MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
ACN AUSTRALIA WHACKED - SHORTEST STARTUP/SLAM DOWN
22 Dec 2004 - Australian Communications Network Pty Ltd taken to Federal Court, Adelaide following Australian Competition and Consumer Commission action. Ed note: Not a good month for phone companies! More on ACN: http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/Report_ACN.html
MLM TELEPHONE FUTURE LIMITED - OR DOOMED?
18 Dec 2004 -- After the terrible Excel crash I took an MLM Watchdog look at the MLM Telephone business. I researched the advancement of Voip (Voice Over Internet Protocol). I checked on the Cisco stock I bought almost 3 years ago and saw I made the right stock play on that one (but don’t call me for general stock advice :>) ! So I have some news for folks that love MLM Telephone programs.
MLM NOODLES AND BROWNIES FOR SOLDIERS POSTPONED TILL VALENTINES
17 Dec 2004 – The MLM Xmas push for our guys (and gals) in Iraq has been held off due to mail overloads and delays due to convoy problems. We will roll in with our brownie and ramon noodle attack for Valentines! Ed Note: Little shift but the guys-gals will love it even more!
SCAM ARTIST DIES – GREAT SOLUTION!
16 Dec 2004 – Great End to a Ponzi scheme. The crook dies before he can hide the money! If God could end all these scams so well it would be a better world. You have to read this it will warm your heart! http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04347/425670.stm
WATCHDOG COMPLAINT FROM MEMBERS - BEWARE!
15 Dec 2004 – 5 member complaint, Name Jeremy: There is a company called "MONOPOLIZER" out of the UK that advertises that they will build you a 1,000 member (or more) downline utilizing their "vast resources". Even though I thought this was super optomistic, I thought that even 10 or 20 new recruits would be worth the money. Net result, ZIP. They are still advertising their services and any questions concerning my account is replied with "we are working on it". Ed. Note: generally we are going to publish complaints when we get 5 or more. Not saying this is a scam, it just may be a bad business model which most "build your downline schemes are." http://www.monopolizer.com/
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS HIT BY GIFTING SCAMS!
12 Nov 2004 -- Attorney General Jon Bruning issued a warning to Nebraska consumers not to be taken in by the latest pyramid scheme to come to the state, the "Women's Gifting Guide." He noted, “Statistics show that only 10 percent of people who join by putting up money ever get a return. If you're approached by this group contact local authorities."
AMWAY CO-FOUNDER JAY VAN ANDEL PASSES AWAY
8 Dec 2004 – Former Amway Chairman Jay Van Andel died at his Ada, Michigan home on Pearl Harbor day, December 7th at 80 years old. Mr. Van Andel was a leading symbol of opportunity and free enterprise to millions of MLMers that passed through Amway and certainly the Quixtar IBOs that are with the company today. He and his partner have created more entrepreneurs than probably any other individuals on the face of the earth. Ed. Note: RIP proudly with respect from this editor who got an excellent education with Amway.
FREE CREDIT REPORTS AT LAST!
7 Dec 2004 -- The Big Credit Report Companies CAVED IN! —Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—announced where consumers can get a free annual credit report. Consumers in thirteen Western states will be able to begin making requests by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. Free reports will be phased from west to east over nine months. After September 1, 2005, all U.S. consumers can get a free report. www.Annualcreditreport.com is the only authorized source for consumers to access their credit reports online for free. Full details from the the FTC see: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm
HERBALIFE LTD SETS IPO PRICE
6 Dec 2004- New on the street, Herbalife Ltd. supplement and personal care company has set its initial public share offering for 14.5 million shares with estimated prices from $14.50 to $16.50 per share.
WOW – EXCEL REPS TON OF COMPLAINTS! PIRATES?
1 Dec 2004 – The Watchdog has been hit by the largest hourly and daily complaints over this press release that the indicated company is going to provide services to Excel reps or MLMs or whatever? Many asked for the address of the Bankruptcy court HANDLING EXCEL so they can stop them.
SEA SILVER IS TO ANNOUNCE CONTEST WINNERS
30 Nov 2004 – Sea Silver busted by FDA, FTC and the MLM WatchDog is ending their next big contest TODAY! 10 of the top sellers for them will receive $10,000 checks by midnight tonight. Editorial Notes: ERRR they keep running these scammy contests and not paying people. So HERE is a challenge from the MLM WatchDog.. TONIGHT let’s see the winners of your contest on your website. That means that Sea Silver has to peel out $100,000 tonight. ED. NOTE: Don’t bitch Bela Burkes I only have 36 complaints. I already asked the state of California if you were registered to do a lottery (no) since I have another XX complaints that from people that think they should have won your last upteen contests…they got Zero! I have your contest announcements ….now you make the decision.
25 Nov 2004 – Echoes of Big Smart ran MLM still rattling around - A Cult?
VARTEC MAY FIND SHAFTING EXCEL REPS NOT SO EASY
24 Nov 2004 – Vartec may find putting the screws to 130,000 Reps is not so easy. Two parties have jumped in the Bankruptcy foray on behalf of Reps to get commissions owed. Vartec’s request to the Bankruptcy Court (BK) to stop paying reps has been frozen until Dec. 2, when a hearing on it is proposed. Two groups of representatives (more coming) have retained law firms to represent them in in BK Court. Mike Rose, a lawyer (and Excel rep) from SC, leads one, and Steve Smith from TX, an Excel founding executive are attacking the Vartec Bankruptcy that is trying to exclude Reps. from any type of settlement.
HUG A PRE- PAID LEGAL REP – MLM INDUSTRY SAVED LEGAL GRIEF
22 Nov 2004 – A Class Action Suit in Wilkinson County, Mississippi against Pre-Paid Legal was in fact a suit against any company in the MLM Industry. The ambulance chasing trial lawyers, behind the class action suit.........................READ ABOUT GREAT MLM INDUSTRY VICTORY http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/Report_PrepaidLegal1.html
WHY VETERAN’S DAY?
11 Nov 2004 – Today is always a sad day for your editor, ghosts of old friends walk through my mind. Almost 1.2 million of us have died while in service to our country; 1.4 million of us have been maimed and wounded. The numbers are cold and sad. They don’t recognize the value of these citizens' lives, and sacrifices borne by their families. But I do know their sacrifices defended a precious gift handed down to us -- the liberties we cherish. Why Nov 11th ?? WWI cessation of hostilities was at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). In 1954, Congress, wanting to recognize the sacrifice of veterans since WWI, proposed to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in their honor. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, former Supreme Commander in WWII, signed the legislation. Viet Vet Memorial
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR GUYS IN IRAQ! LOVE THEM ALL! UR. ED.
P.S. it’s about time to start our xmas package push for them!
E-BIZ RELIGOUS SCAM = $50 MILLION AND JAIL
9 Nov 2004 – That religious humanitarian deal out of Utah? It was ran out of shack in Oklahoma. So much for raising money for all those kids and other religious projects. Real Humanitarian to the tune of $50 million. Bible pounding crooks! The worst kind! Jail and more jail please!
EXCEL GONE -!-? DISTRIBUTORS TERMINATED WITHOUT COMMISSIONS
3 Nov 2004 – Rumors are flying hot and heavy. This email supposedly from the company talks about a deal with distributors going to Shaklee. As a third party I would think the Federal Bankruptcy Court for THE Vartec case would have to approve that first since the list probably is worth close to a $1/2 million on the street (100,000 x $5). Creditors (including all the distributors who were just terminated) in the Bankruptcy may be very upset! Big question mark and lawsuits to follow? Why not sell the list and give the $1/2 million to Distributors ?? http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/rc_Excel_crash.html
EXCEL PARENT VAR TECH BANKRUPT
2 Nov 2004 -- VarTec Telecom Inc. parent of Excel the MLM phone company filed Chapter 11. Var Tec is one of Dallas-Fort Worth's largest telephone companies and bought Excel several years ago. In the last analysis we said Excel lost about $25 million (email to paid subscribers). We also said that Var Tec was on the block for sale. We hope for the sake of Excel reps that they get selling electricity mastered quickly as announced at the Excelebration. August 31 story http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/Archives2004_3.html
Current Bankruptcy story here:
CANADA EFFECTIVELY SHUTS OUT MOST NEW MLM COMPANIES
27 Oct 2004 -- The rules have changed in Canada! Big Time! Industry Canada has recently issued a negative opinion that may be relevant for a number your clients considering operating their plans in Canada. This is not good from a standpoint of fair competition!!! Terrible!
GNC PROVES FRANCHISING NOT FAIR – MLM IS BEST!
26 Oct 2004 – Time and time again I tell you franchising sucks. That is because your editor has owned franchises! Now here is one to prove my attitude! A lawsuit has been filed against GNC Franchising (a Subsidiary of GNC Inc) by a bunch of their franchisees that have been getting screwed over. The “allegations” claim “predatory pricing” by GNC who charged company owned stores less for products than franchisees. The suit asks for compensation and punitive damages. Let’s hope the franchisees end up owning GNC! Ed. Note: Subway and several oil companies did things similar to harm the franchisees and then when the franchisees went broke the Company bought the stores for pennies on the dollar. Franchising sucks!
ANOTHER SAD TERMINATION CASE
21 October 2004 – Neway’s top leader terminated and sues Neways for millions. Terrible for the whole industry and the reason the Distributor Rights Association came into being....
YOU’VE GOT FRIENDS – BUT NOT LATER?
20 Oct 2004 -- You’ve Got Friends (YGF)! But not when this scam is done! I sent this to the Vatican and the Pope since the scam quotes St. Francis of Assisi, “Circles have no beginning and no end; this is a continuous activity done in the spirit of giving.” “It is in the giving, that we receive.” Maybe the Vatican can ask God to have ArchAngel Michael throw down a well aimed bolt of lightening on the YGF server! By the way see the graphic at the bottom this is the best diagram of how an Airplane/ Gifting pyramid works!
ALASKA AIR MILES QUEEN TO GET MORE JAIL TIME
MLM IS GOOD -- INFOMERCIALS AREN’T
11 Oct 2004 -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged owners of CortiSlim and CortiStress supplements with unsubstantiated claims about health benefits. Also included were charges of deceptive infomercials to market the nutritionals. The FTC also referenced a warning sent by the FDA in August. The FDA’s August letter stated CortiSlim was in violation of federal law.
PRE PAID LEGAL BEATS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT! GREAT!
7 Oct 2004 -- We have been waiting for a ruling from the United States District Court in Oklahoma on whether the lawsuit against PPL could be certified as a class action. Last month the Court issued its ruling denying class certification on multiple grounds. "Subject to plaintiffs' right to pursue an interim appeal, the ruling ends the case as a class action." Your Editor doubts if the Ambulance Chasing Lawyers behind this will keep pouring money into the chase for an appeal. This is good for the entire Industry!
MLM IS GOOD - ZEALOTS ATTACKING YOUR BUSINESS
6 Oct 2004 - This bunch of anti-MLM zealots are always a trip! They go so far over the edge to bash good MLM companies it makes them look dumb! Leaves me mad! Bad enough to deal with scammers but these Zealots are worse! Read for yourself!
CASH CARD WORLD WIDE/TRAVEL STORM BREWING?
5 Oct 2004 – Very strange happenings in South Africa. Complaints coming in to WatchDog.
MORE TO JAIL IN PRSI SCAM
4 Oct 2004 -- PRSI Scam update = Jail! More from the Feds on the Mall Scam PRSI/CITX
