Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Pyramid scamsters fined - Abundance gift giving scheme has high price

Husband and wife pyramid scheme shysters Colin and Diana Price of Hoylake Court Connolly have been convicted and fined in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions.

The Court found Mrs Price guilty of participating in the promotion of a pyramid scheme and Mr Price guilty of aiding and abetting.

They were fined a total of $3,500 with costs of $136.

“Pyramid schemes are a modern day curse on our community and we often see people attracted to them by the allure of quick money, or doing something supposedly to benefit others as with this case”, Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“Mr and Mrs Price played an active role in co-ordinating Abundance and promoting it to others by maintaining flowcharts and distributing emails and thank you letters to keep the scheme going.

“Our ongoing pursuit and prosecution of those who get involved with pyramids should send the message that it is just not worth the risk”, the Commissioner said.

It is an offence under the Fair Trading Act to promote or take part in pyramid schemes, with victims additionally able to pursue perpetrators via civil action for damages.

Anyone who has been approached to participate in a pyramid scheme or has information about someone conducting one should telephone 1300 30 40 54.

Visit WA ScamNet at www.docep.wa.gov.au/wascamnet for information and advice about pyramids and other scams affecting Western Australians.