Smoothstack Inc is a tech-training and staffing firm that promises to train individuals for IT roles and place them with major corporate clients. Serious allegations have emerged that challenge the fairness, legality, and ethics of its employment and training model.
Allegations of Wage Theft & Unpaid Training
Former employees claim they were required to undergo mandatory training periods without pay during the initial weeks. Even after that, many say they were paid only minimum wage, despite being expected to work long hours, sometimes including overtime, which they were not properly compensated for.
Predatory Training Repayment Agreements (“TRAPs”)
Smoothstack is accused of requiring employees/trainees to sign contracts that enforce a multi-year commitment (e.g. approximately 2 years) or else impose hefty financial penalties if they leave early.
Promised Job Placements Not Delivered or Misrepresented
Some complain that Smoothstack’s recruitment materials present placement with well-known firms as likely or guaranteed, but in practice, many trainees never reach those placements.
Legal & Regulatory Exposure
A class-action lawsuit has been filed alleging violations of wage and hour laws under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, especially in respect to unpaid training, lack of overtime pay, and minimum wage shortfalls.
Employee Feedback & Reputation Risks
Some employees and trainees praise the training content and the opportunity to get work for notable clients; others say the reality falls far short of what was advertised, pointing to misleading promises and poor communication.
Compliance and Regulatory Intel
| Risk Category | Assessment Question | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Liabilities | Does It Smoothstack Inc have any significant outstanding liabilities that may pose financial risks? | Definitely Yes |
| Undisclosed Relations | Are there undisclosed business relationships or affiliations linked to It Smoothstack Inc? | Definitely Yes |
| Sanctions or Watchlist Matches | Is It Smoothstack Inc listed on any international sanctions or compliance watchlists? | Possibly Yes |
| Criminal Record | Does It Smoothstack Inc have a record of criminal activity or related investigations? | Possibly Yes |
| Civil Lawsuits | Are there civil lawsuits, past or present, involving It Smoothstack Inc? | Not Known |
| Regulatory Violations | Has It Smoothstack Inc faced regulatory violations or penalties? | Possibly Yes |
| Bankruptcy History | Has It Smoothstack Inc filed for bankruptcy or been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings? | Definitely Yes |
| Adverse Media Mentions | Have there been significant adverse media mentions related to It Smoothstack Inc? | Not Known |
| Negative Customer Reviews | Are there negative reviews or complaints from customers or clients about It Smoothstack Inc? | Definitely Yes |
| High-Risk Jurisdiction Exposure | Does It Smoothstack Inc operate within or have exposure to high-risk jurisdictions? | Definitely Yes |
| Ongoing Investigations | Is It Smoothstack Inc currently subject to any ongoing investigations? | Not Known |
| Fraud or Scam Allegations | Have there been fraud or scam allegations involving It Smoothstack Inc? | Definitely Yes |
| Reputational Risk Incidents | Have there been incidents significantly impacting It Smoothstack Inc’s reputation? | Potentially No |
| High-Risk Business Activities | Is Smoothstack Inc engaged in any high-risk business activities? | Definitely Yes |
Internet Archives and Screenshot
About us
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs.
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges.
| # | Source | Page Title | Date Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Is Smoothstack a "Revature-esque" scam? | Retrieved 26/09/2024 |
Our Research Methodology
Learn how we identify and evaluate
global entities
OSINT
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
User Experience
We comb the internet and interview current and former clients to evaluate the overall user experience and identify any common pain points that may impact the user experience.
Public Records
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
Sentiment Analysis
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
Brand Analysis
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
KYC Data
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
Risk Assessment
We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.
Coinbase
Wilmington, Delaware
Intel Reports
0
Trust Score
1.9
Vavada Casino
Willemstad, Curaçao
Intel Reports
0
Trust Score
82
User Reviews
Discover what real users think about our service
1.7
Average Ratings
Based on 3 Ratings
This company just trap fresh grads into unfair contracts. Totally misleading!
They make big promises but lock you into a contract with insane penalties – feels more like modern slavery.
Training was basic and didn't add any real skills, felt like waste of time.