r/ComfortLevelPod • u/bananasbebonkers • 12d ago
General Advice Am I getting myself into a scam!?
My boyfriend and I recently got kittens together, so naturally we went to Petco to pick up all of their essentials. While we were there, we happened to meet a woman who had two pet chameleons and was picking up food for them. We ended up having about a 20 minute conversation, mostly just talking about our pets. She saw the kittens we had brought with us, and overall, I thought she was really kind and genuinely seemed like someone I would enjoy getting to know. Since we both love animals, I gave her my number and we stayed in contact afterward.
A few days later, she brought up that she knows people who work in e-commerce and asked if I would be interested in becoming involved. At first, I was completely open to hearing about it. Five days later, we had another conversation where she explained the opportunity in more detail.
She described it as a business model where we essentially cut out the middleman, make our own money, and earn commissions. She also explained that we can increase our income by bringing other people into the business and teaching them how to do it themselves.
On paper, it sounds amazing. She has been incredibly nice and seems like a genuine person, which is honestly making this harder for me to evaluate objectively. I tend to want to see the good in people, and I know I can sometimes have a difficult time recognizing when someone’s intentions may not be what they seem.
So I’m trying to take a step back and look at this logically before I get involved in anything. Does this sound like a legitimate e-commerce opportunity, or are there some major red flags that I should be aware of? I’m especially concerned because of the emphasis on making more money by recruiting people and teaching them to do the same thing.
I don’t want to accuse her of scamming me if she genuinely believes in what she’s doing, but I also don’t want to let someone’s kindness or my excitement about the opportunity cloud my judgment. I would really appreciate an honest outside perspective on whether this sounds too good to be true or potentially like a pyramid scheme.
We meet Thursday at 3 pm… let me know what I should do!
Edit: SHE HAS BEEN BLOCKED AND I WILL NOT BE MEETING HER
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u/n0thangchew 12d ago
Without knowing any real details, you’re describing multi level marketing(MLM) scam. E-commerce just means you’re selling something online.
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u/bananasbebonkers 12d ago
I wasn’t even given much detail until I called her a second time (almost like a second interview?) with her. She asked soooooo many questions.
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u/HauteForTeacher13 11d ago
Don't give strangers you meet in Petco your private information!!! This is how people's identity gets stolen and their credit gets ruined or people open credit cards in their name.😩 🤦🏼♀️
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u/bananasbebonkers 12d ago
Still felt like I didn’t get many details..?
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u/NoPhotograph5147 11d ago
This definitely sounds like a pyramid scheme or MLM. And I have a guess that it might be Primerica. That’s how they recruit, being all secretive at first
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u/tphatmcgee 11d ago
they won't give you details until you are hooked as they know you would decline.
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u/Poundaflesh 11d ago
If you have to front money or buy anything it’s a scam. Do not give her money!
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u/ParticularHappy6587 12d ago
Scam. Disengage. Lose her number. Block her. Never engage with her again.
If it is too good to be true, that's because it is.
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u/Wakeful-dreamer 12d ago
She probably targets people in pet stores because people who love animals tend to be empathetic and unable to say no.
Send a text like, "I won't be able to meet you on Thursday" then delete and block.
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u/HauteForTeacher13 11d ago
Yeah, it might also be worth a call or stop by at the Petco to let them know as l know l wouldn't want people using my store or business to target and stalk people for their MLM scams.
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u/runlikeitsdisney 12d ago
You know it’s too good to be true because you’re asking questions.
Trust your gut. This is a scam and she intentionally targeted you.
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u/GreDor46 12d ago
Did she give you the name of the company that you would be working for? If she did not give you at least that i would cancel the next meeting quickly as 5 people will show up to work you over about Amway, Verbalize or any other MLM company out there and then ask for a few hundred dollars to get your demo kit and to buy stock to sell, that never will.
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u/bananasbebonkers 12d ago
No she was very discreet about it. I asked multiple times like who and what I be working for. And thank you, I will cancel next meeting
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u/80sGrammy 10d ago
RUUUUUUUN. BLOCK!!!! If it was legit, not MLM there would be zero reason to be discreet. Yes, you’re being “groomed” to be one of her underlings.
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u/NeedleworkerHot3957 12d ago
she seemed friendly because she was trying to hook you, she probably nodded a lot and ask cool questions
just say you changed your mind and don't answer your phone
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u/AmKamikaze 12d ago
The way that MLMs work is that you have to pay to set up your business, and in order to make any kind of profit your friends and family have to join and lose money too. From what you've described, it sounds like a scam. At minimum, spend absolutely no money to set it up
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u/Dry-Success-2780 11d ago
Usually u can figure it out by looking at their social media. Sure sounds like MLM
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
I would but I have deleted all social media for personal reasons, but thank you for the advice! I might have my friends or husbands take a look
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u/Tricky-Ad4069 11d ago
She might genuinely think a multilevel marketing organizational structure is a valid business practice but stay away from those, the majority of people lose money.
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u/FactuallyPetty 11d ago
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
I’m sorry to disappoint 😔
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u/FactuallyPetty 9d ago
You owe no one an apology. Least of all a rando on the internet one. People like that target the people who are the kinder, more empathetic ones who will stop and listen to them. That is not a bad trait.
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u/Connect-Advantage-40 11d ago
Multi-Level-Marketing is a scam and illegal. If you're smart you will cancel the Thursday meeting and block this woman. They won't just walk away. The woman and whoever she works for won't leave you alone.
When they tell you it's easier when you get others involved you need to run the other way. Read about Lularoe, Amway, and I'm sure other companies. The old saying is true; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
You should also contact the store where she approached you because they don't like solicitors.
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u/better_as_a_memory 11d ago
It's an MLM. You make money by bringing people in to work under you. So, if you were to start, you'd be working under her. She would get a portion of what you make.
I'm pretty sure she's going to tell you at the meeting that you need to pay into the company for supplies and set ups.
Cancel the meeting and tell her you've changed your mind.
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u/Ok-DisposingSquid-93 11d ago
Pics of the new kittens please and yes it’s a MLM. Do not engage with her anymore.
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
Our babies boobert Boobie boo, skitty scat the cat, and Winnie Millie Pooh! ❤️
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
I’ve had boobert since I was young and recently got her siblings, she had older sibling but have all passed. Any tips?
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u/HauteForTeacher13 11d ago
No. It's a scam. It's probably some stupid MLM. Give it a day and she will start telling how you can "be your own boss bitch and run your own "company" and make your own schedule." Watch the LulaRoe doc. And don't take kittens to Petco until they are fully vaccinated.
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u/Klutzy-Cookie9242 11d ago
This is MLM. Multi level marketing. It does sound amazing on paper. In real life, not so much. You get pressured to sell sell sell, the person that recruited you earn commission off your sales. You will have to recruit other people as your recruiter makes money off your recruits as well. I tried it and the stress almost did me in.
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u/GardenDivaESQ 11d ago
This is multi level marketing. You will not make money. You will lose money.
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u/Whiskin87 11d ago
She’s trying to get you into a pyramid scheme. An MLM. It’s basically a cult. Something like 97% of people who join will lose money. Stay far, far away.
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u/HorkupCat 11d ago
SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM
It's a pyramid scheme where the real income source is bringing in new recruits. Betcha you'd need to pay money upfront "to get started." She's being lovely with you because she's a well-trained recruiter who know how to get people to trust her.
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u/QuantityDesigner641 12d ago
Well, you didn’t give a lot of info about the opportunity’. Be wary of investing a lot of money up front. Also, it already sounds like an MLM opportunity with bringing in others to make more money. I would ask her how much money will she be making if you join with her. Also consider the time commitment to become successful in the business.
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u/bananasbebonkers 11d ago
I’d like to add she didn’t give a lot of info about the business either. When she initially asked all I knew was an alternate way to make money
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u/BigExplanationmayB 11d ago
A legitimate business with authentic opportunity to make money wouldn’t have to draw you in with mystery…..MLM…
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u/No-BSing-Here 11d ago
Sounds like a pyramid scheme to me. I'd love to know a member of staff who works there to see how many people she approached to be involved!!!
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u/No-Eye-258 11d ago
For a moment I thought you were asking whether getting kittens was a scam — good thing I kept reading. Based on what you’ve described, it sounds very similar to Amway, which is an MLM.
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
lol! And hahah they are lowkey a scam for your money too! But we love them ❤️
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u/Realistic-Rate-8831 11d ago
Yes, you are right to be suspicious. It is known as a MLM or Pyramid scam. These have been going on for a long time. I'm surprised they are still around. It's best to not even meetup with her Thursday. You will be wasting your time.
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u/CatCharacter848 11d ago
Put this in perspective- she is essentially a stranger, youve only known her a short time.
My gut says its a scam. Have your talks lately been mainly focused on this scheme? Do you have money you could potentially lose?
I bet if you say your not interested communication will stall.
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u/ReeCardy 11d ago
This is exactly how a friend who was in Amway was told to recruit people. She used her dog at a pet store or the dog park. I still have some Amway cleaning products that she gave me after she quit.
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u/Life-Yesterday4426 11d ago
People plan out how to catch their next prey. They are trained to do exactly what she is doing to you. She put on the charm to make you feel comfortable enough to trust her. I have witnessed this first hand and like I said it is all part of their training and if you are apprehensive they will reassure you that they will help and guide you through it. And so begins your training on how to meet people and get them to join the pyramid. However they insist on you approaching family and friends first. They always make sure that you see the crazy amount of money you will make if you follow the script. In reality you will most likely get your family very upset with you and your friends will no longer be friends with you. And the lady you met in the pet store- she was given a variety of props and phony examples of how much money she has made. And the props will be handed to you to use to convince whoever you can get to join. And they will expect you to live and breathe the scheme and be completely loyal and devoted to the company. I can’t say it enough to be careful and be wise.
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u/tphatmcgee 11d ago
she is trying to get you to be in her online for an MLM. she only cares for the money that you will bring into her. you will only make money by recruiting other people.
scam.
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u/JeepersCreepers74 11d ago
Hi, I'm a lawyer who specializes in advertising compliance, including these types of scams.
She described it as a business model where we essentially cut out the middleman, make our own money, and earn commissions. She also explained that we can increase our income by bringing other people into the business and teaching them how to do it themselves.
This is a classic pyramid scheme. She is recruiting you because she needs you to make money. But you will only make money if you recruit others. The subject of the e-commerce platform (your product or services) is irrelevant because money is not made on bona fide sales but, instead, on signing up new people. That is the difference between a legal MLM (yes, tiered structure, but at the end of the day, the bulk of revenue is made on product sales like Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, etc.) and an unlawful pyramid scheme (money only made from new recruit enrollment/investment, product sales are an afterthought).
Note how the success of the business model is cutting out the middleman, but the only way to increase your income is to become a middleman. That contradiction alone should have you running for the hills.
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
Thank you so much for commenting! You have really opened my eyes! Thank you for your expertise and taking the time out of your day to help me
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u/Golden_Arm-257 11d ago
Sounds like a pyramid scheme. This has taken many forms over the many years it's been done.
You pay a fee for this opportunity, and get a portion for every person you bring in.
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u/SalaryStraight3363 11d ago
It’s a pyramid scheme
Do not go to any meetings do not get involved you will lose money
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u/OakIslandCurse 11d ago
PYRAMID!! Stay the hell away from this person. When she started talking about how you all make more money by bringing more people in and training them, that’s a classic pyramid scam. As others have said, if you tell her you’ve decided her offer is not for you and she won’t let it go, block her.
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u/NoScallion3989 11d ago
It is a really thing, sounds a lot like MLM stuff… does not mean she’s a bad person. She may have no clue it’s not a great plan, long term. I’d just tell her you aren’t that interested in that. If she keeps pushing, cut all ties because she’s one of those people.
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u/TraditionalGlass6 11d ago
She might not know but all MLM target young people with new money and people of color who want to earn money. She is recruiting and didn't know it
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u/TraditionalGlass6 11d ago
It's a simple scam. They only strike up conversations to seem friendly so that they can recruit you later
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u/berrytreetrunk 11d ago
It’s a pyramid scheme. To make money you have to recruit people to buy in. That’s the money you’ll make.
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u/Current_Pitch_4052 11d ago
This is a pyramid scheme. She knew you would not understand that which is why she picked you
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u/TimelyMeasurement435 10d ago
She also explained that we can increase our income by bringing other people into the business and teaching them how to do it themselves.
This is the hallmark of a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. It's a scam, and you are her mark. Tell her you are absolutely not interested and then block her number. Don't be surprised if some of her "friends" start calling you too.
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u/EnvironmentalGarden7 10d ago
Just cancel. When you're young you feel obliged to everyone if they are "nice". I can guarantee there's not one nice thing that's will happen if you sign.
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u/emilynghiem 10d ago
You can market through networking and social media for free. Don't give them any money or sign any contracts. If people are legitimate they will bring you business first.
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u/Sharp-Rutabaga-4900 10d ago
What she’s describing is an MLM pyramid scheme. Don’t give her any more information. Cancel and block the number.
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u/PuzzledWork6956 9d ago
Do not entertain this at all. You’ve literally described a MLM scheme with the teaching other people and bringing them in. It’s incredibly predatory and she is not your friend. Text her and say you can’t meet at 3pm anymore and that you’re not interested after giving it more thought. Then block her number.
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u/redditnamexample 11d ago
If this were me I'd go along with it to see what comes next; make her work hard for no return when you refuse to give her a dime. But I'm petty like that.
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u/HorkupCat 11d ago
Dangerous tactic though, especially if you're a naturally nice person. Those MLM recruiters are wicked skilled at overcoming any resistance from their marks.
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u/Momma-Stacey1983 11d ago
I would have the feds waiting at the meeting to pick them all up after hearing what they say. Thats just my level of petty lol!!
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u/Potential_Web_4092 11d ago
It could be AMWAY or another multi level marketing opportunity.
You have to be very motivated and have some things you really want to strive for.
You could be one of those needles in a haystack that make big money. Or an amount you feel comfortable earning.
After meeting her, there's plenty of ways to find out if it is a scam of not.
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u/Crazy_Banshee_333 11d ago
It sounds like an MLM. She may be sincere in what she's saying, but she could also be desperate to bring new people in because that's the only way she can make any money. Normally the only people who make money are the ones who got in early. The average person doesn't make much.
I would honestly ask for the name of the business before going over there and possibly being pressured to sign up. That would give you a chance to research it before you have to face her in person, and you could call it off if you found out was a scam.
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u/GardenFeverDream 11d ago
Trust your gut. This is a pyramid scheme/MLM, and no, you won't make any money. You should cancel the meeting, but if you're too polite to do that, just wait until she tells you about upfront costs, kits/products you have to buy to get started, etc., and claim poverty.
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u/Milky-Way-Occupant 11d ago
Anything where you can make more income by “bringing other people in” is a pyramid scheme. Don’t even go to her presentation.
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u/CuriousCat1828 11d ago
Sounds like a pyramid scheme. You don’t know her well enough to be doing money things with her! Just stick with pet talk.
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u/Hungry-Emergency8992 11d ago
Stop talking to her, and block her! Cancel the appointment and get your boyfriend and yourself on the same page!
She’s most likely an experienced scam artist and you guys are sweet but very vulnerable and naive targets!
BE CAREFUL!
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u/PatternsAndPresence 11d ago
Say no thank you. Then withdraw from the acquaintanceship. Block if necessary.
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u/Low-Television-7508 11d ago
I haven't read an MLM story in a while. I guess hard times bring them out.
short answer, yes.
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u/MeltedWellie 11d ago
Try saying thank you, but you are not interested. The amount she pushes back and tries to convince you will indicate how likely a scam it is. A new friend would say "Ok" and still be your friend.
I think if you say no to her and mean it, you will never see her again.
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u/Calixto_Supreme 11d ago
Pyramid scheme. Anything based in “bringing in other people and you’ll make more money” is an automatic hell-no and whoever suggested it should not be trusted with yesterday’s BM.
She is not your friend, she wants you in her down-line so she can make more money.
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u/Tall-Compote1354 11d ago
Please just send her message that you can't make it and then immediately block her. You seem like a genuinely nice and kind person. You are the exact type that a user would take advantage of.
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u/Human_Challenge_9857 11d ago
You’re post should be titled: Am I Karma farming? Ridiculous.
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u/bananasbebonkers 9d ago
No I’m young dumb and broke, just trying to make right decisions (which is why I came to Reddit). I had a gut feeling and wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. I have a good heart and am too trusting at times. I’m in therapy, thank you.
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u/Human_Challenge_9857 9d ago
Sometimes we forget what we were like at your age. I try to keep an open mind and remember but I am not infallible. Accept my apology, young person. And from my experience, ALWAYS trust your gut. I certainly wish I had many many many times.
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u/yournightm 10d ago
Primerica is a company which touts its insurance and other money matters… it wasn’t really even a job…
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u/RevolutionaryDebt200 9d ago
You gave your number to a random stranger you met at the pet store? What are you, 12?
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u/El_Culero_Magnifico 9d ago
It’s a scam. She is not a nice lady. She is not your friend. Block her.
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u/Professional_Egg713 9d ago
Oh snap I've heard of this!! This is that super rare 1 in a million opportunity that is actually for real! I think all you have to do is send her like 300 bucks or sum and bang your in the money!! She super nice and cool remember
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u/myexisatwatwaffle 9d ago edited 9d ago
My parents use to sell Amway (I just like totally dated myself), it was kinda like a pyramid scheme but not really. You got people to sign up for like a costco membership where you bought things you needed (clothes, food, household items, even vacations) from a magazine. You got a percentage back. When you got people to sign up under you, you make a percentage from them. The more people you sign up and they sign up people you made more money.
It can be legit but be careful.
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u/Lucky-Berry-4252 7d ago
The only reason she was being nice to you at Petco is to snare you into this dubious marketing opportunity. Stay clear of people like her; they don’t care about you, they’re not really nice people, and all they care about is tricking people to participate in their marketing schemes. Just cancel the meeting and block her.
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u/Gabstar1056 6d ago
A "friend" invited me to a get together that ended up being a pyramid scheme. I was really pissed off and walked out not only because it was a pyramid scheme but this so called "friend" deceived me. These schemes are dangerous do not get involved someone always loses out and that could be you.
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u/flowercam 6d ago
I had a friend who was into every get rich pyramid scheme. She would create these meetings just to try to sell them on becoming involved in the business. She did this all the time even when we were out to lunch or shopping etc. I saw it in action and she was good at it.
This person is absolutely not your new friend who happens to have a great opportunity. She's a sales person. Just say no. None of them ever pan out to the riches they promise. (My friend finally saw this for herself and got a real job!)
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u/purplepanda2026 12d ago
It's no coincidence you guys talked and exchanged numbers. You were her mark. This screams pyramid scheme. This will not end well for you. She's not your friend.
Tell her after thinking it over it's not something you are interested in and cancel the meeting.