Consumer Guides and Actions

MLM EVALUATIONS ? Before joining an MLM, complete the 5-step do-it-yourself evaluation and compare it with our evaluations (over 250)

Frequently Asked QUESTIONS ? Research-based answers about MLM

MLM PRODUCTS ? Are they overpriced? Do the supplements really work?

MLM STATISTICS ? the shocking odds of MLM success, compared with gambling and with clearly illegal no-product pyramid schemes.

CONSUMER GUIDES to protect yourself against harmful schemes. Be sure to read ?
5 RED FLAGS for Identifying Exploitive Product-based Pyramid Schemes

30 Typical MISREPRESENTATIONS engaged in by MLM recruiters

1357 Ways to Make a LOT More Money than in MLM!

12-step Program for Deprogramming & Rehabilitating MLM Victims

13 ACTIONS you can take to recover MLM losses and to protect others
(See below for MLM RESEARCH & LEGALITY, CONTACT INFO., etc.)

 

Do MLM/network marketing companies sell directly to actual customers? Are they legitimate home-based businesses?

or are they thinly disguised pyramid or chain selling schemes? And if so, what harm do they do? Now you can know the answers!

OPINIONS AND QUESTIONS ABOUND.

These questions are frequently asked: Who, if anyone, is making money in MLM? What percentage of people lose money?
Are most MLM's legal ? or not? And is law enforcement equal to the task of regulating MLM? Are existing statutes adequate?

 

LEARN THE TRUTH ABOUT MLM/NETWORK MARKETING,
BASED ON OBJECTIVE RESEARCH

on success and loss rates, legality, ethics, etc. ? for determining whether or not a particular MLM is a viable income option ? or just another scam. Consumer protection agencies, attorneys, educators, and researchers will also benefit. Research includes:
- Surveys of tax professionals (those who handle the taxes of MLM participants)
- Court records for actions against MLM companies
- Surveys of consumers in areas of intense MLM participation
- Surveys of presidents of leading MLM's and communications with other top MLM officials
- MLM companies' published financial reports
- Marketing materials of MLM companies
- Correspondence & meetings with FTC & other federal & state law enforcement officials
- World-wide feedback from thousands of victims who have suffered losses from MLM participation
- Insider documents & actual income reports of MLM companies (compared with gambling and no-product pyramid schemes), etc.
- Surveys of current and past MLM distributors from dozens of MLM programs
- Reports of comparative analyses of alternative income opportunities
- Evaluations of over 250 MLM programs, based on analyses of their compensation plans and how they stack up against the "5 Red Flags" of a product-based pyramid scheme

DISCLAIMER:

These reports are intended purely as a communication of information in accordance with the right of free speech. They do not constitute legal or tax advice. Anyone seeking such advice should consult a competent professional who has some expertise in endless chain or pyramid selling schemes. Readers are specifically advised to obey all applicable laws, whether or not enforced in their area. Neither the Consumer Awareness Institute nor the authors assume any responsibility for the consequences of anyone acting according to the information in these reports.

 

Humor and Satire

See more Humor and Satire Here...

The Author

Dr. Jon M. Taylor (MBA, PhD) has taught college classes on entrepreneurship, ethics, management, and personal finance ? and founded over 40 home businesses, focusing on sales and marketing. Also, his experience in MLM; communications with top MLM executives, law enforcement, and thousands of inquirers; consumer advocacy; and wide-ranging research on MLM / network marketing make him the premier consultant and expert witness on chain selling and product - based pyramid schemes. Read his bio and vita - and sample readers' comments

 

 

Welcome:

You came to the right place for authoritative answers to your questions and reliable guidance in making decisions about MLM participation and/or help with recovery. This information is based on the most extensive research ever done on MLM compensation plans and profitability, on distinguishing characteristics separating legitimate direct selling from pyramid or chain selling, and on the deceptions used to sell product-based pyramid schemes.

Legal Services

 

SPONSOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION

• Consumer Awarenss Institute ? Top experts consulted

• BIO of Jon M. Taylor, Ph.D. ? unusually qualified to consult and to present on these issues ? and to act as expert witness in MLM cases

• Contact us. Please let us know how this information has helped you and if you have information to share about new MLM programs and abuses.

 

 

SAMPLE READERS' COMMENTS:

"I have found and read your excellent analysis of MLM and, (using many of your arguments), have managed to convince my wife that the 'opportunity' presented by one of our long-time friends, is in fact, a scam. Thank you for the moral and intellectual support your papers and articles have provided. Without them it would have been a close call"
?Stephen Pope

"I wanted to commend you on your articles - out of all the internet sites and reading I did on the subject, your articles were by far the most informative and well researched, and it really helped me understand the dangers of MLMs. Thank you!! "
? Amantha Imber, Ph.D., Melbourne, Australia

"I want to thank you so very much for your efforts and I applaud the dead-on accuracy of your analysis. Because I knew what to expect, I knew what to ask [when recruited by an MLM promoter]. The tactics and predictability would be comical if it weren't for the devious intent. Again, thank you for maintaining such an informative, and necessary website. It is appreciated."
? Manuel de Los Rios

"I've been approached many times to become involved in network marketing. It is good to finally have a resource available that puts forth the principles of network marketing in a clear, thought-provoking way so that decisions are made wisely."
? Dr. Alfred L. Pace III, Educator

"A fascinating look at the upside and downside of uplines and downlines."
? Carol Lynn Pearson, author, poet, playwright

 

Some of the MLM programs analyzed by
Dr. Taylor

 

Acai Plus
Achievers Unlimited
ACN
Adcalls
Advantage Conferences
Advantage Neutraceuticals
Advocare
Agel
AIM
All-star Entrepreneur Amazon Herb
Ambit Energy
American Longevity Ameriplan USA Amerisciences
AMS
Amsoil
Amway / Alticore
American Petroleum Promotions
Amigo Health
Annasa
Apeus
Arbonne
Ascend Technol's
At Home America
Avalla - Nutrimetics
Avon
Beach Body
BeautiControl
Bel?Air
Better Universe
Beyond Freedom Seminars
bHIPGlobal
Big Planet (Nu Skin)
Biometrics
Bioperformance
BioPro
Bodywise
Bookwise Books
Brain Garden
Burn Lounge
Business in Motion (BIM)
Cell Tech
Cell Wireless
Champion Communications
Citizenre
Cleur
Cognigen
Conklin
Creative Memories Cyberwize
DCHL -Digital Crown Holdings Ltd.
DSX
Dubli
Dynasty of Diamonds
E. Excel
Earth Essence
Easy Daily Cash Ebiz.com
Ecoquest
Eiro
Emerald Passport Profit Masters
Empire Dreams
Empower Net
Eniva Gold Marketing Enliven EnvisionCC
Epic Network
Escape International Essante
Essentially Yours Evolution Int'l
eXfuse
Extreme Research
EZ Wealth by Design First Financial Security
First Fitness Int'l
Fuel Freedom International
FFSI
For You
Forever Green
Forever Int'l
Forever Living
Formor Int'l
Forte Builder (New Vision)
Fortune Hi-tech Marketing
Free Life Int'l
Freedom Rocks
Fruda Vida Int'l
Fruitaigo Fuller Brush
Fun Unlimited
Gano Excel
Gemcap
Genewize Life Sciences
GDI - Global Domain Int'l
Global Equity Marketing Global Equity Lending Global Health Trax
Global Resorts Network
Global Travel Trends (PRT Travel)
GNLD
GoHFT
Gold Mine Int'l
Golden Neo-life Diamite
GoldQuest
Goldshield Elite
Good Life Int'l
Goyin
Herbalife
Heritage Health Products
Heritage Makers
Hsin Ten Enterprise USA
iBuzzPro
Ignite Stream of Energy
Igonet
i Learning Global
Immunotec
Inner Light
Integris Global
Int'l Galleries, Inc. IGI)
Isagenix
ITV Ventures
NuSkin

See the Full List