Scam Alert _ The Coffee Man, Clear Vision Marketing

From the Better Business Bureau

The Coffee Man Brewing Up Financial Problems for Investors


Consumers who responded to a business opportunity advertisement placed by “The Coffee Man” dba “Continental Java” and “Continental Gourmet Coffee” have found themselves in dire financial straits with more questions than answers.

Investors were offered different levels of distributorships - Gold for $24,900, Platinum for $44,900, and an Elite for $89,900. The packages included differing amounts of coffee and syrups, display racks and guaranteed placement for the racks.

Mid-April 2008 the BBB began receiving calls from investors who were having difficulties securing the necessary coffee, syrups, and supplies. Customers also reported difficulties contacting the placement company, Clear Vision Marketing out of Evansville, Indiana.

On April 17, 2008 the accreditation (membership) of Clear Vision Marketing was revoked by the Evansville BBB Board of Directors. The firm’s file showed patterns of complaints regarding: failure to honor the contract and/or provide services are promised, failure to provide refunds, and failure to return calls and/or answer correspondence.

Subsequently, on June 16, 2008 The Coffee Man’s accreditation with the BBB was revoked by the BBB of Southern Colorado's Board of Directors due to failure to respond to one or more customer complaints filed with the BBB, failure to eliminate the underlying cause of complaints on file with the BBB, and unresolved complaints alleging that consumers have not received the products ordered and cannot get a response from the company. The BBB has been unsuccessful in working out a resolution with this company.

Complaints from investors have come from the states of California, New York, Missouri, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Their potential losses total over $385,000. Complainants state that they’ve invested their entire savings, taken out personal loans, and even mortgaged their homes to participate.

Both Clear Vision Marketing and The Coffee Man’s Web sites are still operational.

The BBB is accepting complaints on these companies on our website: www.bbb.org.


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