When I was on the course hype train several years ago, I borrowed $1,000 from a family member to make a down payment on a course I was sure would change my life.
The promise was huge, the timing was urgent, and the testimonials were glowing. I even checked an independent third party review site, which had success story after success story.
I didn’t want to miss my chance.
But once I paid, the salesman who sold me the course disappeared.
No follow-up, no onboarding, no support—just silence.
This experience taught me the hard way that not every offer is meant for you, no matter how good it sounds.
How I Got Suckered
I remember the moment I decided to go all in.
The course was pitched as a rare opportunity, and the deadline was that day.
I didn’t have the full amount, but I was told that a down payment would hold my spot and that payment options could be arranged.
I was excited, extremely nervous, and hoping against hope that this would finally be the piece I needed to make my online business dreams come true.
I was sitting in the parking lot at the grocery store on the phone with the salesman, who urged me to “find a way to make it happen” because “real entrepreneurs know how to get stuff done quickly” and “money loves speed.” (And also they “could only hold my spot until 5:00, and I’d need to let them know by then.”)
Trembling with anxiety, I called a family member; asking them to lend me the money and promising to pay it back quickly.
I remember their hesitation about the offer itself. They trusted me to pay them back, but they didn’t think what I was using it for was going to work out.
Their doubts seemed to me like proof that I was on the right track. If they, the “normies,” didn’t understand this grand opportunity, I, as an "entrepreneur," definitely should take that leap of faith. Right?
I sent the $1,000—and that was the last time I heard from the seller.
No welcome email.
No onboarding.
No follow up about a payment plan.
I was so bogged down with fear, buyer’s remorse, and guilt that I’d wasted my family’s money, that I hid. I didn’t reach out or demand to know why they were ignoring me.
After all, if they were really a good company to work with, they wouldn’t have let me slip through the cracks.
The Emotional Marketing Trap
Looking back, I can see all the emotional levers that were pulled to get me to say yes.
False scarcity and urgency were front and center—"Only a few spots left," "Can’t guarantee your spot after 5:00.” (If you’ve ever tried to sell anything, you know a time deadline like that is complete bullshit.)
There was also the heavy handed “just have faith” rhetoric; which more than implied that hesitation meant I didn’t have what it takes. Since I was desperate to prove myself, I accepted their frame.
This kind of messaging makes you feel like the problem is you if you don’t buy.
Worse, it pressured me to borrow money for something I knew I wasn’t able to finish paying for. I didn’t even have the down payment, for goodness’ sake!
The biggest trap? I thought if it didn’t work, it would be my fault. I never thought to question the course or company themselves.
Red Flags I Should Have Seen
With some distance, I can now see several ginormous red flags I missed at the time.
First, the seller didn’t ask me any questions about my goals, my budget, or whether the course was truly a fit for me. There was no real vetting—just a hard push to pay.
Second, the sales call focused entirely on how to make the payment happen, not on what support I’d get or whether the program was structured to help me succeed. When I was honest about the fact that I didn’t have the money for the down payment, the salesman pressured me to “make it happen” instead of correctly identifying that I wasn’t in the right place to use their program.
Payment plans are one thing, but someone who doesn’t have the down payment on hand is not in the financial position to make that purchase.
I remember feeling rushed, confused, and scared, but I interpreted that as my own doubt instead of a warning sign.
And finally, the biggest red flag: once I paid, there was zero follow-up. A trustworthy seller doesn’t disappear once they’ve been paid.
(Here’s some more common red flags to watch out for >> )
Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes
If I could go back, I’d ask myself some grounding questions before saying yes.
- Am I making this decision from a place of peace or pressure?
- Has the seller taken time to understand me and my needs—or are they just pushing a sale?
- What is the plan if I can’t finish paying?
- Is this offer being presented with care, or am I being rushed?
Use this free matrix to help you make quality purchasing decisions 
What I Do Differently Now
1. Now, I let urgency pass.
Even if something is claiming to be a “must act now” situation, I take 24–48 hours to breathe and sleep on it before deciding.
If the deadline passes during my internal buffer time, it wasn’t the right time for that opportunity.
2. I also refuse to borrow money for anything, period.
If I don’t have the money available in my operating expenses budget, and the down payment (or even pay-in-full) ALREADY saved in my business bank account, I can’t afford it, and the answer is no.
3. Most importantly, I only work with people who prioritize clarity, consent, and real support.
If I feel confused or pressured, that’s not a cue to push through—it’s a cue to walk away.
The right offer will meet you with respect and transparency, not pressure, manipulation, and fear-based tactics.
Why It’s Not Your Fault (Even If It Is)
If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation like this, please know you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault, even if it is.
Wanting to believe in something better doesn’t make you naïve.
It makes you human.
Part of growth is learning how to protect that hope with discernment.
You weren’t given the skills you needed to make good decisions–you had to learn them the hard way.
You weren’t shown how to identify and hold your boundaries–you had to experience people stomping all over them to know where they are.
Even if you were the one who made the bad decision, you were doing the best you could with what you had at the time.
You deserve to work with people who follow through, who care, and who earn your trust with integrity.
Let your hard lessons become your wisdom—and if you share them, you just might spare someone else the same pain.
Want to know what this looks like in real life? Use this free matrix to help you make quality purchasing decisions
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