A business opportunity that promises you can work from home, earn lots of money, and enjoy a lavish lifestyle? Sounds tempting, particularly now, when so many people are out of work because of the Coronavirus pandemic. But letters the FTC sent today to ten multi-level marketing (MLM) companies are a reminder to research an MLM business before investing your money and your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FTC\u2019s letters tell the companies to immediately stop their distributors from telling people that they\u2019re likely to get rich by investing in the business. They also demand the companies immediately stop all claims that their products can treat or prevent COVID-19, as there\u2019s no evidence or scientific testing supporting claims that those products can help prevent or treat the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the FTC, the MLMs\u2019 distributors posted their unsupported ads on social media sites. Some took direct aim at the economic stimulus payments and urged people to use the money to invest in their MLMs. The messages included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re thinking about joining an MLM company, get the details. Start by searching online for the name of the company and words like review, scam, or complaint. Be skeptical of portrayals of lavish\u00a0lifestyles made possible by participating in the program. Most people who join legitimate MLMs make little or no money. And, if promoters emphasize recruiting as the real way to make money, head for the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n