Portland, OR: The settlement of a lawsuit brought against a computer trade school that is no longer in business has been approved by a judge in Multnomah County, OR.
The lawsuit was brought by students registered at BCTI - the Business Computer Training Institute - alleging fraud and unfair business practices and that the school failed to deliver the promised education and associated job prospects.
The settlement reportedly provides $200,000 to the students, but they must file claims. According to a report in the Oregonian, many students incurred federal and private loans in the amount of $10,000 to $20,000 to attend the schools, so the shared sum of $200,000 minus attorney fees of $65,000 may not provide enough compensation in some cases.
Apparently, the school recruited students waiting in unemployment and welfare lines, promising high-paying jobs if they did the BCTI training, claims the school allegedly failed to deliver on.
In 2005, two BCTI campuses were closed, one in Beaverton and another in Salem, after the school was put on probation by state regulators. Then in 2007, students in Washington state received a $13.25 million to settle their claims. BCTI is based in Washington and had five campuses there.
The most recent approval clears the way for a $3 million out-of-court settlement of five separate and additional lawsuits against the school.
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I attended BCTI in 96-97. I was released from incarceration in 1995 and while looking for employment, I was approached by someone from BCTI and promised me a high-paying jobs if I did the BCTI training. I feel that I was preyed upon at the employment office looking for a new path in life when in reality, the only thing I learned how to do was be a REALLY fast typer. Kind of expensive typing training for 20K. I looked for employment with this training that I graduated from and was pretty much laughed at. Creating shame in myself for being taken advantage of from these Computer Training crooks. I would like to know why they didn’t contact the past graduates to be a part of this settlement? I still owe over 12K from a program that really let me down. You took full advantage of a man who was trying to better himself.
Posted by sheila norman
on
Everyone who attended this school needs to call the Borrower Defense Hotline at (855) 279-6207. This is an organization put in place for students who attended a college that was found guilty of fraudulent activities. You would fill out a discharge application and if the application is approved all loans associated with fraudulent school(s) will be written off.
Posted by Queena Buckman
on
Hello,
I also attended BCTI back in 97-98 and I have a student loan as well. I am following this to see if anyone has that letter as well mentioned from "Aaron Hayes". Please let me know.
Thank you!
Posted by MICHELLE R BARNETT
on
I am in the same boat. And, what is even worse is that I was never notified of the class action suit which we are all entitled to a portion of as well.
I am trying to remedy that now. As I still owe the student loans.
It is absolutely sickening that an allegedly accredited school would have the opportunity to take advantage of people who were desperate to improve their lives and get away with it.
And, on top of it all, after their guilt is proven we still must fight for our money back. It should be a given as I guarantee there are records of the students who attended the school through the DOE, if no where else.
Posted by Arron Hayes
on
I need help with BCTI. I still have collection company trying to get this student loan paid. I lost the paperwork stating that I didn't have to pay back the loan because BCTI was closed by the government. If anybody has a copy of the letter stating that I would appreciate a copy to send to this new collection company to get them of my back. Thank you
Posted by Elizabeth Bermea
on
Hi, my name is Elizabeth Bermea. I also went to BCTI in Salem, Oregon. I graduated on 06/02/2000. I was promised a job working with computers. I applied at businesses through out Salem, and was told that I was under qualified for the job. I needed a better education. I had a dept of 10,000 that I owed to the school (BCTI). I never could get a job, therefore I couldn't pay BCTI. Approx. 3 years after I graduated, the loan company got the money I owed from my husbands state income tax. They took all of our income tax, that we were to receive for 3 years, until it was paid. I'm sad that BCTI got our income tax money, and for what. It's been 16 years that I graduated, and I still can't get a job working with computers. It was all a waste of time, effort and money.
BCTI never contacted me for anything regarding a job, nor anything.
Posted by Athena Drew
on
I'm still paying for the student loan. Was promised that I would receive my graduation certificate . Never received any certificates only needed my last class which has I was told would be exempt from since that class was to help me find a job, and I got a job because I had to take care of my family. Each time I called to find out what to do got the run around finally I gave up. 20 years later I'm still paying for a worthless education that just took my time and money. I'm glad to hear they went out of business even though I am still paying for their worthless time money draining fake education.
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