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How to spot a pyramid scheme - Stacie Bosley

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TEDEd Animation

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In 2004, a nutrition company offered a life-changing opportunity to earn a full-time income for part-time work. There were only two steps to get started: purchase a $500 kit and recruit two more members. By 2013, the company was making $200 million. There was just one problem -- the vast majority of members earned less than they paid in. Stacie Bosley explains what a pyramid scheme is and how to spot one.

Victims of pyramid scheme fraud are usually silent about their experience. What are ways that we can prompt people to share their experience, both within their social networks and with formal authorities who can investigate the matter?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Stacie Bosley
  • Director Will Mackenzie, Kat Gusarova
  • Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Animator Will Mackenzie, Kat Gusarova
  • Producer The Animation Workshop
  • Music Matthew Reid
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Francisco Diez

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