People yearning to be their own boss are susceptible to scams that appear to be legitimate business offers, coaching programs and investment opportunities. The FTC has temporarily shut down a scheme that took in millions of dollars from consumers with phony promises of huge returns.

Since at least 2018, three individuals operated the scheme known as “Blueprint to Wealth” and other names that targeted people with a “turnkey online business.” They made it sound easy and risk free in robocalls, YouTube ads and other promotions. Victims paid up to $21,000 based on such promises as “We do all the advertising, follow up, and sales calls for you, and then we split each sale with you 50/50. The average sale will earn you $3,500.” One retiree in her seventies was told that Blueprint to Wealth would “get her out of debt quicker.”

They showed video testimonials of happy Blueprint to Wealth members claiming to be making over $20,000 a month and shared images of commission checks ranging from $7,000 to $21,000. Victims were encouraged to call the “Success Coach Hotline” where the defendants pushed them to buy the highest membership possible, which paid the scammers the highest commissions, with promises of an average ticket of $10,000 in their first week.

Disclaimers about earnings claims that are required by the FTC Act were inconspicuous and ineffective, often coming after members had already bought into the program. People who complained they weren’t making enough money were told they weren’t doing enough and encouraged to spend more money.

In bringing the action, Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said, “Schemes like this use bogus claims to lure in consumers who are trying to provide for their families, only to leave people’s finances in tatters.”

Hundreds of thousands of people have lost thousands of dollars to business opportunity, coaching or investment scams. The FTC and BBB offer these tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Take your time and talk to someone you trust. Scammers will try to pressure you to get involved right away. Talk to a friend, a family member, a neighbor before you sign up. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.
• Research the company and offer with the BBB and online. Use words like “complaint”, “review”, or “scam” to see what people say about it before you pay.
• Question promises of big money or profits. All investments have risks. Only scammers guarantee a high return with little or no risk.
• Read success stories and reviews with skepticism. They might be fakes or misleading. Look at different sources and well-known websites for trustworthy and impartial expert reviews.

Even if you’ve determined a business opportunity is legitimate, be sure it’s right for you. Ask what you’d be selling or doing, how shoppers would find you, what your expenses would be, and when you could expect to turn a profit. Considering seeking advice from an attorney, accountant, and/or other trusted professional.