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dimossi
Skeptic Friend
USA
141 Posts |
 Posted - 05/13/2002 : 16:18:43
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Some items that really piss me off are: MLMs, Spam, Bible Thumpers, and Pseudo-science
Well recently I had some friends get a double dose of bunk from a local gal by the name of Sharon. MLM and Pseudo-science in one.
Sharon lives in my area and is using fraudulent and deceptive business practices in order to obtain a higher level in her "pyramid", recruit members to her down-line, and sell her pseudo-medical products. She in involved in a MLM called Nikken:
http://www.Nikken.com/
What she has done to some friends of mine -- and others, I'm sure -- is deceive them by telling them that she is giving away free massages, and that she has to do so many hours worth of these "free massages" in order to complete some sort of educational massage program. Then once the "victim" arrives at her house for the "free massage"; she lays them down on these magnetic mats and uses magnetic devices to "massage" the person for only a few minutes. The next hour she spends by citing numerous testimonials and anecdotes as well as the "great business opportunity" at Nikken.
My friends that were the victims of Sharon's deceptive ways were too nice to just leave when they found out the actual goal of the "free massage" appointment. They were also nice enough to give Sharon my phone number when she asked for it! She told them how she wanted to offer the wonderful opportunity to everyone. Now I have Sharon on my answering machine telling me to call her because she "needs to ask me for a favor." I know what that favor is going to be but have yet to decide how to approach it. Here is what I have in mind:
I will call her back. And after leading her into thinking I am just another gullible victim awaiting her deceptive plan; explain to her how I don't appreciate her deceptive business tactics and how I will consult all acquaintances of mine of her actual intentions and for them to be skeptical of her and Nikken. I will also explain to her the faults, misinterpretations of data, unscientific claims, and logical fallacies of the magnetic products she is promoting and selling.
One of the details I am unsure of is if her fraudulent business practices are something that I could report to Better Business Bureau or other agencies. If anyone has any experience with BBB or other ways I could report her -- if needed -- please let me know what you would suggest in dealing with this at a higher level.
Thanks.
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." [Philip K. Dick, science-fiction author]
Edited by - dimossi on 05/13/2002 16:19:41
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Lisa
SFN Regular
USA
1223 Posts |
 Posted - 05/14/2002 : 03:23:44 [Permalink]
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Dimossi, this is fraud. Has anyone considered the DA's office? All you really need is for a couple of people to stand up and say they've been deceived.
Lisa
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room. |
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dimossi
Skeptic Friend
USA
141 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2002 : 10:05:48 [Permalink]
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Lisa,
Thanks for the response. I don't think anyone that I know has considered the DA's office. Most of them feel that they would rather not take any offensive action against her because they are afraid of any sort of conflict. I, on the other hand, am willing to take action against her and am not worried about any conflict that may arise. I am just unsure what process I should actually follow and who I should file my complaint with. I am also curious to know if anyone has any insight to dealing with these matters and/or Nikken itself.
Thanks.
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." [Philip K. Dick, science-fiction author] |
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Gorgo
SFN Die Hard
USA
5311 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2002 : 10:34:56 [Permalink]
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You might try writing to Dr. Stephen Barrett at
sbinfo@quackwatch.com
http://www.quackwatch.com
"Not one human life should be expended in this reckless violence called a war against terrorism." - Howard Zinn
Edited by - gorgo on 05/14/2002 10:35:34 |
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Dr Shari
Skeptic Friend
135 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2002 : 03:15:23 [Permalink]
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This is no different then people who invite you over to play cards then talk you into selling something for them on a pyramid scheme. Everyone of these plans from Tupperware to vitamins has some sort of trick to get you to sell thier product and giving part of your profits to to the person who signed you up.
The ones that promise some sort of medical breakthrough are the worst. I have people come into my office with all sorts of products that think are going to make them feel better that are just junk then they try to get other people to sell this useless stuff also. I think it is very close to practiceing medicine w/o a liscence.
People are so greedy and anxious to make some extra money they ignore the truth and will try anything to make a buck.
Death: The High Cost of Living
It is easier to get forgiveness then to get permission! |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2002 : 13:02:45 [Permalink]
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quote:
Lisa,
Thanks for the response. I don't think anyone that I know has considered the DA's office.
I don't know about where you live but here in Los Angeles there is so much crime, I think the police, etc. have to pick and choose what they prosecute. I won't go into the details of when someone reports a crime and are discouraged when nothing happens or the police don't act like they want to help.
That aside, I think you really have to be a victim and have had to have lost money in that scheem before they will do anything. Just telling that person what you think of her or threatening to report her won't be good enough.
Yes, warn your friends so at least the person won't get their money and then do tell the DA or what ever athorities so maybe they can't check into it and see if anyone besides your friends were actually frauded.
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*Carabao forever.
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Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease
to be amused. |
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Lisa
SFN Regular
USA
1223 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2002 : 13:27:59 [Permalink]
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Snake,
Yes you do. We have each other's addresses. I live in Bumfuck South Dakota. One single murder can have the whole freakin burg abuzz for a year. Or more. There's cases her that go back over a decade that people are still talking about. My suggestion was based on what I'd do in my area.
I like the idea of telling all friends/acquaintences to beware. They'll tell friends, etc.
Go to law enforcement if you have proof. Rock solid proof. Snakes is right. With people victims of violent crime, a MLM doesn't make a blip in the radar.
So has Sharon sucked (no pun intended, I assure you)(I'm lying) many customers?
Lisa
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room. |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2002 : 00:17:01 [Permalink]
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quote:
Snake,
Yes you do. We have each other's addresses.
OH! Yes, of course we do. Sorry LISA. Once I put the message in 'reply mode' I tend to forget who I'm replying to and only consintrate on the content rather then the person. BTW, saying 'I don't know where you live' was a 'comment'lead in to what I wanted to say, more so than an actual statement. LOL, like when you meet a friend and ask 'how are you?' but don't really care!
ok?
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*Carabao forever.
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Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease
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