Illegal Pyramid Scheme Targeted At MD Deaf People
Since the end of October, the state has received 15 inquiries regarding a pyramid scheme targeted at deaf people. A Canadian company is soliciting residents to sell diamonds, says Kevin Enright, a spokesman for the Maryland attorney general’s office.
Pyramid schemes — mock businesses that earn money primarily from recruiting members and charging them fees rather than by selling products or services — are illegal in Maryland.
“Many people promote pyramid schemes out of ignorance and do not realize they are engaging in illegal and harmful behavior,” Attorney General J. Joseph Curran says in a news release.
Some pyramid schemes offer a product or service to disguise their true nature. The product or service may be overpriced or have a questionable value, like exotic vitamins, health tonics and gemstones of uncertain origins, a state news release says.
The state released a new investor-education brochure with tips to identifying pyramid schemes that make be masked under the name multilevel marketing plans.
The brochure is available at www.oag.state.md.us.
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2006/11/13/daily8.html?jst=b_ln_hl
A follow up, 11/15/06:
I’ve received five claims in my comment section. I’m not printing them now as I am unable to verify the legitimacy of this CDT organizaiton. So I have forwarded these claims to the appropriate state agency (securities@oag.state.md.us). When I receive a response from the state, I will follow up on these claims. Until then, I will not print any claims on the legitimacy of this company. Elizabeth
11/16/06: Since the follow up yesterday, I received three more claims that this CDT company is credible and I’m getting really annoyed. What part of the message yesterday did you not get: I will not publish any claims on the legitimacy of this company until I hear directly from the Maryland State Division??!!
For concerned readers, you may want to read this from the state agency: http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/PyramidBrochure.pdf .
If you have specific questions, please contact the same organization securities@oag.state.md.us. elizabeth
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It’s already here in the South…an event was held at a deaf community center…a lot of persons are being suckered unfortunately. CDT Canada (or Canadian) Diamond Traders cdt4forever.com It is so obvious this is a pyramid scheme….anyone can Google the name along with “scam” or “pyramid”.
CDT has hit Australia, too!
When I first heard of this company, the first thing that popped in my mind was a pryamid scheme. I hope deaf people didn’t lose much money, if any
Too many deaf people here up in the midwest and trying to recruit…I for one knew this was a scam, why can’t they realize this so called company is one big elaborate scam. It’s amazing! If you are reading this…and you are thinking or is involved with CDT…GET OUT! you are being used and this company is doing nothing but stealing your money. Really Sad…I agree with above post just go into google and you will see many many sites about this company. Don’t ask me why the company is still there…one of these days they will be shut down.
It’s all over in Chicago area from contacts in MD and then I’ve heard in south too! Tried to warn them that it is pyramid but the selling point people were saying it is not. Hope this gets nipped in the bud! If you ever have to have someon “under” you, it is PYRAMID. PERIOD.
Never trust anyone discuss what CDT offers to you. Lie.lie.lie! I know it is a scam or an illegal scheme. I believe it is illegal in most states. Please be careful with those who try to convience you to join in. I know they are not really caring you when they persuade you to join in. Please go talk to your attorney before you join in is one of the best ways for you to invest with your hard-working monies. Before I let you go, please go take a close research on the CDT webpage and find out who establishes the business. No one knows it! True!! Just warn you that the CDT might funnel money to terrorists!
It has already reached the Rochester NY area and some very intelligent and educated deaf people are already involved. It is criminal how persuasively this company’s materials are targeting people who have no knowledge of the legality or the business soundness of this type of venture. In some areas it is even legal to lie to people in this manner!
When there is a prospect to make some easy $$, all education and common sense goes out the window. It is really incredible to me how some of the very same people join in on a pyramid scheme time and time again. Some people even join to enrich their social lives or do a favor for a friend. UGH!!!! When will it ever end?!?
It can target church, deaf, elderely, and anyone that illegal company try to get into pyramid schemes. Don’t fall into business that seems too unrealistic prices or big return on investment. Watch out!
Wow, I cannot believe this is still going on! I got suckered into this scam early 90′s and it was a big mistake. There should be a “town” meeting in every state in this country (at Deaf clubs) to educate our future generations.
Just be careful with this kind of Scam. Let you take a look at the webpage as that person said it is not a scam. Keep yourself away from being trapped into a scam. Please contact an attorney or a law enforcement specialist for better advice. Never listen to anyone regarding this business.
Yes! Whoever tells you that you can get rich quickly is setting you up for a scam. There are so many desperate deaf people who really want to get rich (including me) but this is not to be suckered into! Also CDT may be engaged in an illegal diamond trade where they employ very poor people in a very high risky job that endangers their lives. It is called “bloody diamonds” because they get hurt on a daily basis trying to dig up for diamonds. I would not want to support that kind of trade where people are getting hurt and only earning very little money. This is like supporting illegal child labor.
Miskana (Elizabeth), you have been doing a great job, I enjoy reading your blog! Smiles!
What about the USANA vitamin scheme? There were two booths at Mata Expo in California with a bunch of deaf people trying to sell vitamins and getting people to sign up if they’re interested in earning extra income selling vitamins. I’m a bit suspicious about this company.
Well, I was victim of the similiar pyramid scheme maybe 25 years ago. I already knew the scheme when I heard the CDT. Well, it is hard to teach kids who won’t listen to old experienced people.
Deaf and Money is like oil and water. It can destroy many friendships.
Shameful.
It’s funny….I mean… you work from “miner” to “cutter” to “polisher” to “collector”. I had to laugh. Where is “scammer” ?
MZ, Thanks for bringing this to the attention of the deaf masses…but many deaf don’t read blogs
I think it was xxxx.@xxxx.com
Anon, many deaf people were told about this article by deaf blog readers. But you are correct. There are many who generally don’t read deaf blogs.
There have also been two warnings issued by the Australian Government that this is an illegal pyramid scheme.
People also need to know that the diamonds themselves are virtually worthless regardless of the appraisal value stated. Try to sell them and if you can find somebody to buy them you will be lucky to get 5% of the appraisal value. Very lucky indeed.There has been one for sale on ebay for nearly three months.It has attracted one offer.Which was declined.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250000424051
I read the author’s words in the article in Washington Business Journal. It does not point to CDT. It could be
CDT or any other diamonds company. To those who react
negatively spread words all over targeting CDT, it
could be a big time misunderstanding.
Readers, I would recommend that people be very careful about making investment on companies they are not familiar with.
Rule of the thumb: Never make an investment without consulting your attorney, a certified financial planner or your state agency to check on the legitimacy first.
I found this at MLM blog and felt that I had to copy and paste this on your website.
“Thomas said on October 16th, 2006 at 11:47 pm:
Canadian Diamond Traders, Inc. founder discovered.
Last Spring I heard about Canadian Diamond Traders, Inc. through my deaf friends and visited their website. The diamond table explained on the website looked kind of authentic to me. I communicated with this deaf person, “Arnold” from Toronto through e-mail. He stated he worked for that company. I asked him who the founder was, and he said there was no founder. The company was founded by a deaf team.
He made such statements as:
* If you have $100 to invest and you know two other people with $100 to invest, you can make $3,000 over and over again;
* You earn commissions by referring other members to the program. When they make a purchase, you get credit for the sales; and
* The more people you directly sponsor, the faster you will cycle out and the more frequently you will cycle. The ideal is to sponsor at least two members as soon as possible.
I invested $100 without two people under me and got $250 in return. My excitement went through the roof. I sent a thank-you note to Arnold, and he said that week would be the hottest week for me if I got 2-4 people under me and invested more. If I invested $1,000 with 2-4 people under me, I would possibly get around $10,000. My temptation increased uncontrolably, and I invested more than that.
For a few weeks after my large investment to the company, I have not received one cent in return from the company. My concerns grew, and I sent over 50 e-mail messages to them. Not one word came to my mailbox from them. I lost my $15,000 to Canadian Diamond Traders, Inc.
My anger of being tricked grew. It took me 5 months to gather deaf victims and work together to trace Arnold and other people who worked at Canadian Diamond Traders, Inc.
I received from several “anonymous” informants that there was no Arnold.
The real person is ARTHUR WIESBLATT. He is deaf.
Wiesblatt was a founder of Canadian Diamond Traders, Inc. He recruited some people to be on the board to collect over $500,000 from the diamond table. None of them got a cut from him. They have no idea where he is now.
It’s a scam. It’s a pyramid scheme. I am now posting warnings all over the net and taking Arthur Wiesblatt to court and reporting their little scam to deaf victims.
Please do not invest your money to Canadian Diamond Traders, Inc. or Arthur Wiesblatt. If you are a victim, join us http://www.crimebustersnow.com, we will also prepare to file a complaint against Wiesblatt for a very minimal disperment cost with no fees unless you win.
Thomas D.”
By the way,
I know Dave Wiesblatt his brother is not kind of person to do that.
Its sad to USE his name without HARD evidence.
I think we, Deaf people, need to be re educate about the illeagal issues in the United States and even to the States.
I assure that NAD and the State Association need to make sure every Deaf understand that is bad. and other issues need to educate us.
This is a lie. I know Arthur Wiesblatt is not involved at all. Show your respect please.
Guess what…it’s a joke…Arthur is my brother in law, and Im saying this..don’t buy bs stories or rumors.
For your information, Arthur isn’t in Toronto, and I’m always in touch with him.
I married David Wiesblatt, and we all definitely are TIRED of this crap.
If you have any sources of information related to this, post it please.
I’m at Gallaudet, and many of you who read Elizabeth’s blog definitely have read my messages during the protest.
Can you simply give us a break and let us be?
Hey Jeanine? Tell David HIHIHIHI!!!! I havent keep in touch with him for a while so now its a must for us to keep in touch again!
Hope to meet u one day.. Heres my email address- Stevenasukiewicz@aol.com
Wow I have two deaf friends got CDT well I asked them very careful and it was legal stuff but they said yes and I asked how ? so they said it from Wisconsin legal research for Lienese BBB (Business Beauru) as you know so I look at any interent there is nothing there so sound to me it crazy now all over look like terriost funnel money? I tried help them to stop it but they have victicm there best friend what I can do for them might loose as friends any time! Let heard any case how to solve it?
[...] questions, please contact the same organization securities@oag.state.md.us. elizabeth Source: Illegal Pyramid Scheme Targeted At MD Deaf People Mishka Zena [...]
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If there is no product or no money, its scam.. Its very important to check with BBB or consult the lawyers before join the business..
What about Club Freedom or Quixtar?
Club Freedom is Panzi Scheme said this is not good because must use the money for Vacation but IRS could tell them must pay back to IRS. Deaf People should think to straight out from which is best right from NO SCAMMER. Deaf people need to think about it from CDT and CF is “Gullible” make sure. Try to help to Deaf people. Can’t be in dream so fast.
God Bless!!
For Club Freedom, alot of deaf people did not realized that they MUST spend 6k on CF vacation expenses.. If they dont use the money for vacation from CF, they will be billed.. Thats why when they became CF member, they go to CF Vacations with 6k.. So they will have to pay back if they cant be able to attend CF vacations as often..
[...] of losing money. Pyramid Schemes: What Are Pyramid Schemes and How Do They Work Pyramid schemes Illegal Pyramid Scheme Targeted At MD Deaf People Mishka Zena __________________ Weapon of Mass [...]
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