The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning about a scam targeting women that could cost them thousands of dollars.
Evan Kelly from the BBB says the scam is called a “Gifting Circle” or “Women’s Wisdom Circle.”
“It all seems very legitimate helping another woman in need or a family overseas, until you are left empty-handed,” Kelly said.
The scam had fallen off the radar, said Kelly, but has since resurfaced.
“What they are trying to do is target relatively affluent women who can pony up $5,000 each and create an eight-person base and the woman at the top who started this gets a $40,000 payout,” Kelly said.
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Author and inspirational speaker Kamal Dhillon alerted the BBB when she was recently targeted. Dhillon is a survivor of domestic violence and provides support to women.
“They knew the work that I do, that I had been speaking and advocating and fighting for vulnerable women for injustice,” Dhillon said.
The gathering was called “Women Gifting Women.” Soon after the first meeting, Dhillon says the alarm bells were ringing. Not only was she asked to hand over $5,000, she was also asked to recruit other women.
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The BBB said this is a pyramid scheme and against the law.
“This is a scam and you are just going to be giving your money away.”
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