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Re: PENTAGONO "IS A PYRAMID SCHEME"

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From: mlm-avenger
Date: Sat, 06 Mar 1999 00:00
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 *********************************************************************
 *       PENTAGONO: The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth!       *
 *        Co-authored by Graeme V.O. Clark & David J. Warren         *
 *********************************************************************


             Royal Canadian Mounted Police Public Alert -
            Internet Scam Warning: DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM!
               http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/html/scams.htm


 North American Update --

 Congratulations on your decision to further investigate our Internet
 Scam Warning. Make no mistake you have made an intelligent decision.

 Let's get right to the point. As an online entrepreneur you are most
 likely aware of the growing number of quasi-legitimate opportunities
 being pumped out via online get-rich-quick hype machine. And among
 the most popular of scams are pyramid schemes masquerading as multi-
 level marketing plans.

 Unfortunately, peoples morals, ethics, and common sense are tossed to
 the wind in the greed induced quest for BIG dollars NOW! That's what
 is taking place with an Italian based wealth re-distribution scheme.

 Our motivation for publishing this Special Investigative Report is to
 expose what we believe to be fraudulent activity.

 Why?... Because You Deserve to Know the Truth!

 ==========================================
 Welcome to Pentagono AKA Future Strategies
 ==========================================

 What is Pentagono AKA Future Strategies?

 Future Strategies S.r.l. is a privately owned Italian company founded
 in late 1994 and located in Carpi,Italy in the Province of Modena. In
 March of 1995 Future Strategies began promoting and administering the
 system Pentagono under the pretense of helping people to overcome
 financial hardship. Then in January of 1996 Future Strategies decided
 to expand Pentagono internationally and claim the system is available
 in over 100 countries.

 The Future Strategies S.r.l. administrators state the company is owned
 and operated by two Directors who are lifelong friends, is 100% legal
 and fully approved by the Italian government, completely debt-free and
 has no affiliations to any other group or business, and that the staff
 now comprises of more than 50 people of various nationalities with the
 objective to better assist participants from various countries.

 According to information obtained by the Chamber of Commerce of Modena
 on December 1st, 1998 per C.C.I.A.A. Registration Number 276952:

 FUTURE STRATEGIES S.r.l (joint-stock limited company)
 Chief Executive Officer - Mr. Marri Claudio

 VAT nīŋŊ 02252430364

 Head office:                            Branch office:
 Via S. Pellico 3                        Viale A. Moro 18
 41012 Carpi - Province of Modena        41012 Carpi
 tel. 059/643578                         tel. 059/643578
 fax  059/691369 or 059/643809

 Employed - 2 people
 Capital of Lit. - 20.000.000 (US$ 11.764 more or less)
 Activity - Realization of game and mathematical plays (with money)
 Complaints - We have received from other people complaints about
 their business practices.

 Source: Chamber of Commerce of Modena http://www.mo.camcom.it

 Future Strategies S.r.l. also administers and operates the relatively
 new complimentary international wealth re-distribution scheme called
 VALUEFAX. And even though VALUEFAX differs from the Pentagono program
 ever so slightly, the principle remains the same.

 The Future Strategies S.r.l. wealth re-distribution systems are fully
 administered and operated from the headquarters in Carpi,Italy.

 Future Strategies S.r.l.: http://www.future.it

 =====================
 The Pentagono Concept
 =====================

 Firstly, this Pentagono system involves the purchase of a certificate.
 This certificate lists the names of seven participants on it.

 New recruits pay the sum of $120 ($180 CDN) when they enter Pentagono;
 $40 ($60 CDN) will go to the person who signed them up, $40 ($60 CDN)
 goes directly to Future Strategies S.r.l. to cover administration and
 monitoring fees, and the remaining $40.00 ($60 CDN) goes to the person
 on the Top Position of the certificate.

 When this new recruit has been processed he/she will then receive (3)
 Pentagono Certificates from Future Strategies S.r.l. with his/her name
 in Position 7. This new recruit is now required to go out and sell the
 (3) certificates for $40 ($60 CDN) each to (3) new participants within
 the first 90 days or this new recruit forfeits his/her position.

 As each successive level below the newest position gets sold this new
 recruits name continues to rise on the list until it reaches the top
 position. At this point, Future Strategies S.r.l. administrators claim
 the new recruit will make $87,480 ($131,220 CDN) thanks to 2187 people
 on the 7th position who each send the new recruit $40 ($60 CDN).

 Future Strategies S.r.l. will provide (1) BONUS Pentagono Certificate
 to participants who activate their (3) original certificates within 30
 days. When you activate this certificate you get a chance to increase
 your earnings up to $116,640 ($174,960 CDN) (i.e., 2916 x $40/$60).

 ==========================================
 Introduction to Wealth Re-Distribution 101
 ==========================================

 Does the Pentagono system work?

 Future Strategies S.r.l. administrators claim that the mathematically
 tested Pentagono system represents the improvement and best synthesis
 of over 50 years of experience and university studies.

 A quick example of the "Three Who Recruit Three" mathematically tested
 Pentagono system would be as follows:

 3 -> 9 -> 27 -> 81 -> 243 -> 729 -> 2187 -> 6561 -> 19,683 -> 59,049

 If you simply follow those growing numbers and do the math you quickly
 come to learn you will inevitably exceed our world's population.

 Pentagono is a "closed system" therefore the amount of money shared by
 each and every participant determines total amount of available money
 for distribution. In a closed system one persons gain is always at the
 expense of another persons loss.

 Consistent is the ratio between the number of people who have any gain
 and the total number of participants. The percentage is always .0305%,
 or 99.9695% of the participants will have no monetary gain.

 It is logically and mathematically impossible for every participant to
 gain since the pool of funds and the number of people are both finite.
 A limited amount of money in the pool, limited number of people in the
 program. The only money made via this Pentagono wealth re-distribution
 program is at the expense of people losing money.

 For a more detailed analysis of the Pentagono compensation plan please
 visit the following source: http://www.tgx.com/pentabono/pentabono.htm

 ====================================
 Gross Misrepresentation of the Facts
 ====================================

 Does the Pentagono program have a product?

 Pentagono AKA Future Strategies program has an alleged product called
 Countdown Card. The discount card which is issued by Countdown PLC is
 used to obtain discount in participating establishments worldwide.

 Countdown head office's in the UK state their association with Future
 Strategies S.r.l is via an Italian licensee. Future Strategies S.r.l.
 is a client of the Italian licensee Countdown Italia Agri Immobiliare
 S.a.r.l. located in Rome,Italy.

 Countdown PLC head office in London, England states Future Strategies
 S.r.l produces the cards with the Countdown symbol on them. When each
 new recruit joins Pentagono they will receive the Countdown Card FREE
 with the general information on Countdown PLC and how they can obtain
 discounts. Countdown PLC did confirm that all new recruits interested
 in finding out more about where to obtain discount must first contact
 Countdown PLC head offices in the UK and Countdown PLC will then sell
 the Pentagono recruit copy of the directories containing discounts.

 For all intents and purposes Pentagono has NO PRODUCT! The participant
 never purchased the Countdown Card. Thus, any claims by Pentagono AKA
 Future Strategies proponents which lead prospects to believe Countdown
 Card is "the product" is a gross misrepresentation of the facts.

 We requested that Future Strategies S.r.l. provide documentation which
 support claims this Pentagono program has a legitimate product. Future
 Strategies S.r.l. administrators have refused to respond.

 Countdown PLC: http://www.countdown.plc.uk
 Countdown Italia: http://www.countdown.it/default.asp

 ==============================
 Is Pentagono a Pyramid Scheme?
 ==============================

 In order for us to determine the legality of this Pentagono system we
 must first acknowledge what a pyramid selling scheme is, correct.

 What is a pyramid scheme?

 Pyramid Scheme - A fraudulent system of making money which requires an
 endless stream of new recruits for success. In the pyramid scheme each
 new recruit: a) gives money to his/her recruiters, and; b) must enlist
 fresh recruits to give him/her money.

 Future Strategies S.r.l. administrators claim their product is the key
 that each Pentagono participant is purchasing a discount card good for
 discounts throughout the world at participating merchants.

 Fact!... The Countdown Card is issued by Future Strategies S.r.l. FREE
 OF CHARGE to all Pentagono participants and is included in the mailing
 with their (3) Pentagono certificates. The only purchase recruits ever
 make in the Pentagono program is when they purchase a certificate.

 In the Pentagono wealth re-distribution program the new recruits never
 purchase product. In fact, these new recruits only purchased an ACTIVE
 POSITION in the Pentagono marketing plan.

 The Pentagono program is solely dependant upon continuously recruiting
 new participants in an effort to make money. Compensation paid for the
 recruitment of other individuals into this Pentagono marketing plan is
 a function or activity deemed illegal under US and Canadian laws.

 In reference to the US law:
 http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect/usc18/
 US readers seeking information on pyramid schemes refer to:
 http://www.dsa.org/pyramid.stm

 In reference to the Canadian law:
 http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/ct01141e.html
 Canadian readers seeking information on pyramid schemes refer to:
 http://www.dsa.ca/html/pyramid.html

 =======================================
 Pentagono AKA Future Strategies Exposed
 =======================================

 Here are just a few of the many facts and realities you won't be given
 by Pentagono AKA Future Strategies proponents:

 In Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, that
 is the government authority in charge of enforcement of their pyramid
 selling laws has stated that Pentagono is pyramid selling scheme.

 Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
 http://www.accc.gov.au

 Excerpt taken from the Wall Street Journal:

 *100,000 Malaysians Conned In Internet Scam*
 08/18/97 Singapore Straits Times

 KUALA LUMPUR -- 100,000 Malaysians have been conned into joining a
 get-rich-quick scheme operated through the Internet by an Italian
 firm, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has said.

 Source: Wall Street Journal
 http://www.wsj.com

 Excerpt taken from the Japanese High-Tech News -- February 18, 1998:

 Japanese Police Investigate Internet-Based Chain Letter Business

 The Fukuoka prefectural police are investigating ten or more people in
 the city of Kitakyushu, for possible violation of the "Anti-Infinite-
 Chain-Structure Business Law," which went into effect here in 1979.
 The focus of the investigation is a Web site called "Pentagono," which
 is, very simply, a slick chain letter -- made available to a global
 pool of the criminally naive by the Internet.

 Source: Japanese High-Tech News
 http://www.ascii.co.jp/english/news/archive/98/02/18/
 Source: Japan Consumer Information Center
 http://3w-kokusen.newnet.ne.jp/jcicindex.html

 Excerpt taken from the South China Morning Post:

 October 12, 1998 -- Vice-Counsel Raul Hernandez of the Philippine
 Consulate in Hong Kong announced Philippines Security Exchange
 Commission has issued an order against Pentagono scheme not to sell
 or to offer any more certificates and has alerted banks in Hong Kong
 and abroad.

 Source: South China Morning Post
 http://www.scmp.com

 Received on December 8th, 1998 as provided by the RCMP Prince George
 British Columbia Detachment - Commercial Crimes Division

 RCMP PUBLIC ALERT - Future Strategies Srl - Pentagono

 Public Alert -- The RCMP Economic Crime Branch has reviewed these
 reports and believes that this investment solicitation exhibits the
 characteristics of a common "pyramid" scheme and readers are warned
 that continued participation in the scheme may result in a charge
 under Section 206(1)(e) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

 Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
 http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/html/scams.htm

 Now think for a moment...

 Does Pentagono AKA Future Strategies have the ethical stability in an
 Internet Business Opportunity you would want to participate in?

 ===============================
 The Deceit, Lies, and Deception
 ===============================

 While researching Pentagono AKA Future Strategies we became privy to
 immoral and unethical tactics typically employed by promoters of such
 scheme. The purpose is to intimidate and control members within their
 pyramid, while trying to discredit others who simply know better.

 These overt campaigns of ignorance and indecency are always the master
 plan of key leaders who influence diehard loyalists within their ranks
 to carry out the mission at hand. The "modus operandi" includes use of
 fraud, threat, intimidation, slander, malice and lies. Pentagono AKA
 Future Strategies is a perfect example of this work in action.

 And even though business practices of these loyal Pentagono leaders are
 unethical and illegal, such people without conscience continue to push
 the legal envelope in their ongoing effort to get their dirty hands on
 your hard earned money, and the hard earned money of people you know.

 When does it end?... You decide!

 If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of business practices
 which violate US or Canadian laws then don't hesitate to take action.

 In the US contact the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection:
 http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.htm or via phone 1.202.382.4357

 In Canada contact the Industry Canada Competition Bureau:
 http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/ct01246e.html
 1.800.348.5358 or via fax 1.819.997.0324

 ==================================
 Is Pentagono a Losing Proposition?
 ==================================

 Future Strategies S.r.l. administrators and Pentagono system loyalists
 claim this program has proven to be simple, affordable, efficient, and
 is very professionally operated.

 The sad fact is the only people who make the real money with Pentagono
 are Mr. Marri Claudio, his lifelong friend and associate, and morally
 bankrupt "group administrators", who control both the money and active
 certificate positions within their personal Pentagono pyramid.

 Yes, these people possess the experience, the ability, and the genuine
 desire to prey on the trusting nature of innocent people. And the only
 effective weapon available to combat these reprobates is education.

 Future Strategies S.r.l. administrators have failed to co-operate, and
 absolutely refuse to respond to the growing public demand of Pentagono
 detractors and participants alike. To comply and respond to legitimate
 questions and concerns would force them to reveal the ugly truth.

 In our ongoing effort to educate and assist others in due diligence we
 provide this well researched expose after documenting the evidence and
 facts gathered with help from international press releases, internet
 scam warnings, Canadian, American, Australian, New Zealand, Malaysian,
 Japanese, Chinese, British and Italian government or civilian sources.

 If the Pentagono (and/or VALUEFAX) program is relevant to you, or even
 someone you know, we strongly encourage you to re-examine the FACTS!

 ======================================
 Pyramid Schemes and the Domino Effect!
 ======================================

 Future Strategies S.r.l claims that it's main purpose is to administer
 the worldwide wealth re-distribution systems Pentagono and VALUEFAX as
 ethical and honest opportunity for everyone.

 But in reality Future Strategies Italian based wealth re-distribution
 referral systems cheat the vast majority of participants. Now, we ask
 you... What's so ethical and honest about that?

 Ultimately, this Pentagono (and VALUEFAX) program will cease to exist
 when fresh prospects stop signing up in the great numbers necessary to
 keep paying those at the top of the pyramid.

 Common sense dictates there will always be intelligent people who can
 smell a scheme immediately. And people who know that if it sounds too
 good to be true, then in fact, it obviously is too good to be true.

 The problem for the honest and ethical Network Marketer is that, even
 though pyramid schemes masquerading as multi-level marketing programs
 never last, the fact remains they do a great deal of damage to public
 perceptions of the Network Marketing industry and people within.

 For this reason, we invite you to be part of the most exciting wave
 of positive change in the history of Network Marketing. A grassroots
 movement with zero tolerance towards lies, hype, and miss-information.
 Taking a stand & action against the dishonest and unethical, and thus
 providing the catalyst for the legitimate Paradigm Shift that will
 place the Network Marketing Industry on an entire new level. But best
 of all, greatly reducing the "element" that brings our People Helping
 People industry into disrepute.

 Yes, together we can make the difference between RIGHT and WRONG! The
 question is... Do YOU want to make the difference?

 Food for thought! :)



 Revised 98/12/22
 īŋŊ Copyright 1998 David J. Warren/visionquest & Graeme V.O. Clark

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 About the Co-authors --

 Graeme V.O. Clark lives in British Columbia,Canada, and is one of the
 founding members of MLMTRUTH Coalition. As such, Graeme is a respected
 MLM Mentor with a passion for educating people on the specifics of how
 to make a common sense business decision in Network Marketing and to
 achieve financial abundance in MLM by sorting through the hype, scams,
 lies and misinformation. You can contact him via email or his website:
 mailto:mlmtruth@mlmcentral.com OR http://www.mlmcentral.com/mlmtruth/

 David J. Warren lives in Ontario,Canada, and is a nine year veteran of
 the network marketing industry. David is dedicated to the Research and
 Education of Network Marketing and committed to People Helping People.
 You can contact him via e-mail @ visionquest: mailto:vq.info@pobox.com
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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   __________________________________________________________________



In article <B2dE2.4111$Qs5.3189@news0.telusplanet.net>,
  "Kurt Sauter" <kesauter@telusplanet.net> wrote:
> Many people have already reached the top, now it is your turn!
> tune in to www.future.it and send me an e-mail  as i will have addidional
> information for you kesauter@telusplant.net
>
> What are you waiting for ? go on do it .....now
> Kurt Sauter
>
>

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From: mlm-avenger@goplay.com
Subject: Re: PENTAGONO "IS A PYRAMID SCHEME"
Date: 1999/03/06
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