Fraud Warning: Anthony Cavaluzzi, Next Gen Business and Tax Group, and Profit Management Solutions Scam Exposed

Small business owners across the country are being warned about a consulting scheme linked to Anthony Cavaluzzi and his companies, Profit Management Solutions (PMS) and Next Gen Business and Tax Group. These entities market themselves as profit enhancement and tax consulting firms, but dozens of consumer complaints and legal filings tell a far more troubling story. Victims describe being lured in by promises of increased profits and reduced tax burdens, only to be left with hefty bills, broken promises, and in some cases outright fraud. This investigative exposé will detail how the operation works, the tactics used to ensnare businesses, the history of rebranding to dodge accountability, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Disclaimer: All allegations are backed by published complaints, reviews, or court documents. We present these findings to inform and protect the public, while urging caution. Anthony Cavaluzzi and his companies are presumed innocent in any legal proceedings unless proven otherwise; our aim is to highlight reported patterns so readers can make safe decisions.

How the Scheme Operates: Fraudulent Consulting Tactics

Multiple small business owners have reported a strikingly similar pattern in their dealings with Profit Management Solutions (now operating as Next Gen Business & Tax Group). The sales pitch is enticing: the company promises to “exploit tax laws” and reorganize your business structure to dramatically boost profits . They often begin by offering a “free” or low-cost business analysis, positioning themselves as expert management consultants and tax advisors. Once a business shows interest, the tactics escalate:

• High-Pressure Sales and Big Promises: A polished salesperson will propose a long-term consulting relationship. They cite obscure tax loopholes and management strategies, claiming these methods are “not illegal, immoral, or unethical” – just little-known techniques to save money . The promise is that by restructuring your company and leveraging their expertise, you’ll cut costs and increase profits dramatically. This pitch is designed to sound legitimate and urgent.

• Upfront “Analysis” Project (The Bait): Before any real consulting begins, the company insists on an initial project, often a thorough QuickBooks review or financial data reorganization. This is presented as the first step to uncover savings. Critically, they quote one price for this project, then invoice a much higher amount once work begins . For example, one small business owner agreed to an analysis, only to find the invoice padded far beyond the quote – an immediate “cash grab” according to the victim .

• Unqualified Consultants and Minimal Value: Victims report that the person sent to conduct the on-site work was under-qualified and provided little to no useful service. In one detailed complaint, the supposed “analyst” refused to show ID or credentials, did sloppy bookkeeping work, and even refused to sign a basic confidentiality agreement . The consultant’s expertise was so questionable that the business owner doubted the employee’s legal working status. This pattern suggests that the company’s goal isn’t to deliver quality consulting at all – it’s simply to appear to do something while running up the bill.

• Inflated Bills and Fast Collection: As soon as the initial project is done (sometimes even before completion), Profit Management Solutions/Next Gen demands immediate payment. Their invoices are often due “upon receipt,” and they are quick to send collection threats. One consumer was charged $3,995 upfront plus monthly fees for access to an accountant – but no accountant was ever provided, and when a billing issue arose, the company sent a “scathing letter” threatening collections instead of fixing their mistake . The rush to collect money—even for undelivered services—is a major red flag cited in many complaints .

• Broken Promises and Disappearing Act: After securing thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars from the client, the company often becomes unresponsive. Follow-up consulting that was promised as part of the long-term relationship never materializes. Calls and emails go unanswered. As one business owner lamented, “They have no intentions of helping your company in any way past this project” . In a reported case, a local business paid over $90,000 for consulting that never went beyond the initial phase, after which the consultants vanished . Another company reported paying $16,450 before terminating the contract due to “misrepresentation and fraud” when it became clear they’d been duped .

• Aggressive Sales, No Real ROI: Even while failing to deliver value, the organization’s sales team continues to push for more business. The salespeople come across as knowledgeable and persuasive—“the sales force seems knowledgeable but it is all part of the hook of the scam” according to one victim . Clients are often left stunned that after such a convincing pitch, the actual service was essentially useless. As that same reviewer put it, “There is no intention to deliver any services… of any significant value” . The contrast between the polished sales presentation and the shoddy execution is a hallmark of this scheme.

In sum, Next Gen/PMS operates a classic advance-fee scam under the guise of consulting. They entice businesses with the promise of expert guidance, demand large upfront payments for an “analysis”, and then fail to follow through on substantive consulting. The result: the business is out thousands of dollars, with nothing to show except perhaps a reorganized QuickBooks file or generic advice.

If you are a small business owner, it’s crucial to be vigilant when engaging any outside consulting or tax advisory service, especially ones that contact you out of the blue or promise unbelievable results. Here are some red flags and tips to protect yourself from scams like the one alleged here:

• Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of anyone cold-calling or emailing you with an offer to “dramatically increase your profits” or “save you huge amounts in taxes” that you’ve never heard of. Reputable consultants usually rely on referrals and word-of-mouth, not random cold calls.

• High Upfront Fees: Treat large upfront fee requirements as a warning. Paying $10,000, $50,000 or more before you see results or tangible deliverables is risky. Scammers often want as much money as possible upfront, knowing you might cut them off later.

• Pressure to Sign Quickly: Fraudulent consultants might insist you sign a contract on the spot, or within a day or two, claiming you’ll miss out on savings or that your situation is urgent. Don’t fall for high-pressure sales. Take your time, do research, and consult a third-party advisor if needed.

• Vague Credentials: Check the credentials of anyone sent to work with you. If the “analyst” won’t provide identification, a business card, or details about their qualifications, halt the engagement immediately. Legitimate firms will proudly share their team’s credentials and experience.

• Changing Company Names: Do an online search of the company and the principal’s name. If you find a trail of similar complaints under different business names, that’s a huge red flag. As shown above, Next Gen Business & Tax Group’s leadership has operated under multiple names to escape bad reviews . Consistency of complaints across those names is a sign of a long-running scam.

• Promises of Secret Tricks: Be skeptical if the pitch heavily focuses on exploiting “loopholes” or “secret strategies” that your regular CPA or advisors supposedly don’t know. While any business might find new efficiencies, there’s rarely a magic bullet that only one consultant on earth knows. Scammers use this allure of special knowledge to justify their fees. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Demand for Absolute Confidentiality: Some fraudulent firms may ask you not to talk to your accountant or attorney about their strategies, perhaps under the guise of proprietary methods. Honest consultants won’t forbid you from seeking independent advice. Don’t silo your decisions—get a second opinion on any radical changes a consultant proposes.

By keeping these points in mind, you can better avoid falling victim to schemes. Always do thorough due diligence: check the company’s registration, read BBB reviews, search for lawsuits or press coverage, and even ask in business networks if anyone has heard of the firm. In the digital age, scammers can’t hide forever – the warnings are often out there if you look.

The story of Anthony Cavaluzzi, Profit Management Solutions, and Next Gen Business & Tax Group is a cautionary tale of how easily small businesses can be targeted by professional-sounding consultants promising the world. Don’t let the polished sales pitches fool you. As we’ve seen through customer testimonials and legal records, these operations have left a trail of deception and financial harm. By staying informed, spreading the word, and reporting wrongdoing to officials, we can collectively put an end to such scams.

Stay vigilant, protect your business, and when in doubt, always consult trusted professionals and peers before engaging with a new consulting firm. The old adage holds true: if something feels off, trust your instincts. And if you’ve been a victim, take action now – your voice matters in bringing fraudsters to justice.