told to forward the amount of $130.00, and that I could pay the balance later, as I go.

I completed their application, because initially, I believed them to be legitimate. Before I sent any money, I decided to research whether or not complaints had been made against this company. I was surprised to see so very many complaints, and most from persons who had already sent in their money, and were unable to receive a refund at all. I then received another email from them regarding a job offer. I responded by informing them that they would not be able to swindle me out of any money because I was on to their scheme, and that if they used any information from my application that I would be contacting my attorney and the police department. I also asked them to cease any further contact with me.

Fortunately, I was spared any economic damage because I took the time to investigate. It sounded too good to be true, but I believed initially, because I thought the career opportunity was open.