work at home SCAM ALERT: POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK

[sickofscams]

I'd like to share an experience I had with the above referenced gifting club. As stated, they are called the Power of People Network. The founder is Jon Parr of Corsicana, Texas.

It all started when I answered an advertisement stating: "$$$Generate $3,500 per day CASH money returning phone calls - NO SELLING - NOT MLM - NOT NETWORK MARKETING". The premise? Just send Mr. Parr $3,500.00 CASH via FEDEX, DHL or UPS and he would show me the way. By the way, he stressed that he would not accept anything sent via the mail - this should have been a warning. He said that he wanted to be able to track the package and it was harder with the mail.

Ok, so you know what happened next....yes, I did it...yes, I know I'm stupid for doing so. I've been chastised and made fun of for my foolish and some call greedy interest in a make money fast scheme. However, I had no idea that what I was about to embark on was ILLEGAL.

Once the money was received, Mr. Parr sent me a list of leads to call and give them the same spiel that he gave me. He explained that each one of my first "sign-up's" cash pledge would go to him first. After that, anyone I signed up would go directly to me. Well, as you can imagine, I was not successful at this because it just didn't feel right. I made a few calls and then did some Internet research. I was scared about what I read so I called a local attorney who was gracious enough to speak to me over the phone w/o charging me. Well, this is indeed a gifting scheme and it is very illegal.

Of course, I called Mr. Parr to discuss this and he kept telling me about IRS codes that allowed for gifting and charitable donations...yada, yada, yada... Sufice it to say, he was unwilling to return my "gift".

I hope no one else is scammed by this group. However, from listening to the member support calls, there are thousands that are being scammed daily by this highly organized group.

Here is his pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/sahm2three/parrwatch_01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/sahm2three/parrwatch_03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/sahm2three/parrwatch_05.jpg
Jon Parr, founder of
Power of People Network

[SIMMCO]

its a tuff school !! but you do learn your lessons !!
sorry to here about your scam , greed is the carrot in front of the donkey, i have been taken as well as others out there by one type of scam or another ,and its like they say , if it sounds to good to be true !! it is !!

[malcolan]

Home-based business and work-at-home opportunity scams rank very high on the list of the top types of Internet fraud.

Why Are These Scams So Successful?

It all comes down to psychology. Besides the "make money fast" dream that many Internet newcomers fall prey to, home-based "opportunities" scammers mooch off the following groups. Perhaps you belong to one or more of them:

1. The Sick, Disabled, or Elderly: If you are elderly, ill, or have a disability, you may have problems landing a traditional job.

2. The Stay-At-Home Mother: Whether you have a spouse or you're single, you may be looking to supplement or create an income while raising children.

3. The Low-Income or No-Income Family: You or your spouse may have just lost your job, and you feel desperate and anxious to find work as the bills pile up.

4. The Person Without Higher Education: You're not stupid or dumb -- you just didn't go on to college or a university.

To summarize, these scammers are often preying primarily on the sick, the disabled, the elderly, the unemployed, parents, and people without a lot of money.

So...Here they are...my top ten home based business scams.

Note: These scams are not ranked by dollars lost or people scammed. In fact, there's nothing scientific about the list. It's just the ten home-based business scams I find the most disturbing.

10. Craft Assembly
This scam encourages you to assemble toys, dolls, or other craft projects at home with the promise of high per-piece rates. All you have to do is pay a fee up-front for the starter kit... which includes instructions and parts.

Sounds good? Well, once you finish assembling your first batch of crafts, you'll be told by the company that they "don't meet our specifications."

In fact, even if you were a robot and did it perfectly, it would be impossible for you to meet their specifications. The scammer company is making money selling the starter kits -- not selling the assembled product. So, you're left with a set of assembled crafts... and no one to sell them to.

9. Medical Billing

In this scam, you pay $300-$900 for everything (supposedly) you need to start your own medical billing service at home. You're promised state-of-the-art medical billing software, as well as a list of potential clients in your area.

What you're not told is that most medical clinics process their own bills, or outsource the processing to firms, not individuals. Your software may not meet their specifications, and often the lists of "potential clients" are outdated or just plain wrong.

As usual, trying to get a refund from the medical billing company is like trying to get blood from a stone.

8. Email Processing

This is a twist on the classic "envelope stuffing scam" (see #1 below). For a low price ($50?) you can become a "highly-paid" email processor working "from the comfort of your own home."

Now... what do you suppose an email processor does? If you have visions of forwarding or editing emails, forget it. What you get for your money are instructions on spamming the same ad you responded to in newsgroups and Web forums!

Think about it -- they offer to pay you $25 per email processed -- would any legitimate company pay that?

7. "A List of Companies Looking for Homeworkers!"

In this one, you pay a small fee for a list of companies looking for homeworkers just like you.

The only problem is that the list is usually a generic list of companies, companies that don't take homeworkers, or companies that may have accepted homeworkers long, long ago. Don't expect to get your money back with this one.


6. "Just Call This 1-900 Number For More Information..."

No need to spend too much time (or money) on this one. 1-900 numbers cost money to call, and that's how the scammers make their profit.

Save your money -- don't call a 1-900 number for more information about a supposed work-at-home job.

5. Typing At Home

f you use the Internet a lot, then odds are that you're probably a good typist. How better to capitalize on it than making money by typing at home?

Here's how it works: After sending the fee to the scammer for "more information," you receive a disk and printed information that tells you to place home typist ads and sell copies of the disk to the suckers who reply to you. Like #8, this scam tries to turn you into a scammer!

4. "Turn Your Computer Into a Money-Making Machine!"

Well, this one's at least half-true. To be completely true, it should read: "Turn your computer into a money-making machine... for spammers!"

This is much the same spam as #5, above. Once you pay your money, you'll be sent instructions on how to place ads and pull in suckers to "turn their computers into money-making machines."

3. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)

If you've heard of network marketing (like Avon), then you know that there are legitimate MLM businesses based on agents selling products or services. In fact MLM is actually a fantastic business model when done in compliance.

MLM's can actually be very rewarding if done correctly, however many scammers abuse this model and make the whole industry look bad.

Here is what to look out for:

If the MLM business opportunity is all about finding new recruits rather than selling products or services, beware: The Federal Trade Commission may consider it to be a pyramid scheme... and not only can you lose all your money, but you can be charged with fraud, too!

The example given by the original poster is an off-shoot of this model, known as a Ponzi. With a ponzi, there is no product at all, it is simply an elaborate scheme to get recruits to pay to join (the current trend seems to abuse Paypal--ie: get $5 deposited into your paypal account by sending emails). This model will, of course, eventually collapse on itself since the people joining will run low.

2. Chain Letters/Emails ("Make Money Fast")

If you've been on the Internet for any length of time, you've probably received or at least seen these chain emails. They promise that all you have to do is send the email along plus some money by mail to the top names on the list, then add your name to the bottom... and one day you'll be a millionaire.

Actually, the only thing you might be one day is prosecuted for fraud. This is a classic pyramid scheme, and most times the names in the chain emails are manipulated to make sure only the people at the top of the list (the true scammers) make any money.

This scam should be called "Lose Money Fast" -- and it's illegal.

1. Envelope Stuffing

This is THE classic work-at-home scam. It's been around since the U.S. Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, and it's moved onto the Internet like a cockroach you just can't eliminate.

There are several variations, but here's a sample: Much like #5 and #4 above, you are promised to be paid $1-2 for every envelope you stuff. All you have to do is send money and you're guaranteed "up to 1,000 envelopes a week that you can stuff... with postage and address already affixed!"

When you send your money, you get a short manual with flyer templates you're supposed to put up around town, advertising yet another harebrained work-from-home scheme.

And the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelopes? Well, when people see those flyers, all they have to do is send you $2.00 in a pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope. Then you stuff that envelope with another flyer and send it to them.

Ingenious perhaps... but certainly illegal and unethical.

[malcolan]

Despite the scams...there certainly are plenty of legitimate MLM opportunities out there.

With the legitimate ones, the problem is usually not the opportunity or the products...the problem just might be YOU.

One of the most common phrases you hear in MLM is "this is an opportunity where the average person can create success".

Not true.

The truth is that "average" people never create great success. There's no such thing as a business where the "average person" can become wealthy. Or where the "average" person can become a massive achiever. It's never happened. Why? Because "average" people never do anything unusually good. That's why they're called "average".

I think it's more accurate to say "We can show you how to become a very UN-average person." Because, only when someone becomes ABOVE-average....they're never going to have anything but average results.

So, now the more empowering question becomes: What does an ABOVE-average person look like? How do they think? What do they do? How do they behave? What are they engaged in?

Here's the great challenge of life - You can have more than you've got because you can become more than you are.

I have found that income seldom will exceed your own personal development. Once in a while income takes a lucky jump, but unless you grow out to where it is it will go back to where you are.

Somebody once said if you took all the money in the world and divided it among everyone equally; it would soon be back in the same pockets.

However, you can have more because you can become more. You see, here is how the other side of the coin reads - unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've always gotten.

The marketing plan won't do it. It's a good plan but it won't work without you. You've got to work it. It is the human effort that counts. The major thing that makes the difference is what YOU do.

In order to have more, you need to become more. The guy says "If I had a good job I would really pour it on, but I have this lousy job so I just goof off." If that is your philosophy you are destined to stay there.

Some people say if I had a lot of money I would be really generous, but I don't have much so I'm not generous. See, you've got to change that philosophy or you will never have "the lots of money".

Unless YOU change, IT won't change.

Amazingly, however, when we throw out our blame list and start becoming more responsible for our own life - everything else around us will begin to change.

:cool:

[sickofscams]

You have all given me a lot to contemplate. I am very appreciative of the advice and information you have shared. I hope this will help others who are thinking of joining this group. :mad:

[malcolan]

You have all given me a lot to contemplate. I am very appreciative of the advice and information you have shared. I hope this will help others who are thinking of joining this group. :mad:

Thank You...for pointing this out.

It always helps to expose fraudulent companies and/or persons and I am certain that you have prevented others from being swindled.

Here are a few more things to think about.

Sometimes success is found through the things that you don't do. Here are some ideas for what we shouldn't do.

Don't say "I can't."

There are two words that we don't allow in the our household - I can't. Basically, "I can't", means one of two things. Either you don't want to...Or, you don't know how. So which is it? The fact is that most of what we say that we can't do can actually be done, if only we put our mind to it. My mother taught me from an early age that if someone else had already done it, I could too. And if no one else had already done it, I could certainly be the first! Good advice!

Don't give up.

If you are going to achieve anything in life, you are going to get knocked down along the way. Those who succeed are those who get back up and forge ahead. My sister's child is in gymnastics and the other day on the way to practice we were talking about determination. I am convinced that more often than not, success lies on the other side of the river hardship. Determination, and a "don't give up" attitude will see us through the hard times and onto victory!

Don't get discouraged.

Discouragement is an attitude. Instead of going to the depths of the dumps, tell yourself you are going to do great. Choose to be courageous! One of the greatest powers we have been given as humans is the ability to choose our attitude. All people experience hard circumstances. Yet some say to themselves that they will learn from them and forge ahead a better person. These people, who do not allow themselves to get discouraged, are those who become successful.

Don't be a lone ranger.

Anybody who has achieved greatness has done it with the help of many others who bought into the vision and pushed the cart. The most famous and accomplished achievers in the world all had a cast of others who helped them along. You may not be able to name A.J. Foyt's pit crew, but they were there. Joe Montana had an awesome front line to protect him, but I can't name one of them. If the greats need others, then so do we. The sooner we realize that we need others, the quicker we will achieve our dreams.

Don't accept anything less than excellence.

Good gets along, excellence succeeds. Have you ever heard anyone say of the greats "Yeah, they were pretty good." No! They were excellent! We should never, under any circumstances, accept less than excellence. We should constantly be striving to better ourselves, our situations, our relationships, and the people around us, helping them to become excellent.

"Being big or small isn't the crucial issue. If you don't move, you don't move." -- Steve Ballmer

No matter where we are at in our business or professional life, we tend to assume certain things about that place, such as what we are or are not able to do. You may say that you are too small of a business to accomplish a certain task or that you are too big for some other task. The truth, however, is that where you are at doesn't preclude you from accomplishing anything. In fact, what is important is not where you are but what you can actually do. And not just what you can do, but what you do do! I think it was Yoda in Star Wars who said, "Do, or do not. There is no try."

In other words, you obviously made a choice about about creating a better life for you and your family. Don't let the fact that you were "taken" kill the dream!

You learned an important lesson and now it's time to move on.

Once again...thanks for exposing this scam.

:cool:

[notthistime]

user sickofscams is a con-artist with a criminal history as long as my arms. he tried to extort leaders at the power of people and because his lazy ass couldn't take which wasn't rightfully his, he is now bad mouthing on ever sight he can. he is a worthless human being and has no regard for goodness. if he ever meets god face to face he will be thrown into hell as fast as Hitler was. all you can do is pray for this gentlemen because he is so lost that nothing else could ever help him. whoever is replying to his comments thinking that he has exposed some truth is being scammed themselves. he had no intention of ever working the program. he was only motivated by greed and a evil heart. he is evil! not just mean or unkind, but evil. he hurts everyone he comes across.

[sickofscams]

user sickofscams is a con-artist with a criminal history as long as my arms. he tried to extort leaders at the power of people and because his lazy ass couldn't take which wasn't rightfully his, he is now bad mouthing on ever sight he can. he is a worthless human being and has no regard for goodness. if he ever meets god face to face he will be thrown into hell as fast as Hitler was. all you can do is pray for this gentlemen because he is so lost that nothing else could ever help him. whoever is replying to his comments thinking that he has exposed some truth is being scammed themselves. he had no intention of ever working the program. he was only motivated by greed and a evil heart. he is evil! not just mean or unkind, but evil. he hurts everyone he comes across.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we've got a champion spelling bee contestant here! BRAVO!!!! I have rarely seen so many words misspelled in one quasi-paragraph in my life.

Interesting that we do not know one another, but yet you are trying to give the impression that we've met. Do I know you? Have we met?

I would never derail a legal gravy-train. I am happy to post proof that Power of People Network is a scam. I will also post all the info you need to be sure that it is not me who has a looooong civil and criminal history, but your founder, Jon Parr.

Here we go with the legal goings on for Mr. Parr and his wife, Kamela Boyd:

Defendant Name PARR JONATHAN A
Case Number M-96A1299
Offense Class C

Offense Description PUB INTOX
Final Disposition - Non-Adjudication of guilt (Agreed plea)


Defendant Name PARR JONATHAN
Case Number M-9004789
Offense Class B

Offense Description THEFT CK 20
Disposition 1 for this case
Court ID Criminal County Court 7 Sentence


Case number 9500379K
Court ID 82
Judgement Amount $635.00

Plaintiff
COLE CONDOS
3235 COLE
DALLAS,,TX 75204
2148550050

Defendant
PARR JOHNATHON
4221 COLE #103
DALLAS,,TX 75205


Case number 9501084L
Court ID 22
Judgement Amount $1450.00

Plaintiff
GERYK KAREN
374 RIDGEWOOD AVE
MILL VALLEY,CA 94941
8003400128

Defendant
PARR JONATHAN
209-2 CIMARRON TRAIL
IRVING,TX 75063


Case number 9700575L
Court ID 22
Judgement Amount $795.00

Plaintiff
AMLI @ VALLEY RANCH
430 RED RIVER TRAIL
IRVING,TX 75063
9728690101

Defendant
PARR BETTY (a family member who rented the apartment for him)
432 RED RIVER TRAIL #1102
IRVING,TX 75063


Case number 9801461L
Court ID 22
Judgement Amount $713.44

Plaintiff
GRAND VENETIAN
6225 LOVE DR
IRVING,TX 75039
9727611500

Defendant
PARR JONATHAN
6219 LOVE DR #2215
IRVING,TX 75039


Case number 9407086D
Case description SEVERANCE

Case number 9407086D
Case description DEBT SWRN ACCT

Plaintiff(s)
HUGHES RONALD W SR ET
HUGHES SOUTHLAND FUNE
UNIFORMS TO YOU & CO Process date

Defendant(s)
BEAN BRUCE ETAL
GRAND PRAIRIE FUNERAL
MASSEY OLEN
NOW COURIER ETAL
NOW VENTURES AKA ETAL
PARR JEFFREY ETAL
PARR JONATHAN DBA AKA
SOUTHLAND FUNERAL HOM


Case number 9612327K
Case description SWORN ACCOUNT
Judgement Amount $30,000

Plaintiff(s)
RICHARDS CAPITAL CORP

Defendant(s)
NORWOOD CHRIS
NOW VENTURES
PARR JEFFERY L ET AL
PARR JONATHAN


Case number JC9900483C
Case description SWORN ACCOUNT
Judgement Amount $ 925.00

Plaintiff(s)
Steven Elkins

Defendant(s)
PARR JONATHAN


County Civil Court of Law Case Number 0111702E
Case Description DEBT ACCT

Plaintiff(s)

BANK OF TEXAS NA

Defendant(s)

PARR JONATHAN A DBA SOURCE TRANSPORTATION



Defendant Name
PARR,JONATHAN Defendant Address
10577 N MACARTHUR #2170 Defendant City
IRVING Defendant State
TX
Defendant ZIP
75063 Defendant Phone
9720000000 Court ID
Case Number 0300095L


Plaintiff
WINSTED THE
10501 N MACARTHUR City
IRVING
TX 75063
9724449494

Judgement Amount $140.00


DEBTOR: BOYD,KAMELA
ADDRESS: 10577 N MACARTHUR BLVD #2170
IRVING, TX 75063
CREDITOR: THE WINSTED
NUMBER: 0300524L
TYPE: CIVIL NEW FILING
EVICTION: YES



DEBTOR: BOYD,KAMELA
ADDRESS: 10577 N MACARTHUR BLVD #2170
IRVING, TX 75063
CREDITOR: THE WINSTED
AMOUNT: $ 1,400
NUMBER: 0300811L
TYPE: CIVIL NEW FILING
EVICTION: YES



DEBTOR: BOYD,KAMELA
ADDRESS: 10577 N MACARTHUR BLVD #2170
IRVING, TX 75063
CREDITOR: THE WINSTED
AMOUNT: $ 2,800
NUMBER: 0301063L
TYPE: CIVIL NEW FILING
EVICTION: YES


Debtors: BOYD KAMELA
Debtor Information: BOYD KAMELA
5257 VERDE VALLEY #1180
DALLAS, TX 75240
Secured Party: K CLINICS ASSOCIATED
Secured Party Information: K CLINICS ASSOCIATED
IRVING, TX 75062
Black Number: 0001553
Vol-Pag-Num: VOL- 3, PAGE- 158
Filing Type: TERM


JUDGMENTS AND LIENS STATE OF TEXAS
DALLAS COUNTY COURT-DALLAS
DEBTOR: PARR,JONATHAN A
ADDRESS: 9400 N MACARTHUR BV #449
IRVING, TX 75062
CREDITOR: BANK OF TEXAS NA
AMOUNT: $ 5,211
NUMBER: 0111702E
TYPE: CIVIL JUDGMENT


DEBTOR: PARR,JONATHAN
ADDRESS: 6219 LOVE DR #2215
IRVING, TX 75039
CREDITOR: GRAND VENETIAN
NUMBER: 9801461L
TYPE: CIVIL NEW FILING
EVICTION: YES

[sickofscams]

Now on to the legal mumbo jumbo that you need to familiarize yourself with prior to spending some time behind bars (not the kind you drink beer in):

First let's start with info from POPN.com very own website:

From the POPN FAQ:

What is “Private Gifting?

Private gifting is the conscious act giving freely of one’s substance to others within a private group of individuals of like-mindedness, and has been in existence for many years. Our activity is based on THE POWER OF ONE – THE POWER OF ALL. It is this principle that has built THE POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK – or what we like to call ourselves, “THE POPN”.

THE POPN is unique from other opportunities – this private activity does not involve network marketing, multi-level marketing, or any type of business or commercial activity. There are no business transactions, investments, and/or securities involved in this private activity. There is no business or company name or location; there are no directors, officers, shareholders, or principals. Why? Because THE POPN is not a company, firm, industry, or conglomeration of any kind. It simply is a private activity in which individuals support each other, much like a family does, in a nurturing and supporting its members in a team concept that helps to change lives.

The concept of private gifting is based upon the lawful right that both American and Canadian citizens have the Constitutional right to gift property, cash, and other assets to others. Both the gift givers and receivers are subject to the rules and regulations established by the individual country’s laws. The United States’ gifting rules are found in the IRS Tax Code, Title 26, Sections 2501-2504 and 2511. For Canada, its gifting rules are found in the Canadian Tax Code, Sections 143.3 and 62.0.

The law states that one or more individuals can give a gift to another individual of up to $11,000 each per calendar year without any tax liability to either the giver or receiver of the gift, because the tax on the gift has already been paid (from original earnings). Since these gifts are not earnings in accordance with the definitions of taxable income, these gifts are neither considered income, nor are included in the recipient’s gross income.

On this point they are correct. No IRS codes are broken by the giving and receiving of gifts as long as the giver does not give more than $11,000 in one calendar year to the same individual. This is their only argument for the suposed legality of their program.

Now more from thepopn.com:On their site you can find "guidelines" for which terms to use:

In communicating with others, it is VERY IMPORTANT that we use the appropriate terminology. Participants DO NOT use the following terminology in the activity:

Investment, Paid Earnings, Make Profits, Dividends, Player, Down-line, Up-line, Return, Net, Play the board, Play the house, Took In, Paid off, Paid out, Sponsor, Sign-up, Purchase, Guarantee, Assured Buy, Sure bet, Earn, Multiply your money, Pay, Getting Paid, Recruit, Buy-in, Payout

Participants DO use the following terminology in the activity:

Gift, Give, Receive, I have gifted, I have received, Participation, Golden Rule, Invited by, Constitutional Rights, Sharing, Gifter, Helping others, Right to give, Giving, Nice people, Register your gift, Associates, Fellow man, Kindness, Caring, I gave, Participant, Giving, Free association, Activity, Family, Community, Invitation

Now this is puzzling....why do you have to stay away from certain words? I guess if you use those other words it would be a dead givaway that you are into something ILLEGAL.

Something that is NOT on their site, but that they speak of on a regular basis is that you are absolutely, without a doubt, not allowed to send your cash gift via the United States Postal Service. Ever ponder why? Oh, because the Postal Inspector can get involved and prosecute pyramid schemes.

more to follow...

[sickofscams]

So, what do state authorities say about gifting programs? Let's take a quick look:

Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
Business and Commerce Code
Consumer Protection

Consumer Issues
- Prizes, Gifts and Business Opportunities
Is a "gifting club" the same as a pyramid scheme, and is it legal?

An investment opportunity in which compensation is based on a participant's bringing other people into the plan, rather than on the sale of some product or service, generally falls within the definition of a "pyramid" promotion. Before you invest, you may wish to review Section 17.461 of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (Chapter 17 of the Business and Commerce Code), which addresses pyramid promotional schemes.

In our effort to educate consumers through publications and outreach, this agency's Consumer Protection Division (CPD) warns people to be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true or that make unrealistic promises.

CPD has also publishes a brochure, "Business Opportunities", that includes a section on the representation of multi-level marketing plans.


From the Maine Attorney General:

This office has received many calls from people who have participated in one of the "gifting" pyramids that in the last few years have swept over the state of Maine. These pyramids have taken such names as Changing Lives, NASCAR, A Woman's Project and other names. These "gifting" schemes are illegal pyramids and the Attorney General has gone to court to stop them. Only the persons who reach the top of these quickly multiplying pyramids will receive money. All others will lose their money because the pool of possible recruits will quickly run dry. Further, organizers of these schemes often use deceptive sales pitches to entice new recruits (for example, "It's perfectly legal;" or "It's a gift so you do not owe taxes;" or "If you ever want to drop out, we guarantee that you will get back your money").

A recent Superior Court's decision in State v. Chad Beauchere, et al., d/b/a Changing Lives, No. CV-01-03 (Me. Super. Ct., Kenn. Cty., Feb. 4, 2003) describes why these "gifting" pyramids quickly exhaust potential new recruits (e.g., by the 20th level 4,194,304 new recruits are needed to keep the pyramid growing) and how much money is quickly lost (e.g., when it costs $2,000 to join, if the pyramid collapses by the 21st level then $14,680,064,000.00 is lost). Of course, such pyramids never come close to the 21st level. They fail much more quickly. Here is the Court's conclusion:

The Changing Lives pyramid scheme is an extremely damaging illusion because the need for new recruits will quickly exhaust the pool of available investors, with the result that many persons will lose their $2,000 payments. This Court finds that Changing Lives participants who (1) reach the Senior position and (2) obtain money from new recruits have participated in a fundraising pyramid that is inherently unfair and deceptive and are in violation of both the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, 5 M.R.S.A. § 207, and the civil portion of the State's Anti-Pyramid Statute, 17 M.R.S.A. § 2305, which makes participation in such pyramids a per se civil violation of the UTPA.

In addition to finding the Changing Lives pyramids in violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, the court also ordered restitution and civil penalties.


And the Kentuck Attorney General:

New Version Of Old Pyramid Scheme
December 24, 2004

Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo says Consumer Protection Division has found that an illegal "gifting" program known as "Elite Activity" is operating in his state, specifically in Lexington and Louisville, the state's two largest cities.

Stumbo's office was alerted by several churches and consumers, questioning whether the recruitment solicitations being made by individuals for them to join and promote the activities of Elite Activity was asking them to participate in a pyramid scheme. Stumbo said an ongoing investigation verified that the program is in fact a pyramid scheme, according to Kentucky's Consumer Protection laws.

The Lexington and Louisville scheme is virtually identical to many so called "gifting clubs" making solicitations around the country. These so-called gifting clubs are not charitable in nature because each prospective participant has an expectation of return on their initial investment.

A pyramid promotional plan is defined by law as a plan or operation by which a person gives consideration (something of value like money) for the opportunity to receive compensation that is derived primarily from a person's introduction of other people to participate in the plan or operation, instead of from the sale of a product or service by the person introduced into the plan or operation.

The Elite Activity scheme works like this: Consumers are solicited to invite only friends that they know to invest $100 to get into the alleged "gifting" program. People are promised a payoff of up to $48,000 in gifting contributions to be paid by others participating in multiple gifting programs.

The scheme spreads when individuals invite friends, and in this case, fellow church members to enroll in the program. Participants are told that it is not an illegal pyramid but in fact that an attorney had researched the law and found the plan to be a legitimate gifting club under federal tax laws.

According to the Attorney General's office, these representations are not true. Under Kentucky's law, as in nearly every state, you may not promote or participate in a pyramid promotional scheme. Not only does this conduct violate the Consumer protection Act but each person involved could be convicted of a Class C felony which carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison.

"The participants are required to recruit at least two people each to qualify for monetary payoffs in the program, initial consideration is paid by each participant and no product or service is sold to qualify for payout of money. Clearly, each element of proof required to demonstrate that the Elite Activity program is an illegal pyramid is present," said Stumbo.

Stumbo says this and similar programs are doomed to fail, leaving hundreds of investors no return and a loss of any money invested. The Attorney General's Office has gone to court to halt similar programs. This program and those who choose to participate in it will be treated no differently, according to the Attorney General.

[sickofscams]

You may be scratching your head and wondering what federal authorities might think. Guess what? I've got the answer there too:

The FTC:


The Gifting Club "Gotcha"

When is a gift not a gift? When it’s a "gotcha."

In a scam spreading throughout the mid-Atlantic states and the Pacific Northwest, people pay to join a "gifting club," billed in promotional materials as a private club with members eager to help new friends -- often from within their own neighborhood or church group.

In reality, the clubs are illegal pyramid schemes. New club members give cash "gifts" to the highest-ranking club members, with titles such as "captains." And they’re promised that if they get additional members to join the club, they, too, will rise to become captains and receive money – far more than they initially paid to join the club -- from newer club "friends."

The problem is that, like most pyramid schemes, illegal gifting clubs must continually recruit ever-increasing numbers of members to survive. When the clubs don’t attract enough new members, they collapse. Most members who paid to join the clubs never receive the financial "gifts" they expected, and lose everything they paid to join the club.

Don’t Get on the Receiving End of a Gifting Club "Gotcha"

Promises of quick, easy money can be a powerful lure – especially when it comes with the additional benefit of new friendships.

If you’re approached about joining a club but you aren’t sure if it’s an illegal gifting club, the Federal Trade Commission reminds you to:

Consider that a legitimate gift has no strings attached and is not an "investment."

Avoid being misled into thinking a gifting club is legitimate because the ads say that members consider their payments a gift and expect nothing in return. This is an attempt to make an illegal transaction look legal.

Be wary of success stories or testimonials of tremendous payoffs. Very few members of illegal gifting clubs or pyramid schemes ever receive any money.

Take your time. Don’t buckle under to a high-pressure sales pitch that requires you to join immediately or risk losing out on the opportunity. Remember, solid opportunities – and solid friendships – aren’t formed through nerve-wracking tactics.

To File a Complaint

If you’ve been victimized by a gifting club promoter, contact your local consumer protection agency, state attorney general and Better Business Bureau.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.


EXCERPT from FTC's 12 scam list:

1. Business opportunities

These business opportunities make it sound easy to start a business that will bring lots of income without much work or cash outlay. The e-mail letters boast of fantastic earning claims of $100 a day, $1,000 a day, or more, and further claim that the business doesn't involve selling, meetings, or personal contact with others, or that someone else will do all the work. Many business opportunity solicitations claim to offer a way to make money in an Internet-related business. There usually is no specific information on what is involved. Instead the message provides a telephone number to call for more information. In many cases, you'll be told to leave your name and telephone number so that a salesperson can call you back with the sales pitch. The scam may vary from an elaborate pyramid scam to stuffing envelopes and more.


One of your FORMER members wanted to prove to me that POPN was legal. She sent me here: http://www.mlmatty.com/mlm_lawyer_links.html#ponzi
to read an article written by a prominent attorney on these matters. Well, I read the article and then asked him what he thought about POPN and if he agreed with the lady who said that his article proved he supported POPN. Here is his response:

If ***** believes the article I wrote - that she pointed you to - supports the legality of POPN - I want the recipe of what she is smoking - see the below article - that I also wrote


My latest article--"Gifting programs--stay away!--appears in Network Marketing Business Journal, March 2006, Volume 21 Issue 3 on page 12.
Gifting Programs – Stay Away!

By: Gerald Nehra, Attorney at Law

This issue may be off the radar for now, but do not let down your guard. I do not need to say much more about gifting programs than to quote legal documents from grand juries, prosecutors, and district attorney’s across the United States. Everything below came from such documents. I am only going to identify the states the quotes came from, and not actually name any programs, as the purpose of this article is not to attack any specific program, but to alert the reader to the inherit flaws and risks of gifting programs in general. There is NO WAY these programs can be “legalized” as legitimate direct selling programs. If you believe you should be allowed to give your money to anyone you choose, that is only true up to a point. The Regulators and prosecutors define the “point” (after which a law id broken) as the program designed expectation that you will get back more that you gave. STAY AWAY.

1) Two local residents allegedly involved in a gifting club that was promoted locally this summer made initial court appearances on Wednesday. ABC and DEF were both charged with felonies in connection with what law enforcement officials call a pyramid scheme. The next step in both cases is an arraignment during which they will enter pleas. Dates have yet to be set. The pyramid scheme involved recruiting people to invest $2,000 with the lure of a $16,000 return -- the original $2,000 and $14,000 profit. ABC was charged with three felonies -- selling unregistered securities, transacting business as an unregistered broker-dealer, and fraud. All are Class 4 felonies, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine. She is free on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. DEF was also charged with selling unregistered securities, and theft by deception. The latter is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine.

From South Dakota – a Grand Jury Indictment is being quoted.

2) Last month, the administrator of the department issued an order to cease and desist against a money exchange program. Participants initially were solicited to pool cash gifts of $100 to join and to advance through various levels or a reverse pyramid through the recruitment of others who likewise made gifts. The levels of the program were described as freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. Participants were encouraged to complete the program's six steps. The amounts required to participate in each of the six steps ranged from $100 to $4,000. After completing six levels, participants made gifts of $7,850 in expectation of receiving "tax free" cash payments of $62,800.

From an Oklahoma Cease & Desist Order

3) A Danville grand jury has indicted 14 more people accused of participating in a pyramid scheme that swept across Southside Virginia earlier this year. Eight of the people indicted last week have been summoned to appear for arraignment Friday. In February, Danville police and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office began to track down participants in an operation that recruited groups of eight people to "donate" $2,000 each and "cash out" with $16,000 once they reached the top of the list. Some participants were said to have made as much as $100,000. Pittsylvania County Commonwealth's Attorney defined the program as a pyramid scheme, in which participation is a misdemeanor punishable by 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500.

From a Danville, Virginia Grand Jury Indictment

the rest of the email to follow on the next post...

[sickofscams]

...continued from above...

4) A Clay County Circuit Judge today ordered eight Kansas City area women to pay a total of $198,000 in restitution and penalties for their participation in an illegal pyramid scheme. Last week another Judge granted a motion for summary judgment by Attorney General Jay Nixon and entered a finding that the program was an illegal pyramid under Missouri law. Today’s judgments conclude two lawsuits brought by Nixon against promoters of an illegal pyramid scheme. Additional lawsuits in Clay County, against defendants in connection with the program, and in St. Louis County against defendants in connection with the program, are still pending. Nixon said the operators of the program called it a "gifting tree" or "gifting network." The scheme often took the form of a four-course dinner party, with participants entering at the "appetizer" level and paying $5,000 to the person at the top, or "dessert" level. Appetizer-level participants move up to the "soup & salad," "entree" and "dessert" levels as more participants are recruited at the lowest level. Nixon said these and the number of levels may vary from scheme to scheme. "This order from the court declaring this to be a pyramid serves as a clear and unambiguous notice that these schemes are illegal, and that anyone who participates in them is breaking the law," Nixon said.

From a Liberty, Missouri Judicial Order

5) More than 1,000 people involved in illegal "gifting clubs" have applied for amnesty from prosecution, state officials say. However, when the deadline for seeking amnesty passes next weekend, district attorneys across the state will start preparing to file charges against those who have taken part in the pyramid scheme. Under the amnesty program, people who received money from others in "gifting clubs" have until Dec. 31 to return the cash and cooperate with investigators by naming names. Those who refuse could be charged with violating the state's gaming and pyramid scheme laws. The maximum penalty for that crime is $5,000 and five years in prison. Officials at the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection began to hear complaints last summer from residents who said they were led to believe that by giving someone $500 or $2,000 to get on a gift board, they would receive up to eight times that amount. In the gifting clubs, a new variation of the old pyramid schemes, participants simply "give" gifts to each other. While most participants are told they should not expect anything in return for their gift of $500 or $2,000, those who give money are clearly anticipating they will be reciprocated by others who join the "club" after them. "A pyramid scheme is nothing more than a very expensive game of musical chairs," said Bill Oemichen, administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. "When the music is over, most people have lost $2,000 and are angry at the person who recruited them."

From the Wisconsin Consumer Protection Agency


6) Missouri and Wisconsin have obtained orders halting the operation of two gifting clubs. Wisconsin alleged that the defendants, GHI and JKL Corp. sold improper legal opinions to consumers advising them that gifting clubs are legal. GHI was not a licensed attorney. Missouri filed suit against MNO and PQR alleging that they gave 25 presentations to induce others to participate in their program. Missouri already has orders halting the operation of several gifting clubs.

From Missouri & Wisconsin reports

7) Sacramento sheriff's detectives Wednesday arrested four women, alleging they took in hundreds of thousands of dollars by promoting a pyramid scheme and secretly cheating in the "gifting" club marketed as empowering to women.

From a Sacramento, California arrest record

8) In New Mexico a gifting program setup resulted in four grand jury criminal indictments. More than 400 people who bought into the New Mexico scheme have applied to get at least some of their money back through a restitution program that may let those who profited avoid prison time.

From a New Mexico Grand Jury Indictment

9) James Walsh, author of You Can't Cheat an Honest Man: How Ponzi Schemes and Pyramids Work and Why They're More Popular Than Ever, (Available at Amazon.com) calls these gifting programs by their true name: pyramid schemes, a transfer of capital not based on any profit-earning activity. For each investor to recoup money, two more must join the club. "Generally, these schemes signal a growing gulf between the haves and have-nots," says Walsh. "One of the dangers of the dot.com bubble was that it de-linked notions of real value with compensation. When the unsophisticated investor lost in the downfall, he decided the whole system was a crooked scheme anyhow, so this little party isn't any worse than eToys." The tide, however, is turning. In 2003, club busts and pending charges have been reported in California, Hawaii, Oregon, North Carolina, Maine, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In addition to seeking the usual criminal penalties, some prosecutors want club sponsors to make restitution to the victims. But the chances are slim that the once-enthusiastic club members will ever get their money back. The best defense, Walsh maintains, is to avoid forking over the dough in the first place, despite the friendships involved. "Ask, 'What is the business?' What are we selling? Recognize that 'networking opportunities' is not a commodity," he reminds. "Don't accept the gibberish about the new economy and the velocity of money. Keep asking, 'What's the underlying transaction?”

Quotes from Author, James Walsh.



To wrap up, direct selling is an incredibly effective channel of distribution, going as far back as the early Avon, Fuller Brush, Vacuum Cleaner, and Encyclopedia business models. The channel was enhanced and changed forever in the 1950’s, when companies began offering their independent contractors two ways to make money. They were offered a financial incentive, obtainable through their own sales efforts, and also an additional and optional financial incentive, obtainable through the sales efforts of other independent contractors they introduced to the company. Do not let illegal pyramids, of which gifting clubs are but one form, tarnish and jeopardize this rewarding, and very legal, business model for delivering products and services to North American consumers.

About the author: Gerald P. Nehra is an MLM-specialist, private practice attorney. He is one of only a few attorneys nationwide whose practice is devoted exclusively to direct selling and multilevel marketing issues. His 35 years of legal experience includes nine years at Amway Corporation, where he was Director of the Legal Division. He can be reached at 1710 Beach Street, Muskegon, Michigan 49441, 231-755-3800. His e-mail address is GNehra@mlmatty.com. You are invited to visit his web site at www.mlmatty.com.

Now, what proof do you present that you are a legal program? Put up or shut up.

[notthistime]

sickofscams has a criminal history as long as my arm, he tried to extort his brother, and his trying to destroy the power of people because they stood up for the right thing and wouldn't give him money, he brings havic to everyones life, hes a horrible person who will be dealt with swiftly here on earth and after hes gone. nothing more needs to be said, if you read this post you now know the truth, he is putting this garbage all over the internet, spending countless hours so he can destroy something that brings joy to thousands.

[sickofscams]

sickofscams has a criminal history as long as my arm, he tried to extort his brother, and his trying to destroy the power of people because they stood up for the right thing and wouldn't give him money, he brings havic to everyones life, hes a horrible person who will be dealt with swiftly here on earth and after hes gone. nothing more needs to be said, if you read this post you now know the truth, he is putting this garbage all over the internet, spending countless hours so he can destroy something that brings joy to thousands.

Madam/Sir: I am no blood relation to Mr. Jon Parr. I have NO idea what you are talking about. It sounds like jibberish to everyone. If you have some proof of what you speak, why don't you just shut me up and post it, big guy?

[sickofscams]

By the way, NOTTHISTIME, what happened to your call on 1700?????

[lilhay]

I'd like to share an experience I had with the above referenced gifting club. As stated, they are called the Power of People Network. The founder is Jon Parr of Corsicana, Texas.

It all started when I answered an advertisement stating: "$$$Generate $3,500 per day CASH money returning phone calls - NO SELLING - NOT MLM - NOT NETWORK MARKETING". The premise? Just send Mr. Parr $3,500.00 CASH via FEDEX, DHL or UPS and he would show me the way. By the way, he stressed that he would not accept anything sent via the mail - this should have been a warning. He said that he wanted to be able to track the package and it was harder with the mail.

Ok, so you know what happened next....yes, I did it...yes, I know I'm stupid for doing so. I've been chastised and made fun of for my foolish and some call greedy interest in a make money fast scheme. However, I had no idea that what I was about to embark on was ILLEGAL.

Once the money was received, Mr. Parr sent me a list of leads to call and give them the same spiel that he gave me. He explained that each one of my first "sign-up's" cash pledge would go to him first. After that, anyone I signed up would go directly to me. Well, as you can imagine, I was not successful at this because it just didn't feel right. I made a few calls and then did some Internet research. I was scared about what I read so I called a local attorney who was gracious enough to speak to me over the phone w/o charging me. Well, this is indeed a gifting scheme and it is very illegal.

Of course, I called Mr. Parr to discuss this and he kept telling me about IRS codes that allowed for gifting and charitable donations...yada, yada, yada... Sufice it to say, he was unwilling to return my "gift".

I hope no one else is scammed by this group. However, from listening to the member support calls, there are thousands that are being scammed daily by this highly organized group.

Here is his pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/sahm2three/parrwatch_01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/sahm2three/parrwatch_03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/sahm2three/parrwatch_05.jpg
Jon Parr, founder of
Power of People Network

Your posts keeps changing....hmm and how did you get that pic of Jonathan if you have no family relation to him. Also on another post on another forum you wrote different statements. Also, you are using different names. You truly are deceptive. You almost had everyone. You can't fool everyone though. You say you have no relation to Jonathan Parr....how did you get that pic. Some of us already know who you are and why you are doing this. Weak minds will follow weak minds. Powerful leaders with strong minds don't pay attention to garbage on message boards. Make some real money then tell me how it feels. Also, I have seen the statement "get a real job"...LOL. A real job, 9-5, etc will keep you in debt and make the owner rich. Bottom line. I have been fortunate enough to be my own boss for almost three years. Broke people advising broke people on business decisions is rediculous. You will always keep weak minded people believing this nonsense. How did you get the pic of Jon...answer that if you have no family relation to him. Like I posted before..stop lying..

[sickofscams]

How did you get the pic of Jon...answer that if you have no family relation to him. Like I posted before..stop lying..

The pic, the legal info and criminal history info was sent to me from the email address: stop.the.popn@gmail.com Whoever it is, found my post and sent me the info to aid in my story.

[sickofscams]

All that huffing and puffing, Haywood, and then POPN goes and changes. Why? Because it was illegal!!! The new site is:

www.thepopnlife.com

It's complicated and I can't imagine anyone signing up. My question is, if you signed up a couple of weeks ago $3,500 and now you have to sell this BS to others for $199.00, aren't you pretty damn mad? Is someone going to return your money except for $200 bucks?

Just like I said, the program stops and people lose their money. The defection rate will be high, I bet.

[sickofscams]

I've listened to two nights of POPN's "life-coaching". Honestly, it was so boring I almost fell asleep. Perhaps the worst of the bunch is a woman named BJ HICKMAN of Huntington Beach, CA. Apparently she's been married for 25+ years, has two grown children and her husband is a recovering alcoholic named David. I am not sure what she plans to bring to the table, but I can tell you that life-coaching is NOT her calling. :(

[moneybags]

I responded to an advertisement in an opportunity magazine and was asked to send $500. bucks to a woman in Texas. Boy :rolleyes: I'm glad I didn't slip on that 'Banana peel' ...Since then I've been searching for legit opportunities and I found one that really pays well. You need a e gold account, but it's worth taking a LQQK at.
Go to:
http://www.multipledailyearning.com/?ref=276

and C4 yourself....

[k2theforrest]

It really ticks me off when these companies try to look legit by taking perfectly good model and twisting it into an unethical, dishonest scam that more often than not cheats people out of their money. It makes it really hard to find the real GOOD opportunities that really do exist. I, for example, have a business (that I am not trying to market to you all) that really is legit and has been working great that is a home based MLM type organization that works with a health and wellness company. The reason that I work with it, is that I actually believe in what the wellness company is doing. My suggestion to you all, is to really do your research. Don't give any money until you get ALL the details. That's what I did and it works great. I am a student, going to a $30,000 a year school, and the only reason that I can afford it, is this opportunity. So if you are looking for something, don't get discouraged. There are great things out there that really can be done, and that do make good money, but those things also require work. They are not magical money making spells. Making money, requires effort, nothing truly good comes without investment of time and/or energy.

Good luck to those of you who are searching, if there are people who are out there who have found truly good opportunities, let us know so that people will be able to find legit opportunities.

[sickofscams]

Great news everyone!!! Mr. Jon Parr, POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK and POPN LIFE CO are going to be exposed on TV!!! If you are in the D/FW metroplex area, tune in to NEWS 8 INVESTIGATES on May 9th at 10 pm. The award winning investigative journalist, Brett Shipp, will expose this fraud for all to see! Then Haywood and the others can stick that in their pipe and smoke it. :rolleyes:

If you aren't in the area, I'll post a link from the website when it posts. :D

[team synergy]

For every legit company out there that utilized network marketing to build their businesses, there seems to be three to five out there that are not legit in the sense that they seem to scam people. It gives the other legit companies a really bad name. Just as POPN went down, it appears that another TX one is about to go down for many of the same reasons. Oh well....keep the faith, and do your due diligence before signing up with any company (whether traditional or network marketing based).

[Katharma]

I had this one guy one time trying to get me in to this Golf game. Its a online game yo pay him $200 for basic or gold or platinum memberships could go up to $2k. Anyways its a online game he started with his son and everytime you get someone to join you get a cut of the memebership fees. I asked him what if I only sign 20 people and i get stuck, How many people can you actually sign for a online golf game? He was like then if you do not sign some one with on 3 months your membership is cancelled. HA!

Its a pyramid scheme but they are trying to use a game as a front. It works the same way and always the same guy is on top , him or his son.

I never joined and always are jiffy about quick cash.

Good job exposing these bastards!

[sals70]

I responded to an advertisement in an opportunity magazine and was asked to send $500. bucks to a woman in Texas. Boy :rolleyes: I'm glad I didn't slip on that 'Banana peel' ...Since then I've been searching for legit opportunities and I found one that really pays well. You need a e gold account, but it's worth taking a LQQK at.
Go to:
http://www.multipledailyearning.com/?ref=276

and C4 yourself....
This sounds great......however, how do you get that many members per day? I don't know that many email addresses....thx, sals70

[DreamBuilder]

This sounds great......however, how do you get that many members per day? I don't know that many email addresses....thx, sals70

Sals70, would your intention also be to "build it once, build it big & build it to leave a legacy to pay your children's children"? If you answered with a resounding YES, then it's NOT about raking in email addresses.... it IS about building relationships. It's about building that know, like & trust within the relationship. NOT having an agenda when talking with a prospect.


However, if you're about collecting email addresses & spamming everyone & their mother about your opportunity, you'll always be rebuilding it again & again every few weeks because I can guarantee you, it WILL always fall apart .... or doing this multiple streams of outgo, uhhh I mean income!

You may also want to read some of my other posts in here about how to evaluate ANY company: http://forums.backpage.com/showthread.php?p=150290#post150290 (http://forums.backpage.com/showthread.php?p=150290#post150290)
Wouldn't you like to know the odds of your succeeding BEFORE you joined a company? :)


We train anyone in any company with the skills of network marketing (http://robdora.bigmlmlies.com/?mad=6022). It starts with Success in 10 Steps (http://robdora.bigmlmlies.com/?mad=6022). Read it. It's free & generic with nothing to buy, no affiliate links & will help you. Read it ASAP.

Unfortunately most people have been misled into thinking nwm is a sales business. Nothing could be further from the truth.... it's a teaching & mentoring "business" & having duplication throughout your organization.


In order to earn more YOU have to become more so that YOU will attract the right people into YOUR life. :)


Let me know how I can be of further assistance.


Have a fantastic day! :)

[ablaye]

Thanks for the tip. There are so many work-from-home scams nowadays. I'd say the majority of the work-from-home ads are scams.

[Nikki81]

watch out for people like (the fake profit) peterpopoff or what ever his name is. He sends you mail telling you that god has sent him a message to tell you that you have a blessing comming your way but the only way you can recieve this so called blessings is if you send him some money and your blessings will come true because he will pray for you . and if your a religious person like myself you just might fall for it. well wake up call ... he a false profit dont fall for his scams.

[websurf]

As the old saying goes, “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” Anyone who tells you you can make huge amounts of money, with very little investment, and very little work, is almost certainly not telling you the truth. Participating in any pyramid scheme, ponzi scheme, or any other scheme which promises that you will get rich quickly, with little effort is foolish at best. You will most likely only lose money to such a scheme, and you may even find yourself subject to legal prosecution for fraud. True wealth is only gained through honest work, and honest investment, in enterprises which produce goods and services of value to all. There are no shortcuts, and anyone who tells you otherwise is almost certainly out to cheat you.

[Kindle]

Sorry to hear that sickofscams. I think I've heard of something like that recently...
something about finding just one person and then making a pledge or something like that. Thanks for the warning...

And thanks malcolan for the info x

[Jeffro13]

It really ticks me off when these companies try to look legit by taking perfectly good model and twisting it into an unethical, dishonest scam that more often than not cheats people out of their money. It makes it really hard to find the real GOOD opportunities that really do exist. I, for example, have a business (that I am not trying to market to you all) that really is legit and has been working great that is a home based MLM type organization that works with a health and wellness company. The reason that I work with it, is that I actually believe in what the wellness company is doing. My suggestion to you all, is to really do your research. Don't give any money until you get ALL the details. That's what I did and it works great. I am a student, going to a $30,000 a year school, and the only reason that I can afford it, is this opportunity. So if you are looking for something, don't get discouraged. There are great things out there that really can be done, and that do make good money, but those things also require work. They are not magical money making spells. Making money, requires effort, nothing truly good comes without investment of time and/or energy.

Good luck to those of you who are searching, if there are people who are out there who have found truly good opportunities, let us know so that people will be able to find legit opportunities.
Hello to all!
I truly have also found a legit home based business and am very successful at it I was actually recruited
I also was very leery and did lots of research the name of the company is Pre Paid Legal Check it out Good Stuff