Core Viewpoint - The essence of the business model is distinguished by the presence or absence of entry fees, with Atomy's zero-entry fee policy highlighting its compliance and legitimacy compared to pyramid schemes [1][10]. Group 1: Business Model - Atomy operates with a zero-entry fee policy, allowing any consumer to purchase products freely without prepayment, contrasting sharply with pyramid schemes that require high entry fees [3][4]. - The revenue model of Atomy is based on actual product sales, ensuring that member earnings come from genuine transactions rather than from entry fees, which is a fundamental difference from pyramid schemes [3][4]. Group 2: Product Quality and Consumer Rights - Atomy invests significantly in product research and quality control, ensuring that each product has real value, unlike pyramid schemes that often emphasize investment attributes over product quality [4][10]. - The company has established a comprehensive service system for consumer rights protection, including after-sales support and return policies, which starkly contrasts with the transactional nature of pyramid schemes [4][8]. Group 3: Long-term Strategy and Compliance - Atomy focuses on building long-term customer relationships through continuous product innovation and service optimization, reflecting a sustainable development strategy unlike the short-term profit focus of pyramid schemes [8][10]. - The company strictly adheres to relevant laws and regulations, demonstrating a commitment to legal compliance, which differentiates it from pyramid schemes that often operate on the fringes of legality [8][10].

Core Drivers - The core driver of the pyramid scheme is "recruiting new members," where income is primarily derived from the number of recruits rather than actual product sales. The profit model relies on entry fees from new participants, creating a pyramid structure that depends on continuous expansion [4]. - In contrast, Atomy's core driver is "product sales," focusing on providing high-quality products that meet consumer needs. Over 75% of Atomy's revenue comes from repeat purchases, indicating a sustainable business model centered on consumer satisfaction rather than recruitment [4]. Value Basis - Pyramid schemes often rely on false advertising and low-quality products, with participants required to purchase overpriced items that lack real market value. The primary goal is to extract money from participants rather than provide genuine value [7]. - Atomy's value foundation is built on "mass premium" products, selected globally for their quality and cost-effectiveness. The company's strategy ensures that products have independent market value and meet real consumer needs, supporting sustainable business growth [7]. Consumer Role - In pyramid schemes, consumers are exploited and positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy, where they often suffer financial losses while those at the top benefit from their investments. This model is characterized by deception and harm, functioning as a zero-sum game [11]. - Atomy views consumers as valuable partners, promoting a philosophy of "unity between consumers and operators." Consumers are encouraged to share their experiences and earn reasonable profits from product sales, aligning their interests with the company's performance [11]. Conclusion - The fundamental difference between Atomy's model and pyramid schemes lies in Atomy's focus on products and consumer needs, creating a sustainable ecosystem, while pyramid schemes prioritize recruitment and exploitative practices. Atomy's commitment to consumer-centric values fosters a healthy and transparent business environment, clearly distinguishing it from pyramid schemes [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that Atomy distinguishes itself from pyramid schemes through compliance, quality products, transparent business models, and a long-term value orientation, thereby providing a clear understanding of legitimate business practices [1][10]. Product Quality - Atomy focuses on "quality as the core," contrasting with pyramid schemes that use low-quality products as tools for profit. Atomy ensures high-quality raw materials and rigorous testing for its health and beauty products, exemplified by its dishwashing liquid made from natural ingredients, priced at half that of similar products [3][4]. Business Model - Atomy adopts a "consumer-oriented" model, breaking away from the pyramid scheme's exploitative structure. Consumers can register for free and purchase products without mandatory fees, and earnings for business operators are tied solely to actual product sales, eliminating any tiered commission structure [4][6]. Compliance System - Atomy promotes "transparent compliance," actively building a robust compliance framework. It publicly shares its legal operating credentials and welcomes regulatory oversight, contrasting sharply with pyramid schemes that often evade regulations through deceptive practices [6][10]. Value Orientation - Atomy is committed to "long-term win-win" strategies, focusing on sustainable consumer service and product optimization based on feedback, which stands in stark contrast to the short-term profit motives of pyramid schemes [7][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of "Long Nian You Xuan" as a controversial investment platform attracting many middle-aged and elderly individuals, raising concerns about its legitimacy and potential classification as a pyramid scheme [3][5][21]. Group 1: Platform Legitimacy - "Long Nian You Xuan" claims to be a legitimate platform approved by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, presenting itself as the "fifth largest e-commerce platform" [7][8]. - The platform misrepresents its ICP filing as a government approval certificate, misleading investors about its legitimacy [8][10]. - The company claims to have over 2 million members and projects rapid growth, expecting to reach 10 million by August 1, 2025, and 50 million by July 2026 [13][15]. Group 2: Investment Structure - Membership levels are categorized into five tiers, with the entry-level VIP membership requiring an investment of 1,080 yuan, which can lead to significant monthly rewards based on performance [16][17]. - The platform offers a high annualized return of over 200%, which is significantly more attractive compared to traditional bank savings [14][17]. - Members are incentivized to recruit new members, creating a cycle of investment that resembles a pyramid scheme [19][22]. Group 3: Investor Behavior - Many investors, including retirees, are drawn to the platform due to the promise of quick returns, often borrowing money to invest [19][20]. - Despite doubts about the sustainability of the promised returns, the allure of high profits leads many to continue investing [22][24]. - Some members have taken extreme measures, such as using multiple identities to maximize their recruitment bonuses [17][19]. Group 4: Regulatory Response - Local authorities have begun investigating "Long Nian You Xuan" due to numerous complaints and concerns about its operations [26][27]. - Previous warnings have been issued regarding similar platforms that employ high-return promises and recruitment incentives, indicating a pattern of potential fraud [27].

Group 1 - The SOLO project is criticized as a potential scam, with claims of smart contracts and consensus mechanisms being seen as misleading [2] - The project employs a 55-copy model, which is considered to be on the edge of a pyramid scheme, with a warning that projects requiring recruitment are likely to be fraudulent [3] - Promises of static returns of 30% are deemed unrealistic, likening them to misleading financial claims [3] Group 2 - The extensive online promotion of the project suggests a quick profit scheme, with skepticism about its claimed "blood-generating" function for stable earnings [6] - The project is compared unfavorably to other low-quality projects, indicating a lack of credibility and potential for failure [8] - A strong warning is issued to investors to protect their funds, as the project is unlikely to succeed [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the experience of an individual, Xiao Huang, who unwittingly becomes involved in a pyramid scheme disguised as a legitimate business opportunity in Wuhan, illustrating the deceptive tactics used by such organizations to lure participants [1][3][14]. Group 1: Initial Attraction and Deception - Xiao Huang, feeling overwhelmed by work pressure in Hangzhou, is drawn to the e-commerce industry after hearing about a friend's success in Wuhan [1]. - Upon arrival in Wuhan, Xiao Huang initially enjoys the city's attractions but soon discovers that his friend is no longer in e-commerce and has shifted to a new business venture [2]. Group 2: Unveiling the Pyramid Scheme - Xiao Huang is introduced to a scheme that promises high returns on investment, requiring an initial payment of 3,800 yuan and further investments to reach a supposed second platform for greater profits [3]. - The scheme employs a "five-level three-stage" system, reminiscent of notorious pyramid schemes, where participants must recruit others to earn money [3][6]. Group 3: Psychological Manipulation and Control - Over the following days, Xiao Huang is subjected to intense indoctrination, with participants claiming that negative media coverage is a result of government efforts to suppress the industry [4]. - The organization imposes strict rules on members, including a detailed "20 Rules of Life Management," which governs their behavior and interactions [8]. Group 4: The Decision to Escape - As the pressure to invest increases, Xiao Huang realizes the danger of remaining in the scheme and decides to escape before it is too late [5]. - He learns that many participants are trapped due to their financial investments and the fear of losing their money if they do not recruit others [6]. Group 5: The Impact on Relationships - Xiao Huang's friend, who invited him to Wuhan, has been completely brainwashed by the organization, leading to a painful realization for Xiao Huang about the extent of the manipulation [7]. - The article emphasizes the need for awareness and vigilance against such deceptive practices, urging individuals to report illegal organizations [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the e-commerce distribution platform "Doubao Haowu," which has attracted attention due to its low entry barriers and promises of double rebates, but is facing allegations of operating as a pyramid scheme [2][11]. Group 1: Business Model and Operations - "Doubao Haowu" operates on a model that requires users to pay a one-time fee of 2000 yuan to become a member, promising double returns on purchases made through shared links [2][6]. - The platform claims to share profits with users who promote products, but the actual pricing of products is often higher than competitors like JD, Taobao, and Pinduoduo [6][7]. - The platform's marketing strategy includes a tiered commission structure, where users can earn commissions from direct sales and from the sales made by their recruits, resembling a multi-level marketing structure [9][10]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Concerns - There are concerns that "Doubao Haowu" may be operating in a gray area of legality, as its business model includes elements typical of pyramid schemes, such as requiring fees for membership and incentivizing recruitment [11][12]. - Legal experts have pointed out that the platform's practices align with the characteristics of pyramid schemes as defined by Chinese regulations, including the requirement for participants to recruit others and the payment of fees for entry [12][14]. - Local law enforcement has indicated that many cases of fraud related to such platforms do not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution, leading to a lack of accountability for the operators [3][14].

Core Viewpoint - The "Haihui International" pyramid scheme has been dismantled, with significant involvement of law enforcement leading to the arrest of its main operator in China, indicating a serious crackdown on illegal financial activities [1] Group 1: Company Overview - "Haihui International" (DRC) platform was established in 2018, presenting itself as a forex trading service while actually operating as a pyramid scheme [1] - The scheme utilized high return promises to attract participants, employing both online promotions and offline classes to recruit members [1] Group 2: Financial Impact - As of September 27, 2021, the "Haihui International" platform had developed a membership structure with 32 levels and over 900,000 registered accounts in China [1] - The total funds involved in the scheme exceeded 10 billion RMB, highlighting the scale of financial misconduct and its potential impact on the economy [1] Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Response - The operation of "Haihui International" has been linked to serious threats to financial stability and economic order in China, prompting law enforcement actions across multiple provinces and regions [1] - The arrest of the main operator marks a significant step in addressing and dismantling such illegal financial networks [1]

Core Viewpoint - The DGCX Xin Kang Jia financial pyramid scheme has collapsed, affecting approximately 2 million investors and involving hundreds of billions in funds, with a significant amount of assets transferred offshore just before the collapse [1][15][19]. Group 1: Scheme Overview - DGCX Xin Kang Jia was initially launched as a "China Petroleum" app in May 2023, falsely claiming a partnership with China National Petroleum Corporation and later transitioning to the DGCX trading platform [1]. - The scheme promised high returns of 1%-2% daily and over 300% annually, attracting investors with misleading claims about its legitimacy [2][19]. - The platform operated as a centralized trading venue without any legitimate qualifications, manipulating market data behind the scenes [8][19]. Group 2: Operational Structure - The scheme utilized a "militarized" pyramid structure, dividing the country into four major "battle zones" and incentivizing participants to recruit others through commissions and rewards [10][19]. - Participants were required to pay a minimum entry fee of 1,000 USDT, with funds directly controlled by the platform [9][19]. - The internal reward system included various levels of compensation based on recruitment, with significant bonuses for higher ranks [12][19]. Group 3: Investor Impact - Approximately 2 million victims, primarily from lower-tier cities and older demographics, are estimated to have lost hundreds of billions, with 18 billion USDT transferred offshore [15][18]. - Despite multiple official warnings about the scheme's illegitimacy, investor enthusiasm surged, leading to a 217% increase in new registrations within three months of the alerts [16][19]. Group 4: Trends in Financial Fraud - The DGCX Xin Kang Jia case highlights new trends in virtual currency scams, including a combination of Ponzi schemes and pyramid structures, high-return promises, and the use of virtual currencies for transactions [19][20]. - The scheme's operations were characterized by a closed, familiar network approach, making it easier to recruit new participants [21]. - The targeting of small towns and older individuals reflects a growing trend in scams, as these groups often lack information and are more susceptible to influence [22].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing issues with the "Sui Bian Guo" product, which has been linked to pyramid schemes and false advertising, posing health risks to consumers while exploiting the growing demand for weight loss products during summer [2][3][8]. Group 1: Product and Market Overview - The "Sui Bian Guo" product is marketed with claims of detoxification and weight loss, despite being previously identified as a pyramid scheme and facing significant legal penalties [3][5]. - The product's ingredients include sugar-preserved green plums and various herbal powders, which are claimed to have detoxifying effects, but may lead to health issues with long-term use [4][8]. - The current retail price for "Sui Bian Guo" is set at 128 yuan per box, with various wholesale prices depending on the level of the distributor [5][6]. Group 2: Sales and Distribution Model - The distribution model for "Sui Bian Guo" resembles a pyramid scheme, requiring agents to purchase large quantities of the product to qualify for higher commission levels [6][7]. - Agents can achieve higher status by recruiting others, which aligns with the characteristics of illegal pyramid schemes as defined by Chinese law [7][9]. - The company incentivizes sales through a reward system for agents, further complicating the regulatory landscape [6][7]. Group 3: Regulatory and Health Concerns - The article discusses the broader issues in the weight loss product market, including the prevalence of false advertising and the use of harmful additives in products like keto coffee and slimming candies [8][9]. - Reports indicate that consumers have experienced adverse health effects from these products, highlighting the need for stricter regulation and consumer awareness [8][9]. - The hidden nature of transactions in the micro-business model complicates enforcement and consumer protection efforts [9].