Pyramid scheme - How to get out?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>Dear Parents,</p>

<p>A friend of mine from another state got ticked into some kind of pyramid scheme yesterday. According to him, the other party has his address and SSN. Since this thing is “so illegal,” that’s why there are three lawyers involved somewhere in the pyramid thing… (?) I didn’t know such thing existed until he told me about it. I’m still not exactly sure how this thing works… He had to explain to me what it was.</p>

<p>Is there any way how he can get out of this situation? It’s been hunting him and stressing him out. His mom knows about it and “has his back,” but he feels that his life is in great danger… I posted in “High School Life” and a member suggested that I post a thread in the Parents Forum too because parents “know more about this.”</p>

<p>Any suggestions, advice, or anything is appreciated. Thank you very much, Parents!</p>

2

<p>If it’s an illegal pyramid scheme he should just refuse to participate. Don’t send them anything. Don’t communicate with them. And certainly don’t give anyone any money. Just ignore them.</p>

<p>If their activity is illegal they can’t go to the authorities to force him to participate or pay up. And if they threaten him in some way, turn them in to the police.</p>

3

<p>Just go to the police or FBI office and tell them everything. Don’t be stupid and wait it out. Just do it.</p>

<p>Tell him not to make a small mistake into a big one.</p>

4

<p>also talk to parents, keep them in the loop.</p>

5

<p>Is the worry that he’ll publish the SSN? You can call any one of the numbers on this page: <a href=“http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/fraud_numbers.html[/url]”>http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/fraud_numbers.html&lt;/a&gt; and they’ll put a fraud watch on your account. You can also check with the Social Security Admin about making sure no one else is using your account </p>

<p>Pyramid schemes involving money are both common and illegal. There will be someone at the local police department whose job it is to deal with them. If he reports it, he won’t get into trouble, but the con artist will.</p>

6

<p>I agree with going to the authorities IMMEDIATELY. Walk in to any police station today and file a report. The sooner it is reported the sooner your friend will be covered.</p>

<p>THEN contact the “fight identity theft” group and do what they require.</p>

7

<p>Thank you everyone ( coureur, Opie ofMaybery2, simba, dmd77, "just"aMom )
for your helpful advice and suggestions. I gave my friend the link to this thread so that he may read the posts.</p>

<p>dmd77: You’re right, he’s worried that the other guy might mess with his SSN and go to his house if he doesn’t participate or anything. I’ll make sure he gets the information and fraud numbers that you posted.</p>