Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the Advertising Standards Authority.
A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves the exchange of money primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme without any product or service being delivered.
On 24 June 2008, CAP introduced a new Code clause to reflect the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CRPs). Rule 3.16, which reflects Annex practice 14 of the CPRs, states “No marketing communication may promote a pyramid promotional scheme. Pyramid promotional schemes are those in which consumers pay for the opportunity to receive payments derived primarily from the introduction of other consumers into the scheme, not from the sale or consumption of products”.
In autumn 2008, the ASA investigated a complaint about an ad that claimed “HOME WORKERS URGENTLY REQUIRED. No Experience Necessary … Direct marketing company requires self motivated home workers to do envelope work”. In fact, respondents were told to place ads in shop windows or newspapers stating, for example, “Marketing company requires workers to earn extra cash doing home-based work” and asking consumers to send a stamped addressed envelope to the recipient’s address for free details. They were required to forward any replies they received to the advertiser. The ASA considered that, because consumers were being paid primarily for introducing other consumers to it, the scheme was a pyramid scheme and therefore should not be advertised. (Direct Marketing UK Ltd, 17 September 2008).
CAP recognises that some multi-level marketing schemes can involve participants receiving payment both for commissions on sales and for recruiting new members to the scheme. We recommend marketers who are concerned that their scheme could be considered a pyramid scheme by the ASA to contact the Copy Advice team for advice.
Last modified : 29 March 2012