Core Insights - The article discusses the resurgence of AI course selling, highlighting how new marketing strategies have emerged after previous scandals involving inflated claims and false advertising [1][4][9] - It emphasizes the shift from fear-based marketing to enticing narratives of easy wealth, targeting a broader audience including entrepreneurs and the elderly [6][12] Group 1: Marketing Strategies - The AI course selling industry has evolved from emphasizing job replacement anxiety to promoting narratives of effortless wealth accumulation [4][9] - Current marketing tactics include using fabricated success stories and misleading income claims to attract potential customers [4][6] - The target demographic has expanded to include not just students and professionals, but also stay-at-home parents and older individuals seeking financial independence [6][12] Group 2: Business Practices - Companies have developed complex business models that obscure accountability, such as separating payment entities and using vague language in contracts [7][8] - Refund policies are often misleading, with companies using various excuses to deny refunds, thus complicating customer recourse [8][13] - The courses often consist of recycled content from free online resources, repackaged as exclusive knowledge, leading to a lack of genuine educational value [12][15] Group 3: Consumer Impact - Many consumers report dissatisfaction with the quality of the courses, often finding them inferior to free alternatives available online [9][17] - The article highlights the emotional manipulation of consumers, particularly those under financial stress, making them susceptible to these marketing tactics [17][19] - The ongoing cycle of hype and disappointment in the AI education market underscores the need for consumers to maintain critical judgment when evaluating such offerings [19]