Brian called me with a similar message.  He's looking for people to enter the financial planning field.  I think he's intentionally vague so he can have a conversation before someone just writes the idea off altogether.  I am not interested but had no problems talking to him at all.

I just received a call from Mr. Blum.  I am looking for a job so he presumably found my contact information on CareerBuilder.  Presumably this is the end around on the Do Not Call List.  Unfortunately, every yahoo and his/her brother are trolling CareerBuilder and pitching insurance, financial services, you name it that works on commission rather than salary... and, yes, a piece of the action accrues to the recruiting agents, the Mr. Blum's of the world.  I am thankful for this site, for it saves me the time of listening to another pitch for work which is not what I am looking for.  And were financial planning to be my chosen game, I have far more attractive contracts to introduce me into that world.

I just spoke with Brian, and because of the above comment, asked some more questions that I might not have otherwise.  I would have to pay $99 to get my licenses (that often cost over $1,000) in this industry.  The idea above that everyone happily sells financial services to their friends is silly; everyone must get the proper licenses, and most people are too lazy to do that.  Entirely legitimate company,,checked them out with the BBB.  They network thru friends just like -every- financial and real estate company.  I'm not sure if I'll enter the field, but it is a good company with a 30+ year history.

This is PRIMERICA Financial. It's a pyramid schemd.  You PAY for "sales materials" then get your friends to invest, and you get commissions off what you sell them, then on what THEY sell their friends.  Talked to lots of these people over the years.  They called my parents house, where I haven't lived in 8 years, so we know it was them.

Brian here as well.  He keeps to the story - financial planning is the deal.  I've always thought about looking into planning.  He basically wants to see if you're interested in exploring, and if so, wants to meet you to have a conversation.  It all sounds quite normal, despite my earlier misgivings.  I'm meeting him next week - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Talked with Bryan too...same deal - financial planning.  He says they've trained people from pretty much any background out there.  The call was not a job offer, just a conversation to see if I wanted to talk more about it.  I'm meeting him next week to do that.  Who knows?

Seriously?  You're reporting this guy to the FTC?  I spoke with him, did you?  He's looking for people to train as a financial planner for his office in Farmington Hills...is this really THAT strange?  Anyways - that's what he's looking for, and if you're not interested, don't call back.  He was very polite and forthright and always professional.

Wow.  Some people have a really low threshold.

Yes, Brian left the same message on my voicemail. "Hello (INSERT NAME HERE). I'm calling because someone referred you to me as someone I would want to talk to ..."

And, yes, I'm reporting him to the Do Not Call "authorities"

I talked to Brian today, and although these -are- real positions in the financial planning field, they will require training for most people.  Considering the economy, I might talk further with him.

I also got the same exact call. It sounded very scripted so I thought I'd look it up first before calling him.  Won't waste my time now that I know it's not a real position I applied for.

Brian called me, and there is no need for the hysterics above.  He is simply looking for people open to exploring the field of financial planning.  While recruiting may seem odd to some, it is a necessary way of expanding.  Again, this may seem strange to some, but I can only say that my conversation with him was very direct and cordial.

Spoke to Brian about the financial industry and possibly entering it.  It's a chance to enter into this field with almost nothing invested (like $100 to get about $1,000 worth of licenses).  We'll see - I'm meeting with him next week.  Very nice man to talk to.  Nice voice too!

Brian as well - talked to him today.  A good friend of mine gave him my name, and I'm glad b/c I've always wanted to get into financial planning.  Fella above...they use American Funds - how bad can they be?  Or are they inexperienced too?

Gee, I hope some of you (although it looks like only one person) take up this offer. I really want to turn over my finances to somebody with no experience who got into the field by responding to a cold call from "Brian". Really. I have no particular attachment to my money!

More of the same.  I don't want to train in financial planning, and he just asked if I'd pass his number on to others who might want to.  No big deal.

Just the same as everyone else...he's looking to train financial planners, no experience required.  He's consistent, based on what other people are writing.  The only complaints I've seen are from people who seem to have never spoke with him.

I spoke with Brian today...no worries here.  He is just looking to find people who might be open to becoming a financial planner, part time or as a career change.  I told him I might call him again depending on my company's next round of layoffs...

Bryan(?) called me too...he's firm but polite.  He talks to a lot of people about becoming financial planners, which seems strange unless you've got some interest in that field.  But as he said to me, he doesn't know until he asks the question.  My answer was not interested, but I don't have any problems with him.

Brian Blum (SP?) called me and indicated he was referred to me by a friend.  I spoke with him, and he is looking for people who are open to exploring the field of financial planning.  He is polite, gets to the point, and asked me for no personal information at all.  Just thought I'd share my experience.

Brian Blum left a message implying that a friend of mine referrred me to him for part or full time work. He sounded like he had read this 'message' hundreds of times, so I looked for him on the internet. He is apparently calling from an unlisted cell phone number.

If you are on the FCC's 'Do Not Call' list, you can complain about this caller at:

https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx?panel=2

See also:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090604220019AAh6mnN

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-734-260-9463