How can I tell if a program is a scam?

Good question. This is why I set up this page. I could warn someone that a program is a scam, or they could figure it out for themselves.  This is a self-service page, so that people can do the latter.

If you're thinking of joining a program, or if you're already in one, put it to the test!   I'm not anti-MLM, but I am anti-scam.  Too many scams put on "MLM Clothing" and confuse the masses, and thus people get scammed.  

Pyramid Scheme Alert has a page where you can test your program.   I highly recommend it.

Here are three links to Portable Document Format (PDF) files that Pyramid Scheme Alert provides as a service.  You will need the free Adobe Reader to view them.

1) Twelve Tests for Evaluating a Network Marketing (MLM) Company  (PDF, 57KB)

2) No product Pyramid schemes, versus Gambling, versus Sample Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) programs: Which does the greater harm?  (PDF, 9KB)    Wow.  These high profile MLM programs do NOT look too good after this analysis.

3) Unmet Challenge to Network Marketing (MLM) Industry Leaders: Network Marketing Payout Study. (PDF, 88KB)   Pyramid scheme alert uses this document to ask the tough questions, which many so-called MLM's do not like to fill out.   Challenge your program with this questionnaire.

MLM Watchdog has an article titled "How to Tell a Loser" which is a good read, and also a Library page which is helpful.

Network Marketing Research has links on evaluating programs.   You will need Word 6.0 or newer to read them.

A good site to check out if a program is a scam is MLM Survivor.  Check out World Wide Scam and MLMWatch as well.  Here's an article on MLM Boobytraps by MLM Truth.

How to protect yourself against MLM scams.

If there are other good links that can help people figure out if a program is a scam, please e-mail me at bobcat@despammed.com

WARNING: Pro-scam fake-amonials WILL be LARTed as spam, so don't bother sending them to me!