You know the scenario. A trusted friend or associate has a "great" or "once in a lifetime" opportunity. After much coaxing, or maybe just out of friendship, you sign on the dotted line and you are now an independent representative. To be fair, some of these companies offer some products that have value. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these companies offer high priced products to the consumer and poor support to the representatives.

I've been there. In fact I'm there now. As an associate talked me into joining GasUpUSA, I had low expectations. I had been involved with another MLM (which stands for Multi-Level-Marketing) over 20 years ago. I worked real hard for very little. The number of people who actually make big money, or even enough to live on, with these plans is very few. But the Gas Up USA plan at least looked like one could benefit with their 20% off gas card.

Of course, the non-refundable independant representative / membership fee was one concern. The lengthy contract written in legalize to carefully meet legal requirements in all states was almost unable to be understood. In fact, if you have a business that wants to take your money, don't believe that a contract will help you. All else seemed to appear on the up and up. After I signed up, funny things started to happen within a week.

First, there was some problem with the bank. Of course, this was not explained to any potential members. Second, if you wanted to do almost anything, there was a fee. Just a dollar or two here or there. Third, there was no response to emails. Out of growing concern, I contacted the Better Business Bureau in Pennsylvania. This was the one located the nearest to the headquarters. The file had many complaints. The analysis by the BBB indicated that many were not resolved to the satisfaction of the consumer.

The bank situation drifted on for several weeks. The compensation plans changed. People who signed up under one policy, now had a new one. After 2 months of this, I finally filed a complaint with the BBB. They contacted GASUPUSA. I was sent back a huge questionnaire to fill out with a 7 day deadline. I requested a refund based on the fact that the program had been misrepresented to me, particularly the fact that they had bank problems. I did not complete the questionnaire. The letter I wrote simply stated that the material in the questionnaire did not relate at all to my problem. The program was clearly misrepresented.

I got another letter from the GASUPUSA headquarters. It gave me a few days to complete the questionnaire. Several days later, I got another letter from GASUPUSA saying that the matter had been resolved and they would not pay. It had a contact name and phone number.

I decided to give them one more chance while I considered options such as contacting the Attorney General or other consumer services. The person I talked with mentioned once more the questionnaire. I stated that it was my belief that the questionnaire was a sham because I did not believe that there was any real intent on GASUPUSA's part to refund any money. To my surprise, she confirmed that my belief was true. It was their policy to never give refunds. Filling out the questionnaire would not change the results.

Based on that discussion, it is clear that they were merely putting on a show for the BBB. My experience is by no means unique. I am sure there are some good MLM companies. Let me give you a few warning signs to look for:

• If they charge you to get a check, run. It is absolutely ridiculous for a representative to have to pay a fee to get their earnings.
• Are the products competitive with other stores or services?
• Beware of companies that offer virtual products such as GASPUSA discount cards, phone services, etc. Many state laws require MLM companies to refund inventories of products for people that are dissatisfied. No inventory, no refund. These companies also tend to charge larger fees to be members or representatives.

It will take actions from citizens to keep the MLM companies well behaved. Do not expect a refund from your MLM company if you are not satisfied. Always ask, but if the answer is no, consider the following:

• Report the company to the BBB
• Report the company to the Attorney General or other legal entity

Finally, use what you intended to use to build your MLM business - Word of Mouth!!! Not much more on my end is needed to tell you about the GASUPUSA opportunity. There are many other "bad actors" out there. Time will tell whether my work with the BBB and Attorney General will help at least stop this one company.

Tell us about your experience - good or bad! Go Tallahassee is here to help citizens work together to better their lives.

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