Some MLM promoters are using Ron Paul's candidacy, his reputation, his image, his integrity and his campaign to lead people into a multi-level marketing business 'opportunity' which seems to be direct part of the Ron Paul for President Campaign.

 

Is Ron Paul involved? Does his Campaign approve?

 

First, let's look at the 'Ron Paul Limo' video.

 

At first glance, it seems ok. Paint-up a limo in Ron Paul motif and drive it around. Cute, right?

 

The limo video is 9 minutes long. Much of it is composed of pro Ron Paul talking heads. Pay attention, however, to the beginning of the video and the man screen-credited with having conceived the limo idea, and then at the end where a screen text comes up and says for more information go to 'www.ronpaullimo.com'...

 

Click here: YouTube - Ron Paul Limo Ride

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN49GfdXpbs

 

A man named Joby Weeks is shown and identified in the first part of the video as the man who thought up the limo idea and is pictured constantly displaying a hand symbol while hooting and voicing pro Ron Paul slogans. It seems Mr. Weeks and friends thought up a lot more than the limo.

 

Mr. Weeks - 'a nutraceutical wellness consultant' and a 'lifestyle coach' - was recently selling Bernard von Nothaus 'Ron Paul Dollars' a new 'currency' busted by the Federal government as a ponzi scheme.

 

http://www.rense.com/general79/bernie.htm

 

Weeks is an MLM veteran who was reportedly, according to people in his MLM company, put on lenghty probation by the company for once signing up a large number of sled dogs in Alaska. He is currently heavily-involved in the multi-level health supplement company called Mannatech.

 

https://www.mannatech.com/Default.aspx

 

If you go to get 'further information' at Mr. Weeks' RonPaulLimo.com site, you will find two large, identical links which lead directly to a 'Ron Paul' Multi-Level Marketing 'opportunity' called MyRonPaulRewards.com

 

MyRonPaulRewards.com has lavishly covered and packaged itself with Ron Paul's image, his name, his integrity and his reputation. MyRonPaulRewards.com is clearly a for profit MLM company constructed for the personal enrichment of its owners while proclaiming the need to elect Ron Paul as president. Several who have seen the MyRonPaulRewards.com site feel the site appears to be speaking for the Ron Paul Campaign while draping itself in a downpour of patriotic fervor. And then the pitch begins...

 

 

The site is domained at http://www.ronpaulrewards.com (click for screen snap of site)

 

'Only' $49 to 'Sign Up' and then $19.95 a month...a total of $69.95 to get going.

 

If these MLM owners sign up just 20,000 who only stay in for one month, they will score a cool $1.4 MILLION.

 

Is this the lowest form of parasitism and fraudulent use of Ron Paul's name and campaign yet? Does it eclipse the Ron Paul Dollar hustle?

 

Finally, at the bottom of the Ron Paul Rewards page, there is a disclaimer...which is conveniently hard to read:

 

Ron Paul Rewards is not associated with the official Ron Paul for President Campaign. We are a privately operated group of activists and business people banding together others to help advance the grassroots effort called The Ron Paul Revolution.

 

The 'Rewards' of the 'Ron Paul Rewards' MLM 'opportunity' seem to be composed of three modules to which the creators of the RonPaulRewards 'enterprise' have contracted with.

 

The First 'Reward' - The Ron Paul Rewards Card

 

This appears to be linked to a national discounting or rebate operation which is not identified in the site literature. The member card, as seen, sports a nice photo of Ron Paul and the words 'thank you for your support' which appear to be representing Paul's own spoken thanks to the club member for joining. This is certainly suggests that Ron Paul has endorsed and is a part of RonPaulRewards.com. More text from the page:

 

"The Ron Paul Rewards Card gives Ron Paul supporters FULL ACCESS to the best discounts and cash back savings that you won't find anywhere else! In fact, you will receive up to 50% off at over 175,000 stores and restaurants in your local area and all over the country! Most of the places you ALREADY shop and dine at are already on board with The Revolution!"

 

'Reward' Number Two - Grocery Coupons

 

The grocery coupon service is one of the oldest MLM modules around. In the early years of MLM, poor people spent all day clipping ads from Sunday paper supplements, magazines and other print media sources. Some were paid by the pound of coupons they clipped and mailed to a central location. The coupons were then sorted out by dollar amount of discount to whichever product the coupon represented. The 'members' then received a random batch of coupons every month. 'Members' have no choice of which coupons they receive. The RonPaulRewards coupons are apparently available via a computer download coupon printout format.

 

The Third 'Reward' - 'A Cash Back Shopping Mall'

 

 

 

There is no mention made of exactly how these stores are engaged to give members from 2-25% cash back.

 

Note - At the very top of the RonPaulRewards.com home page are the words: 'Presented by Trevor Crook'

 

Now, onto the MLM 'Affiliate Program'...

 

Notice the classic MLM-style hype tied to Ron's integrity and candidacy...

 

GET CREATIVE!

 

Lets say you put a banner on your website or you email a link to 20 of your friends directing them to your Ron Paul Rewards website letting them know that you have a way for them to save money at the places they are already shopping at like subway, Target, Safeway, Costcutters and so on. You tell them that a portion of the money they save goes to fund the Ron Paul Revolution!

 

Ask them, "If I could show you a way to save $50-$100 a month where you are currently shopping while at the same time raise money for Dr Liberty, would it be worth 5 mins of your time to check out my website that explains exactly how?" Most people who are thinking correctly will tell you yes. In reality they are investing $20 to save $50 so they come out $30 ahead. A no brainer!

_______________

 

And now take note of how YOU, too can make MONEY off Ron Paul's name and Candidacy...

 

GRAND POTENTIAL!

 

• You receive $15 per person that you directly sponsor from your website.
  
• You receive $5 per person that your team directly sponsors.
  
• The Ron Paul Revolution receives $20 per person total.

 

You will also get a thank you check in the mail for every person that stays on the $19.95 a month membership

 

$2 per month per person that you directly sponsor and $1 per month per person on your second level.

 

The Revolution Projects get $5 per month per person.

 

Our goal is to get 100,000 people to start saving! That will create $2 million for the Revolution Projects and a $500,000 a month cashflow for all sorts of great projects. Maybe a concert, our own tv/ radio/newspaper adds and of course another blimp for the west coast!

 

With your help, we can do it! Please send your weblink to everyone on your email list! Encourage them to join and do the same! Lets Save Our Republic!

________________

OK... DO THE MATH...

 

100,000 people sign up at $49 and pay just their first month's 'membership' of $19.95 (a total of $69.95 each).

 

The result is $5,000 shy of Seven Million Dollars...made off the backs of many who will likely believe they are somehow directly working with the RonPaul2008 campaign effort.

 

And what would become of such a tidy windfall?

 

"That will create $2 million for the Revolution Projects and a $500,000 a month cashflow for all sorts of great projects. Maybe a concert, our own tv/radio/newspaper adds and of course another blimp for the west coast!"

 

This scenario suggests the Ron Paul Rewards owners will keep about $5 million and invest $2 million...not into the Ron Paul for President Campaign but to their 'Revolution Projects'...whatever the Ron Paul Rewards owners decide to spend it on...in 'support' of Ron Paul.

 

'All sorts of Great Projects'? Maybe even a 'rock concert' and 'our own tv/radio/newspaper adds' (sic) which will, one can imagine, promote the 'MyRonPaulRewards.com' multi-level marketing scheme as well.

 

This kind of seemingly opportunistic exploitation of Ron Paul's name, integrity, patriotism and entire campaign is another sign of the times. We expect a reaction to the 'MyRonPaulRewards' multi-level marketing 'opportunity' from the official Ron Paul Campaign shortly.

 

 

Comment

Lorie Kramer 

 

Dear Jeff, As soon as I saw the horrendous attempt to use Ron Paul's name for such a scheme, I notified the Paul family directly.

 

The MLM bilkers in question have been contacted by the family, legal issues are being examined, and I am quite certain the campaign will be pressing for some sort of resolution to this incredible bid to shakedown the loyal and trusting supporters of Ron Paul.

 

While watching the video, I thought to myself, "these people talking on the video who are truly supporting Ron Paul in his Presidential campaign are going to be horrified that their heartfelt comments were being used to bilk money and defraud other Ron Paul supporters."

 

Once again Jeff, you have helped bring out the truth of an issue and exposed these criminals for what they are.

 

Bless you and thank you!

 

Lorie Kramer, Houston, TX

 

**P.S. - I have formally turned this disgusting MLM scam over to the Texas Attorney General's office for investigation.

Comment

Ralph Simpson

 

Hey Jeff -

 

Congratulations on blowing open such a disgusting story. MLM already has a bad name.  I got news for you, it just got worse. I did a little research on this 'Joby Weeks' and found his website. I have never seen a more despicable display of narcissism in my life.  Not only is this little p***k totally in love with himself, he kills animals!  Take a look at these photos from his site:

 

 

Now, I ask you, what kind of 'human' being could take a high-powered rifle with a scope and shoot a giraffe for 'fun'?  And take a look at the sh*t-eating grin on his face. One can only hope Mr. Weeks gets his karmic reward in spades.  Here are some more of his 'conquests.'  Jeff, permit me to add to my comment, the more I think about this, the worse I feel. The captions on the photos are his own.  See how he mocks LIFE and revels in the deaths of these magnificent animals.  What a piece of filth this guy is.  Jeff, this kind of 'person', so in love with himself, is why our world is dying.  I read in your story that he is in multi-level marketing, a hustler's paradise, and perfect for this kind of shark. Any honorable company should drop this jerk like a hot rock. Thanks, again, Jeff for showing us the truth.

 

 

 

Comment

Marylynn Sherman

 

Hi Jeff - Great work on exposing this.  Here are some posts from the ronpaulforums.com which underscore your wisdom.  Hope these are read by everyone.

 

From Senior Ron Paul Forum Member Scott Wilson:

Here is a detailed report on MLM's.

http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/5RedFlags2column40pages2Color3-6.pdf

 

They are a scam, plain and simple, simply due to the exponential growth needed to fulfill the promises they offer. Only those at the top who get in first make the money while everyone else ends up trying to recruit in an already saturated market.

 

I have personally known a few people taken in by the Arbon MLM scam.

 

A cursory look at the Limo site shows it to simply be a promotion for an MLM business. Follow a link and it says this...

 

Here's How It Works:

 

* STEP #1 SIGN UP to become an affiliate for $49.00!

* STEP #2 START SAVING- (this explains itself)

* STEP #3 PROMOTE your affiliate program to other Ron Paul Fans!

* STEP #4 EARN enough money to cover your $20/mo membership!

* STEP #5 CONTINUE to make a difference so we can get him in the White House!!

 

Your telling me that Ron Paul supporters are better suited promoting their affiliate program rather than promoting Ron Paul via canvassing, literature drops, newspaper ads, etc?  At best, you could say this is a misdirection of time and energy.

 

It is obviously a money making scam to anyone familiar with how an MLM operates, although like most people involved in marketing these scams the owners, I am sure, have mentally justified to themselves that they are doing a fair thing. The reality is they are trying to make a living off Ron Paul at the expense of his supporters.

 

Multi-Level Marketing - The TRUTH

Consumer Awareness Institute

http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/mlm_research.htm

 

 

From Senior Ron Paul Forum Member Rebel Resource

 

Such an expansionist scheme (spilling into a new limo, concert, etc. every two weeks) could be MORE than a opportunist money-making scam. It could be a scam designed to restrict the level of donations to official HQ, and if the motives to support RP are not real, it could end up hurting the campaign in other ways.

 

I've been suspicious for a while about the frequency of these grassroots efforts. Anyone can see the willingness of Paulites to throw money at such things. And anyone can see that it only takes ONE unscrupulous individual to start taking market share instead of concentrating on taking vote bases.

 

If the MLM scheme was not behind (and promoted by) all its 'sister' schemes, it would just be about making people accountable when they have schemes falling out their ears. But the MLM scheme instantly discredits the whole thing for me. MLM schemes are dirty things.

 

 

Comment

Lorianne

 

I've supported Ron Paul from the beginning and to see this kind of use of his name and campaign for personal profit is about as low as it gets.  My stomach is turning!

 

 

Comment

Michael McMann

 

Without question, the disgusting world of 'multi-level marketing' has been taken to a new low with this scheme to make money off Ron Paul.  They think they have plausible deniability because they support Ron.  Guess again.  This kind of sleaze is as low as it gets.  Thanks, Jeff, so much for exposing this. I pray the Paul camp disavows this kind of abuse of his good name quickly.

 

 

Comment

Steve P.

 

Jeff, great work on this. Ron Paul has trouble enough without this kind of scam laid on his head. I cannot believe how many schemes this country is being hit with. Sad to see Ron's great name and reputation used in a money-making hype like this.

 

Keep on, Bro.

 

 

Comment

Shirley

 

Oh, my god.. I  thought it was a bunch of funny young folks supporting the Paul campaign. Thank you for exposing this sleaze. I wonder if there is any criminal issue? I guess I shouldn't be surprised, sooner or later, this kind of thing would happen. "Just chip-in folks, for Ron Paul"  and make some creep rich.  Glad you ran this expose...you are one of the last honest journalists in America.

 

 

Comment

Robin Trent

 

THIS IS DISGUSTING!

 

 

Comment

Shirley

 

In all my days!

Jeff, your investigative work in bringing forward the scam being perpetrated upon an un-suspecting public using Ron Paul's good name and current prominent status is outstanding. The story is appalling!

 

Has someone contacted the Mannatech people about this travesty? I cannot imagine that company having anything further to do with Weeks after discovering all of this.  WHO in the world does this creep think he is? If I would start something like that, I'd be in JAIL, Jeff. You can't just set up a pyramid thing like that and get away with it. His days in that game are numbered.  Wonder if the Ron Paul Campaign people are aware of this yet?  If Ron Paul wants his campaign to go ANYWHERE but down, I hope he gets on this soon!

 

Thanks for caring and taking the time.

 

 

Comment
Brian W.

 

Hey, Jeff  Great job in exposing another scam!!  You've done this many times over the years but I haven't seen one quite this ugly.  The big laugh for me came in reading that this 'limo' guy is an MLM veteran...a perfect place for him!  Tens of millions of Americans, many with very little money, have been screwed by this 'industry' and its hustlers who run around convincing many down-and-out and desperate that they can get rich fast (by simply paying five times the real cost of some cosmetic, soap or vitamin supplements the company is selling, and convincing all their friends to do the same!!).  The immediate failure or drop out rate after the sucker buys into an MLM 'opportunity' is 98%!  I've been in these things and I'm not stupid.  I have a BA and an MA.  Health food markets are full to the brim with the same kinds of products at FAR lower prices. To see Ron Paul's name being used like this is sickening.  It is flat outrageous.  BTW, here's a great link, Jeff, which explains how MLM fraud rips people off:  http://www.quatloos.com/mlm/mlm.htm. A tiny fragment of those who sign up make all the money.  I urge everyone to read your story and the link above, twice!  Thanks for helping protect Ron Paul, Jeff.  And thanks for ALL that you do!

 

 

Comment

Allison Parks

 

Jeff - Just a quick note on this effort to take advantage of Ron Paul's great name.  This mlm thing is really disturbing.  If you have time, do a google search under 'mlm fraud' and just look at the horror stories.  I also looked up 'Mannatech', the company this guy Weeks is with.  Did you know they are being sued for fraud by the Texas attorney general?  Look at this from last July: Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott sued Mannatech Inc. on Thursday, claiming that the Coppell-based company is engaged in an illegal scheme to sell its dietary supplements as cures for cancer and other diseases.  Aided by an army of multilevel sellers and their fictitious claims about its products, Mannatech has aggressively marketed supplements to countless unwitting purchasers," Abbott said in a statement. "With today's enforcement action, the Office of the Attorney General seeks to shut down an elaborate scheme to defraud innocent consumers across the nation."  Here's the link: Just thought you'd like to know.  To have Ron Paul's great name used by this 'Rewards' scam thing is truly awful.

 

 

Comment

Stanley Adams

 

Jeff - As you know Ron got only 6% in Michigan. We were hoping for a higher figure. After his shocking comments on 911 Truth in that last debate and now this MLM thing, we have to work even harder. There's no doubt this scheme isn't helping things and I'm glad to see Lorie Kramer sent it to the Texas Attorney General for investigation. I'm happy you're not an mlm promoter - I've heard you expose it over the years - and that article in Brian's comment tells the truth about it: hugely overpriced products and people hyping and conning the gullible on their great 'business opportunities'. I've been burned on mlm scams in the past. Thanks for all your support...you're one of the few in media we trust.

 

Sincerely,

Stan

 

 

Comments

From 'G'

 

Nothing wrong or illegal with mlm if it has a legit product and is focused on distributing the product - but mixing up the Ron Paul campaign in it is totally against what Dr Paul stands for..."entangling alliances." So, I am sure that the first commenter (Lorie) on the site is speaking the truth of the matter and it will be resolved.

 

 

Comment

Anonymous

 

Pretty brave fellow in those pictures there... shooting a zebra and a giraffe.  Are there two more peaceful  creatures in God's creation than a zebra and a giraffe? lol What an asshole! 

 

 

Comment

Brad Davis

 

Jeff - You gotta read this.  ANYONE thinking of MLM owes it to themselves and their loved ones to do this.  Money is so hard to come by and most of the money/profits made in most MLMs is usually by the top ONE PERCENT of the 'distributors'!  Read this and be informed!

 

Who Profits From Multi-Level Marketing? VERY FEW

http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/tax_study.htm