Answer:
The simple answer is that they are legitimate ... the more complex answer is they are a scam.
You have to do due diligence in your research, but no, not all all mentoring and coaching programs are scams. I would say some are not.
There are a few marketers out there passing themselves off as "Gurus", looking for a way into your wallet. But there are the really honest people out there as well, who are not trying to scam anyone, and their honest purpose is to help people.
Some of these new Internet Marketers are trying to change the world, by teaching people how to become independent internet marketers by implementing a win/win approach in the field. They are seeing that they won't make much money for long if they are not genuinely helping people improve their lives.
I, personally, am in an Internet Marketing mentoring program of sorts myself.
I can say, from my experience, that I am getting the best possible instruction available. I feel as though I won the lottery by being chosen to participate, and I can honestly and sincerely say right here right now, that this program has already changed my life, for the better, forever.
I would advise you to do your homework. Research each marketer and their mentoring plan before signing on any digital dotted lines. As I said, there are scammers skulking in dark passages waiting for the hapless passer-by with his wallet hanging out of his pocket and his money practically falling out into cold scammy hands.
But the good, as always, overcomes the bad!
In the mentoring program that I am enrolled in, my 'assignment' for today is to help people, a bunch of people. And if my mentors feel my work is not 'helpful', I can get booted from the program altogether, without warning. They are trying to raise mentors, not scammers, and trying to brighten up this otherwise dull profession.
Here is a link to an article and video that deals with this very topic. If you have further questions, and would like to research this further, I offer this up as a reference. This article deals with your question in a very professional manner, and tells you to watch for signs that you are about to get your fingers burned.
http://overcomeeverything.com/1588/starting-an-online-business-and-avoiding-the-scams/
Sincerely, I hope this helps.
Send a note if you have any further questions... I am here to help.
Love and Light,
Thearia
~A candle loses none of it's light by lighting another candle.