Tim Tebow paused his Life Surge relationship Friday as his representatives investigate allegations of predatory sales tactics. Former customers told Mother Jones they were encouraged to buy costly programs and borrow; Life Surge rejects the predatory characterization.
The events paired worship and motivational talks with financial education. Mother Jones reported that attendees could be offered a $97 three-day course, followed by programs costing tens of thousands of dollars; former customers said they were encouraged to borrow, including through credit cards and home equity. Mother Jones and Pablo Torre obtained 49 FTC complaints, which are allegations, not agency findings.
Tebow was reportedly scheduled for more than 20 Life Surge events this year, with fees of $50,000–$100,000 per appearance; the company’s site showed him at a Portland event on Sept. 19. Its wider roster included Christian leaders and musicians, actors, athletes and political figures, but their appearances do not establish they knew of or endorsed the programs. The article says there is no evidence Tebow knew of the alleged tactics. Life Surge says it discloses investment risks, does not encourage unaffordable debt and has spent millions on compliance.
