Darren Campbell’s FBA Brand Builder program claims to offer life-changing success for those willing to go "all in." But behind the promise of big wins, we’re seeing a troubling reality emerge—a cycle of constant emotional pressure, financial strain, and a pattern of blaming clients when things don’t work out. According to clients and information gathered by the Belfast Telegraph, Darren’s tactics seem to be as much about selling a dream as they are about selling a functional business model.

The "Mindset" Pressure: Sacrifice Everything or Fail

In his frequent, impassioned emails, Darren presents himself as the blueprint for sacrifice and success. “I gave up everything. I put my old life on the altar. Drenched it in diesel and watched it burn,” he wrote recently, describing his intense dedication. And his point? If his clients aren’t experiencing the same level of success, it must be because they haven’t sacrificed enough.

This relentless pressure to give “everything” to the program pushes a dangerous narrative: if you’re not succeeding, it’s not the program’s fault; it’s yours. By focusing on “mindset” and “determination,” Darren shifts the burden entirely onto clients, implying that any lack of success is a result of their own shortcomings. This framing keeps clients stuck, feeling they need to invest even more time, money, and emotional energy just to get the promised results.

The Hard Sell: Stories That Inspire—But Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Darren regularly sends out emotional success stories, like that of Ruairi McConnell, a client who hit a $25,000 sales milestone despite tough challenges. Ruairi’s story is one of perseverance, going from the backbreaking work of concrete to running an online business. “Ruairi had to make a choice: stay in his job…or step out of his comfort zone,” Darren writes, holding Ruairi up as proof of what’s possible.

These stories paint an inspiring picture, but they’re also a powerful sales tactic. They encourage clients to keep pouring money into the program, convinced that if Ruairi can do it, they can too. The problem? When things go wrong—and for many clients, they do—they’re met with the same response: you’re not working hard enough, you don’t want it enough, or you’re not following the “blueprint” with enough dedication.

Shifting Blame: When the Program Doesn’t Deliver

A consistent theme from the clients we’ve spoken to is that when they fail to see results, they’re told the problem is with their attitude or their “mindset.” Clients have been told they need to “push harder” or stop “making excuses.” One client shared, “I was told this was a blueprint for success, but when it didn’t work, they made it sound like it was my fault for not being committed enough.”

This blame game places the burden entirely on clients’ shoulders, convincing them that any issues they’re facing are due to personal failings, rather than the program’s structure. This pattern keeps clients on the hook financially and emotionally, constantly seeking that next breakthrough moment that never quite materializes.

Encouraging Debt to “Make it Happen”

What’s particularly concerning is Darren’s encouragement for clients to take on debt to finance their journey. The Belfast Telegraph reported instances where clients were advised to misrepresent their financial situations to secure credit—potentially setting them up for serious financial and legal trouble. Darren publicly dismissed this report, saying it only shows how “successful” his program is. Privately, however, he hasn’t denied the allegations. His stance seems to be: if you’re not willing to do whatever it takes—even taking on debt—you’re not serious about success.

Public Praise, Private Deflection

Darren loves to talk publicly about how coverage from outlets like the Belfast Telegraph “proves” his success. “They don’t start making articles about people that they feel aren’t successful,” he said recently, adding that it only validates his impact. But privately, he’s far less clear, choosing not to deny the specific claims made in the report, only dismissing them as “old news.” This selective approach shows how he maneuvers between public perception and private deflection, downplaying real client struggles while boosting his own reputation.

The Risks of a Toxic Mindset Model

Darren Campbell’s FBA Brand Builder taps into a powerful narrative about “dreams” and “freedom.” But the program comes with high financial and emotional costs, especially for clients who feel trapped between massive investments and a constant message that their mindset is the only thing holding them back. This is a troubling model, and the fallout has been real for many clients who’ve drained savings, taken on new debt, and found themselves in worse financial positions than when they started.

Want to Share Your Story?

If you’ve been part of Darren Campbell’s FBA Brand Builder and want to share your experience, reach out to us ([email protected]). We’re gathering stories to help others make informed decisions before committing to the program. Your privacy is our priority, and no information will be shared without your full consent.