PITTSBURGH — Dozens of students have left complaint after complaint – on Facebook, Google and even with the Better Business Bureau — alleging Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology took additional loans out without them knowing and won’t give them their transcripts until they are paid.
“She only cares about trying to take as much money as possible from whoever she can victimize,” said Andreina West, a former student.
West said Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology stole her money She attended the school as a part-time student from 2019 until 2021.
“It allotted me a lot of flexibility in how long I could take and split up my time between being a stay-at-home mom and life,” West said.
She said she began noticing issues almost immediately, like having no instructor for classes on multiple occasions or what she called “learning in a dirty environment.” She showed us videos of the conditions.
“There were definitely red flags, but you try to push through because you have a goal,” explained West.
The final straw West said came after she completed her hours, when she was notified additional loan money had been taken out without her permission and that her transcript wouldn’t be given unless the funds were paid.
“There is a loan for $2,667 taken out and another one for $4,000 taken out under my name,” West said.
She decided to fight and began a Facebook group to see if other students had had a similar experience. She said the response was overwhelming — allegation after allegation, some even taking their concerns to the Better Business Bureau.
“Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology currently has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau,” said Caitlyn Driscoll with the Better Business Bureau.
The BBB said the school failed to resolve complaints filed and falsely presented itself as an accredited BBB entity.
Channel 11 News visited the school to see if they had anything to say. A woman inside identifying herself as the owner denied the allegations and declined to speak with us on camera.
As for students like West, she said these loans will impact her credit score, potential earnings and family unless something is done.
“She does not care,” West said.
Despite these allegations, the Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
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