http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/consumer/press_releases/pyramid-release.html
http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/RC_DamselGift.html
http://mlmwatchdog.com/Resources_Gifting.html
PLEASE READ THIS B4 YOU MAKE ANY HASTY DECISIONS!!!
I did a little looking into because I don't want anyone to be fooled. Remember, If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.
You Could Be Prosecuted
Sometimes posters claim that these schemes are completely legal, claiming they are mailing list or recipe services. These posters may even cite title 18, sections 1302, 1341, 1342, and 1343 of the "Postal Lottery Laws." These sections are part of the U.S. Code. I'm sure that none of these people have actually read them, because they do not authorize pyramid schemes. In fact, these are the very laws that make pyramid schemes illegal. (Take a minute to read 18 USC 1302, 1341, 1342, and 1343 for yourself.)
They may also claim that their e-mails are legal under "S. 1618" or "H.R. 3113." These were bills in the U.S. Congress that failed to become law. They have no legal effect.
Pyramid schemes have long been illegal when conducted by mail in the United States or Canada. The same laws apply to Internet chain letters if the mails are used at any point in the scheme.
The latest twist in these schemes is to claim to be selling something, such as reports, mailing lists, or recipes. The U.S. Postal Service warns: Do not be fooled if the chain letter is used to sell inexpensive reports on credit, mail order sales, mailing lists, or other topics. The primary purpose is to take your money, not to sell information. "Selling" a product does not ensure legality.
Legal Note
I sometimes get requests asking me to comment on the legality or repute of a suspicious-looking scheme. I am not a lawyer, so I cannot make legal conclusions about specific matters. All I can tell you is to avoid anything that looks anything like a pyramid scheme or that seems too good to be true. If you start or participate in one of these schemes, you risk jail time or large fines. It's not worth the risk.
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