A '''matrix scheme''', also known as a Matrix Site, Elevator Scheme, Escalator Scheme or Ladder Scheme, is a [[business model]]{{factFact|date=February 2007}} involving the exchange of money for a certain product with a side bonus of being added to a waiting list for a product of greater value than the amount given.<ref name =oftpress>{{cite web | url = http://www.oft.gov.uk/News/Press+releases/2005/161-05.htm | title=Office of Fair Trading Press Release | accessdate=2006-08-05}}</ref> Matrix schemes are also sometimes considered similar to [[Ponzi scheme|Ponzi]] or [[Pyramid Scheme|pyramid]] schemes. <ref name =msn1>{{cite web | url = http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3078957 | title=$150 plasma TV site faces lawsuit | accessdate=2006-08-05}}</ref> Such schemes are claimed to be legitimate by site supporters, though they are regarded as illegal lotteries at times <ref name = msn1/> and have been called unsustainable by the [[Office of Fair Trading]]. <ref name =oftpress/>
