Matt Brockman scam artist
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I got sucked into his evil when I received a cold call after buying his breathing book on YouTube.
I had just retired and bought a trumpet with hopes of teaching myself with videos and books
After a Zoom call with heavy pressure my card was charged before I could read or discuss the terms.
Let me just say I was honest that I had no skill and they took my $6800 for one lesson.
Beware
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Dispute the charge with your credit card company. This guy has a reputation as a known scammer. Your credit card company will investigate, based on the information you supply, so do an internet search for Matt Brockman before you contact them. I'd be surprised if they didn't reverse the charge in short order.
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I did, they couldn't help because he faxed them an unreadable copy of his "contract". I then contacted our state consumer protection division. He did not answer their inquiry from October so they just dropped it telling me I could go to small claims court...more money out the door on a fixed income...no thanks. He even sent a debt collector after me for the second installment.
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Do you know an attorney or someone in law enforcement who could advise you? Or perhaps you could do an internet search for consumer fraud help.
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@J-Jericho
Don't know anyone in law, I was in medicine.
May try the Federal Trade Comission but I doubt they will do anything either. I guess with my loss I just want to make others aware of this disreputable person so no one else gets stung. -
that does it - I'm going to report this to the Better Business Bureau - all others are welcome to do the same - the more, the merrier
I sent a rather scathing review to the Better Business Bureau - will report any activity - God bless you all
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Thank you, you are very kind to an old lady.
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@robertwerntz Thanks for the link. I filed a report as well and included https://duckduckgo.com/?q=matt+brockman+trumpet+scam&t=newext&atb=v415-1&ia=web in the info. He should get an appropriate reward for his earned notoriety.
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Unfortunately, if you signed his contract, legally, there is almost nothing you can do. He DOES give you what you paid for, it's just that it's not worth anything close to what you pay for if you look at the marketplace as a whole.
I appreciate you coming here and telling your story.
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I want to thank you for your kindness and your assistance in getting the word out. I accept my mistake regarding this trap but if I can have a hand in stopping others from this it will be well worth it.
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@Sadmusic right on
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The prob here is that he is not doing anything illegal that I can see - just horribly rude, deceptive and unethical, preying upon honest people who simply want to improve.
Does anyone know someone with the Army Band? This reflects very poorly on the Band as well as other legit teachers in the band who are looking for students
On the other end of extremes, I have had wonderful experiences with Charlie Porter online - compassionate, listens, kind and very effective for me - the cost is much more reasonable
God bless us, everyone
Bob and Family -
"Does anyone know someone with the Army Band? This reflects very poorly on the Band . . . ".
How does this reflect poorly on the Band as a whole?Yamaha Bobby Shew Trumpet
Benge Cornet
Akai EWI 5000 Pro -
@Kehaulani-0 said in Matt Brockman scam artist:
"Does anyone know someone with the Army Band? This reflects very poorly on the Band . . . ".
How does this reflect poorly on the Band as a whole?A knowledgeable post from the oTHer trumpet site:
trptboy3
Veteran MemberJoined: 31 Jan 2009
Posts: 135
Location: Washington, DC
PostPosted: Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:24 am Post subject: Reply with quote
Clearing up the Army bandsman confusion. Matt Brockman is not, nor has ever been, a member of The United States Army Band "Pershings Own". He has never been a member of any of the DC Army premiere bands. The fact that he even eludes to that destroys any and all credibility. He's deliberately fooling people into thinking he has credibility and a certain level professional experience and success that he simply has not achieved. He's a scam artist.His actual background was as a member of AN army band in the army band program. I know he was at one time stationed with the band in Savannah, Georgia, but I have no idea if he's still in.
To be clear, there are some fantastic musicians and people in those bands around the country, and the world. I have the utmost respect for what they do and how they choose to serve their country. Matt simply isn't one of them and is the antithesis of the Army values, as well as those required to simply be a good human. If anyone is looking for quality trumpet instruction at a fair price, I implore you to look elsewhere.
Matt Gaunitz
Trumpeter - US Army Band "Pershings Own"
Former Bugler - US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps -
Yes I could have said that better - my concern is for legitimate ethical members of the band who might want to teach, and that his reputation might cast a shadow on them - I was hoping someone in the band would alert leadership and that they would pull him aside and relate our concerns to him
I'm glad to learn he is not really part of the official band - Another sign that his ethics don't match with mine - here is what is on his website:
"He is a professional trumpet player and is a member of the United States Army Band."
Peace
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This wording has long irritated me from various sources about various people. There is ~a~ A.F./Army/Navy/Marine band, and ~THE~ A.F./Army/Navy/Marine Band. They are not the same.
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@Shifty I was a victim of Brockmans scam> I was told They could teach me to play. Played a little bugle in the Boy Scouts, I can't even read music. After two lessons, had to pause for health reasons. Within hours Mr Brockman tried to charge my CC with out my consent. I had already paid 1700.00. Got a very rude call from Mr Brockman { using a false caller ID { Bank of America}. Now we have a hostile environment. Lessons were not a teaching environment, but a short 30 minute , how is it going conversation. My contract states 2 lessons per week for two hours each. Instructor appeared to be, either untrained or ? I paid for interactive training.
Short of that, he is in violation of stolen valor laws. Misrepresenting your military service for financial gain is both a federal and state crime.
After a week he turned me over to a collection agency.
So yes he is doing something illegal. Anyone here that has words of wisdom or ? Please comment
Perhaps a group effort can take this scammer down. -
i suggest reporting him to the Better Business Bureau - that's what I did - Bless your efforts and sorry for your experience
