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View Full Version : World Ventures -- Make a Living, Living or Just Living as an MLM Recruiter?



Soapboxmom
06-30-2010, 12:27 PM
WV says:


1. Is WorldVentures a pyramid scheme?
WorldVentures is not a pyramid scheme. WorldVentures is a legitimate network marketing (also known as direct selling) business focused on travel and lifestyle products. Pyramid schemes are illegal, do not deliver on any product or service being sold, and are a form of fraud. This article (http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.shtm) by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a very comprehensive explanation.

WorldVentures passes the "pyramid test" primarily because the company does not pay commissions based on recruiting new Representatives. Rather, commissions are paid solely on the sale of retail products: the DreamTrips Memberships, Luxury DreamTrips Memberships, and the Leisure Travel Consultant package. These products are not sold at inflated prices and since they are not physically tangible items, Representatives do not carry any inventory.

In 2009, WorldVentures launched a new B2B division that markets the DreamTrips Membership as an employee benefit directly to companies, with no mention of the Leisure Travel Consultant opportunity. To date, thousands of customers have already enrolled as members through this employee benefit program.

WorldVentures is not an opportunity where you make millions of dollars in income overnight. Its a viable business similar to other direct selling companies such as Mary Kay, Pre-Paid Legal, Tupperware, Avon, and many other successful companies utilizing a home-based business distribution model. In fact, noted industrialists and corporations utilize the network marketing model as well. For example: Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway) owns The Pampered Chef; Sir Richard Branson, of Virgin fame, also owned Virgin Vie, which distributes cosmetics and skincare products in Europe; and banking giant CitiGroup owns Primerica Insurance Company. Even clothing giant Jockey owns and operates Jockey Person-to-Person.

If most of the sales $$$ are from bringing in new reps and not from travel then we are talking form over substance and it is nothing but a recruitment scheme. Selling Leisure Travel Consultant packages is recruiting.

Soapboxmom

Soapboxmom
06-30-2010, 12:39 PM
World Ventures Income Disclosure 2009 (http://www.scribd.com/doc/28453032/World-Ventures-Income-Disclosure-2009)
Those figures show most never got paid a dime and many of the few that did could barely afford a trip to Starbucks once a week.

Soapboxmom

Seriously?
06-30-2010, 03:47 PM
There just is not enough margin in travel to make this viable. Most people who get into travel MLMs do so to "save" on their own travel. Whether they do or not is debatable considering the cookie-cutter websites have not been shown to consistently provide better pricing than any other source, including traditional agents. The only thing different about WV is their Dream Trips. And those are simple group trips.

Unsaved Trash
06-30-2010, 07:06 PM
There just is not enough margin in travel to make this viable. Most people who get into travel MLMs do so to "save" on their own travel. Whether they do or not is debatable considering the cookie-cutter websites have not been shown to consistently provide better pricing than any other source, including traditional agents. The only thing different about WV is their Dream Trips. And those are simple group trips.

And as proven many times, those DreamTrips are not usually cheaper. Often times, they're more expensive. Add in the membership fees and they're always more expensive in the long run.

Unsaved Trash
08-31-2010, 02:37 PM
Something is very strange in the WorldVentures DreamTrips land. They no longer will show the prices of some of their DreamTrips on the website unless you pay to become a member. That was never the case before. Some are listed and just as proven before, they're not a bargain. Keep in mind that it costs $199.95 to join and $24.99 per month, so the member would pay a whopping $474.84 per year just for the "privilege" of usually paying more for the identical trip booked through any travel agent.

Here is just one their offerings:


NUEVO VALLARTA, MEXICO
6 DAY & 5 NIGHT
STAY AT THE VILLA DEL PALMAR FLAMINGOS BEACH RESORT & SPA
$297.88
PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Studio apartment

Best Online Price: $1229.52
DreamTrips Price: $297.88
Average Savings per Couple: $1863.27

Available from any brick and mortar travel agency:

Same dates, same room category, same everything:

$218.00 per person*

As you can see, this would be a rip-off, as is par for the course with any travel MLM.

*price quoted 8-31-10 from Apple Vacations

Whip
08-31-2010, 02:52 PM
I laugh at the overly inflated 'Best Online Price'

Soapboxmom
08-27-2011, 12:27 PM
WorldVentures Scam: Top Earner Sues WorldVentures (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313892886235#c8896 290191983827422)


Hard evidence on WorldVentures. See the documents retrieved from WorldVentures for yourself. You be the judge.


Thursday, July 7, 2011

Top Earner Sues WorldVentures


An interesting development, Top Earner, Steve J Little and his wife, Leigh, have filed suit against WorldVentures Marketing, Wayne Nugent and Michael Azcue.The names "Steve and Leigh Little" have been synonymous with WorldVentures for many years. Executive Management have referred to Steve Little as "WorldVentures Legend". In February 2007, WorldVentures named Steve Little their Chairman of the President's Advisory Council, citing he was their #1 Top Earner.
Steve and Leigh have been prominently displayed in WorldVentures' Income Disclosure Statements:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQK0Pxj-Bcg/ThZbfaCDq4I/AAAAAAAAAEM/I7tzQsY-0Xk/s400/Steven-J-Little-Sues-WorldVentures.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQK0Pxj-Bcg/ThZbfaCDq4I/AAAAAAAAAEM/I7tzQsY-0Xk/s1600/Steven-J-Little-Sues-WorldVentures.JPG)


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylmWeRBWJb4/ThZd0WGEKoI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/eKmPPiXHias/s640/Steve-Little-vs-WorldVentures.JPG (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylmWeRBWJb4/ThZd0WGEKoI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/eKmPPiXHias/s1600/Steve-Little-vs-WorldVentures.JPG)
Is there trouble in Denmark?

Soapboxmom
08-27-2011, 12:27 PM
16 comments:

OfficialWV (http://worldventures.myid.net/) said... It's unfortunate. He violated our policies and procedures, was put on probation last fall, and after further investigation and subsequent violations, we were forced to terminate this spring.

We have a lot of history with Steve. But WorldVentures will enforce it's policies with vigor in an effort to protect members, regardless of the seniority, rank or position of the person responsible for the offenses. Our leaders were not only aware of the decision but completely aligned with us in support of it.

In our litigious society, the lawsuit is not unexpected. Additionally, WorldVentures has multiple counterclaims on file.
July 17, 2011 4:50 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1310946633046#c7545 854039563518391) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... So what you are saying WVOfficial, is the only way to become a "Top Earner" selling WorldVentures is to violate your policies...
July 25, 2011 7:03 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1311645791814#c4826 691161685328329) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... Seems WV settled for $750,000 so clearly he had dirt on them that they did not want exposed.
August 4, 2011 7:53 AM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1312469626208#c3625 98325204177554) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... Although it is more fun to imagine the "dirt," real life business is much more dull. Any business professional knows settlements out of court are typically done to save the hundreds of thousands, and even millions it can cost BOTH sides to bother dragging something through the court system; the only ones that truly win are the lawyers who collect steep fees. It's naive to believe that ANY out-of-court settlement "proves" anything... It's all just financial numbers these days. I don't know the inside of this case, but a settlement is matter of course for any smart, solid biz.
August 7, 2011 8:59 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1312775951594#c1175 895049640442636) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... When one violates polices and procedures....after having read, signed, and agreed with them....that's what happens. Too bad!
August 17, 2011 6:12 AM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313586753054#c4416 153005918651198) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... Just so everyone is clear:
Steve Little was TERMINATED from WorldVentures for numerous Policies and Procedures violations. That was announced publicly, without his name being mentioned at the time. He did not quit to join another opportunity.
August 18, 2011 4:10 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709043876#c9021 072896263668988) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... Now he, as well as several others that you may know, such as Jason Slone and Heath Blackmon, are the equivalent of starving wolves in a hen house. They are desperate and will do and say anything, for their benefit, at your expense. Don't believe the hype. Steve Little is being paid a salary to be with iWowWe. Are you if you follow him? Do you get the same offer? Hopefully the owners were lied to about why he wasn't with WV any longer, otherwise I question their integrity. Who knows they might decide to terminate him as well soon.
August 18, 2011 4:11 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709090909#c2597 026991993806656) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... An unknown source, a snake, stole the WV b2b database and now some iWowWe representatives, such as Richard Morgan (RJ), are contacting each b2b rep personally over the next few days/weeks to recruit into iWowWe as well as talk bad about WorldVentures. If you're contacted, ask this rep to send you a video or proof of any claims they are making. You won't see or hear Steve Little say anything bad or negative, such as WV wasn't paying him. In fact, I hear from PAC members that Steve Little made every attempt to stay in WV long after he had been warned many, many times, then suspended, and finally terminated, after the many violations of the company's printed Policies & Procedures. What should they have done? What should the company do now as they lie and attack? I'll tell you...they should protect those that care about the future of this company, play by the rules, and are here for the long haul!
August 18, 2011 4:12 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709125624#c2980 97965216981684) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... There is not one single WV leader that has left WorldVentures for iWowWe. Even Steve Little did not leave, he was TERMINATED. Every PAC team leader in WV (President's Advisory Council) is still a part of WV, and all of them were a part of deciding to TERMINATE Steve (The owners of WV make no decisions without the full support of our PAC team and extensive Legal Council).
August 18, 2011 4:12 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709158957#c6144 646009416804363) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... If Steve Little was such a great leader, which he was not, why was he never at the big events, regional trainings, etc? Why did none of the field leaders follow him? If you do waste the time to watch Steve Little in the iWowWe compensation video, take into consideration that WorldVentures paid for the home that the video was recorded in! That home was paid for with the DreamHome bonus! His 3 Lexus vehicles, his Rolex, all the vacations he has taken in the past 6 years... ALL PAID FOR BY WORLDVENTURES!
August 18, 2011 4:13 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709204164#c4140 682018392272126) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... WorldVentures has paid every commission check accurately, on-time, every time, for nearly 6 years. Ask anyone in the company from the new rep to the IMD at the top.
The reason Steve Little doesn't get paid any longer is due to his own actions. Also, contrary to what Steve says at iWowWe, he was not the top money earner at WorldVentures.

So I just wanted to give you a "heads up" as they call and try to steal your belief. Desperate people do desperate things, and misery loves company. My advice? If someone from iWowWe does contact you, attempt to record the conversation. Hopefully the information on how they got your phone number, the real story about Steve Little, and what their motivation is will help you disarm the rep that calls you. Have fun with it! :)
August 18, 2011 4:14 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709257022#c2643 262126532958751) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... Besides all that... How many gumballs are in the "video-email industry"? ;) LOL!!! Plus it's BORING!!!!!!

(iWowWe is a video email service that distributes their product via MLM. It is a 3x7 forced matrix comp plan. Video email can be a useful service although you can get similar results for FREE using your iPhone/Android phone and YouTube. (That is, if you feel comfortable recording yourself on video and sending it to people all over the internet, which most don't) Technology advances so fast, and if iWowWe is like most technology MLM companies, they will be extinct in 2-3 years.)

Odds are they'll be in another deal within 8 months and telling you it's the best ever. Don't be foolish and burn a bridge with WorldVentures. Jason Slone and Heath Blackmon have been going from deal to deal after WorldVentures and have earned the label "MLM Junkie". They keep recycling the same followers from deal to deal to earn the checks they brag about. Then they jump to the next deal. Always give it at least 8 months for them to prove it. Don't be their guinea pigs. WorldVentures is the most dominant Travel related Network Marketing company to ever exist. We know the PAC Team and they know the health of the company. It is solid and built for the future. They are having record growth. The announcements at The View are going to make them regret their short term thinking and actions!
August 18, 2011 4:14 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313709286860#c8677 044191243404018) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... A few other recent reps that have been SUSPENDED or TERMINATED from WorldVentures for violations of the printed Policies & Procedures are Richard Morgan, Jason Slone, and Heath Blackmon.

Beware of any of these guys!!

They have been terminated just like Steve Little. Thank you WV for pruning the dead branches.
August 20, 2011 1:38 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313872729997#c8741 720681710774850) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Anonymous said... WorldVentures has a HUGE counter lawsuit again Steve Little, and he may also be in some serious trouble the SEC! Jail time? Big trouble for the Little family!
August 20, 2011 1:40 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313872815092#c5747 290440433778764) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Scott said... There is a rerason why World Ventures implemented the 90/90 rule into the binary and that reason is two words…”shaved checks”. What caused WorldVentures to put the 90/90 rule into affect was that top earners like Steve Little, Byron Schrag, Troy Brown, et al were maxing out the comp plan and having their checks shaved. To avoid this and risk the whales from bolting to another company with their thousands of followers WV instead decided to take the money from the little man and give it to the big hitters to keep them happy and in the company. This is how the company kept the big hitters happy and didn’t have to pay out more to them. They simply made it harder for the average person to earn anything residually while the big boys got their full check.

only lasted so long.
August 20, 2011 7:14 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313892886235#c8896 290191983827422) http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif
Wayne New said... Press Release issued by World Ventures:

Director of Training, Marc Accetta, says... "The February 9-11 Leadership Acceleration Workshop featuring #1 income earner Steve Little,.."

Press Release - WorldVentures Brings Leadership Acceleration Workshop, Featuring #1 Income Earner Steve Little, to Long Beach, CA. - Feb. 9-11 (http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/worldventures-brings-leadership-acceleration-workshop-featuring-1-income-earner-steve-little-to-long-beach-ca-feb-911-23837.php)
August 20, 2011 7:27 PM (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-earner-sues-worldventures.html?showComment=1313893668701#c8626 901420954341318)

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Soapboxmom
08-27-2011, 12:36 PM
http://stat.onestat.com/stat.aspx?tagver=2&sid=211221&url=http%3A//apps.collincountytx.gov/cccasesearch/Search.aspx&ti=Search&section=&custom=&rf=http%3A//apps.collincountytx.gov/cccasesearch/Search.aspx&tz=300&ch=12&js=1&ul=en-US&sr=1920x1080&cd=24&jo=Yes (http://www.onestat.com/aspx/login.aspx?sid=211221) http://stat.onestat.com/stat.aspx?tagver=2&sid=211221&url=http%3A//apps.collincountytx.gov/cccasesearch/Search.aspx&ti=Search&section=&custom=&rf=http%3A//apps.collincountytx.gov/cccasesearch/Search.aspx&tz=300&ch=12&js=1&ul=en-US&sr=1920x1080&cd=24&jo=Yes (http://www.onestat.com/aspx/login.aspx?sid=211221)
Case History
Case Number 401-02470-2011
Date Filed: 06/10/2011
Case Type: CV - Consumer/Commercial/Debt Status:
Pending Style: Steven J Little,Leigh LittleVs.Worldventures Marketing,Michael Azcue,Wayne Nugent
JudicialOfficer: Rusch, Mark in 401st District Court

Parties Type Name DOB Address Attorney Defendant Azcue, Michael
Dwight Francis Defendant Nugent, Wayne
Dwight Francis Defendant Worldventures Marketing
Dwight Francis Plaintiff Little, Leigh
J Mitchell Little Plaintiff Little, Steven J
J Mitchell Little

06/11/2012 Bench Trial 9:00 AM

Soapboxmom
08-27-2011, 12:44 PM
Case History
Case Number 401-02471-2011
Date Filed: 06/10/2011
Case Type: CV - All Other Civil Cases
Status: Pending
Style: Steven J Little,Leigh Little Vs. Worldventures Marketing
JudicialOfficer: Rusch, Mark in 401st District Court

Parties Type Name DOB Address Attorney
Defendant Worldventures Marketing Dwight Francis
Dwight Francis

Plaintiff Little, Leigh J Mitchell Little


Plaintiff Little, Steven J J Mitchell Little


Case Events Date Event Type Comments Cancelled Reason Time Judge 06/10/2011 Plaintiff's Original Petition (OCA)
Plaintiff's Application for Prejudgment Writ of Garnishment

06/10/2011 Request for Notice x 1 - Notice of Writ of Garnishment

06/10/2011 Request for Writ of Garnishment x 1

06/10/2011 Bond Application Fee Collected

06/10/2011 Certificate of Cash Deposit in Lieu of Surety Bond

06/10/2011 Certified Copy payment for $4 extra charge for notice of writ of garnishment

06/10/2011 Order Granting Issuance of Prejudgment Writ of Garnishment

06/10/2011 Notice

06/10/2011 Writ

06/20/2011 Objection Defendants' objections to and motion to strike portions of affidavit of Steven J. Little

06/20/2011 Motion Worldventures' verified motion to dissolve or modify prejudgment writ of garnishment issued to third party jpmorgan chase bank, N.A.

06/21/2011 Response Worldventures' response to plaintiff's application for temporary restraining order and other injunctive relief and emergency motion for leave to conduct expedited discovery

06/22/2011 Order

07/07/2011 Motion Hearing 9:00 AM

08/11/2011 Motion Hearing 9:00 AM

08/11/2011 General Docket Entry Hrg begins-M/Compell Arbitration. Certain evid may/may not exist-court orders produced per time iine; No further action at this time (motion still pending) MJR

__________________________________________________ _____________________

This is one of the World Ventures scum bums that Tim Darnell tried to buddy with, but he would not have anything to do with Advantage Conferences and wouldn't advertise in Tim's one issue wonder Givers Magazine.

Soapboxmom

Corkey70
09-19-2011, 01:32 AM
In 2010 WorldVentures executives created the Manifest Foundation. The Manifest Foundation is an independently operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Texas in the United States. The stated goal of the Manifest Foundation is to provide essentials, such as food, shelter, water, mentorship and education, to children in need. These needs are met through the efficient management of resources with community-cooperative partnerships that have similar goals.

Whip
09-19-2011, 09:44 AM
Simple attempted money laundering.

littleroundman
09-19-2011, 10:05 AM
In 2010 WorldVentures executives created the Manifest Foundation. The Manifest Foundation is an independently operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Texas in the United States. The stated goal of the Manifest Foundation is to provide essentials, such as food, shelter, water, mentorship and education, to children in need. These needs are met through the efficient management of resources with community-cooperative partnerships that have similar goals.

Hmmnn,

is that a long winded way of saying World Ventures receives a "get out of jail" card because its' executives were somehow involved in the establishment of a charity ??

laidback
09-19-2011, 10:51 AM
Hmmnn,

is that a long winded way of saying World Ventures receives a "get out of jail" card because its' executives were somehow involved in the establishment of a charity ??

I dunno about you, but I tend to be a little skeptical of online charities or companies that do not include a physical address or phone number as part of their "contact us" page...! I would be curious to see what their IRS 990 submission would look like...!

littleroundman
09-19-2011, 11:08 AM
Only a "LITTLE" skeptical ?

littleroundman
09-19-2011, 11:13 AM
I dunno about you, but I tend to be a little skeptical of online charities or companies that do not include a physical address or phone number as part of their "contact us" page...! I would be curious to see what their IRS 990 submission would look like...!

I'm guessing it would look "curious"

laidback
09-19-2011, 02:58 PM
Only a "LITTLE" skeptical ?

Well, yeah. You Know? Some stories ya take with a grain of salt...theirs needs a boxcar full...!

Soapboxmom
09-20-2011, 10:56 AM
In 2010 WorldVentures executives created the Manifest Foundation. The Manifest Foundation is an independently operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Texas in the United States. The stated goal of the Manifest Foundation is to provide essentials, such as food, shelter, water, mentorship and education, to children in need. These needs are met through the efficient management of resources with community-cooperative partnerships that have similar goals.
Are you sure about that???

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The IRS does list it as a 501 C 3 based in Plano, TX, but I can't find it listed as tax-exempt in Texas. Why are the 2010 audited financial reports not available yet? Non-profit corporations in Texas are required by law to have certain records available and the IRS requires 510 c 3s to do the same. When can we expect full financial disclosure???

Soapboxmom

Soapboxmom
09-20-2011, 11:52 AM
World Ventures Income Disclosure 2009 (http://www.scribd.com/doc/28453032/World-Ventures-Income-Disclosure-2009)

Their Facebook page says:

Founded2010
AboutWelcome to the official Manifest Foundation Facebook Page. Help a Child. Change a Life. Change the World.
Company OverviewSince its launch in 2005, founders Wayne Nugent and Mike Azcue and the executive team of WorldVentures have built the company with a belief in the life-changing power of travel and network marketing. Tens of thousands of customers, able to take better vacations, more often, have realized such benefits as decreased stress, higher work satisfaction, and improved personal relationships, on top of the basic financial savings they enjoy. And Representatives, able to generate part-time supplemental income, or even total income replacement and financial independence, have been able to ease their financial burdens, bring spouses home from work, spend more time with their families, and live the lives theyve always dreamed of.

These accomplishments stem in large part from the companys motto of Make a living Living! and a vision for helping our people live their DreamLife. As a natural extension of this mindset, WorldVentures Chief Marketing Officer Dan Stammen early on coined a variation of the companys motto as Make a living Giving! The idea being that by helping WorldVentures Representative take care of their basic needs, they would be freed up to more generously give back to others.
If most of the reps don't get a check at all and many more can't afford their Starbucks, how exactly is this going to work????

Soapboxmom

littleroundman
09-28-2011, 08:24 PM
(continued)

Then other things started becoming clear one by one:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdfrrVRBHhs/Tnj9ocwK6PI/AAAAAAAAAAM/vyBp1cGmTxk/s320/World_Ventures_Travel_Logo3.gif

1 The Big LIE that You will have your own Business on the side it is so unethical that they sell this own your own side business concept at the presentations so strongly, that it makes me want to be sick. Being a WorldVentures rep you are not a Business Owner you are an employee, maybe a highly paid one if you get to be in the top 0.01% and reach IMD, but an employee who can be kicked out of the door and fired at any time. During my time with WorldVentures and after my initial shock when I was blackmailed with termination because I send them EVIDENCE that 95% of the Dreamtrips were not discounted, I experienced the termination of their top UK Leader and their No1 USA Earner, both of which had build huge teams for the company, teams which of course remained with WorldVentures after the leaders termination (and hence, Worldventures saved their big fat salaries and also kept their teams or whatever was left of them!)

I saw those people working hard to bring into the company thousands of people, train new leaders and support the concept passionately, just to be terminated like normal employees, because of supposedly breaking rules and regulations, which by the way, is never concealed to the other members openly what the actual 'breaking of the rules' by those leaders entailed. You see, the WorldVentures rules and regulations are crafted in such way, that the owners of the company can wake up one day, fire you from being a leader take all your team, never pay you again and they dont even have to give you a reason! Its true, read the rules carefully and you will see what I mean. They can just decide that they didnt like something about your behavior and just like that, poof! Youre gone!

2 We want sheep and mascots mentality WorldVentures does not really want you to have an opinion (hence you are a simple employee like in any other company). What they are looking for and what they are creating in their trainings is opinion-less sheep that the company turns into brainless brainwashed mascots. These mascots are reps who pay for Dreamtrip after Dreamtrip to promote the company by taking photos with the logos and slogans and post it on their profiles (note: if you are already a member, notice that 90% of the people who go to all the Dreamtrips are leaders who go there just to promote the concept and not actual members who pay to use the 'product'), thus building the WV brand with the illusion that they are actually building their own business (whereas they are just normal employees)

3 The Lie of long term Residual Income while offering a non sustainable product with no value. I have experienced firsthand how the top leaders have to work to maintain their status and trust me, that is not freedom! The top 20 leaders and income earners of the company that I personally met at various trainings and presentations, are constantly on the road giving presentations and trainings, have barely bought a house and a car, all the vacations you see them posing are at work because this is where they spend time bonding with their team (and they actually have to use those travel dollars) and nobody knows what they are really earning, due to the ever collapsing team. You see, as WorldVentures product offers no true savings, most people drop out within 1 to 3 months. On a rare occasion, someone will stick around to pay membership until the 6th month maximum. After that they are long gone and you have to bring in new people. Since there is no actual physical product that people like and re-order, dropout rate in WorldVentures is so high, that you can have 5000 members in one month and 5 months after you have 500 unsatisfied complaining ones left (I have seen many leaders experience that too, it is common reality in this company).

4 Additional Costs for Trainings/Marketing Tools/Going to Dreamtrips profiting WorldVentures:
Not only you have to pay for Dreamtrips membership for trips which are priced the same or even higher than if you booked the exact same trip online or better through your travel agent who would take care of your flights too and treat you like a good valued customer, but you are bombarded every month with trainings (costing from 99US to 500 US), Marketing Tools that should be offered for free (ie 30 US per month to use a mailing system) and many more additional costs that WorldVentures uses to extract more money out of its reps and members.

Basically WorldVentrures makes a huge additional income on its trainings, although I have to admit, most of them are pretty good and entertaining and there are people who do enjoy paying for those trainings because they get some value in the friendships they make and the shift of mindset in spending a weekend in a room-full of positive minded people who are looking to change their lives. However, what people dont realize is the cost of producing that training vs the proceeds of the company with the very high participation fees, gives WorldVentures a pretty good additional profit for each and every training! (out of which, of course you dont get any commission, even if you have campaigned your whole team to attend and if you are a leader, you are asked to be one of the trainers for free!).

5 Unethical Training guidelines for approaching prospects
The training on how to invite and close leads goes against any ethical business practices. Members are encouraged in the training, not to tell their prospects what the invitation is about and to push them to sign the form giving their visa information right after the presentation, before they have the chance to ask too many questions!

They are basically masters of psychological pressure and brainwash. There are many ethical and proper ways to invite a friend to come see a presentation about something that you are doing without you acting weird and hiding things, putting your friend and yourself in an uncomfortable position. It is also unethical to practice tricky pressure techniques with your friends to get them to sign in to something they have no real clue about what it is (after the first 30 minutes of presentation, where they only present their own version of what they want you to see) and without giving you the time to think about it and ask questions.

6 Presentation style: creating fake enthusiasm and pushing for the sale.
Again, what I am mentioning above. Reps are encouraged at all the trainings to create fake enthusiasm in the room and push for the sale right after the end of the presentation, so that too many questions are avoided. This goes against my logic of keeping some standards of ethics.

7 Constant Legal Issues of the company and bad media coverage WorldVentures is going through legal issues sooner or later, in every country it enters. Have that mind that if in your market there hasnt been yet negative publicity in the media about Worldventures and about how it has been sued for this or that, or for the fact that it is probably a Pyramid or a Ponzi scheme (I will get into that discussion in a future post), as there will probably be something soon. Are you ready to handle it? This will mean losing a big portion of your team every time this happens, losing a lot of respect from friends and family, being laughed at and rebuilding everything from scratch every time (most of the time leaders move from State to State or from country to country to sustain growth as markets are crushed and burned out) until the company builds in all the markets it could enter and totally collapses. I personally prefer to spend my time and effort more constructively on other projects.

After one by one all the above points revealed themselves to me, I felt so ashamed of having dragged in WorldVentures with me, so many amazing people which were also left disappointed and wondering how they didnt see it coming! I even had my wife sign up, who is the quiet type and shy at giving presentations and she had been so supportive that she had already spend around 1000 US in membership fees from her hard earned salary within a year, although we didn't really need a second membership as a couple.

I totally lost interest to promote it and realized that the only person I can truly count on is myself and what value I have to give to the society as an entrepreneur. I didnt want to be that fake mascot of an unethical company anymore.

I am now making money in a different business model, I no longer get angry customer phonecalls, I no longer get insulted for unethical behavior that I wasnt even responsible for.

Who is WorldVentures good for?
It wouldnt be fair not to add a paragraph about the fact that some people do indeed enjoy paying that 1000US/year WorldVentures membership for while, either because they have been lonely before and they found a fun group of people to go travelling with (because Dreamtrips offer no privacy, on the contrary they are group vacations where you interact with other members at parties, excursions etc) or because they enjoy all the personal development training and bonding with other members that happens at the trainings. These are the 10% of people who stick with the company for more than a year as reps working hard on building teams and swear by the value they receive.

And yes, I did attend a couple of very nice Dreamtrips which were memorable experiences and did see some great friendships being formed in WorldVentures that's why I am keeping this blog anonymous, as many of those people who are still in WorldVentures and enjoying it, are my friends and I truly respect them as individuals. I wouldn't go to them and try to change their mind by giving them the information that I wrote here, because it is my story, it is up to form their own experience with the company.

If WorldVentures makes some people happy and fullfills their life purpose, I am not the one to tell them that they are wrong, it was just the wrong project for me for all the reasons described. For them, it might be their true life purpose to promote this company or it might be a journey they have to go through, to learn and grow like I did.

Or like me, some of these people have spend so much effort and time to build big teams, they have put so much trust and time in WorldVentrues, that they would hate to admit 'defeat' and admit to anyone (especially to friends and family who made fun of them in the beginning) that WorldVentures isn't really what they thought it was when they started, they are now too deep in and dependent on it, to make any decision to quit if they decide like me, that they don't feel comfortable with the product not delivering what it initially promised or if they find that they disagree with certain policies and procedures.

For me quitting and going on to start ventures which were true to me, was liberating, because I realized that with WorldVentures I wasn't giving the value I was promising to people. For others, quitting might show defeat to all their friends and family, so they do what they gotta do to prove what they have to prove to whoever they want to prove it...

So Is WorldVentures a scam?
This is for you to judge after reading this article and doing your own research. I am long gone for all the reasons I described and I pray for my friends who are still in this company promoting the concept, not to find themselves one day in the streets with no team and no money, having to rebuild their life after WorldVentures would have broken their dreams.

FraudEducation
11-20-2011, 11:31 PM
Looks like WorldVentures and Steve Little settled out of court

littleroundman
02-12-2012, 10:49 PM
Sunday, July 17, 2011

Marc Accetta and Equinox (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/marc-accetta-and-equinox.html)


It all seems a little fishy, WorldVentures posts the following regarding their Executive Management Member, Marc Accetta and his involvement with the illegal pyramid scheme, Equinox, that was put out of business by the Federal Trade Commission:

"WorldVentures' Director of Training, Marc Accetta, was an independent representative with Equinox (again, not part of the ownership or management). His story is similar to that of Wayne and Mike. Marc voluntarily resigned from Equinox approximately a year and a half before its closure by the Federal Trade Commission. Marc is a world-class trainer and educator, who has achieved industry-wide respect, and has been an invaluable asset to WorldVentures."

The entire post can be found here on WorldVentures' site: Common Questions | WorldVentures Truth (http://worldventurestruth.com/common-questions.php#5)

That seems legit, makes it sound like Marc Accetta was nothing more than a victim himself.....so why then was he named in the suit against Equinox and its founder, Bill Goulld?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpbm4Oja4Ic/TiNpF5NbnrI/AAAAAAAAAEU/JBMhsrrxRdA/s640/Accetta-Equinox.png

http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com.au/ (http://worldventuresscam.blogspot.com.au/)

littleroundman
02-12-2012, 11:21 PM
http://imageshack.com/a/img822/6418/3cnpw.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img823/4271/rshvi.jpg

In case anyone thinking of joining World Ventures missed the important bits, here they are again highlighted:

http://imageshack.com/a/img820/9999/z9ay.jpg

Whip
02-12-2012, 11:56 PM
I can't believe this racket is still around.

Soapboxmom
02-12-2012, 11:59 PM
I can't believe this racket is still around.
And, worse yet right down the street from me. Arrgggghh!!!! Texas ain't big enough for me and the scammers!

Soapboxmom

PPBlog
02-13-2012, 08:33 AM
A college town in Nebraska was not enthused when a World Ventures upline group called “World Ventures RAT Pack” came knocking. This happened on Feb. 9, 2012, four days ago:

Source: Chadron Police Department news release currently here:

City of Chadron Press Releases: (http://pr.chadron-nebraska.com/)

Alleged fraudulent pyramid scam stopped

Press Release

Contact; Chief Tim Lordino, 308.432.0510

Re; Chadron Police and CSC Security stop alleged fraudulent pyramid scam

On Thursday, February 9th, Chadron State Security Officers notified the Chadron Police Department of an alleged pyramid scam targeting Chadron State College students. CSC security advised that an organization named “World Ventures RAT Pack” held two recruitment meetings on campus and had scheduled another meeting last night in the 100 Pine Street, Chadron. This organization called the “RAT Pack” was selling memberships for around $200.00 plus additional monthly dues in return you would receive discounted vacation trips. Once you become a member, you were able and encouraged, but required to pay an additional fee to recruit new members and subsequently, according to the recruiter, you would make a profit on the number of newly recruited members; up to $200.00 for three new members in sixty days and or a bonus of $20.00.

On February 9th, a Chadron Police officer, posing as a student, called one of the recruiters, a Brittney McNaney (970 area code phone number) and inquired about the organization and the program they were selling in Chadron. McNaney confirmed the alleged scam to the officer and encouraged us to bring our credit card to the meeting in the 100 block of Pine Street, Chadron.

Based on the information and cooperation from CSC security and our phone call to McNaney, last night, Chadron police officers attended the meeting on Pine Street and had contact with a recruiter named Brian Brown (720 area code phone number). Brown was advised of his requirement to apply for and receive a city solicitor’s license, prior to any soliciting and our ongoing criminal investigation, of their organization related to; theft by deception. Brown quickly canceled the meeting and left and advised he would go back to Colorado.

The Chadron Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages any victims associated with this alleged pyramid scam to contact the police department at 308.432.0510, or you may contact Officer Hughes, the CSC College Resource Officer on campus.

Chief Lordino says; “Pyramid scams are base simply on someone initially paying cash to recruit people and making it back (in profit) from the cash of their recruits. Eventually the number of recruits fails to sustain the payment structure and the scheme collapses. Logically someone will lose money. Protect yourself, be cautious, and do a little research on any unknown outside organization such as this, who comes to town and promises you a “great deal.” “Nine times out of ten, it’s not so great.”

The Chadron Police Department was assisted by Chadron State Security.

PP Blog

scratchycat
02-13-2012, 05:07 PM
Based on the information and cooperation from CSC security and our phone call to McNaney, last night, Chadron police officers attended the meeting on Pine Street and had contact with a recruiter named Brian Brown (720 area code phone number). Brown was advised of his requirement to apply for and receive a city solicitor’s license, prior to any soliciting and our ongoing criminal investigation, of their organization related to; theft by deception. Brown quickly canceled the meeting and left and advised he would go back to Colorado.

The Chadron Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages any victims associated with this alleged pyramid scam to contact the police department at 308.432.0510, or you may contact Officer Hughes, the CSC College Resource Officer on campus.

Chief Lordino says; “Pyramid scams are base simply on someone initially paying cash to recruit people and making it back (in profit) from the cash of their recruits. Eventually the number of recruits fails to sustain the payment structure and the scheme collapses. Logically someone will lose money. Protect yourself, be cautious, and do a little research on any unknown outside organization such as this, who comes to town and promises you a “great deal.” “Nine times out of ten, it’s not so great.”

The Chadron Police Department was assisted by Chadron State Security.

PP Blog

Thanks for the info PP. It is good to know that at least one police department acted quickly and efficiently to put a stop to this pyramid scheme.

littleroundman
03-09-2012, 01:46 AM
http://imageshack.com/a/img855/5407/68r7.jpg

In 2010 23.06% of all World Ventures "independent representatives earned a commission or override.

In 2010 76.94% of all World Ventures "independent representatives" did NOT earn ANY commission or override.

The 2010 average ANNUAL earnings of ALL World Ventures independent representatives was $292.46

ItsAboutTime
05-18-2012, 08:40 AM
Let's be honest here. WorldVentures is a pyramid and a ponzi scheme all in one.
If you're reading this blog, you should know that the founders of the company manipulate the comp plan for there own best interest as they sell you a dream that is not real. In fact these two income tax evaders are notorious for selling air. They hurt the MLM industry through lies and deceit and prove once and for all that MLM guys should not run MLM companies.
Here's just one of MANY examples of the truth you can find in the dallas public court website in one of their many lawsuits: http://cdn.anonfiles.com/1334197801422.pdf
For your own investigation of the truth and not some blog from someone who may not be in the know, research it for yourself: http://courtecom.dallascounty.org/pav/
Case # dc1109451
Help rid the world of liars and thieves, pass it on!

ConcernedCitizen
06-25-2013, 01:13 PM
I apologize for necro-bumping this thread, and I normally would register for a site just to necro-bump, but I'm somewhat incensed, and the story about Chadron State College got me thinking pretty deeply about what I've seen lately.

I've been in the unique situation the last few weeks of being able to afford the time to hang out at Starbucks almost daily for a few hours at a time, and one day saw a guy bring his friend in to meet someone else at a table to watch a presentation. After a short time, it became obvious from the verbiage I overheard that this was an MLM presentation, so I kept glancing over to see if I could figure out what company it was for. I saw enough marketing materials to start google searching, and came across WorldVentures.

Now, while I don't begrudge anyone for thinking that they can make a living in MLM (my aunt has been an Avon rep for years), what I saw towards the end of this presentation was a "slick" guy brow-beating a young high-school aged kid (maybe freshman in college) into joining up against his will. The kid kept saying that he needed to talk about it with his parents, and the presenter kept using lines like "if it was a scam, would we have a website?" "how do you think I got that BMW?", etc., trying to convince this innocent young man to go against his better judgement and join up before being able to talk to his parents. It sounded like the presenter eventually agreed to present to the kid's parents, too, but I left before the presentation was over. I was hoping to be able to stick it out long enough to get the kid by himself without the presenter and just warn him to trust his judgement and talk to his parents, but I had other commitments at the time.

Now, this all passed and I did some research, and I thought it was all over, but yesterday, I was sitting there minding my own business when two high-school kids (or, again, maybe College Freshmen; they were still wearing high school t-shirts and talking about working in the corn fields over the summer) came in and met a female friend of theirs. I heard mention of "I'm almost BMW qualified", and immediately knew it was more WorldVentures people. They went through the entire contact list in the young lady's phone, asking who each person was, and how she knew them, and wrote down names and numbers. She didn't seem comfortable with this, but was cooperative enough that she let them do it. She's also joining the Marines sometime soon, so I believe she's a High Schooler or a recent graduate as well.

Within an hour of that group leaving, the presenter from my first story came in and walked up to someone who had apparently been waiting for him there. They thought that the place was too crowded (I looked behind me to see that, in fact, every table was taken), and decided to go elsewhere.

When I originally thought it was only one or two young people last week, I was okay enough to just let it slide as "another person that will learn a lesson the hard way", but the more people I see coming into the Starbucks that are affiliated with this organization, all apparently barely legal adults, the more it bothers me to think that they have somehow "infiltrated" a local high school and are making money off of kids who haven't the first clue what the "real world" is about. I don't know if I should go to anyone about this, and if so, if that person should be the local TV station, the authorities, the school boards, or all of the above.

Thoughts?

Again, apologies for making this thread rise from its grave...

Soapboxmom
06-25-2013, 02:46 PM
WorldVentures is based in my backyard in Texas. You have lots of avenues to bring attention to this nonsense.

https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complain.shtml

I would definitely e-mail and call the local TV news stations as well and encourage them to do a story. Undercover warm marks would be a great angle.

ribshaw
06-25-2013, 04:41 PM
Thoughts?...

I am glad you decided to join and share your story, it is the very reason in one form or another many of us are here. Your story is very typical of what many have experienced with MLM. I remember chatting with a guy in Starbucks years back who actually went through the company directory and switchboard to call me at my office (I consider that creepy). And never mind all the times I heard it as a waiter when I was in school.

My distaste for MLM probably like a lot of folks is heightened because I don't like the brow beating of friends and family. The story of going through someone's phone for "marks" makes me cringe, especially if it is someone barely known to the person who is supposed to be a referral. I can't think of a faster way for someone to lose credibility with their contacts than to allow a huckster to to hassle them.

The BMW also bothers me as I see it as more of a status pitch than anything having to do with building true wealth. MLM in particular seems to have adopted the fake it till you make it mantra, where not only do they get people to charge up a bunch of product they can't afford, but to buy a bunch of fancy clothes, jewels, and cars to look the part.

And sales is probably as good an avenue as any for someone getting out of school to gain some experience and maybe even build a heck of a life and living. But I would think it much better to find a situation where they could go through a real training program, have some sort of a draw until they are established and not have to pester friends. So I would say all your observations are spot on.

Cynical
06-22-2014, 07:34 PM
Anyone see the most recent BBB rating of WorldVentures (http://pyramidscammers.blogspot.com/2014/06/worldventures.html)? Seems they aren't paying as close attention to the BBB as they used to. I remember at one point they had it up to an A.... what do you think happened?

littleroundman
12-03-2014, 02:31 AM
BEHINDMLM.com (http://behindmlm.com/) is today reporting:

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/5191/o1BFKK.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/3851/LyiT5n.jpg

You can read the entire original article here World Ventures cease business operations in Norway (http://behindmlm.com/companies/world-ventures/world-ventures-cease-business-operations-in-norway/#more-20498)

littleroundman
12-03-2014, 06:24 AM
The Norwegian Direct Sales Association (Direktesalgsforbundet) (http://www.direktesalgsforbundet.no/)released a statement on the Gaming Board decision on World Ventures

Google Translate of Norwegian DSA statement (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.direktesalgsforbundet.no%2Fdire ktesalgsforbundet%2Fnyhetsarkiv%2Fitem%2F109-ingen-endring-for-world-venture%23.VH6HXNWUft4&edit-text=)

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8219/nbYYhx.jpg

MLM Broken Model
12-03-2014, 04:20 PM
World Ventures is just another binary pay plan that has come under fire from the regulators. When will our MLM Money-Gamers learn? If the majority of your income is coming from recruiting and not retail sales, you are promoting a pyramid scheme. Some of the regular posters on this site have referred to the 51% Retail Sales Rule and the "referral sales" rule.

Based on this ruling, it appears World Ventures might just be the next Skybiz, STS, Tele-Sales & Destiny Telcom? Does the company publish their Retail Customer numbers? Are they in compliant with the 51% Retail Sales Rule?

Introduction to Statutes Affecting the MLM Industry by State - Jeff Babener MLM Attorney (http://www.mlmlegal.com/statutes.html) <------- A lot of good information at this site, including:

In the leading decisions in this subject area, a variety of abuses have been targeted as potential elements of illegal marketing plans:

1. Products which have "no real world" marketplace.

2. Products which are sold at inflated prices.

3. Mandatory purchases of company product.

4. Plans which result in inventory loading distributors.

5. Substantial cash investment requirements.

6. Mandatory purchases of peripheral or accessory products or services.

7. Plans in which company products are totally or substantially consumed only by distributors.

8. Plans in which distributors are left with substantial unsold inventory upon cancellation of participation.

9. Plans in which distributors purchase products in order to further the marketing plan rather than out of genuine desire and need for the product.

10. Plans which would fail without purchases by participants.

11. Plans which make no effort to emphasize retail sales to the ultimate nonparticipant consumer.

12. Plans which require no meaningful participation by distributors after becoming a distributor.

13. Plans in which fees are paid to distributors for headhunting.

14. Plans in which commissions are not based on actual retail product sales.

15. Plans in which emphasis is on recruitment rather than sale of product.

16. Plans which contain elements of a lottery rewarding participants based on chance rather than on bona fide sales efforts.

17. Earnings misrepresentations or inflated earnings representations.

littleroundman
09-23-2015, 07:45 PM
South Africas' Capetown Lately (http://www.capetownlately.co.za/worldventures-at-centre-of-pyramid-scheme-investigation/?PageSpeed=noscript) is reporting:

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/5610/vutUqV.jpg

You can find the original article, including links, here on Capetown Lately.co.za (http://www.capetownlately.co.za/worldventures-at-centre-of-pyramid-scheme-investigation/?PageSpeed=noscript)

EagleOne
09-23-2015, 07:59 PM
Also looking forward to the results of the investigations of Jamaica (June 2015) and Malaysia (April 2015). Let's hope that there are more investigations underway to put a stop to this Ponzi disguised as a MLM.

Fendaril
09-23-2015, 08:57 PM
Why no American investigation.

littleroundman
09-23-2015, 09:30 PM
We don't know there isn't an American investigation.

US authorities are notoriously reluctant to reveal who or what they are investigating.

On a purely speculative note: I wouldn't mind betting the current FTC prosecution of the Vemma MLM will result in a whole slew of World Ventures like pseudo MLMs either disappearing or being prosecuted.

Fendaril
09-24-2015, 10:12 AM
We don't know there isn't an American investigation.

US authorities are notoriously reluctant to reveal who or what they are investigating.

On a purely speculative note: I wouldn't mind betting the current FTC prosecution of the Vemma MLM will result in a whole slew of World Ventures like pseudo MLMs either disappearing or being prosecuted.

The thing about American investigations is that there is usually an ulterior motive.

Most things don't get shutdown unless the owners are making millions of dollars in scam money, and even than investigations seem drawn out.

The only way to really get caught if you fall under a certain income bracket is to not pay taxes, than they will investigate.

Soapboxmom
09-24-2015, 01:40 PM
The thing about American investigations is that there is usually an ulterior motive.

Most things don't get shutdown unless the owners are making millions of dollars in scam money, and even than investigations seem drawn out.

The only way to really get caught if you fall under a certain income bracket is to not pay taxes, than they will investigate.
Screwing the IRS is indeed the fast track to prosecution to be sure!

kschang
09-25-2015, 07:08 PM
Taiwan Travel industry accuses WorldVentures of violating Taiwan laws, and operating a pyramid scheme, want a "rat hunt" (in Chinese, pyramid scheme is sometimes referred as a "mouse meeting / rat pack" 老鼠會)

能賺錢又能出國玩! 「瘋旅」直銷 遊惹* | 台灣生活 | TVBS新聞 | TVBS官網 (http://news.tvbs.com.tw/life/news-618476/) (News in Chinese, translation coming soon)

kschang
09-25-2015, 07:35 PM
TVBS News 2015/09/24 13:10

Earn money and travel abroad! CrazyTravel (WorldVentures) Direct Sale Attracted Controversy

Caption 1: Same as title

In Taiwan, a direct sales travel company, called WorldVentures (CrazyTravel 瘋遊), using the slogan "earn money and travel abroad", is recruiting downlines. If members can recruit more members beyond a threshold their monthly dues are waived, and can earn cash plus points redeemable for travel abroad. In a short period they recruited 30K members in Taiwan. However, this method has attracted harsh criticism from travel industry, as they believe this is a violation of fair trading laws and travel laws, and they formed a protest today at the fair trading commission (Taiwan's FTC). Bureau of Tourism also reported that they have received many complaints since last year.

Travel Industry: "Keep our jobs, smash the rats"

Travel industry reps holding signs at the fair trade office that says "keep our jobs, smash the rats" taking aim at the rapidly growing WorldVentures.

The member meetings are like a carnival, huge party, where everybody holds a sign "You should be here". Using the slogan "earn money and travel abroad", they have gathered up more than 30K members in Taiwan.

The travel industry spokesman QiYu Li said "Travel and earn money, sure, travel the world, and earn money from all the members you recruited, it's really a pyramid scheme (Chinese term: rat pack 老鼠會) to get you to join, illegal promotion"

(WV) imitates direct sales, where members joining results in accumulating points that can be traded for trips abroad. Furthermore, recruiting additional downlines results in points that can be redeemed for cash, thus earn money and travel abroad. However, this is seriously putting pressure on existing travel industry.

Spokeman Li said, "One more member means one less real travel customer."

The group claimed that 3000+ travel agencies (in Taiwan) are being affected and they want the FTC to take action ASAP. Bureau of Tourism has also received complaints.

YuZhen Jin, from Bureau of Tourism, said, "We have received over 40 complaints since last year, either the complainnants were unable to cancel their membership, or they want to go to a particular place but were unable to do so."

As the consumer complaints add up, the slogan hadn't lost their appeal as the direct sales people got into tourism. Please do your due diligence before you get in.

Sign translated: Smash the rats, save our jobs / An urgent plea from the travel industry 1) We protest the use of travel products by pyramid scheme operators as bait 2) We STRONGLY urg FTC to take action against WV 3) We protest illegal travel pyramid schemes leeching on the livelihood of travel industry.

littleroundman
09-25-2015, 07:42 PM
Travel Industry: "Keep our jobs, smash the rats"

HeHe no uncontrolled political correctness in Taiwan.

Soapboxmom
11-01-2015, 08:59 PM
12417

81% made nothing and probably spent a pretty penny to earn that 0 dollars. Less than 1% made a living in this scam. The 1% on the top fed off of the losses of the 99%! It gets worse every year!

littleroundman
01-31-2016, 11:54 PM
South Africas' IOL Online (http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/crunch-time-for-worldventures-1977893) is reporting:

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/6752/K6Ee5O.png

You can read the original story here at iol.co.za (http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/crunch-time-for-worldventures-1977893)

The Turk
03-31-2016, 05:52 AM
These fraudsters recently moved into China where nobody really lknows about them yet. In less that three months they will probably have 3 to 5 million Chinese victims, but enough $ to ride off into the sunset for Cyprus, Monaco, or some other safe haven where the authorities can't touch them. Maybe the IRS will take care of them if the FTC doesn't.