Q: Could my IT training academy be violating contract terms or engaging in false advertising with changes made after signing?
I registered for a computer IT training academy in 2021, paying about $2000. The promotional materials promised "a lifetime of community support" and "instructors, mentors, and advisors ready to work with you one-on-one until you find your dream job (and beyond)." However, I have not received any job offers that match the advertised $70-$100k salary range. I also recently found that my online training classes were no longer accessible. The academy now states there is an expiration on classes according to their new terms, which were introduced after I signed the contract. My original contract does not mention any expiration, and I have a copy of it as well as the promotional materials. I have communicated with the academy via email about these issues, but have not yet taken any legal steps. Could the academy be violating the contract or engaging in false advertising?
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
Based on what you've described, there appear to be multiple potential contract violations and concerning practices by the IT training academy. The initial promise of lifetime support and the subsequent introduction of expiration terms after your contract signing could constitute a material breach of contract, particularly since your original agreement didn't include these limitations.
The salary range advertisements and job placement promises might fall under false advertising if they made specific claims without reasonable basis or evidence to support them. California has strong consumer protection laws, including the Consumer Legal Remedies Act and false advertising statutes that protect against deceptive business practices. Your documentation of the original promotional materials and contract will be valuable evidence.
You should consider filing a complaint with the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education, which oversees educational institutions, and the state's Attorney General's office. You might also want to consult with a consumer protection attorney who can review your contract and documentation. Since you've already attempted to resolve this through direct communication, you have demonstrated good faith efforts to address the issues before pursuing legal remedies.
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