Pyramid Scheme's in the Military

CPL Paul B. — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:01:52 -0400

Currently I have seen countless schemes targeting veterans, and soldiers
alike. Promising them fortunes in money. They attack soldiers who don't
make as much, and give them a way that will make them feel they can get
ahead. As a future leader myself, in what ways would you protect your
soldiers, or employees from these types of attacks?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 21 at 2014 12:07 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:07:18 -0400

You have to share these schemes with your Soldiers and if something sounds too good to be true, chances are that it is not something in their best interest, it probably benefits the salesman. Another warning sign is not going to an established business address or office to verify for yourself that it is a legitimate business and not a fly-by-night organization.

I am curious in reading some of the "countless schemes" you've seen - you sharing your knowledge and experience helps us all!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 5:17 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 05:17:48 -0400

I agree with the CSM, if the ones you know of are fairly popular then share them with us. Just like with the not too kosher establishments of various types that are often right in front of the gate off post, you just have to be diligent and educate your troops. Whether through counselings or otherwise to make sure they are aware that these places do exist and as service members they represent guaranteed dollar signs.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Apr 16 at 2014 7:21 AM

SFC Stephen Hester — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 07:21:03 -0400

In the classic pyramid scheme, participants try to make money solely by enrolling others into the scheme and recruiting others to do the same thing. The hook is the promise of fast money for basically doing nothing except getting others to sign up for the program. There may be a "product" or "service" involved but the compensation plan revolves around using sign-up fees from new recruits (at the bottom) to pay off those who are already in the program. Otherwise known as a "Ponzi" scheme, pyramids use money from Peter to pay Paul.

If there is any doubt about the legitimacy of a business opportunity the best is to consult with JAG or the local Better Business Bureau. If it is a "Pyramid scheme" then it is illegal and something to be avoided. There are many legitimate opportunities out there where a Soldier or spouse can make decent money; the key is to do the homework necessary to ensure that the business is legal, ethical, and being properly represented by the representative.

You can learn more from the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/ia_pyramid.htm

SEC.gov | Beware of Pyramid Schemes Posing as Multi-Level Marketing Programs

The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy is issuing this Investor Alert to warn individual investors about pyramid schemes, a type of investment scam that fraudsters often pitch as a legiti...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 7:50 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 07:50:29 -0400

Education and Engagement. Your soldiers (and spouses) will make ill-informed decisions when it comes to money managment. The more pro-active you are in talking to them about money, the more open they will be to listening to advice. Sad fact is that most American youths are not well educated on how to handle money after high school. You can also arrange for classes from services on post...I did this at the Company level and found it to be very productive and reduced the numbers of soldiers getting low-payment, high-interest credit.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 16 at 2014 8:06 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 08:06:05 -0400

As with anything in the military...training. Teach your troops how to recognize and avoid these types of things. Make sure that they tell someone that may be able to do something

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 8 at 2017 1:50 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:50:49 -0500

I ask my subordinates to inform me before making large investments or large purchases so I can help them make a smarter decision, but they don't have to.