Trades of Hope

TINA.org investigated Trades of Hope as part of its larger investigations into atypical income claims used by MLM companies. To read more about TINA.org’s 2023 MLM Income Claims Investigation, click…

Traveling Vineyard

TINA.org investigated Traveling Vineyard as part of its larger investigations into atypical income claims used by MLM companies. To read more about TINA.org’s 2023 MLM Income Claims Investigation, click here.…

PaperPie/Usborne Books

TINA.org investigated PaperPie, formerly known as Usborne Books & More, as part of its larger investigations into atypical income claims used by MLM companies. To read more about TINA.org’s 2023…

MLMs Need to be Included in FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule

TINA.org files comment in support of applying rule to direct selling industry.

2022/2023 Juice Plus Health Claims Database

MLM Companies Income Claims

TINA.org found that 98% of MLM companies have used atypical income claims to market their business opportunities.

Regulatory Inquiries Put Essential Oils MLM doTerra on the Defensive

MLM’s health claims fail to stand up to an increased level of scrutiny amid a worldwide pandemic.

What You Should Know about USANA

Supplement MLM takes down dozens of deceptive claims following TINA.org investigation.

NourishLife speak (Lifetrients)

TINA.org investigated NourishLife (which later changed its name to Lifetrients) and found that it was deceptively advertising a potentially harmful supplement called SpeechNutrients speak by, among other things, claiming it…

Multilevel Marketing: The Day Job that Doesn’t Pay

More than 97 percent of DSA member companies use or have used misleading income claims.

Herbalife

TINA.org investigated Herbalife, a California-based multilevel marketing company that sells nutritional supplements, and found that the company has used unsubstantiated disease-treatment claims to market its products, as well as atypical…

MyPillow

TINA.org investigated My Pillow, a Minnesota company that has sold millions of foam-filled bed pillows across the country, and found that the company was making deceptive and unsubstantiated disease-treatment claims…

MLMs Tap College Campuses for Recruits

MLM and pyramid scheme experts say more must be done to educate and raise student awareness.

A Growing List of Coronavirus Scams

A master list of known and alleged scams.

Primerica

TINA.org investigated Primerica, Inc., a Georgia-based multilevel marketing company that sells term life insurance and various other financial service products, and found that the company has used atypical income claims…

FTC Proposes New Rule Targeting Deceptive Income Claims in MLM Industry

Proposed new earnings claim rule comes three years after TINA.org comment to FTC.

FTC Staff Urge MLMs Not to Rely on Industry Income Disclosure Guidance

Advisory opinion letter raises “serious concerns” with self-reg group’s guidance.

Penalty Offense Authority: MLMs

TINA.org urged the FTC to formally notify all MLM companies of the law and use its penalty offense authority.

Do MLM Earnings Statements Constitute Deceptive Advertising?

Despite the availability of the data, MLM earnings statements fail to disclose crucial information to recruits, writes guest blogger William Keep.

Multi-level Marketing: The Long and Short of It

The financial appeal of multi-level marketing companies attracts investors and swindlers alike.