BRYAN, Texas — If you scrolled through social media the past few days, you might have run into several posts involving the Blessing Loom, Circle Game or Blessing Circle. Whatever you call it is disguised as what many law enforcement officials are calling a pyramid scheme.
The plan requires eight people to be recruited with the promise of a big payout. All they have to do is pay money to join. The person (in the center) who organized the 'Circle' walks away with all of that money. It is then up to the people on the outside of the circle to recruit others to join and pay to get in.
This plan could go on and on.
But those who pay to get in and wait for their turn to reap the benefits rely on other people, some of which they may have never met.
In a Facebook post from Bakersfield Police Department in California, they write for the original eight to get money, they would have to recruit 64 people to join. Then in order for that 64 to get money they would need to recruit 512 people.
The Bakersfield Police Department said,“At some point the system will collapse and people will lose money.”
Not only do you run the chance of losing some cash, it is also illegal.
College station police consider this a pyramid scheme in Texas state law.
“It is actually a state jail felony and can be punishable up to six years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000," said Tristen Lopez, the public information officer for College Station Police Department.
Next time you see any strange posts asking you to participate in a money exchange and do not understand it completely, it is best to just say no.
“If you have to think twice then it’s probably a scam," Lopez said.
The College Station Police has not received any reports of this scam. If you do see any questionable posts that could be considered a scam, contact CSPD at 979-764-3600.
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