Two main signs of a financial pyramid. What is a financial pyramid: signs, types and schemes of work

There are several common features of all “financial pyramids”:

• lack of a license from the Federal Securities Commission/Federal Financial Markets Service of Russia or the Bank of Russia to carry out activities to raise funds;
• the promise of high returns, several times higher than the market level;
• guarantee of profitability (which is prohibited in the securities market);
• massive advertising in the media, the Internet with the promise of high profitability;
• lack of any information about the financial position of the organization;
• payment of funds to new participants from funds contributed by other investors earlier;
• lack of own fixed assets and other expensive assets;
• there is no precise definition of the organization's activities.

But the presence of these signs is not a sufficient basis for an unambiguous (unmistakable) conclusion about classifying a particular organization as a “financial pyramid”. For law enforcement and supervisory authorities, they are only one of the signals for conducting verification activities against an organization that has such characteristics.

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Citizens should, first of all, pay attention to proposals for the profitability of funds raised - if it significantly exceeds the offers of banking institutions, then there is a high probability of losing such investments.

An equally important point is the opacity of the mechanisms for investing funds by such organizations, as well as the absence of obvious signs of economic activity. For example, an organization’s advertisement promises high interest rates by investing in highly profitable stock market instruments, but during monitoring it turns out that in reality the organization does not trade on the stock exchange, and the payment of the promised interest is carried out only by attracting money from “new” participants.

Saving and increasing savings through financial market instruments can be completely risk-free in the form of a bank deposit. Or with a certain amount of risk, but with the possibility of obtaining higher income in the medium and long term - this is investing in the stock market, independently or through licensed intermediaries. All other ways of obtaining high income in a short period of time in the financial market are from the evil one.

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In March 2014, a new division was created within the structure of the Central Bank - the Main Directorate for Combating Unfair Practices in the Open Market. Its tasks, among other things, include identifying the activities of organizations that have signs of “financial pyramids”. The department analyzes information received by the Bank of Russia (including that contained in citizens’ requests), interacts with law enforcement agencies, provides them with consulting assistance, and also summarizes law enforcement practice in this area.

In the future, the Bank of Russia sets itself the goal of creating a system for monitoring and identifying the activities of “financial pyramids” at the early stages, which will allow it to quickly respond to threats that arise for the population. It is expected that the department will become a center coordinating the activities of government agencies, including law enforcement, in the field of countering the activities of “financial pyramids.” At the same time, the work of the Bank of Russia will be aimed not only at identifying and suppressing already existing “financial pyramids”, but also at preventing their occurrence.

Mikhail Adamov

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A pyramid scheme is a money-making scheme and profits are achieved by continually attracting new investors rather than by investing in income-producing assets. For its monetary prosperity, the pyramid issues securities, since they are the most liquid and very convenient instrument. If the amount of financial infusion into the system is less than the amount of income payments, then we are talking about a pyramid.

Signs of a financial pyramid

The idea of ​​​​creating a monetary scheme was born in France and England in the seventeenth century. It first appeared in Russia in the 90s of the last century.

Signs of financial pyramids

• Illegality (no license).
• Concealment of financial information.
• Redistribution of funds between project participants.
• The need to pay an entrance fee.
• The earnings of a project participant registered earlier are always higher than those of a lower level.
• Guarantee of fixed interest payment.
• The place of registration of the company is somewhere on the islands.

8 famous financial pyramids on the Internet

Let's look at the most common monetary mechanisms currently operating on the Internet.

• MMM (founder - Sergey Mavrodi)

The most massive pyramidal company was MMM JSC. The idea began to be promoted through advertising in the media. The monetary mechanism is rapidly developing due to the promises of the joint stock company to pay huge dividends.

The founder of the project, Sergei Mavrodi, is becoming a leading entrepreneur in Russia. Shares soar in price from 25 to 125 thousand rubles per unit, people rush to buy them. About 15 million people become investors. The system collapses in 1994. People are already paying 1000 rubles for a share, not 125 thousand.

Sergei Mavrodi is arrested. However, a week later a new pyramid appears. History repeats itself: shares rise, fall, points are closed, shareholders panic.

• Legion Financial Group

FG "Legion" is an international consortium of companies. Capital management is carried out by attracting investments, while funds of bank accounts with an AA-AAA rating, which are included in the world top 25 (WER), are used.

The financial group uses the Placement Program "PPP" (private placement programs), guaranteeing monthly interest payments according to the tariff plan for all investors. Interest is paid from the accounts of legal entities.

Legion has an affiliate program, due to which the investor also receives a percentage of the attracted capital. Income is also provided without your own investment.

• Financial group YES

Financial group "YES!" is an association of a number of companies specializing in various areas of financial activity. The group consists of two organizations:

1. "YES! Invest", whose monthly income when investing money exceeds the interest rates of standard banks. The monthly net income of the financial group is more than 27%.
2. “YES!Credit” - you can get a loan in 30 minutes at 2% per day.

“DA!Invest” invests the funds provided by investors into “DA!Credit” and other reliable, highly profitable areas of business.

• Rostfinance Perm

RostFinance LLC (Limited Liability Company) is registered in Moscow and operates in all regions of the Russian Federation. The company provides entrepreneurs with step-by-step instructions for starting a business.

From the moment the client opens a business, RostFinance provides legal support and provides free staff training. The company helps an entrepreneur open an office in 5 days, with the average payback period for the business being 45 days.

Rostfinance LLC Perm also facilitates loan repayment on terms favorable to clients. Provides financial and legal services: credit broker, payment of loans in any bank in Russia, correction and challenge of credit history, legal assistance "Anti-collector".

The QNET company (QuestNet, Quest.net, QI) came to Russia in 2010 from Southeast Asia, its headquarters in Hong Kong.

QNET's field of activity is e-commerce: sales of personal care products, nutritional supplements, tour packages, and energy-charged biodiscs.

The cost of products is not indicated on the website, but during a personal meeting, employees explain to candidates that each of them must buy goods worth 60-80 thousand rubles from the company. A client who invites one more person receives $200. All payments are made through an online wallet.

There are all the signs of a financial pyramid

1. Intrusive adware.
2. Lack of documents.
3. Incomprehensible schemes.
4. The promise of fast and high earnings.
5. Conflicting products and entry fees.

• Financial pyramid Zeus

The Zevs business incubator is a business school, a legal project registered in Ufa. The number of participants exceeds 40 thousand people.

Each Investor contributes 10 thousand rubles, Co-investor - 500 rubles, project participant - 200. Zevs sells its services and products via the Internet.

The project has passed international certification, has an HTTPS protocol and protection against DDoS attacks.

• Financial pyramid Crocus

The Crocus financial group uses money-raising and lending schemes similar to those used by the DrevProm company, recognized as a financial pyramid.

The group’s products include microcredit and “co-financing” of loans.

What actually happens is this:

• the client takes the money to the company;
• crocus makes no more than three payments to the bank and disappears along with the funds;
• the bank sues the borrower and wins from him everything that was received due to the increase in interest and penalties.

The essence of the scheme is that clients are offered to repay the loan for a certain percentage (24-81%), depending on the amount of debt and the duration of the loan.

• Financial group NBF pyramid

The NBF company is called “Business Independence” and attracts investor money at 60% per annum. “NBF” consists of two parts: a microfinance organization and a collection agency.

The company raises money through a loan agreement with its collection agency.

Each of us makes the decision whether or not to invest in a particular project!

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The history of the concept of “financial pyramid” begins from the time when distrust in banks appeared. Having studied the banking sector, it became clear how money is made out of thin air. To do this, it was only necessary to create a constant flow of funds in the system, which would further redistribute funds between participants, giving everyone the opportunity to earn money. Owners have the right to use other people's money, and investors benefit in the form of profits.

It seems that everything is beautiful and simple - and partly it is. We conducted extensive research and tried to answer frequently asked questions. Therefore, it makes sense to talk further about what are the signs of a financial pyramid, what it is, its types and how it works.

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What is a financial pyramid

is an organization whose profit is generated by the constant influx of new funds in the absence of any real activity or product. In short, this is a fraudulent organization that offers to place investments under "Draconian" percentage of profits, guaranteeing quick earnings. The company does not produce a product or service, but provides profits to early participants at the expense of late ones. Thus, there is a banal transfer of money from one hand to another. We recommend watching an excellent documentary that examines this definition.

However, under such conditions it is impossible to work forever, which provokes a sad outcome of events for everyone - the cessation of payments. When the outflow of funds exceeds the inflow, the organizers of financial pyramids close the project. Therefore, these types of schemes are generally considered fraudulent, despite the fact that at times such “companies” receive incredibly large sums. The most famous and once reliable investment company in Russia in the 90s, which in fact turned out to be fraudulent, is the financial pyramid “MMM” by Sergei Mavrodi. The film talks about this, but we will look at this in detail later.

History of financial pyramids

"Tulip Fever"

The first and also the largest financial pyramid in history, rightfully deserving of its title, is the Dutch “tulip fever”, which spread in the 17th century. The excitement was excessive. “Tulip exchanges” were even created, where entire fortunes were earned through speculation. One bulb of a unique variety could easily be exchanged for an expensive house. The market collapsed in 1637, but even to this day nothing has recreated a rush of this magnitude for an unbacked resource.

"Mississippi Company"

The tulip fever was not essentially a pyramid scheme, because there was no need to attract new money. The first financial pyramid was created by John Law, forming an open joint-stock company called the Mississippi Company. The company attracted new contributions from shareholders, which were to be used to colonize French territories located on the Mississippi River. At the same time, the shares were not distributed among a narrow circle of people, but everyone could purchase them. The success was incredible and the shares increased their value many times over. Over time, the stock price collapsed, making payments to millions of investors impossible.

The definition itself, as a term, was first used by the British in the 1970s to refer to cheating. However, history shows that the first modern financial pyramid was created by Charles Ponzi in the USA. Ponzi recreated the first single-level scam , based on attracting new deposits. Charles founded a company that offered to buy coupons in exchange for a promissory note that guaranteed 50% of the net profit after 45 days. Over time, it turned out that there were only 27 thousand coupons on hand, although 160 million were supposed to be in circulation. The scam was exposed, and investors returned only 37%. In total, Charles raised $50 million.

"MMM"

The incredible boom of financial pyramids in Russia occurred during the period of large-scale privatization in the early 1990s. At the same time, the largest financial pyramid in the CIS region was created under the leadership of Sergei Mavrodi “MMM”. The company was engaged in the issue of shares, which were offered for purchase to everyone. As a result, the organization was recognized as the largest scam, although it officially paid taxes. Let's take a closer look below.

How a financial pyramid works

No monetary structure can function without a constant flow of money, so the principle of such work can be associated with pyramids. After all, in fact, if you withdraw all deposits from any bank, it will close. Why? – because the bank does not produce any product, but in defense of banks it is worth mentioning the provision of financial services. The principle of operation of a financial pyramid is based on an exceptional influx of new investors. As soon as the influx stops, the investment site is closed.

To understand how to build a logical chain of events that helps to understand how a financial pyramid works, let’s give a clear example:

• Let's say a legal company has opened "Naduvalovo" .
• The fund attracts investments, guaranteeing earnings of 1% daily.
• The first investors appear and are paid the stated return.
• Investors like everything, so they express a desire to attract new partners, because "Naduvalovo" will give 10% of new deposits.
• The project also pays this money, so more and more people want to earn money.
• "Naduvalovo" is developing, and the first investors are already receiving net profit on personal deposits. All investors rejoice and sing songs of praise.
• There comes a point when the payment obligations become too large, or the organizers simply want to close the program.
• Payments stop.
• Investors understand that this is a fraudulent scheme, but alas, even the police are unlikely to find the creators "Naduvalova" .

In short, the whole process goes something like this. Almost everywhere they write that financial pyramids are unprofitable organizations. We agree with the title “scam” that the majority are left with nothing too. But few people talk about how a huge number of people became millionaires by participating in such schemes. The Internet contains a lot of them. You just need to know how to earn money and understand the principle of work, although everyone makes the choice to participate or not.

Signs of a financial pyramid

One of the most frequently asked questions for sure “How to recognize this kind of company?” . A sign was made for this purpose. So, the signs of a financial pyramid include:

The company's activities are based solely on words	The company's work is supported solely by words or text on the website. No one will ever show what operations are being carried out because they do not exist in nature.
No accounting reports	Income on the deposit is accrued according to the stated conditions. Another point is that a highly profitable project will never provide accounting reports on its activities.
Interest is higher than bank interest	Each sign is important, but this point is the most revealing. If an investment fund offers a guaranteed income that exceeds the bank interest on deposits, it will probably turn out to be a financial pyramid, of which there are many types.
No faces	Often faces are not revealed. On the other hand, their presence does not guarantee the reliability of the company.
Documents in an offshore country	Most often, organizations are legal. This happens because documents like the Panama license are not difficult to forge (purchase). Certificates are also forged, which will claim that all money is protected and insured.
Barkers give guarantees	There are a large number of activists who are “pumping up” the investment fund. At the same time, such persons often guarantee 100% results and no risks.
Fast payback period	The payback period for the investment can be from a month to a year (more unlikely). This exceeds bank deposit conditions many times over.
Minimum contribution	A minimum contribution is required to participate.
Active PR campaign	There is massive advertising and people come in packs. It is also one of the most important signs.
Promises for years to come	It is certainly not known how long such enterprises last, although the average is 1-12 months, with ten-year plans of the organizers.
Organizers' persistence	The creators do their best to encourage new investors to make deposits using tricks and tricks. Early investors are also forced to reinvest.
Passive income	The main sign is that you don’t need to do anything, just give them money and sit on the couch. Surely such conditions are inherent only in “pyramidos”.

This is how a financial pyramid functions, the signs of which can be detected with the naked eye.

Financial pyramid - essence and purpose

The main goal of the creators of such a scheme – become richer due to the permanent influx of new participants. Whoever manages to get rich with them is a great fellow and knows that the sphere implies not only losses, but also excellent profits. To understand how financial pyramids work, you need to understand their essence. Everything can be depicted primitively using the following diagram.

The creators are professionals in their field, so they know how to make an investment project where people will spend money. The investor will make a profit until the outflow exceeds the inflow. As soon as everything comes down to this outcome, the financial pyramid collapses, and investors understand that this is the end. Essentially, it all comes down to the redistribution of income between platform participants. It is difficult to dissuade an experienced person from participating in this kind of investment, since he knows that he cannot get that kind of money out of the bank or from his place of work.

Types of financial pyramids

Single-level

The simplest and most popular type is a single-level investment fund. This is a standard Ponzi scheme. It is not necessary to invite new clients, because the creator pays the participants with personal funds at the initial stage of work. After gaining popularity and creating the illusion of a reliable project, the cash register begins to fill with investors’ money. In short, the operating principle is based on the independent development of the platform by the administrator without stimulating the audience to develop.

Multi-level

This type of highly profitable program is similar in principle to the previous one, but requires mandatory invitations. Without partners and additional funds, the flow of funds from late investors to early investors and the admin will become impossible. Multi-level projects can include up to 15 levels of structure, but fully populated levels will be equal to the number of people in the country.

Matrix

The matrix scheme provides for a type of marketing in which the investor undertakes to fill out his own matrix. The size of the matrix is ​​described by the company's terms and conditions. The new participant ends up at the very bottom of the matrix and gradually moves up, filling out his own. In this case, inviting partners is not necessary, since the matrix can be filled out by superior and subordinate people. It is worth saying that such a situation is unlikely. Schematically it looks like this.

The single-level financial pyramid is the most tenacious, since the cash desk is burdened solely by deposit obligations. The average life expectancy of this species is approximately from 4 months to several years.

The largest financial pyramids in world history

As technology and human skills developed, the ability to obtain benefits progressed in parallel. On these grounds, marketing changed, which attracted more people and money, respectively. This provoked the development of highly profitable investment schemes and new types of financial pyramids appeared. Next, each type is considered separately point by point.

Lou Perlman, the founder of Trans Continental Airlines Travel Services and a dozen others, became especially famous in 1981. The companies were listed only by documents and did not conduct any activities. Lu managed to sell shares of his project for 20 years in a row and even place shares on the stock exchange. Both individuals and financial institutions bought shares, and their share prices rose.

The criminal scheme was later discovered and Lou Perlman was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During all this time he managed to attract $300 million. Interestingly, it was this man who created the popular musical groups Backstreet Boys and NSync.

European Royal Club

In 1992, an organization called the European Royal Club was founded by two partners, Damara Bertges and Hans Spachtholz. The club had great financial influence and was perceived as the opposite of the banks of Europe. Members of the European Royal Club had the right to purchase a "letter", which was presented as a share in the company. The shares gave a yield of 200 Swiss francs at a cost of 1,400 monetary units. The fraudulent scheme was uncovered 2 years later. During this period of time, the amount of investment amounted to 1 billion dollars . Damara was given 7 years in prison, and Hans 5.

The Greatest Pyramid by Barnard Madoff

The largest financial pyramid scheme of all time in the world was created by a man named Bernie Madoff. The activity of the scheme falls on the modern period. Bernard Madoff formed the investment fund “Madoff Investment Securities,” which was rightfully considered one of the most reliable and largest in the United States. The fund gave investors between 12% and 13% returns each year. Over the 15 years of its existence, it was able to attract both investments from individuals and capital from large financial companies. According to estimates, over the entire period it was possible to attract more than 3 million people and capital in the amount of $65 billion! The bubble burst in 2008, and Bernie received a 150-year sentence.

Ingenious schemes

The name of the scheme is derived from the name of the creator from Pakistan with the beautiful name Syed Sibtul Hassan Shah. For some time, Syed Shah lived in the city of Dubai, after which he returned home - the city of Wazirabad. The guy actively began telling his neighbors about his incredible competence in managing capital on the stock exchange.

Only about 10 people believed Shah, who gave the money under the guarantee of doubling it within a week. The guy fulfilled his obligations and after 1.5 years he managed to collect about 1 billion dollars with more than 300 thousand investors. Shah's activities ceased and as a result he was arrested under the law.

It is also impossible not to mention another interesting historical moment. In 1999, a businessman from China named Wang Feng opened his own company, which invited everyone to become its investors. The essence was an unusual business - buying and caring for “special” ants. The ants cost $1,500 and, according to legend, had healing properties. For 14 months of ant care, investors were entitled to accruals of 32% per year of the purchase amount.

Wang Feng became a very famous person, who was written about in newspapers and talked about on television. However, in practice there was no use of ants. The scam collapsed after reaching a total investment of $2 billion , and Feng was sentenced to death.

Popular financial pyramids in Russia

"MMM"

Russia's largest financial pyramid, MMM, run by Sergei Mavrodi, has already been mentioned several times. Sergei and two henchmen decided to organize an enterprise, the name of which consisted of the first letters of the founders' surnames. The company offered to become a shareholder to everyone who would receive 1000% per annum. The popularity was enormous, especially on television.

The company had an attractive slogan: “Tomorrow is more expensive than today.” The organizers managed to work for 5 years, attracting order $2 billion with millions of investors. In 2003, MMM was recognized as a fraudulent scheme, and the founders were taken into custody. However, Sergei said that the collapse of MMM was solely the fault of the state. According to the law, the company had to pay 11 billion rubles to the state in the form of taxes, while 15 were paid. However, the state turned everything upside down so that the founders were forced to pay 50 billion.

"Vlastilina"

The well-known financial scam “Vlastilina”, registered by Valentina Solovyova, gained considerable popularity in 1992. The company accepted deposits at interest and after the deposit expired it gave the opportunity to buy a car or a house with a 50% discount.

However, 1995 was the last year for “Vlastelina”. Valentina was arrested without the right to leave prison less than 7 years later. The collapsed network has deprived 16,000 customers $2.6 million .

"Russian House Selenga"

The company "Russian House Selenga" was founded in 1992. It was also one of the first financial pyramids in the CIS. Sergey Gruzinin and Alexander Salomadin opened more than 70 branches throughout the country, offering investors profits from investments in a chain of supermarkets, transport and tourism enterprises. The scam collapsed in 1994, leaving the 2.4 million participants who contributed with nothing. 2.8 trillion non-denominated rubles .

Since 1992, the Khoper-Invest organization has been building a massive network of points for accepting money at interest. The fraudulent scheme developed a number of dubious companies and exported capital abroad from Russia, exchanging it for foreign currency. The bubble burst in 1997, and the founders were given 8 years. Four million people were defrauded out of 3 trillion non-denominated rubles.

State pyramids

We wanted to dig as deep as possible when considering this scheme. From our research it turned out that almost everything in our world works according to the pyramid principle. Let's look at real examples.

Banks

A bank is a financial institution that accepts money from interested parties for safekeeping in exchange for their use. Banks have the main product thanks to which these “pyramids” exist - credit. Without it, the existence of these structures would not be possible, since the first main instrument is the deposit. Each investor receives 7-12% per annum, so money is constantly leaving the cash register. Only an increased loan rate gives stability to large banks. But history knows a lot of examples when banks burst like a bubble. Do you know why? – because people withdrew their deposits en masse. The cash register is empty, the bank is closed, does it remind you of anything?)

Everyone was young and would eventually become old. The state takes care of the elderly by providing them with a state pension. However, not many people know where this money comes from. While we are working, we pay tax to the state on every salary we receive. Thus, the young provide for the old . It is impossible to say that we pay taxes and then we will receive them in old age. The world of finance is changing quickly, currencies rise and fall - too much is changing. Therefore, while young people give away part of their income, the state pays pensions to older people. As soon as this stops, there will be no pension. There is a banal transfer of money.

Dollar

And of course, it is impossible not to mention the great and mighty US dollar. After World War II, the US authorities carried out a competent policy that made the American country the greatest and richest on the planet. But America does not have as many gold and foreign exchange reserves as dollars that have been issued around the world. According to statistics, only 4% of the total currency is backed by gold. Conclusion: the dollar is a global financial pyramid, which is supported solely by fictitious interests, because the US national debt is $21 trillion.

Famous financial pyramids on the Internet

Fraudulent schemes are recognized to be called. These schemes have all the hallmarks of financial pyramids, so next we will consider the most famous ones.

The Mercury network pyramid appeared at the beginning of 2014. The project was picked up and began to develop. Investors were offered 1% profit every day for a year. The money was placed without guarantees on a voluntary basis, but there were many who wanted to become investors. The hype closed that same year.

Another well-known financial pyramid of our time is Webtransfer. The investment conditions were pleasant and gave participants 0.5-3% profit daily. The company was engaged in microcredit, where anyone could become a lender or borrower. The popularity was extremely high and many were able to become millionaires, but the bubble burst.

Questra World

Questra Worrld, Atlantic Global Asset Management, AGAM called this hype all over again. It has become extremely popular throughout Europe with huge accumulated liquidity. It was proposed to buy investment portfolios that gave from 17% to 26% profit monthly. Thousands were able to get fabulously rich and earn tens of thousands of dollars, since the hype was worthy, but it still closed.

MVK – Millionaires in Sneakers – became a popular platform in 2016. The fund was managed by Vladimir Romanov and gave investors a floating percentage (average 1%). People invested fabulous amounts of money, even sold property. Many got rich, but most lost.

The Bitcoin investment network pyramid Airbitclub has become popular amid the growth of Bitcoin. For marketing, participants received 40% per annum. It was popular on the Internet, but few people made money.

Cashbury

The largest investment project in the CIS in 2017-2018 is Cashbury. Specializes in microcredit. Hundreds of offices were opened throughout Russia, large-scale leadership trainings and massive advertising were carried out. Hype gave up to 1% daily for 400 days. Thousands of people got rich.

The legendary hype DDfutures, whose admin decided to wipe the nose of the entire industry, giving 2.1% of net profit per day from the end of 2016 to 2018. The fund became popular on the MMGP forum, was able to give over 1100% of net profit and turn over more than 1 million dollars over the entire period.

Responsibility for the creation of financial pyramids

All states are fighting against financial pyramids, because they directly affect the well-being of the country. The founders are literally depriving the country of funds, since naturally no one pays taxes. All structures that have signs of a financial pyramid are prohibited in Russia under Article 172.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and bear criminal liability.

According to the law, for creating fraudulent schemes in China and the United Arab Emirates, a severe penalty is provided - the death penalty. If a country does not have a separate article on this matter, fraud may be considered illegal business.

Difference between network marketing and pyramid scheme

Often people cannot understand how network marketing differs from a financial pyramid. Many people believe that they are the same thing - this is a very misconception. Beginners assign similar meaning to both definitions, since the principle is quite similar, and they earn money in a similar way. Conclusion - it's all a scam. The following table lists the main differences between network business and ponzi projects.

Modern operating financial pyramids

Now you know what a financial pyramid is and what its signs are. Almost all sources draw an unequivocal conclusion - it is impossible to make money on investment projects of this kind. It may sound a little rude, but these people are absolutely incompetent on the topic. This article contains a lot of examples from history where people lost a lot of money, but experienced participants made colossal profits. Without exaggeration, many became millionaires without breaking the law. Participation is not illegal.

This type of income is the main one for us, because the area has been studied inside and out. If you follow all the rules, you can earn money, and even very stably, at least read the reviews of the MMGP forum participants. We do not encourage anyone to invest money in banks or such projects - everyone makes their own decision. If the topic is really interesting to you, you can look at those who are paying at the moment. It is constantly updated, and the blog monitors work in real time. Investing in cryptocurrency, knowledge or keeping money under your pillow is everyone’s choice, but we are personally encouraged by this thought from a wise, successful person:

“Either you control your money, or the lack of it will control you.” Dave Ramsey

Name	Of. website http://	When and where is it open	AF type	Min. contribution	Min. deposit period / withdrawal amount	Income, in % per month	Popular by Yandex Wordstat	Theme mmgp.ru / YouTube video	Does it pay? Date of inspection
	appsinco.cc	September 27, 2019	hype	$5	1 month	4% per day			Yes 24.10.2019
	superkopilka.com	May 13, 2013	investments	$10	1 Week	floating, from 10%	1600	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	eobot.com	2014	hype, cryptocurrency mining	$10		depends on the tariff (you may not earn money at all)	8900	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	wwp.capital	November 2017	hype				4300	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	leopays.com	July 12, 2016	hype			3% per month	770	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	prizm.club	April 10, 2017	cryptocurrency with paramining	$1		from 3%	6400	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	wwex-group.com	January 22, 2019	hype	100 rubles		1.8% per day	20400	forum	No 24.10.2019
	expressmoney.com	March 27, 2019	hype	$2	3 days	5% per term	4400		Yes 24.10.2019
	yesss.cc	October 15, 2015	hype	$25	555 days	0.8% per day	950	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	zonders.pro	October 15, 2018	hype	$15	4 days	1.5% per day	1100	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	infinity-matrix.com	September 15, 2019	mutual aid fund	400 rubles	no passive income		4100		Yes 24.10.2019
	roy.cash	spring 2019	hype	$10	1 month	0.88% per day	1300	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	tsunami.money	June 30, 2019	financial Pyramide	100 rubles	1 month	depending on the structure	2300		Yes 24.10.2019
	tor-corporation.com	October 31, 2018	paramining	$10	1 month	floating	1200	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	l7.trade	May 31, 2019	inter-exchange arbitrage	$10	1 month	floating, 4% per day	2300	forum	No 24.10.2019
	emine.to	July 2, 2019	hype	0.001 BTC	60 days	3.6% per day	800	forum	No 24.10.2019
	river-coins.com	2015	financial Pyramide	$5	depending on the structure	depending on the structure	6400		Yes 24.10.2019
	cryptohands.org	April 2019	financial Pyramide	0.05eth	depending on the structure	depending on the structure	1550	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	tresor.capital	May 6, 2019	hype	$25	10 working days	10.8% per day	11700	forum	No 24.10.2019
	uniteam.top		hype, financial pyramid	20 euros	depending on the structure	depending on the structure	1600		Yes 24.10.2019
	itn.ltd	April 2019	hype	$50	90 days	1.27% daily	1400	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	primers.pw	year 2014	matrix project	50 rubles	depending on the structure	depending on the structure	1200		Yes 24.10.2019
	effectadver.best	August 21, 2019	axle boxes	20 rubles	20 days	110% in 20 days	825	forum	No 24.10.2019
	mindhome.io	November 4, 2018	hype, financial pyramid	0.03eth	100 days	depending on the structure	1400	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	arbinance.com	September 9, 2019	hype	$10	indefinitely	0.5% per trade	1700	forum	No 24.10.2019
	hermes-ltd.com	year 2014	hype	$10	indefinitely	23% per year	3800	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	MyEtherPos.com	2019	hype	0.01eth	indefinitely	8.3% per month	637		Yes 24.10.2019
	ti.capital	May 12, 2019	hype	$10	1 month	0.7% per day	500		Yes 24.10.2019
	exxa.net	September 29, 2019	multi-currency wallet	$0.1	indefinitely	6% per month	2450	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	shara.today	April 2019	axle boxes	5 rubles	90 days	1.5% per day	1500	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	kryptex.org	2019	hype		30 days	1500 rubles per month	1000	forum	Yes 24.10.2019
	startupfund.ltd	September 20, 2019	hype	$2	2 days	3%	718	forum	Yes 25.10.2019
	e-technology.cc	October 2, 2019	hype	$2	30 days	3.42%	1700	forum	Yes 25.10.2019
	Prizm Space Bot	2019	telegram bot	100 Prism cryptocurrency coins	30 days	0,7%	1266	forum	Yes 25.10.2019

* Types of financial pyramids:

1. Investments— You invest money and wait for interest without doing anything. They are also called hype projects.
2. Classic financial pyramid or mutual aid fund. Money in such projects is transferred from one participant to another. This type of financial pyramid is practically not relevant for 2019
3. Disguised financial pyramid- classic FP with the addition of a masking element. For example, unnecessary products or products that only some participants can receive.

** Popularity according to Yandex.Wordstat. How many people searched for information about the company in the previous month? Indirectly indicates the popularity of the project.

*** The topic on mmgp.ru is the most popular forum about making money on the Russian-language Internet.

**** Payment is direct. Money is transferred from one user wallet to another, that is, it does not enter the project. This kind of project ALWAYS PAYS. That is, even in theory he cannot help but pay. Therefore, when entering such a financial pyramid, you need to look at the indicators of its popularity and read the topic on mmgp.ru. Because you can enter it without problems, but it is extremely difficult to involve someone there.

Economic games with money withdrawal

This type of Internet projects is essentially a subtype of hype projects, to which game elements are added. few, but many of them are very popular and long-lived. This is their advantageous difference from hype projects.

Name	Of. website	Registration date	Entry fee	Activity (how often should you log into the game)	Profit in %	Popularity Yandex Wordstat	Pays!?
	rich-birds.com	November 2014	30 rubles	every 24 hours		850	No 14.10.2019
	golden-mines.biz	February 11, 2014	100 rubles			1100	Yes 14.10.2019
	money-birds.com	May 10, 2014	from 30 rubles	every 24 hours	25% per month	1000	Yes 14.10.2019
	taxi-money.info	May 23, 2014	from 10 rubles	a lot of time in the game	from 20% per month	600	Yes 14.10.2019
	train-game.biz	June 3, 2018	from 10 rubles		from 20% per month	2900	No 14.10.2019
	dragon-eggs.biz	May 14, 2018	from 30 rubles	does not require	from 23% per month	2200	No 14.10.2019
	russia-invest.com	November 24, 2017	from 19 rubles	does not require	from 25% per month	1000	No 14.10.2019
	trackmania.space	May 21, 2019	15 rubles	does not require	0.42 rub. at one o'clock	8700	Yes 14.10.2019

Actual financial pyramids and specific online MLMs

There is a clear definition of financial pyramids (read it). And not all companies fall under it. That is, from a legal point of view, they are not financial pyramids. But in practice, these companies operate exactly like financial pyramids. Most often this happens due to POOR-QUALITY or UNNECESSARY products (those that could not be sold on the free market) or because of their long implementation (for example, Sky Way), or because of the incompatibility of certain types of goods/services with MLM.

And also because of the management’s miscalculations when opening the company. In addition, many online MLM companies with intangible products fall into this category.

not relevant

13.02.2019

one-shopw.comFebruary 8, 2017

There is no limit to human greed. The thirst for easy money just like that, in no time, turns off the ability to think logically, and even think with your head in general. Even the instinct of self-preservation disappears somewhere.

I am convinced of this every time I see another “adept” who has poured a lot of money into another “investment company.” And he begins to tell me that he will earn a lot, a lot, and everything will be fine with him.

Look. You think a lot:

Doesn't seem stupid. It seems like I have my own business. How does he not understand basic things, that money doesn’t just fall from the ceiling?

Where do those “apostles” who brainwash people like that study? Teach you how to write selling texts, huh? :)

Where is the limit to that thirst for easy money that turns even smart people into stupid zombies?

How many times can you repeat? there is no easy money. And they are not on the Internet. And don't look.

Signs of obvious financial pyramids

About the so-called HYIPs (High Yield Investment Program) - fraudulent projects that are disguised as investment funds with a high level of income. Projects like these help to invest money in cryptocurrencies, energy, or something else (depending on the invented legend). In fact, this is a financial pyramid. As long as investments are made and new people are attracted, the structure lives and even pays interest. As soon as payments exceed the inflow of money, the project is closed.

Sometimes it closes even earlier - at the very peak of the influx of money. And the founder of such a project disappears into nowhere with other people’s money.

Almost every year (or even more often) there are rumors that another investment project like this has failed. People make noise, yell, are indignant... and after some time they again take their money to another “cool European project with huge interest.” And everything is new. Everything is back to normal.

Some people like to play such gambling games every time. They are specifically looking for HYIPs that are still paying, and are trying to earn a little money before the pyramid collapses.

But the winners from participating in such a scheme (which, by the way, is illegal - this is financial fraud) are 1% of investors. Guess who's in it?

If you're so interested in the world of investing, remember (it’s so obvious and so simple!):

There cannot be a truly serious and large investment company that exists for two or three months and is registered somewhere in Cyprus or Malta;

If you are promised huge interest rates and huge income in a short time, this is also unclean. Where they promise more, they deceive more;

The website of a serious company will not be poor, with errors in the texts, with unfinished design and functionality;
- if they offer to sell a product that no one needs or does not exist;

If the affiliate program is well developed - you receive a percentage for each investor you refer - this is also a sign of a pyramid.

And one more thing: even if the company has a network of offices, has carried out a huge campaign to attract investors, with festivals and meetings, has an authorized capital, at the meeting you were given a company flag and pen and treated to a sandwich, and even allowed to sign an agreement - this means nothing. This is not a guarantee that you will not be scammed. On the contrary, the more they poke your nose in the authorized capital, the more they try to blur your eyes.

A real, live, fresh example is Vertex Life. It closed just the other day, leaving thousands of people high and dry. And there were offices in Kyiv and Moscow. They were supposed to open it in Lviv. Events were held, flags were distributed, and agreements were even concluded with investors.

At first there were glitches on the site. Then it turned out (according to the founders’ stories) that some IT specialist from the team hacked the database (!) and stole all the money (!!). You cannot enter the office - only by special invitation. And then bam... That's all. The site is working, but there is no withdrawal button.

The founders disappeared.

It's a shame? And how. But no one asked to invest money there (and the minimum investment was 100 bucks). They saw what they were buying... but they wanted to earn money very quickly and without hassle.

Let us repeat once again – there is no such thing as easy money. They are not available on the Internet either. Nowhere. The law of conservation of energy works: if you want money, make an effort.

Yes, there are masters who make money from “honest” HYIPs, but this is just luck for the time being. That's all.

Should you invest in cryptocurrency?

One of the fashionable investment options is for those who lack thrills. To cryptocurrency.

Citizens of the Russian Federation know that bitcoins and all cryptocurrencies in general are prohibited in their country. The Central Bank of the Russian Federation cites an article from the Constitution, according to which “the introduction and issue of other currencies (except the ruble) are not allowed.” In addition, the Central Bank considers bitcoins also a financial pyramid.

It's not worth the risk - a violation is a violation. And many scammers have scammed on this topic, promising to earn thousands of dollars on Bitcoin. In fact, they make money themselves...

By the way, the NBU also does not advise Ukrainians to carry out transactions with cryptocurrency. They say that if they are deceived, it is their own fault.

Bitcoin is at least more or less real - it is an exchange commodity, you can actually pay for services with it (I already wrote about this).

And his success haunts others.

They go further - they open platforms for investing in cryptocurrencies, which in fact do not exist. A real example now exists - S-coin. Again, the “serious European” company CoinSpace, has been on the market for several years. Here she came to the expanses of the CIS (according to legend). Registered in Malta. Offers investing in ghost cryptocurrency. There are no coins yet.

What else is given (and you think what it is, scam or not):

The site is a concrete crap on crutches with errors;

Does not work with any payment system. Only with banks (and at the moment it is not possible to work with cards on the site);

They were supposed to go public in October. Now they promise to come out in the spring (they admit that they have nothing);

They promise that immediately after entering the exchange, one S-coin will be equal to one euro;

They offer to sign for themselves and bring other investors.

Pyramid of pure water. Interest is paid from the influx of money from new customers. S-coin is sold and bought only within this site (a product no one needs...).

There are a lot of similar projects. Google about Helix (or read it if you're lazy) or OneCoin.

And after that...

If the world of investment beckons and you want to pour money somewhere, then first:

Register here and browse topics. You will learn a lot of interesting things. Including about obvious fraudulent projects - they are placed in a separate thread.

View the blacklist and . Constantly replenished and updated.

Study useful literature on the topic of investment. Don't go into the water without knowing the ford.

Invest in your business, in real estate, buy gold, in the end. Put money on a deposit or just travel around the world.

Don’t invest in any “cool European companies that are serious about things.” Check the information before you give your hard-earned money - news about scams and HYIPs can be easily searched for, literally at a dime.

Do you have extra money and really want to spend it somewhere?

Open an animal shelter.

Buy toys for kindergarten.

Buy a computer for your home school.

Buy medicine or help make repairs in the hospital.

At least they will sincerely thank you for this. And you won’t feel like a sucker.