Sheriff's department warns of illegal online money scheme

The Lenoir County Sheriff’s office issued the following statement today:

The “Money Circle” has recently popped up here locally on Facebook. This is a blessing loom style pyramid scheme and it is illegal in North Carolina.

Promoters often claim that their program is legal because a product or service is offered or some other false justification. However, under North Carolina law, a pyramid scheme is any plan in which a participant:

1. Pays money
2. For the chance to receive money
3. Upon the introduction of new participants into the program, whether or not a product or service is offered.

In North Carolina it is a felony to establish or operate a pyramid scheme. Someone who promotes or participates in one can be charged with a misdemeanor.

While we can understand the interest in the scheme, especially in these emotionally and financially stressful times, please avoid it and let it pass by. Free money doesn’t exist and someone does pay the price. Thank you.