Warning - NZ women targetted by 'secret' pyramid scheme

The Commerce Commission has issued a warning about women's 'gifting circles' which are no more than a pyramid selling scheme in breach of the Fair Trading Act. Unlike franchising, pyramid selling schemes promise payments for the enrolling of others, rather than sales of a product, and require the constant recruitment of new members - which is ultimately impossible. The latest scam is specifically targetting women in Auckland, Tauranga, Nelson and Golden Bay, and has been described by one victim as a 'spiritually transmitted disease.'

Pyramid schemes are illegal in 46 countries. The Commerce Commission wants to hear from anyone who has been approached recently to join a gifting circle, or anyone who has information that identifies anyone profiting from the scheme. Women operating a circle, or who invite others to join one, may be fined up to $600,000 per offence.

Pyramid selling or network marketing should not be confused with franchising, which is a reputable way of doing business where franchisees own their own business providing goods or services under a common brand. Understand how franchises work and see details from the latest Survey of Franchising.