Pyramid Scheme
/ˈpɪr.əˌmɪd skiːm/
Definitions
- (n.) A fraudulent business model that recruits members via a promise of payments for enrolling others into the scheme, rather than supplying investments or sale of products.
The company was shut down by regulators for operating a pyramid scheme that deceived thousands.
Commentary
Legally, the key distinction from legitimate multi-level marketing is the emphasis on recruitment commissions over product sales.