Can you trust a "blueprint to wealth"?

A blueprint to wealth? Not so fast. The FTC says a business opportunity scheme known as "Blueprint to Wealth" has been targeting people who want to make money working from home and using false promises of a proven system generating thousands a month in "passive income" from newly recruited members. Here's a blueprint for how to avoid business opportunity schemes.

According to the FTC, the operators of Blueprint to Wealth promised new members would earn big money — making over $20,000 a month — from an “everything-is-done-for-you” business opportunity with support from “success coaches.” They made it sound easy and risk free: pay up to $21,000 for a membership plus advertising costs, then sit back, let the coaches handle everything else, and watch the money roll in from commissions generated by new membership sales. But, says the FTC, the scheme generated millions only for the defendants. People who purchased memberships typically got nothing. When people complained, Blueprint to Wealth blamed them for not doing enough — and then tried to convince them to pay even more money to generate income.

To avoid a business coaching or recruitment-based business opportunity scam, take these steps before you pay:

• Take your time and talk to someone you trust. Scammers will try to pressure you to get involved right away. Talk to someone you trust — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — before you sign up. Talking about it could help you realize it's a scam.
• Research the company and offer online. Use words like “complaint”, “review”, or “scam” to see what people say about it before you pay.
• Question promises of big money or profits. All investments have risks. Only scammers guarantee success or a return on an investment.
• Read success stories and reviews with skepticism. They might be fakes or misleading. Look at different sources and well-known websites for trustworthy and impartial expert reviews.

Learn more about avoiding a business coaching scam. If you think you’ve spotted one, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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