I want to thank my friends on Facebook and HealthUnlocked.com’s Parkinson’s and PSP groups for reinforcing my decision to refuse to be taken in by emotional blackmail and a pyramid scheme.
I’ve always understood how people can become susceptible to these money-making schemes, but it very nearly became me, and I’m furious that I was put in that position. The final straw was an email from the “distributor” saying, and I quote, “Do it for your grandchildren.”
Let me back up…
As you probably know, I have what appears to be PSP (and to be honest, it appears to be PSP more each day). It’s terminal, terrifying, and non-treatable. I’m what they would classify as pretty desperate for any way out. Of course, I’ve taken major steps to give me a fighting chance—I’m looking at health options (and I’m exploring one potential last-ditch effort at the moment—more about that when I have results). I’ve taken the advice from doctors and stopped work to rest, and it’s helping massively and improving my sleep. I’m trying to keep my fitness schedule, albeit it’s harder each day, and I’m now using a walker.
The Invitation
I got invited—by an incredibly well-intentioned person I have only positive things to say about—to a Zoom call with about eight seemingly well-meaning people. They offered me a nutritional supplement made of natural ingredients. They gave me a great sales pitch about how it was genuinely going to save my life.
They asked me to tell my story, and we discussed the various issues of “how I have nothing to lose,” and I actually thought, against every bone in my body, I’d go for it.
The Pressure
Then came the conversation about how there’s little product available, but they’d find me some, followed by emails stating the cost and “send me your payment details.” When I resisted, I got the “I was cured from XXX with only 6 months to live,” I went on to have XX kids and XX grandchildren, and “you should do it for your grandchildren.”
I was torn—and I’m someone usually very skeptical. After all—maybe, just maybe, they’re right…
Research and Community Support
I did a lot of research online for hours, finding only things that worried me (lots of selling the product, no certifications, etc.), and decided to send the following message to PSP and Parkinson’s communities on Facebook, HealthUnlocked, and a WhatsApp group:
[Nutritional supplement XXXXX] Has anyone used this nutritional supplement? I’m very skeptical of “miracle cures” which happen to deal with 98% of conditions, including PD and PSP. I’ve been taken for a ride before, but the people I spoke to sounded so incredibly sincere.
It’s expensive, of course, and my gut tells me no, but I want to hear from other people and inform myself. I found little on the web except that it’s a pyramid-type sales organization. Any thoughts? I want to be open (I normally am not), but this could cost me, including shipping/customs, $5,000 per year. I’m genuinely not looking at politics or arguments about traditional and alternative medicine—just this supplement. Thoughts, please. Thanks.
Thankfully, my community friends came to the rescue, and one after another—many of them doing their own research on the supplement—told me to trust my gut. I have.
Reflection
I briefly questioned my decision, worried I might be wrong about a potential cure. Some may genuinely believe in the supplement, as it’s a nutritional one with food ingredients clearly not bad for me (hemp, aloe, various healthy other products like ginger, specific mushrooms, and fungi), but everything about it felt wrong.
Conclusion
My point is a serious one.
These schemes are designed to make money (the person who ran the meeting and extolled its virtues is a serial businessman and entrepreneur whose videos on social media are first and foremost about business and his business acumen), and they cheat susceptible people of their savings. It should be called out and not allowed. In fact, an American Association of Fraud Experts article outlined warning signs of Multi-Level Marketing scams, and I experienced every one. (see Appendix below).
If the supplement is a slam-dunk medical cure for PSP, it should absolutely be given to everyone with it, but it’s too good to be true…in fact, the URL of one of their many quasi-websites is a direct play on “too good to be true, but it is.”
I must reiterate that I’m not in any way opposed to complementary medicine and forms of non-traditional holistic techniques—I do acupuncture, I do yoga, I take vitamins, I’m careful with nutrition…I’m against being played, however.
I named the supplement in the messages to the group, but this isn’t the place, as the specific supplement isn’t my point. If I can almost fall victim, then anyone can.
Appendix
The Reality of Health MLMs
During my research, I discovered that multi-level marketers (MLMs) promise to help people achieve their health goals while providing a business opportunity to those who join. However, many of these companies have been accused of fraud, making false health claims, and preying on vulnerable populations.
MLMs are a type of direct selling where independent contractors sell products to customers and recruit others to do the same. The recruiters then earn a percentage of their recruits’ sales. While MLMs are legal, they’ve been criticized for their business model, which often relies on recruitment rather than selling actual products. This leads to a high turnover rate and a focus on recruiting rather than building a sustainable business.
In the health and wellness industry, MLMs sell products such as dietary supplements, weight-loss shakes, and skincare products. These products often come with health claims that aren’t supported by scientific evidence. For example, some MLMs claim that their products can cure cancer or other serious illnesses, which is not only false but also dangerous.
MLMs also target vulnerable people, such as those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, promising a cure or a way to manage their conditions. However, these claims are often untrue and can lead to financial and physical distress.
Warning Signs of Fraudulent Health MLMs
To avoid falling victim to fraudulent health MLMs, here are some warning signs to look out for:
- A distant associate reaching out to you on social media, especially if their initial and subsequent contact feels scripted.
- Claims that their products can cure serious illnesses or conditions.
- High-pressure sales tactics and false promises of financial success.
- Requiring distributors to buy large amounts of inventory upfront.
- Requiring distributors to pay for training and other expenses.
While MLMs can be a legitimate business opportunity, health MLMs often rely on false health claims and prey on vulnerable people. It’s essential to do your research before joining an MLM and to be aware of the warning signs of fraudulent companies. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always prioritize your health and financial well-being over the promises of MLMs.
