“Do It for Your Grandchildren” – BEWARE MLM Sales

You should “Do it for your grandchildren” – the sales approach that convinced me not to part with thousands of dollars for a miracle cure.

Living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a terminal and untreatable neurological condition, makes you vulnerable in ways you never expect. Recently, I came perilously close to falling for a health-related multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme that preyed on my desperation for a cure. Thanks to the support of online communities and my own research, I escaped the trap—but not before learning a hard lesson about the dangers of so-called miracle cures. Here’s my story, shared in the hope that it will protect others from similar scams.

A Desperate Hope

PSP is relentless. It’s terrifying, progressive, and, as of now, incurable. Like many facing such a diagnosis, I’ve explored every avenue to improve my quality of life—adjusting my diet, practicing yoga, and following medical advice to rest and preserve my strength. I’m even investigating a last-ditch treatment option, though results are pending. Despite my efforts, the daily struggle—now requiring a walker—makes any promise of relief incredibly tempting.

That’s why, when a kind-hearted acquaintance invited me to a Zoom call about a “life-changing” nutritional supplement, I listened. The group of eight presenters seemed genuine, passionately pitching a product made from natural ingredients like hemp, aloe, and ginger. They claimed it could address countless conditions, including PSP. They asked about my health journey, framing the supplement as a risk-free solution: “You have nothing to lose.” Against my better judgment, I considered it.

The Pressure Mounts

The pitch quickly turned into pressure. The presenters mentioned limited stock, urging me to act fast. Emails followed, detailing a steep price tag—$5,000 a year, including shipping—and requesting my payment details. When I hesitated, the manipulation intensified. One email hit me hard, stating, “Do it for your grandchildren.” It felt like a punch, exploiting my love for my family to push me into a decision.

I’m naturally skeptical, but that line shook me. Could they be right? Was this my chance? The emotional tug-of-war was exhausting.

Community Wisdom and Research

Doubts gnawed at me, so I turned to research. Hours online revealed troubling signs: no certifications, vague health claims, and a business model resembling a pyramid scheme. To be sure, I posted a message in PSP and Parkinson’s communities on Facebook, HealthUnlocked, and WhatsApp:

Has anyone used this nutritional supplement? I’m skeptical of “miracle cures” claiming to treat 98% of conditions, including PSP and Parkinson’s. The people I spoke to seemed sincere, but it’s expensive—$5,000 a year—and my gut says no. I found little online except that it’s a pyramid-type organization. Any thoughts? I’m trying to stay open, but I need facts, not debates about alternative medicine. Thanks.

The response was overwhelming. Community members, many researching the supplement themselves, urged me to trust my instincts. Their stories of similar scams confirmed my suspicions, and I chose to walk away.

The Reality of Health MLMs

This experience opened my eyes to the predatory nature of health MLMs. These schemes promise cures or wellness while pushing participants to recruit others, prioritizing profit over health. The person leading my Zoom call, a self-proclaimed entrepreneur, focused more on business success than science, with social media videos touting his acumen rather than the product’s efficacy.

Research showed that MLMs often target vulnerable people—those with chronic or terminal illnesses—using unproven claims. Their products, like supplements or shakes, lack scientific backing, and some even make dangerous assertions, like curing cancer. Participants face financial strain, buying inventory upfront or paying for training, while the recruitment-driven model benefits only those at the top.

Warning Signs to Watch For

To avoid health MLM scams, watch for these red flags:

• Emotional manipulation: Appeals like “Do it for your family” to pressure you.
• Exaggerated claims: Promises of curing serious conditions without evidence.
• Urgency tactics: Claims of limited stock or demands for immediate payment.
• Recruitment focus: Emphasis on signing up others over selling the product.
• High costs: Requirements to buy large inventories or pay for training.

A Call to Stay Vigilant

I’m not against complementary health practices. I rely on acupuncture, yoga, and careful nutrition to manage my PSP symptoms. But I’m fiercely opposed to schemes that exploit hope for profit. If a supplement were a proven cure for PSP, it would be widely available through medical channels, not sold via Zoom pitches and dubious websites with URLs like “too good to be true, but it is.”

My near-miss with this MLM showed me how even a skeptic can waver when health and family are on the line. If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. I urge you to question miracle cures, research thoroughly, and seek trusted advice from doctors or communities. If something feels wrong, trust your gut—it might save you from financial and emotional harm.

Let’s raise awareness about these predatory practices. Share your stories, support each other, and demand transparency in health claims. Together, we can protect our communities from those who profit off desperation.

Maybe of course I missed the chance at seeing my future grandchildren – it is this knawing feeling that most annoys me.