POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK: scam alert

[sickofscams]

I'd like to share an experience I had with 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.

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

[golfman]

I'd like to share an experience I had with 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.

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
Are you interested in a MLM that works. It can save you money on gas and show you how to make money showing other people. 200.00 to get in and the sky is the limit.

[sickofscams]

I really appreciate your offer. I think I'm burned out on MLM, Network Marketing, etc.

[0truth0]

so the bottom line is...you got in...made a couple calls and then you quit?

and now you're crying like a little baby, spamming every single website you can in an effort to completely ruin the lives of thousands of individuals

next time, don't quit

then you can spam every message board in an effort to create wealth for thousands of individuals and their families

keep shopping at WalMart
that'll help
as long as you're teaching those grandkids to speak Mandarin...

this activity works
but not if you quit

I wiped my ass with my left hand once...I didn't do a very good job
do you think I went and told everyone I could that they shouldn't wipe with the left hand?

if you're burnt out on the scene...move on...don't attempt to destroy it...

may Jah and Jah Lah bless you, your home, and your family
may you be protected from the fire you have started

[sickofscams]

No, that's not my story, but I'm glad you cared so much to write in response. You sound like a very mature individual, by the way. It might also interest you to know that I do not shop at Wal-Mart. I prefer Target and Sam's Club for my shopping needs. You might give those places a try.

Now, you say it's not a scam. Why is this info posted on their site:


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

That is relevant because if you use those terms then everyone will know what it is that you are participating in - illegal ponzi scheme.

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.

Now on this point, they are correct. No IRS codes are violated by their private gifting program. However, there are other state laws that are violated - see above and below.

Ok, what about this info:

Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
Business and Commerce Code
Consumer Protection

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/iia/view.php?type=q&id=85&cid=15

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.


FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW (EXCERPT)
Act 269 of 1974

445.1528 Pyramid or chain promotion or distribution.

Sec. 28.

(1) A person may not offer or sell any form of participation in a pyramid or chain promotion. A pyramid or chain promotion is any plan or scheme or device by which (a) a participant gives a valuable consideration for the opportunity to receive compensation or things of value in return for inducing other persons to become participants in the program or (b) a participant is to receive compensation when a person introduced by the participant introduces one or more additional persons into participation in the plan, each of whom receives the same or similar right, privilege, license, chance, or opportunity.

(2) A pyramid or chain promotion is declared to be illegal and against the public policy of the state. Any contract made in violation of this section is voidable at the sole option of the purchaser.


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.

[sickofscams]

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.


How about 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.

AND also, 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.

[sickofscams]

By the way, I was contacted by one of your members who 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:


[QUOTE]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

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


...CONTINUED ON THE NEXT POST

[sickofscams]

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. [/QUOTE]

So now I've been kind enough to share with you my favorite places to shop AND proof that your gifting program violates state and federal laws. :eek: Can you show me proof it's legal?

And, if you are a victim of Power of People Network, please notify the grass-roots organization called STOP THE POPN at stop.the.popn@gmail.com

[sickofscams]

Here's some info on your leader, Jonathan 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)
:eek:

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
:eek:


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
File Date Jan 14 2003

Plaintiff
WINSTED THE
10501 N MACARTHUR City
IRVING
TX 75063
9724449494

Judgement Amount $140.00

Looks like the Ms. Boyd has an interesting rental history.

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
ENTERED: 05/12/2003
EVICTION: YES


DEBTOR: BOYD,KAMELA
ADDRESS: 10577 N MACARTHUR BLVD #2170
IRVING, TX 75063
CREDITOR: THE WINSTED APARTMENTS
AMOUNT: $ 1,400
NUMBER: 0301414L
TYPE: CIVIL NEW FILING
ENTERED: 06/17/2003
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

[fredfrisco]

dude
looks like you were taken. Law 357 of my penal code says that I will shoot, with malice, anyone that hoses me like that. LOL
I guess hindsight is 20/20 and you should have researched the jerk prior to getting involved.
If it looks that easy, sounds that easy...everyone would be doing it. He does not make much money in his dealings. It seems he is peaks and valleys. he is broke, then scams a guy like you, then lives high on the hog...then is broke...a viscious cycle.
Anyhow, sorry for your situation.

[sickofscams]

FriscoFred:

You are probably 100% right about that. His civil history alone suggests that he has no character at all. It's so funny how he seemingly brainwashes his supporters.

I should have known better - that's for sure!

[notthistime]

the lazy s.o.b posting lies about the power of people is so full of horse crap its not even funny. all we can do is pray for him because he is truly a lost soul. he tried to extort his family members. he has a criminal history longer than my arms. he is an evil person. he had no intention and never has had any intention of working to earn what he has. he is a sorry excuse for a person, and he is setting an example for his kids to be just as horrible, i feel so sorry for his children who can't help what family their born into, they don't deserve to be around such a godless man. he will be dealt with in a swift manner. sickofscams will be sick behind bars sooner than later.

[notthistime]

sickofscams is a criminal, he has a record longer than my arm. He is an evil person that tried to extort his own brother. he will be dealt with swiftly here on earth and when hes gone.

[sickofscams]

sickofscams is a criminal, he has a record longer than my arm. He is an evil person that tried to extort his own brother. he will be dealt with swiftly here on earth and when hes gone.

Big Guy, if you have some proof why don't you post it? I don't know you nor do I have ANY idea what you are talking about. Do you think you are doing your program any favors by coming here and sounding like a complete idiot? You rant and rave about me and we don't even know one another. You are trying to give everyone here the impression that you know something of me and you do not. Extort my brother? You have GOT to be kidding. I'm literally rolling on that one.

Post your proof or get lost. I posted plenty of proof that your organization is a fraud. If you are so sure it isn't then post some proof. (hint: this is sort of like a debate)

[lilhay]

I'd like to share an experience I had with 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.


Jon Parr, founder of
Power of People Network

First off, you had a choice of whether you wanted to join POPN just like the rest of us. I came in at $3500 also, qualified and have made thousands already. Why didn't you earn any money? You didn't do anything...bottom line. Also, we are given complete info on everything before we send any money to our inviter. Stop lying!

Another thing...why would Elbert send you leads to call when he was not your inviter? Explain please. We all have to qualify then we break off to earn money. How can you say that you were calling all those people to send $3500 to Jon? Completely false statements. This program is far from illegal. IRS Tax laws state anyone can receive a gift up to $11,000 tax free from anyone. Also this gift is accompanied by a form filled out by this person stated that he freely did this of his own will and power. No one forced you to give anyone $3500. Also their is a legite service, the website for members automates the process and makes sure no one cheats and also has leads to access daily if we need to. No one is hiding. We have support/training calls also to help our new members.

Being in home business for over eight years has brought me across many individuals like yourself....whining, complaining, and never will do anything to change their lives. Why listen to broke people on a message board? What are you going to do now? Cut and paste this same message on every board? I have had call pertaining to this message and people still joined our team. Nobody believes you...bottom line! Jonathan Parr is an awesome individual. If POPN was going to be shut down....it would have already been gone.

HLD aka The Great from Alabama

[notthistime]

Way to go lilhay!!! You just said all that needs to be said. Nobody else needs to say anything else no matter what sickofhimself tries to come back and say. We all know he's full of it. His story is pathetic. People who always play the victim will never get anywhere in life. They create pitty stories and lies all their lives and never take responsibility for themselves.The power of people is about helping others, and thats what we do everyday. A little lazy punk isn't going to keep us from helping people realize their dreams. Evil people will try and try and try to stop good doers from having joy, but good things never die because good has a stronger passion for righteousness than evil has for suffering.

[sickofscams]

Your precious program closed it's doors today. Now they are hocking life-coaching for $199 per person. How does that make the people who invested $3,500 feel? I'll tell you, NOT GOOD. The new system is crap. Everyone is unhappy now.

[sickofscams]

Well, it looks like the organizers of POPN are going to take their dirty money and try to launder it by starting a new business called The POPN Life or Positive Options People Need. They announced their "life coaches".

Now these scammers want you to fax in your Social Security card and Drivers License to them. How stupid do you have to be to turn over those documents to someone who has already proven they are willing to break the law and scam the system????

Beware of their ads which will be coming out soon and will look like this:

POPN prelaunch STart today $1,500 per day / week - no selling

I'm POPN!
Are you?
Start today!
$1,500 per day / week
no selling
toll free #

HOT PRELAUNCH
POPN LIFE

[fool for joining]

This is a scam!!!!!What a fool I was for believing that crap. I have a mission now to shut them down forever!!!!I will help anyone I can to stop them. No matter what they call their new program now it is a scam. I was a member but I could not bring myself to con people into the popn. I never made a dime and I was dropped when they change to the "popnlifecompany" with no explanation. What chickens they are.

[sickofscams]

I'm sorry you were scammed "Fool for Joining". You are not alone! Many people lost money. You just need to file the appropriate reports with state and federal agencies. They can freeze his assets and maybe some money can be gotten for the victims.

I listened to their stupid calls on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday was horrible. It was Elbert West talking about gardening for an hour and 45 minutes. Monday was almost as bad. The worst coach, in my opinion, was BJ HICKMAN from Huntington Beach, CA. That woman did not interest me at all! :eek:

[fool for joining]

Thank you "sickofscams" I too got to listen in on a few calls this week and boy I'm glad in away I didn't get called back. What a bunch of horse pucky! I'm happy to report I will be involved in shutting them down and I might get to be on TV. I encourage anyone who feels "left out in the cold" or "ripped of" to go to "Stop.the.popn@gmail.com" it will help our cause to nail these ba-----! They won't know what hit them!!!!

[hazman6969]

Thanks for the heads up I avoided a big mistake thanks to this thread.

http://www.********.com/?2895339

[fool for joining]

Thanks for letting me know I'm so glad you didn't get involved with those people. Word of wisdom: If they want cash. Don't join! If they want your personal information STOP! There are other groups out there that are ran by the same people. BEWARE! If you want some names let me know. Thanks again for making my day!!! :)

[sickofscams]

Hey Fool For Joining:

Don't be too hard on yourself. They scammed thousands of people into believing their lies. You are doing the right thing by working to shut them down. I know all your hard work to expose them will be very satisfying in the end. :)

[fool for joining]

Thank you "sickofscams" I'am feeling better about myself everyday, what hurts is these people make you feel like part of a huge family and when you spend much of your days alone it's nice to be able to share and learn new things from all the member's. Now I have new friends, like you who I trust and can confide in. :) I also have a cause I really believe in and of course we all know what that is. STOP THE SCAMMERS OUT THERE! Thanks again! :) :) "fool for joining"

[sickofscams]

Fool For Joining:

Who will get the last laugh??? Mr. Parr & his scam will be featured on News 8 Investigates in D/FW on May 9th at 10 pm. :D

If you aren't in the area, not to worry....I will post the link when it airs.

[sickofscams]

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, tune in to News 8 Investigates on May 9th at 10 pm. The award winning investigative journalist, Brett Shipp, will expose the founder of the scams POPN LIFE CO & POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK. :mad:

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

[fool for joining]

Hey sickofscams I have good news.

[fool for joining]

Hey sickofscams', I just emailed some of Jon Parr's new scamming buddy's they don't even have a clue who their dealing with, well they do now!!!! I just let them know what a good friend he is and how they should trust him with all of the cash they want to give him. He'll need it for his defence lawyer's. I'm joking of course. If you feel the need to send your cash to someone your better off sending cash to one of your favoite charity's. You'll feel better about how your money's spent instead of asking yourself where it went once this guy disapears. :D :eek: :confused:

[sickofscams]

Hey Fool For Joining:

Way to go!!! I hope all his co-scammers get in trouble too. He's going around telling everyone that there are no victims just one disgruntled family member. It's amazing to me that so many people are still falling prey to him and his scams.
:(

[sickofscams]

Fool For Joining: PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!!!! :)

[fool for joining]

Hey "sickofscams" you are so right. He and his buddy's will all be running for the hills. They are such cowards when it come right down to it. I wonder if they will ever be able to get a JOB? Oh yeah it's not something they want to do it's easier to scam hard working people out of their money. They wouldn't be able to do what I do and I'm over 50 and have worked hard all my life. I work in a warehouse and can still work harder than people half my age and most of the time they can't believe it. Enough about me. Jon and his friends are going to find something else to do, no matter what they try we'll stop them. Hopefully people become smarted than they are. Once the story come's out it won't be that easy for them to take advantage of people. :D

[SO Hunter]

Sweetie pie, life can be as easy or as hard as you wanna make it...try this...if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, its a duck...and no one ever made their fortune off a duck....

[fool for joining]

:confused: WHAT DOES DUCKS HAVE ANYTHING to do with my post. Your from FL. do you know Jonathon Parr? If it smells like a skunk, lools like a skunk whoo, must be a skunk... :D

[sickofscams]

:confused: WHAT DOES DUCKS HAVE ANYTHING to do with my post. Your from FL. do you know Jonathon Parr? If it smells like a skunk, lools like a skunk whoo, must be a skunk... :D

Fool For Joining: WELL SAID!!!!!

Rumor has it that both Jon Parr & Elbert West have gone into hiding. Several reporters are looking for them and they can't be found. That's an implicit sign of guilt as far as I'm concerned. :rolleyes:

[sickofscams]

Here is the FIRST of several in the works:

The Investigators: Woman Says 'Gifting Program' Took Last Dime
Power Of The People Network Asked Woman To Give Them $3,500

POSTED: 9:40 pm EDT May 8, 2006
UPDATED: 11:06 pm EDT May 9, 2006


http://www.nbc10.com/news/9180219/detail.html
:eek:

[fool for joining]

Can't wait to see the scammer's, scatter to unknown territory. They will never be able to show their faces again, and you can bet their voices will be silenced because they are permently inbedded in many peoples memories. Oh, yah, one more thing about the "DUCK" isn't there a ad about disablity insurance that a very weathy "duck owner" and "trainer" have on TV all the time? I wish I owned that duck talk about the paychecks he's or she's bringing in. HA,HA,HA, :D Some people. :eek: :p

[sickofscams]

NBC Channel 5 in Dallas/Fort Worth

Woman Loses Thousands In Pyramid Scheme
http://www.nbc5i.com/video/9182324/index.html# (http://)

:eek:

[sickofscams]

They call it The Power of the People Network, but it's POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK

Corsicana Daily Sun, Corsicana, Texas - Web of deceit? (http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/local/local_story_130102448.html?keyword=secondarystory)

:mad:

[sickofscams]

LINK:

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX: WFAA Channel 8 Investigates (http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/videoPlayer.php?vidId=64642&catId=104 )

[sickofscams]

Just received great news update from STOP THE POPN:

There is a POPN LIFE member named Miguel who has been bragging about how he's opening a POPN LIFE office in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. He joined and invited the Chamber of Commerce as well as local media, Mayor and Governor to the "ribbon cutting ceremony". Everything was a go for June 2nd and pictures were to be posted on the Beauregard News site.

However, I have been informed that the Chamber of Commerce has canceled the ceremony and informed Miguel that they will not be supporting POPN LIFE CO due to information that the received from the state's Attorney General's office.

Apparently the State of Louisiana's AG office is investigating POPN and POPN LIFE and the Chamber said that they will not be supporting this company because "they cannot see the value or product of the company."

THE FUNNIEST PART is that yesterday on their member support call, they encouraged everyone to go to their Chamber of Commerce and request a grand opening ceremony. :D

[STOPthePOPN]

We are collecting contact information for victims who were scammed by the illegal gifting program, POPN or POWER OF PEOPLE NETWORK. If you were a member of this group and are now unhappy for any reason, please contact us for information on how to join this suit.

stop.the.popn@gmail.com

[Rick96]

if everyone sent you a $1 you did be a millionaire. not to mention $3,500