Pyramid scams....stay away?

gino76ph

Hi there!

* I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to discuss my subject thread*

I came to know a person who was offering some type of "business" that will help you earn money on top what your current job is offering you.

Met up with this person and i was told that i can "get paid for doing nothing/staying at home" and "get paid for getting paid". No catch BUT i have to at least "take" 3 of the services that they are offering (broadband, landline, VOIP box, Virgin media, vitamins, etc.) and refer it to 2 persons i know. The last part seems a pyramid type of referral/investment. I was told that i get to "test drive" the business for 7 days then i have to pay £390 after that then for another 7 days if i don't like it i can get my money back. Sounds legit?

Before i parted with the person i was asked to register my details including my bank's sort code and account number (but not my long card details) and then to meet up again to finalise everything, etc.

Is this sort of company i should be avoiding?

Please advice. Thanks.

soolin

Yes it is the sort of company that should have you running a mile.

gino76ph

The company is called ACN and i wonder if this is familiar with you guys?

Its more of a networking kind of business that has the hallmarks of a pyramid scheme. The lady sounded convincing but holes began to emerge when she mentioned things such as that the company was being endorsed by Donald Trump (with such a bad record on money, businesses & investments) and BT which has the most expensive monthly plans for landline & broadband.

I didn't part with any money but she did took my bank account number. Is this a cause for concern?

SeduLOUs

If it sounds too good to be true...

Nobody gets paid for doing nothing.

zugzwang

You can phone Action Fraud which is run by the Police:

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/about-us/who-we-are

http://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/advice-and-support/fraud-and-economic-crime/nfib/Pages/default.aspx

redcard

To answer the question: Yes, stay away from pyramid scams.

The name should really give it away.

System

If you've given them your bank details and they have your name and address then you could be in for a big surprise when they take direct debits or funds from your account. I would contact your bank immediately.

This is definitely a scam.

Bonzowaite

Stay away!
Google is your friend >>

http://www.mlmeo.com/acn/scam.php
http://ethanvanderbuilt.com/2014/04/29/acn-scam-yes-opinion/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACN_Inc.

etc. Just Google "ACN scam"

mum2one

I'd speak to your bank urgently, as they may try to set up a debit on your account, and also alert the police via the action fraud line,

x

paddyrg

I'm sure they'll tell you over and over in as many ways as they can tat they're not a pyramid scheme - but the reality is that most MLM's only sell goods to try to get round the illegality of pure pyramid schemes.

Anything that relies on you getting referrals to get paid certainly looks, smells and tastes like a veiled pyramid

System

Stay away from pyramid schemes. Especially if the guy's name is Rameses and he talks in pictures.