Serious Question. Is this a scam?

63 replies
I want to know what opinions are about money gifting sites. It sounds like a scam and at the same time makes sense. Depending on what part of the equation you choose to believe.

What do you think?
#question #scam #serious
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    Cash Gifting is illegal. Stay as far away from it as you can... but that's just my opinion...

    Jared
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  • Profile picture of the author dogisland
    We have a saying in finance "Where there's yield there is risk"

    If it looks like easy money chances are there is a lot of risk attached. Take a look at Cash Gifting Scams, Programs, Forums, & Articles | Cash Gifting Watchdog
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
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      • Profile picture of the author stevenh512
        Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

        I look at it as creative panhandling - if you wouldn't stand on the street corner begging for money, why would you do something like this?
        You know, when I lived in Los Angeles I used to know a guy who made a pretty nice living panhandling in front of the courthouse. When he told me "I make enough money doing this to put myself up in a penthouse suite in Beverly Hills every night." I told him "I think I'm in the wrong business."
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Elliott
    W T F is money Gifting? It sounds dodgy.
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  • Profile picture of the author CmdrStidd
    Kitejunkiee,

    Money gifting is where you get into a group, similar to a chain letter and you send a "gift" of $1.00 or $5.00 or whatever the deal is for that go around to the names on a list. You then add your name on the list and pass it on and as you do this other people will supposedly send money to you as a gift. The thing is that these all fall under the label of pyramid schemes and are illegal in many places. The FBI CyberCrimes division has a great big list of these scams and when they got started.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Elliott
    arh I have actually got 3 of these in the mail, telling me to send $10 to the first person on the last ( attached was 5 cents - WOW ). How Pathetic
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Burton
    Okay, I've sat on the sidelines and watched as the same sentence has come up over and over again.

    Cash Gifting is Illegal.
    This really irks me on a personal level because it is an incomplete and generalized statement.

    In most countries cash gifting in its self is not illegal.
    The programs promoting cash gifting, which is what is meant by the above mentioned statement, are in fact illegal in most countries.

    I can give cash to anyone I choose. This means the panhandler on the corner, any internet marketer, etc. (If I exceed certain figures, then there are legal tax reporting requirements that come up though)

    The majority of cash gifting programs tend to fall into the 'ponzi scheme' or 'pyramid scheme' categories, and are thusly illegal.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Scott Burton View Post

      Okay, I've sat on the sidelines and watched as the same sentence has come up over and over again.



      This really irks me on a personal level because it is an incomplete and generalized statement.

      In most countries cash gifting in its self is not illegal.
      The programs promoting cash gifting, which is what is meant by the above mentioned statement, are in fact illegal in most countries.

      I can give cash to anyone I choose. This means the panhandler on the corner, any internet marketer, etc. (If I exceed certain figures, then there are legal tax reporting requirements that come up though)

      The majority of cash gifting programs tend to fall into the 'ponzi scheme' or 'pyramid scheme' categories, and are thusly illegal.
      Giving a gift of cash, by itself, is not illegal.

      The quote you mentioned calls it Cash Gifitng - the words are capitalized. This denotes it's a title. These programs ARE illegal. Getting into the semantics of it only confuses the issue, and may lead people into thinking it's okay.

      There's nothing wrong with you trying to clarify the issue, but we have to make sure we know what we mean when we say giving a "cash gift" vs. "Cash Gifting". By definition, the latter is illegal.

      All the best,
      Michael
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      • Profile picture of the author Scott Burton
        Originally Posted by Gene Pimentel View Post

        Giving cash to someone, or to many people, is not illegal.

        An organized program for giving cash to others for the purpose of expecting to receive money in return, IS illegal.
        This is the distinction that I was attempting to make, although I'm a little disappointed to see that several people would rather try to argue that I'm defending cash gifting programs, when, like it appears you and others are, I am merely attempting to clarify the distinction.


        Originally Posted by Chris Lockwood View Post

        Come on- do you really not get that when people say "cash gifting" here, they are talking about the programs that you admit are illegal?

        Of course it's legal to give a gift to a friend- who is debating that?
        Well, frankly it looks to me like several people either choose not to make the distinction or don't understand the distinction. Not everyone who comes here is a 'hardened veteran' of marketing, 'legal eagle' etc. Which means that we can not assume we know everything the inquirer means, nor can we assume that every reader understands the difference.

        It would be akin to me assuming everyone knows what it means to say that any polled ram in my flock is automatically a cull.

        (yes, I have sheep, goats & other animals.)

        Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

        Giving a gift of cash, by itself, is not illegal.

        The quote you mentioned calls it Cash Gifitng - the words are capitalized. This denotes it's a title. These programs ARE illegal. Getting into the semantics of it only confuses the issue, and may lead people into thinking it's okay.
        In this case, I simply grabbed the previously mentioned 'cash gifting' line, which sparked me to enter this conversation. However, I have seen it written many ways, not always indicating a title or a particular program. I was unaware of any specific program by this name (although it doesn't surprise me to know it exists), but the OP did not bring "Cash Gifting" the program to this conversation. He said money gifting sites which does not denote any specific program. And depending WHICH sites he is referring to, they could be legitimate (although he is probably referring to the 'give money to so and so, and then so many people will give to you' variety.

        I have personally been involved with a different kind of gifting site, which is truly gifting. The givers are not receivers. Instead it is given just to help. No returns, no marketing, no scams.

        Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

        There's nothing wrong with you trying to clarify the issue, but we have to make sure we know what we mean when we say giving a "cash gift" vs. "Cash Gifting". By definition, the latter is illegal.
        Which the OP said only money gifting sites. (see above)

        In the context possibly intended by the OP, and in the context many people here have assumed to be the intention, money gifting sites are not legitimate. In the context of some sites I have been associated with in the past (see above explanation) such a term can be rightly associated with what is actually legitimate.

        I try not to assume that I know what everyone means. Which is why I try to clearly define the distinction.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
      Originally Posted by Scott Burton View Post

      In most countries cash gifting in its self is not illegal.
      The programs promoting cash gifting, which is what is meant by the above mentioned statement, are in fact illegal in most countries.

      The majority of cash gifting programs tend to fall into the 'ponzi scheme' or 'pyramid scheme' categories, and are thusly illegal.
      Come on- do you really not get that when people say "cash gifting" here, they are talking about the programs that you admit are illegal?

      Of course it's legal to give a gift to a friend- who is debating that?
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Cash Gifting is illegal and the FTC actually has an article about it on their web site. Basically if your giving something with the expectation to receive something in return it's not a gift in the first place, it's an investment. This is regulated by the SEC which these types of programs don't bother to tell you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    Originally Posted by RobRamos View Post

    I want to know what opinions are about money gifting sites.
    They're scams.

    It sounds like a scam
    It is.

    and at the same time makes sense.
    Only if you have it "explained" to you.

    Depending on what part of the equation you choose to believe.
    Believe the side of the equation that's mathematically feasible - that side is NOT cash gifting. The system ALWAYS collapses. ALWAYS.

    Look at it this way. Cash Gifters have a lot to gain by getting you to believe in their system. I have nothing to lose by telling you the truth.

    What do you think?
    That it's a good thing you asked. That they are scams. That you can only profit by hurting others. That you should forget about them and find legitimate ways to earn money.

    All the best,
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    People are responsible for their own avarice and decisions. Cash
    Gifting programs always shut down and leave many people empty-
    handed. They could just has easily have invested their money
    in a real business with a chance of surviving.

    In order to sell cash gifting schemes promoters resort to all sorts
    of deceptions. Some network marketing "leaders" get involved
    too and ruin their reputations. Leaders of churches do it too,
    tearing communities apart.

    There are so many better ways to invest your money, both from
    a point of "the golden rule" and in terms of getting a sustainable,
    long-term return.
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  • Profile picture of the author carolwingert
    I would stay clear of anything that wants you to send "strangers" cash in the mail. How dumb to think that you can get "easy" money by sitting back and waiting for the mail??
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  • Profile picture of the author rayray7
    cash gifting is not illegal. The only requirement is you state clearly what you're doing and not cloak it sales speech.
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    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by rayray7 View Post

      cash gifting is not illegal. The only requirement is you state clearly what you're doing and not cloak it sales speech.
      And pray tell, how can you clearly state what you're doing? Would you mind showing me the proper disclaimers on this one?
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    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      Originally Posted by rayray7 View Post

      cash gifting is not illegal. The only requirement is you state clearly what you're doing and not cloak it sales speech.
      It is illegal no matter how you "Package" the Pitch.

      There are two factors which make it illegal, the first one I mentioned in my first response. The second I eluded to but did not explain

      Giving with the expectation to receive something in return, and
      because there is no actual product, Real or Digital.

      The "GIFT" would be considered a "Security" for an "Investment" which is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The program would then need be registered to sell Securities and disclose certain things by law.

      Here's a link to the Alert about Cash Gifting from the FTC site, read it and head the warning!!!

      The Gifting Club "Gotcha"
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  • Profile picture of the author Craig Fenton
    Hi Rob:

    Hope you are well. Programs that fall under the category of "Cash Gifting" are illegal in a great part of the world. A great deal of legal minds put it simply that ther has to be an exchange of product for the funds charged. Your neighbor can't have you give them ten dollars and you get the other neighbor to pay you but....

    If the neighbor wanted to charge you 10.00 for a book it is okay because there is a tangible exchange of money for a product or money for advice.

    Hope this helps and please avoid any ads that seem too good!
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  • Profile picture of the author tobilove23
    I would stay away from cash gifting
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    I have looked over these sites with their videos of fedex packages full of cash. Looks tempting.

    In 1998 I participated in a chain letter that began with me spamming over 100k people to perpetuate my position. Before long my PO Box was filled with $5 dollar bills every day.

    It ended with a letter from the US Postmaster General.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
      Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

      I have looked over these sites with their videos of fedex packages full of cash. Looks tempting.

      In 1998 I participated in a chain letter that began with me spamming over 100k people to perpetuate my position. Before long my PO Box was filled with $5 dollar bills every day.

      It ended with a letter from the US Postmaster General.
      Did his letter include the $5 bill?
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      • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
        Originally Posted by Chris Lockwood View Post

        Did his letter include the $5 bill?
        LOL Sadly no. Makes me think of of the Seinfeld episode where Wilfred Brimley plays the postmaster general to scare Kramer.
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      • Profile picture of the author FearlessIncome
        I'd imagine that people who work at FedEx and are aware of cash gifting programs can put a stop to it fairly quickly...

        by opening all of the express envelopes and keeping the cash

        The recipient would never know :rolleyes:
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        • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
          In the U.S. it is mail fraud to mail over a certain undeclared
          amount over state lines. I don't know what the amount is
          but it's probably not over a couple hundred bucks. Secretly
          mailing $1000s in cash across state lines would be clearly
          a violation of federal laws which are there to prosecute fraud
          and money laundering.

          I haven't researched the mail fraud issue deeply so don't bother
          challenging me about it. What I do know is that organized
          cash gifting is probably relatively hard to prosecute without
          use of the mails, but once it goes in the mail it's pretty clearly
          a duplicitous/criminal activity according to postal laws.
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          • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
            Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

            In the U.S. it is mail fraud to mail over a certain undeclared
            amount over state lines. I don't know what the amount is
            but it's probably not over a couple hundred bucks. Secretly
            mailing $1000s in cash across state lines would be clearly
            a violation of federal laws which are there to prosecute fraud
            and money laundering.

            I haven't researched the mail fraud issue deeply so don't bother
            challenging me about it. What I do know is that organized
            cash gifting is probably relatively hard to prosecute without
            use of the mails, but once it goes in the mail it's pretty clearly
            a duplicitous/criminal activity according to postal laws.
            The ones I have seen use FEDEX, since they are a private carrier the same laws do not apply.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
    Giving cash to someone, or to many people, is not illegal.

    An organized program for giving cash to others for the purpose of expecting to receive money in return, IS illegal.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
      Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

      Believe me, it's still considered a crime by the feds.
      I hear that It just doesn't fall under the Postmaster General's jurisdiction. I think the FBI/FTC and maybe the Federal Reserve on the other hand...
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    • Profile picture of the author ajsmith
      It's illegal, but having said that I know someone who had a good run with it. The amount was much larger than $5. It was more like $1000. Someone talked her into borrowing the amount off of her credit card, and then she talked 5 other people into doing the same. Plus I believe that the 1st 2 sales were passed up to her from the people she brought in.

      She did well for a while. Way too risky for me!
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  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    Short, simple answer: Stay Away!
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    I know you meant well, Scott, but here's where I'm coming from.

    By saying that "cash gifting" can be okay, even in reference to legitimate giving of gifts, you are confusing the issue. In effect, you're helping the scammers. I know that's not your intention.

    The reason is simple: Nobody refers to the legitimate type of giving a gift of cash as "cash gifting".

    "Hey, I don't know what to get Tom for his birthday. Maybe I should consider cash gifting him $20"

    It just doesn't make sense. HOWEVER, the scammers want it to make sense. Scratch that. They NEED it to make sense.

    The only time I have ever heard it referred to as "cash gifting" is in reference to some contrived scheme to separate people from their money.

    Admittedly, I may lead a sheltered life where I haven't heard people use the term in the way you suggest. That's no big deal, I just wanted to try to clarify what I'm getting at.

    All the best,
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author RobRamos
    Thank you all! You've clarified the entire thing for me. Yes I did me "Cash Gifting" I should have stated that fact.
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  • Profile picture of the author thegadgetblogger
    Thanks for all the advice, I've seena few of these kicking was initially pulled in, now I know for sure just to ignore them!
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Lorence
      The ones that own the websites are the ones making any money...

      And it's illegal.

      The ones that start the scam are the ones that see any profit.

      And those 2nd, 3rd, tier testimonials?

      Fictional, or partners whom helped launch the scam.

      "Joining" the program will cost you money, they need you to join to maintain the money flowing into the scam.

      Hope that clears it up a little...
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  • Profile picture of the author RedMatrix
    7 Years ago, my mom fell for one of these Cash Gifting pyramids. She didn't even have any money, and asked me to loan it to her. It was $500 so that she could go in "halfers" with her brother. This pyramid needed her to bring in 2 people with $1,000 each, and for those two people to bring 2 more, THEN and only THEN would my mom get (half of) 4,000.

    Well, she was in the #5 spot, and the whole thing got raided right before she was to get her "gift." The only people that made money were the first 3 levels.

    I knew better, but who could resist their mom? She said she would pay me back out of her disability check (which was the same amount). I let bye-gone's be bygones.

    STAY AWAY from them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kate Davies
    I am embarrassed to admit that I paid my $5 to one of these about 8 years ago. I didn't even get a cent back.

    I've never admitted it to anyone before ... and now I've gone and posted it on the web
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  • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
    Originally Posted by ssteven561 View Post

    1. People got sick and tired of all the hassles of traditional businesses of selling, peddling, merchant accounts, refunds and charge backs. Today's on-line marketers have gravitated to cash gifting programs because it's finally structured correctly. The cash gifting process is correctly flowing from the giver of the gift to the receiver of the gift. There is no middle man, no MLM, no pyramid, no hidden scheme. It's strictly a cash gift and nothing more then that! That's the beauty!
    Oh really? Show me one cash-gifting program where the giver gives the cash gift without expecting to receive cash gifts from others in return.

    Originally Posted by ssteven561 View Post

    Everything is backed up with the proper paperwork that you can take to your CPA and go to work on your tax return
    Just because you can write off a cash gift, that doesn't mean that the cash giving program is legal.

    Originally Posted by ssteven561 View Post

    2. Cash gifting programs finally came out with some very powerful automated on-line systems that do most of the heavy lifting, even for the brand new people. This allowed internet marketers to leverage the power of the systems to teach and train their new prospects the correct way. With that type of duplication, cash gifting systems became an absolutely unstoppable force on the internet.
    Automation, leverage, whatever. An organized program for giving cash to others for the purpose of expecting to receive money in return, is still illegal. The only "correct way" is to give cash without any expectations.
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  • Profile picture of the author Samuel Lee
    Would agree that cash gifting has had a questionable reputation, so it would be best to avoid and focus on other methods of cash generation! On the surface it seems that its easier, but it's illegal! There are better and legal ways for sure!
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  • Profile picture of the author dsmpublishing
    whatever you do stay away from it - pure scam!
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  • Profile picture of the author GreatBiz
    Yes, these are pyramid schemes where there is no real product in the transactions. Steer clear of them as they are illegal.
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  • Profile picture of the author Asher
    Giving cash as a gift is not illegal.

    Giving cash expecting something in return, however,
    is clearly not right. Otherwise, bribery would have
    been legal.

    It sounds good and all but if it sounds too good, it
    almost always usually is. Stay away from it.

    Asher
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    • Profile picture of the author reynald2790
      Yes, I do believe that giving cash gift is very illegal. You must earn it from yourself not from getting it from nothing. It is very useless taking money that is not your job.
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  • Profile picture of the author earlkohn
    Here's my arguement.... if it's illegal, how has it survived all these years? The IRS clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Rob!


    -Earl
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    • Profile picture of the author Teresa Coppes
      Originally Posted by earlkohn View Post

      Here's my arguement.... if it's illegal, how has it survived all these years? The IRS clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Rob!


      -Earl
      The IRS wouldn't be the ones shutting them down, it's the FTC. And in fact there have been numerous arrests made and programs shut down because of them being illegal. But when one closes 20 more open so it's a very tough job.
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    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by earlkohn View Post

      Here's my arguement.... if it's illegal, how has it survived all these years? The IRS clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Rob!


      -Earl
      Bernie Madoff ran a pyramid scheme for 30 years.

      Does that answer your question?
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    • Profile picture of the author jasonl70
      Originally Posted by earlkohn View Post

      Here's my arguement.... if it's illegal, how has it survived all these years? The IRS clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Rob!


      -Earl
      you seem to be digging up every old thread with the word 'scam' in it.

      The FTC has clearly stated that cash gifting is illegal. period. And these pyramid schemes are always being busted. The thing is, the authorites don't mind spending a year or longer investigating (after taking a while to even learn of it's existance), giving people the illusion that they are in the clear.

      There are always new illegal pyramid schemes popping up. Scams do not disappear, as there's always a new scammer to take over.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tim Whiston
      You'll have to make your own decision as to whether you'll do something that's illegal. Nobody here can define your morality for you.

      However IMO you should forget about any and all of these silly "easy money" systems and just figure out what you can offer that people will gladly pay you for.

      It's not that hard to come up with the small amount of money being promised by these gifting clubs. You might be surprised by what people are interested in buying from you.

      For instance: I get $5 payments just about everyday for a report on how to quit caffeine. This doesn't amount to a big fat load of cash at the end of the month but it's passive cash flow, it's legal and the people buying the information get something that's very useful to them.

      I'm sure you can come up with an even better idea if you spend a few days brain storming it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Lorence
      Originally Posted by earlkohn View Post

      Here's my arguement.... if it's illegal, how has it survived all these years? The IRS clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Rob!


      -Earl
      Well, I guess the same way bank robbery, drug dealing, Ponzi schemes, and all kinds of scams have survived.

      'Cuz there's always somebody looking to get money for nothing...
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by earlkohn View Post

      Here's my arguement.... if it's illegal, how has it survived all these years? The IRS clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Rob!


      -Earl
      Here's my question...if murder, rape, stealing, perjury, larceny, shoplifting, auto theft, manslaughter and extortion are illegal - how have THEY survived all these years? The FBI clearly has the authority to shut these programs down if they wanted to but they haven't. I don't know where to go with that one Earl!

      -Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Robert_Rand
      It's a scam - unless you want my address
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Soos
    Earlkohn,

    Actually, it's under the Federal Trade Commission and your states Attorney Generals office to run these operations into the ground. The IRS basically only comes into play when taxes are avoided. The first 2 groups in the alphabet soup mix (FTC and AG) are usually after the initiators since that is where the money is. Some move it or are really located offshore and one I was aware of changed contact info about every 3 weeks. A lot of money got lost but can you imagine some gov employee trying to track it down? It really isn't like on TV. (Movies are Kool!)
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  • Profile picture of the author jblack
    Originally Posted by RobRamos View Post

    I want to know what opinions are about money gifting sites. It sounds like a scam and at the same time makes sense. Depending on what part of the equation you choose to believe.

    What do you think?
    Depends upon where you live. Cash Gifting is illegal in the US.

    Beware....If the people who give you money never get anyone else to give them money, it can ruin friendships. JMHO
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  • Profile picture of the author cncbuss
    I say, if there isn't a product or service attached to it, any online business isn't very honest.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tony Vercetti
    Well, they are nothing more than a classic pyramid scheme.
    It is true that some gifting programs have been operating for years without getting busted, but this is usually because the program owners are actually based in a jurisdiction outside the US in which such a type of activity is legal.

    Whatever the legal implications of this are, you are running a high chance of losing money. For example, in order for you to get $5k, you need to recruit 5 people to send you $1k each. Then those people need to get 5 more to give them $1k, etc and it goes on and on. Problem is, no matter what kind of "system" is applied to it, sooner or later, the program will run out of new prospects and will collapse, leaving many members at a loss.

    Whats strange is that Adwords seem to allow ads for this type of stuff even though it is illegal in many places. Just look up "cash gifting" on Google, and you will see all the ads.
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  • Profile picture of the author richmannow
    you need to have an open mind to everything and untill you actually look at what whomever is offering there is no way to give an opinion, Mike Dillard says there is no such thing as a scam if you can learn from it.

    rich
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  • Profile picture of the author RB
    check out dog islands post, third from the top. Look through the link and then ask yourself - why isn't everyone doing it...?
    Peace
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  • Profile picture of the author Anomaly1974
    Illegal and not worth getting involved with ... ever!

    Just my two cents
    Signature

    “They did not know it was impossible so they did it”
    -Samuel Clemens" (As Mark Twain)

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  • Profile picture of the author CASH4KUSH
    pyramid scheme BEWARE OF GIFTING SITES if it sounds to good to be true it usually is. Affiliate marketing is where it's at and where it always will be these fly by night operations come and go all the time i'm sure when the economy is back MLM's will find there way back into peoples minds all over again too
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  • Profile picture of the author aardanyul
    yeah mate stay away..
    Signature

    “You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted.” Ruth E. Renkl

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  • Profile picture of the author spires
    Stay clear mate.
    If it sounds to good to be true. It normally is.

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