A pyramid scheme targeting single mothers has prompted a warning by the Nelson Police Department that what seems to be too good to be true, often is.
“The Nelson Police would like to remind the public that any offer that sounds too good to be true should be viewed as a possible scam and investigated prior to turning over funds, account information or personal information of any kind,” says a release issued by the NPD.
In the current scam, operated under the name The Women’s Circle, the victim was asked to produce $5,000 cash to enter the pyramid and promised $40,000 in return for recruiting others.
“The victim signs it over as a gift in kind. This transaction makes the fraud very hard to prove and the monies nearly impossible to recover,” explains the NPD.
The report came on May 14 and police warn that by virtue of simply participating in a pyramid scheme, a person is guilty of a Federal offence.
Nelson police are investigating this matter and anyone with information is asked to contact Cst. Lisa Schmidtke and refer to Nelson Police File #13-1947.
Questions about the validity on offers can be directed to the local department or people can refer to the Government of Canada Anti-Fraud Centre at: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/home-eng.html