Does anyone else have any Facebook friends who are heavy into MLM sales?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

MLM--Mid-level marketing sales plans, often thought of as "pyramid" schemes. Where you have to recruit sellers of the product under you that you yourself are selling. Or something similar to that concept.

Right now, I have at least three Facebook friends who are obsessed about pushing their MLM products, all in the alternative health/nutrition field.

Two of them are touting a weight-loss product called Plexus. A third is selling some supposed nutritional product called Xseed. All of them started pushing the product and their supposed at a quasi-religious type level, claiming all sorts of benefits and miraculous results. And whenever they post about it, I always see one or two people inquiring what it is. And they never actually explain what it is, but instead tell them that they will PM them about it.

Needless to say, my BS meter immediately started ringing through all of this. So I googled "Plexus scam" and "Xseed scam." And I kid you not, all of the results that I found were message board and Youtube videos insisting that Plexus/Xseed is not a scam and touting it as a miracle product.

Bottom line is I never was able to find any objective sources to see whether these products are all part of a pathetic pyramid scheme.

But my gut tells me that they are, and I just find it sad. Has anyone else come across this? I get a very culty vibe from it all.

[hollysmom]

1. I have one person who is in financial trouble who bought into it and tried to talk me into joining

How can you tell someone they have been scammed when they already spent the money. She would have been better off if she bought into on-line Avon,. At least I use their bug repellent sun screen for the beach and working in the back yard. And rarely buy some cosmetics. Still I know people who didn't make any money doing that.

[KamaAina]

2. Oh yeah.

And she's in Hawai'i, which seems to be targeted by MLM more often than one might expect given its small size.

[OriginalGeek]

3. One of my younger brothers is always getting into that shit.

And then he wonders why he spends most of his life living on friends couches.

But even those posts aren't as annoying as all the religious fundie shit he posts.

Same scams, different deity.

[Sherman A1]

4. I would introduce them to each other

then they can have a great time trying to out-sell one another and hopefully leave you alone.

[blogslut]

5. Tell them about DMAA

http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-plexus-slim-accelerator-capsules-130716.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylhexanamine

And if they exclaim: "But it comes from geraniums! It's natural!" Remind them that Ephedra is a plant too. Just because a supplement comes from a plant that doesn't mean that it's safe.

[Aristus]

6. I have a classmate from PA School who got heavily into that stuff.

I think she's left off practicing medicine, which is a shame, since she showed a great deal of promise in school.

She is a stay-at-home mother of two, so she may have wanted something to do that might generate some income. I don't know how much, if any, money she is making, but I feel bad for her, falling for what looks to me like a scam.

[grasswire]

7. run away!! nt

[annelimerick]

8. MLM still rampant on Facebook Youtube Pinterest Amazon etc

MLM's (Essante Organics, Plexus, sure there's loads more..) have their own Youtube channel where all there 'ambassadors' 'executives' or whatever the crooks like to call themselves all like and share each others stuff and post comments like 'amazing' 'awesome' to keep the hype alive. Same for reviews of their 'products' on Amazon - non of the reviews are by actual customers reviewing a bought and tested product, all reviews are by 'ambassadors' operational somewhere in the pyramid who are advised to give 4 or 5 star ratings and write positive reviews as part of their 'training' for their 'business'. MLM's don't really sell products (who buys $40 shampoo bottles..!). All they're 'selling' is their 'business opportunity' which is: recruit more fools and get rich quick to the detriment of others down below in the pyramid. They use Facebook Twitter Pinterest and god knows what else. Watch this training film by the Plexus bosses, whose main man used to work at Facebook (!!!) which should be titled 'how to abuse Facebook to con the masses' instead of their chosen title 'the magic of of social media'

[Raygeo]

9. Info on Plexus

Tommy,

I know this is the revival of an old thread and I'm probably wasting my time replying. However, I want to share some info with those that have contributed to this thread. I recently retired from the USAF after a 22 year career. For the last 5 years I battled depression as well as insomnia. I've been treated with everything...Multiple sleep tests...Ambien, Lunesta, Prozac, melatonin and I could never get more than 4-5 hours of sleep a night. A friend told me about Plexus and like everyone in this forum, I laughed! I also ridiculed her. My situation changed a few months later. I felt I was going to lose my new job as an IT Engineer because I struggled to stay awake. Out of desperation, I reached out to my friend. I wanted help but I let her know I would get my money back if it didn't work. I tried a combination of three Plexus products designed for digestive system health.

The first 3 weeks on Plexus I felt worse...I had migraines, indigestion, fatigue. However, on the positive side, I no longer had sugar cravings and had better control over food choices. After that third week I started feeling better. I had more energy at work and no longer struggled through the day. One night, I was staying at my girlfriends and forgot my RX sleep meds. I slept for 7 hours that night and thought it was a fluke so I tried going without them the next night. I haven't taken Ambien CR since. I don't always have a perfect nights sleep but the good far out number the bad.

Is Plexus a miracle cure for everything? no... However, a lot of issues are related to an unhealthy digestive tract and poor blood sugar levels, cholesterol and lipids. Plexus works by balancing blood sugars and promoting digestive tract health.

The definition of scam or scammer is someone who takes your money and leaves you with a product or service that doesn't work. Or just steals your money. Plexus products carry a 60-day money back guarantee. Why? Because it doesn't work for everyone. There's no pill or product on this earth that can be used universally with the exact same result. Show me something that works for everyone---I'm ready to invest! Is this a network marketing company, yes. Is it a scam, no.

A little known fact...Plexus is the 8th fastest growing private company in America according to Inc.com, #2 in the Health and Wellness industry. They just broke ground on a 74,000 square foot facility in Arizona. My point is this, a company that experiences 16,000% growth over three years and offers a 60-day money back guarantee on their products is not based on hype, scams or schemes, it is legitimate business. It's based on products that work and customer satisfaction. (It is also a faith based company)

A person can be a customer of the product or an Ambassador to market, it's a choice. It costs $34.95 to become an Ambassador, there are no quotas, no inventory to hold and no large investments. All business can be done online through a personal website which is included in the $34.95. There is no other place in the business world where one can start there own online business, have an operational sales website, all customer tracking, accounting and back office availability for that low of a price and be up and running in 10 minutes.

I became an Ambassador because I wanted the products at a wholesale price. I knew I was going to keep taking them and I wanted to buy them for my mom in hopes it would help her with her issues. I don't push it on people or go crazy on Facebook but when I have a friend or family member who tells me they're struggling with something I ask them if they have tried Plexus. If it works for them great! I feel I have helped where Drs and other remedies have failed. If it doesn't work, I still have the relationship because they can get their money back. No hard feelings.

I saw this post and felt most that replied were misinformed. If you don't like networking marketing companies, that's easy to understand because of the stigma associated. Most of them promote getting rich quick. They are based on recruiting more people and the product can't stand on it's own. If one chooses to distance themselves and be extremely skeptical, it's understood.

I am a man of integrity and pride myself on backing word. Plexus products worked for me. They made me feel energetic and healthy again. We all have to find what works for us. If we find something that does we share with others. That's all I'm doing. I probably won't become wealthy but I will help enrich a few lives and improve a few people's quality-of-life. That matters more than a paycheck.

Please get with your friend and ask questions. Or contact me and I'll answer them. Then I'll direct you back to the person that made you inquisitive about this.

Have a blessed day,
Ray

[Tommy_Carcetti]

10. Ohh! Ohh! Ohh! Can I be a Plexus distributor now? Pleaaaaaase?

[plexus scam]

11. pink drink scam

Speaking as a past Ambassador that has since seen the light and reality of what Plexus was, is and represents, I can assure you that Plexus products do not work and that the company is just another pyramid scheme.

I have been sharing what has taken place with this company, from their illegal exportation of products to countries that they had no legal business working in, to trying to implement a "cover up" with many of their ambassadors, in-house fighting, and product information that is for corporate eyes only confirming that they know their products don't work. The amount of information is frightening.
The company works very hard to remove all traces of negative reviews, and posts from anyone that even hints at something being wrong with the products.

The FDA has warned them several times, on many of their products, and they have been under the close eye of the FTC and overseas Customs and Border Officials.

You should read my blog and educate yourself on what Plexus really is, what they stand for and then ask yourself, as a man of integrity, are you going to stick your good name out there to keep defending these wealthy uncaring people, or are you going to do something about it?

thepinkdrinkscam.blogspot.ca

[link:http://thepinkdrinkscam.blogspot.ca/]

Then visit "A woman scammed" and read her story and the story of others with Plexus experiences.

I'm happy you posted to this thread.

[awomanscammed]

12. PLEXUS SLIM: MY PINKWASHED NIGHTMARE

I became an ambassador with Plexus Worldwide October 15, 2013 and based the majority of that decision on the following:

• I continually saw Facebook ads to “drink pink and shrink”, “just one pink drink a day melts the fat away”. Even the corporate welcome page boasted “Lose weight faster than you ever imagined”.

• I contacted Sonya Dudley, Diamond Ambassador with Plexus Worldwide, who assured me 90% of the business could be done online. That fit my lifestyle and just what I was looking for - no parties, no travel, etc.

• I wanted a product that people needed, one that sold itself. This was a weight loss product backed by thousands of testimonials of rapid weight loss and ample energy, among other health benefits, with little to no effort on their part. I asked Sonya if a specific meal plan should be followed for optimal results. Her reply: “Oh no! That’s the beauty of Plexus you don’t have to change a thing.

The weight loss products, Plexus Slim and Plexus Accelerator, were not working for me or my customers. I was met with indecisive avoidance when I asked what to do and why this was happening. I never got a straight answer. However, the language began to change from "drink pink and shrink" to "pink for health". It became all about "health" and weight loss was a possible bonus.

WHAT? a possible bonus?

That's NOT how it was presented to me. I was gravely mislead. The product had CHANGED.
The “Gems” aka: leaders were well aware of the change and that it wasn’t working. They wrote their concerns to the CEO, Tarl Robinson, as the rapid team growth and sales were declining due to these changes.

The 3 day sample packs where people experienced quick results of more energy & weight loss was no longer effective. People were not seeing results in 3 days anymore – and many times not even in 2 weeks if at all.

The diamond leaders knew the truth but worked very hard to cover it up. Dirty Diamonds! They should win an Oscar for that performance!

The problem? Nobody told ME about the product change even when I asked directly! I joined Plexus Worldwide October 15, 2013 and the change went into effect 2 weeks later in November 2013. Therefore I was not representing the product I thought I was and it could cost me something much more valuable than money... my credibility and integrity.

This was a widely publicized video at the time I signed up (although I made some edits to prove a point)

What is emphasized most in this video, health or weight loss? You can view the original on the Plexus Worldwide YouTube channel here:

In addition, Plexus Worldwide proudly boasts of how quickly their company has grown as well as being a debt free company. Considering there are numerous reports of Plexus Worldwide charging the annual $34.95 fee to unsuspecting past ambassadors (those who resigned), as well as active ambassadors creating bogus ambassador accounts to rise in rank, it's a fabulous appearance of growth. I call it lies, deception and unethical business practices. As of March, 2015 Plexus Worldwide claimed to have 220,000 Ambassadors x $34.95 = $7,689,000.00. No wonder they make it so easy to join and so difficult to resign!

And let's not forget the adverse side effects experienced by some such as stroke, heart and liver damage. Again, if you experienced this, PLEASE, PLEASE share your experience and possibly save a life! This stuff can be DANGEROUS!
While this "snake oil" may work for a few, it certainly doesn't work for most. We can all lose weight, gain energy, lower cholesterol and blood sugar by eating clean, drinking lots of water and exercising. Why do I need to pay $100+ a month for Plexus Slim?

LIES:
I had a member on my team reach the rank of gold ambassador, however Plexus removed it due to someone returning an order after month end. I simply questioned, for FIVE MONTHS, where it was in the compensation plan that stated month end date or that the month was extended till the 15th of the next month. I thought month end was month end - the end of 30 days. The only notice I got was a termination due to disparaging remarks, however I to this day have never been told what those remarks were, their reference nor was I given an opportunity to defend the accusations. You can read more of that ordeal on my blog if you wish (http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/p/my-pinkwashed-journey-nightmare-on-pink.html). I have the corporate letters there also telling me "the compensation plan wasn't clear", "is in the process of being re-written", etc. They have since CHANGED the compensation plan stating the last day of the month is final month end. DUH!

I think it's also of importance that Plexus received a warning letter from the FDA and is still under investigation. http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2014/ucm411287.htm

IN CONCLUSION:
The corporate officers have now turned against each other as former Plexus International President Alfred Pettersen brings a lawsuit against Plexus CEO Tarl Robinson. See more about that here: http://thepinkdrinkscam.blogspot.com/2015/05/alfred-pettersen-v-tarl-robinson.html and General Manager Serena Molangi was fired. As of right now, no one is willing to share the truth of what may have happened in either of these situations.

If just one person escapes an MLM nightmare because of this post, then my mission was accomplished.

If you are interested in reading more of my story and why I want to expose this company and others like them, you can find it here: http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/p/mlm-deception-hype-hope-hurt-destruction.html
For unbiased product reviews please visit: http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/p/plexus-worldwide-product-reviews.html

I am simply a woman scammed, shouting MY truth. NEVER in my 35 year career have I experienced a company as ignorant, unprofessional, lackadaisical and unethical as Plexus Worldwide. It is MY hope to stop companies like this from raping people of their hopes, dreams, hard earned money and many times entire families torn apart due to their deception and greed.

Plexus Worldwide was not the first scam I danced with, but it is the last. Stop the silence, share YOUR truth and let's end this dirty dance!

[link:http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/p/plexus-worldwide-product-reviews.html|

[E12]

14. TOTAL SCAM

A friend is an rep for Plexus. She added me to her closed group on Facebook without asking me. Now I get Plexus postings several times a day. The Slim and the accelerator apparently cost $100 per month. To become an embassador, you have to pay $34.95 IN ADDITION to the $100 for the bogus products. So you're PAYING FOR A JOB. What??? A job is supposed to MAKE you money, not COST you money. I'd rather eat right and spend my $19.95 gym membership and exercise.
If Plexus is so good, why isn't it in HEADLINES as the miracle shortcut to weight loss. Think about it. WEIGHT LOSS IN A PILL? That's some magical product!
On a side note, I got added to a closed group for Passion Parties. There too you have to purchase a startup kit for $100. Another MLM company?