Has anyone ever tried to stand outside these places and tell the unsuspecting newbies about the scam?

To ensure they are not a scam operation that just capitalizes on upfront fees and doesn't provide funding, we are seeking references. 

I was also told that the home mortgage industry is so regulated now that it is hard for lenders to scam people etc.

(which I found on the homepage of your website)...and note that your website is not that of a company that they have ever heard of, they may think you are trying to scam them.I recommend you look closely at the claims that you make on your site and ensure they are truthful.If the above claim is correct, I believe we'd all know who you and your business are, and would be reading about you in magazines like Forbes.Further, your profile here on BP says:my only investing experience is books I have read.

tread carefully, this might be a (very common) scam.

I feel like I have been scammed by this agent.  

Timeshares are a scam and there’s no two ways about it, and I’ll tell you why.

However, if you're considering paying for education, Google their name and "reviews" or "scam" to see what others are saying about them.

SCAM ALERT!

At least this was a more honest approach to ask.I could write a book, I'm sure, about RE gurus and the scam/hype involved, but I won't.Being able to make money in RE does not make one an expert in RE!