How to tell your friend that they’re part of a pyramid scheme

It’s that time of year again—that random that you have on Facebook just sent you a message like this: 

“OMG [insert your own name here]! It’s been SO LONG. How have you been? Anyway, I know the Holidays are coming and you’re probably looking for a gift for your [insert the family member that this person knows here]!! Well, let me tell you about the AMAZING skincare products that [insert multi-level marketing company/pyramid scheme that will ruin your skin here, I’m looking at you, Arbonne] has that would make a BEAUTIFUL gift.” 

Either you’ve received a message like this or Kaitlyn from high school just posted about how she’s totally ready to buy that Cadillac with the rewards she gets from her amazing new work-from-home job. 

You know that multi-level marketing schemes are a scam, and you are thinking to yourself: “Should I tell this person that they’re part of a scam?” Yes! You should! It is your DUTY to rescue this person from one of the worst vestiges of capitalism. Now you’re probably asking yourself, how do I tell this person that their job is just a scam? People involved in these schemes/scams are very attached to their jobs, so you have to be careful! Well, I have your answer! Here is your definitive list of how to tell your friend that they’re part of a pyramid scheme: 

Method 1: Just Tell Them 

“Hey, I think you’re part of a pyramid scheme!” A simple approach, but they might not understand how this direct-to-consumer method works. They are, for this matter, involved in a scheme that is not direct to consumers. 

Method 2: Tell Their Boss 

Go to your friend’s boss. This takes some work. Your question of “Who’s your boss?” can result in two things: one, you get told that they are their own boss, in which case refer to Method 1., or two, you follow your way up to the top of the pyramid. Tell the top of the pyramid that you need to let their friend know that they’re engaging in a scam. This method is risky because the message might get lost as it travels down the chain. 

Method 3: Show Them the Clip from The Office 

In The Office, Jim shows Michael Scott that he is engaging in a pyramid scheme by literally drawing a pyramid on a whiteboard. Start posting this clip and then ask them questions like: “Have you ever been to Egypt?” or saying things like “Wow, I would love to go see the pyramids one day.” This should tip them off that they’re probably engaging in some sort of pyramid scheme. If not, your constant badgering about interests in Egypt and ancient tombs of any shape could be funded by joining their entrepreneurial team of business partners from Arbonne!  

Method 4: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them 

As the ancient maxim goes, just go where they go. If you cannot convince your friend that they are part of a scheme, then they may not be part of the scheme. In this case, you’ve gone down the line and expanded your reach with your approaches. You’re at the bottom and you can’t do much more. You look stressed though! Your skin is defs breaking out, and it looks like you need some moisturizer. I really think you should try some of the new skincare products that I have from Arbonne! They’re totally safe and will totally work. If you’re interested in making money like me, I can connect you to the right person! You will be your own boss and work from home and everything! I’m totally excited for you to join our team!