Isn't a the safelist program's illegal. Apparently, "pyramid schemes" are illegal, and obviously the safelist programs are 'pyramid schemes'.

Anyone know if it is legal or illegal? I don't know 4 sure.

As long as you are not paying any money to join and you don't have to refer people it is not an actual pyramid scheme.

I have this query long time ago and posted a message here. But most reply said that it is not illegal if there is a product (e.g. a safelist, or ebook). Anyway, I didn't agree as these are illegal pyramid scheme in a disguise.

Hmm, anyone know if we could get an official response on this matter?

Quoted from the USPS. (United States Postal Service) I think most countries have the same opinion.

..there are many multi-level distributorship schemes that are nothing more than sophisticated chain letters. They operate as a "pyramid," claiming participants can earn lots of money by concentrating most, if not all, of their efforts on recruiting distributors rather than selling a product.

Fraudulent pyramid schemes typically violate the Postal Lottery Statute (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1302). They contain all three elements of a lottery: prize (expectation of monetary or other gain from participation in the pyramid); chance (the monetary return you may receive from your participation is entirely up to chance, that is, dependent on the efforts of those below you in the pyramid), and consideration (the fee you pay to become a distributor). Frequently, the entrance fee into the pyramid is very high. In many cases, the money spent for such an entrance fee can often be considered lost the moment you pay.


Full article:
http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspec...ect/pyramid.htm

It doesn't actually say that they are illegal, but it does metion fraud - which is.
The general consensus I've had is the same as lgwong was told - if there's no product its illegal. But then if the product is doomed to fail and you have to make a large outlay to begin with, isn't it the same thing?

http://www.pyramidschemealert.org/resource...ppsabstract.htm

Very long article (you have to order the full report - 43pages!)

I'll stop pestering now lol - because I haven't concluded anything - just given more info to consider!

I honestly think that if safelist were a PYRAMID then ALL affiliate programs are pyramids. Look at these DIME A DOZEN matrices that pop up daily. Like THE LAST MLM, that doesnt even allow you to see your downline. THAT is a pyramid scheme. But, safelist are merely a form of POOR advertising. Not very profitable for the web master either if you ask me. Thats my opinion, but I am merely one man.