Title: The Relationship School’s Pattern of Legal Threats and Chargeback Intimidation: A Closer Look at the Facts

Article:

In recent months, The Relationship School, founded by self-styled relationship expert Jayson Gaddis, has come under scrutiny for a disturbing pattern of legal intimidation, financial pressure, and aggressive response to negative feedback. At the center of these complaints are allegations that the School uses cease-and-desist letters, fraudulent labeling, and backdoor communication with banks to suppress refund attempts and silence critical voices.

Legal Intimidation Disguised as “Defamation” Claims

Former students and clients have reported that The Relationship School frequently threatens them with cease-and-desist letters after they post negative reviews, ask for refunds, or file chargebacks. These letters accuse individuals of defamation or “misrepresentation”—even when the complaints are based on factual experiences and financial transactions.

However, by definition, defamation must involve a false statement of fact that damages someone’s reputation. Expressing dissatisfaction, disclosing course costs, or reporting contract concerns are not defamatory—they are legally protected speech, particularly in consumer contexts. Critics say the School’s aggressive legal posture is designed to bully people into silence, rather than resolve legitimate grievances.

False Claims of “Fraud” Against Chargebacks

Even more concerning is the School’s reported tactic of accusing students of fraud simply for initiating chargebacks through their bank or credit card company. A chargeback is a legal, consumer-protected financial remedy used when goods or services are not delivered as promised, are misrepresented, or when refund requests are denied.

Calling this process “fraud” is not only misleading—it may itself be defamatory. Exercising one’s legal right to reverse a questionable charge is not a crime. Several individuals allege that after they filed a chargeback, they were hit with both cease-and-desist threats and character-damaging accusations, despite having valid reasons for initiating the dispute.

Reports of Interference with Bank Disputes

There are also allegations that Gaddis or his team have attempted to contact clients’ banks directly in an effort to block or influence the outcome of chargebacks. This raises serious ethical concerns. Banks have consumer protection policies in place for a reason—and interfering with those systems could be seen as obstructive or retaliatory behavior.

High-Pressure Contracts and a Lack of Transparency

The School’s main offerings—such as Relationship Mastery and the Relationship Coach Training Program—cost between $5,000 and $9,000, depending on the payment plan. Students have reported being locked into contracts that leave little flexibility for withdrawal or refund, even when circumstances change or promised benefits are not delivered. Some were encouraged into so-called “hardship” programs, only to find themselves facing aggressive collection efforts if they could no longer pay.

Conclusion: Abuse of Legal and Financial Systems Must Be Called Out

Rather than engaging in open, ethical dispute resolution, The Relationship School appears to rely on legal threats, cease-and-desist intimidation, false fraud allegations, and interference with banking processes to protect its reputation and bottom line. These practices raise serious red flags.

People have the right to share their experiences, pursue refunds through legal means, and protect themselves financially—without fear of being branded a liar, fraudster, or lawbreaker. Silencing criticism through cease-and-desist letters and aggressive legal posturing does not make an organization trustworthy. It makes it dangerous.

Tags: Jayson Gaddis, The Relationship School, cease and desist, defamation threats, chargebacks, coaching programs, consumer protection, legal bullying, financial coercion, online education fraud