Success University

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Success Learning Systems Inc.
Company typePrivately held
FoundedJanuary 2005 (2005-01)
FounderMatt Morris
HeadquartersDallas, Texas
ServicesMulti-level marketing / Pyramid scheme
Footnotes / references
[citation needed]

Success University, founded in January 2005 by Matt Morris, is a privately held company based in Dallas, Texas.[1] It has also been identified as a pyramid scheme.[2][3][4] Success University does not employ any professors and does not have any premises; instead members are offered online courses on topics such as success in business, or physical wellbeing.[5] Members have to pay an introduction fee, and are then encouraged to invite other people to join in exchange for a part of the benefits.[2][3]

According to a study by the Bank of Namibia, Success University presents the features of a pyramid scheme, and they have estimated that about 88% percent of participants eventually make losses, with only a minority—at the top of the pyramid—making benefits. Namibia declared Success University illegal in 2008.[5]

Ketan Hirani and Kalpesh Patel introduced the scheme in London in January 2008. Prior to Success University, they have also been involved with several other pyramid schemes run by Robert Fitzpatrick and Gurdeep Singh, including the Omi Club, VIP and MLI schemes.[3][6] Hirani and Patel have been banned from the University College London campus, following a speech there about Success University.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Taylor, Jon M. "Serious Problems with the FTC's Revised Business Opportunity Rule". Federal Trade Commission. p. 9. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
  2. ^ a b "Mmegi Online :: Consumer Watchdog". Mmegi.bw. 2009-01-16. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
  3. ^ a b c "University scheme looks like a pyramid scam". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
  4. ^ a b "Success University fail". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
  5. ^ a b "Namibia: BoN Warns Against Pyramid Scheme (Page 1 of 1)". allAfrica.com. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2009-05-27.
  6. ^ "Igennex, Perfect4U and One-Vision Buying Club Scam Pyramid Scheme". Crimes-of-persuasion.com. Retrieved 2009-04-10.