Content deleted Content added
Tags: Reverted Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
No edit summary Tags: Reverted Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
||
Line 4:
A '''pyramid scheme''' is a [[business model]] which, rather than earning money (or providing [[Return on investment|returns on investments]]) by sale of legitimate [[product (business)|products]] to an end consumer, mainly earns money by recruiting new members with the promise of payments (or services).<ref>{{Britannica URL|topic/pyramid-scheme|pyramid scheme}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://consumer.sd.gov/fastfacts/marketing.aspx |url-access= |title=Multi-Level Marketing vs Pyramid Schemes |author=Website admin. |year=2024 |department=Consumer Protection |website=consumer.sd.gov |publisher=Office of the Attorney General of South Dakota |___location=|type= |access-date=February 18, 2024 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |quote=The difference between a pyramid scheme and a lawful MLM program is that there is no real product that is sold in a pyramid scheme. Participants attempt to make money solely by recruiting new participants into the program. The hallmark of these schemes is the promise of sky-high returns in a short period of time for doing nothing other than handing over your money and getting others to do the same. }}</ref> As the number of members multiplies, recruiting quickly becomes increasingly difficult until it is impossible, and therefore most of the newer recruits do not make a profit. As such, pyramid schemes are unsustainable. The unsustainable nature of pyramid schemes has led to most countries outlawing them as a form of [[fraud]].
The Pyramid schemes have existed since at least the mid-to-late 19th century in different guises. Some [[multi-level marketing]] plans have been classified as pyramid schemes.<ref name="Smith1984" />
== Concept and basic models ==
| |||