WHAT CULT RECRUITMENT LOOKS LIKE #antimlm #makewellness

I believe that how to avoid getting recruited into a pyramid scheme should be taught in school. The problem is that many teachers are involved in multilevel marketing pyramid schemes (MLMs) and see no problem misusing their authority to build trust with their students only to recruit them after they graduate.

The problem worsens as kids aren't prepared to identify simple red flags of a scam. Zoom presentations with an MLM CEO talking about themselves in a rags to riches story and encouraging you to ask yourself "what if" you decided to dream big, isn't a legitimate business opportunity.

This is a classic con job. In a well-worn, predictable script that stretches all the way back to Amway.

In the video clips in this video, the mechanics of cult recruitment are exposed. It's a gross display of manipulation.

It's easy enough to prepare students what to watch for, what to expect when encountering an MLM pyramid scheme. They can be taught to identify their own feelings of excitement and hope and how that's being preyed upon, to hijack their critical thinking, and instead focus attention on the MLM CEO and think to themselves...if they can do it, so can I.
#antimlm #makewellness

Excellent resources to help you learn more about MLM:

Questions to ask before signing up with an MLM:

Antimlm reddit:

David Brear's blog, 'MLM' The American Dream Made Nightmare

Robert Fitzpatrick's website Pyramid Scheme Alert

Up to date MLM info:

Chapter 7 from The Case (for and) Against Multi-llevel Marketing - MLM’s Abysmal Numbers

Appendix 7E: MLM Profit and loss rates vs. various income options

Article from TINA.org about 98% of MLMs use deceptive income claims

County Trajectories of pyramid scheme victimization

Where to report:
Competition Bureau Canada:

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:

Report fraud to the FTC:

State by State resources:

Preparing a Quality Tip, Complaint, or Referral (TCR) from the SEC:

Multi-Level Marketing Plans and Schemes of Pyramid Selling

Koscot pyramid scheme test

[davidbrear]

In 2015, a British Conservative Member of Parliament, Christopher Heaton-Harris (who later became a Minister in Boris Johnson's government) gave a 30 minute speech to his parliamentary colleagues. In this, he recited absurd fraudulent propaganda given to him by the so-called 'UK Direct Selling Association.' Mr. Heaton-Harris went on to request that funding be released by the UK governments 'Dept. of Skills and Equalities' so that representatives of 'Direct Selling Companies' (he named 'Amway' but never used the term, 'MLM') and the 'DSA, ' could visit UK schools and colleges to present direct selling as a career.
Mr. Heaton Harris subsequently proved to be impossible to contact. He is no longer a Member of Parliament.

[G-L-O-R-I-A]

As a first grade teacher, I find MLM recruitment of students beyond reprehensible. I use my influence to try to show my students how to be kind and think critically.

[kathycharlton]

I’m a teacher and you are so so right. We need to add this to economy
In classes. Sadly, I’ve not thought about this, but this plays right into kids dreams. So many want to be “influencers” and may see this as that. We need to stop these MLMs before they prey on our kids

[defenderofmen]

I live in Utah, which is overrun by MLMs (a lot of them are headquartered here too). I cannot count how many times someone has tried to rope me into selling something or buying overprices, overhyped nonsense. I was lucky my dad taught me about what an MLM/pyramid scheme looks like and why they are bad. I think all schools should teach about these along with other scams like Ponzi schemes and fake charities.

[andyvarella]

Whoa! Two classic examples of different approaches. Thanks Julie.

[MarjaMariachi]

Oh my God... he's right! I was BORN to sell, uhh, what is it? Peptides? Like a drink or a pill? A cream?

Doesn't matter.... I WAS BORN TO SELL THESE WHATEVERS THAT I'VE NEVER LAID EYES ON!!

JESUS LOOKED DOWN AND SAID, "Yeah, that one, hey you, Marja, sell these uhh, peptides? Doesn't matter, go sell 'em!"

[NiktheBooksmith]

But, what IF, Julie!!!
Its exhausting just hearing them talk about starting over. Again.

[Cheseafaith]

I took an ethics college class a couple years ago and was appalled to find the textbook was written in part by Herbal Life. They had a whole section and case study about how it was an ethical business model. I wrote my final paper on how unethical MLMs were and got push back from the professor. It was frustrating.

[liftpanic]

"I know you're made for more"...."I just wanted to make my little boy proud of if your whole life was preparing you for this moment?" This makes my skin crawl, so manipulative.

[AnitaCripps]

JP is slime in human form. He has done untold damage by preying on so many vulnerable people with his scams.

[elisabethsrlie]

"Get out of your head".. Uh no thank you, I love my critical thinking head!

[markrichardson]

Unfortunately that's the truth, keep going from Victoria 🎉

[knittydragon]

Oh no, not the TO you or FOR you line again. I do love my "life happens 3 you" mug from Savy Writes Books, but the original saying is so ridiculous.

[howardcohen]

This shit isn't working anymore 😕