<prompt> Human: Hello PF, Im not quite sure if this is the appropriate location to submit such a question, but everyone on here seems to be quite knowledgeable about many things related to finance. I am 19 and not sure how to proceed.I was approached by a friend who asked if Id like to be a part of this business and make a lot of money. So I decided to hear him out, and went over to his house earlier today and he gave me the rundown of what it hes talking about specifically. He told me about this brand new business that became official yesterday, and this business sells like fitness supplements e.g. protein shakes, energy drinks, and other things of that nature. Then there are two large packages, one for around 1,000 and the other for almost half that. So to the part where I make money: He bought one of them, and now he says that he needs 4 main people under him to also purchase one of these packages of supplements. If I were to do so, he would get some portion from the company. Then I would try and get people to purchase this, and then those people would try and get more people, and I would make money off of the people that buy it directly from myself, and a portion from the people that are brought in from the people Ive recruited. I immediately thought of a pyramid scheme, and questioned him on this. He said thats what most people think, but assures me it isnt. This company that sells the supplements is controlled by another business thats apparently a successful business. His mother works for them, and did what hes offering now. Shes quite wealthy and he said she was making around 600,000 annually when she was doing this. He uses this point to assure me its not a pyramid scheme; why would a successful company set up a non-legit company?In summary, it sounds quite lucrative if I can convince other people to buy these packages, but I have some hesitation before jumping into such a large investment for me as I only make minimum wage at a movie theater. Any input would be greatly appreciated and again apologies if this isnt the right place to post -- Ill remove the post if so.Assistant: Its an mlm aka yes its a pyramid scheme.Aka, you pay a bunch of dollars to get in, for you to make money, you must get other people to buy in, and you make a percentage of their sales.Human: So does this mean I should definitely not do it? I guess maybe a better question is, can I make money in a pyramid scheme?Assistant: They call them multi level marketing and only the very top tier people will make money. Its unethical, relies on bothering your friends and acquaintances, just an all round terrible idea. You will not make money, not unless it is YOUR pyramid scheme.Human: Okay thanks. Supposedly since Im being alerted to this so early thats why its so lucrative. Oh well, gonna have to work for my money.  <response>: His mother works for them, and did what hes offering now. Shes quite wealthy and he said she was making around 600,000 annually when she was doing this. Supposedly since Im being alerted to this so early thats why its so lucrative.Your two statements here contradict each other. Remember, you wont make any money if youre at the bottom. You know this, and they know you know this. They are therefore very very motivated to make you think youre getting in early even if youre not. If his mom was doing it for several years, then... youre not getting in early. 