Multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) operate in secrecy. They don’t want you to know where the products are coming from, how they’re being sold, who’s making a profit, and how the business works. They only want you to buy. Buy this starter kit, host that party, convince your friends and join the cult—sorry, the “club.” Operating in darkness is how these pyramid schemes build their membership count, branch into new cities, and keep average Americans in debtbut still chasing an empty dream.

So how did MLMs even come to be, and if they’re so blatantly nefarious, why hasn’t the government permanently shut them down? To answer these questions and many more, we brought on Jenner Furst, director of LuLaRich, the documentary that exposes the multi-billion dollar MLM empire, LuLaRoe. Jenner has worked tirelessly to uncover how these entities exist, what causes them to become so cult-like, and how unassuming Americans can fall prey to their money-making traps.

We also talk about the hierarchy of pyramid schemes, the culture inside of one, and the uneven pay structure that falsely tricks new members into believing they can strike it rich. You’ll learn about the history of MLMs, the so-called “Amway Rules,” and how snake oil salespeople have used social media to grow their empires to even greater heights.

In This Episode We Cover

The history of pyramid schemes and MLMs and how they become popularized in America

MLMs vs. pyramid schemes and the loose differences between these two types of businesses

The cult-like culture that exists inside an MLM and the blatant red flags that stick out

The false pay structure of MLMs and how they artificially promise returns that are impossible to achieve

How social media and live posts caused the MLM fire to grow even faster

How pyramid schemes play to people’s fears and desperations to get them to join

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

BiggerPockets Forums

Finance Review Guest Onboarding

Scott's Instagram

Mindy's Twitter

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show

Podcast Talent Search!

Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel

Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets

Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget

Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-369

Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices