How My Friend Approached Me For An E-commerce Marketing Scam In Noida

A few weeks ago I met one of my friends. He said that he is involved in some promotional activities for multiple companies and soon he'll leave his job. I was so thrilled to know that he is on the path of entrepreneurship. He advised me to read Cashflow Quadrant book by Robert Kiyosaki. I got the book and started reading it. My friend was continuously following up with me that how much I have read? I finished three chapters in two days during weekdays. And then we had a discussion over the phone about my understanding. 

He was completely against the Employee Theory. He said that if Ratan Tata wants to go on a vacation for two months, he can go but I can’t because I'm in a job. I agreed but I cleared my point why a job is important for many people. It’s all about your life's perspective and priorities. He was not convinced by my views. He said that rich people make a system which keeps generating income even when they are sleeping or on a vacation. He suggested me to read the book carefully for proper understanding. Then I went back and started reading the book seriously. I realized that to some extent he was right.

A few days later, we had again discussion and I shared him about my understanding of the first four chapters. This time he looked convinced and appreciated me and encouraged me to finish the book. Two days later, I received a phone call from him and he asked me to share my resume with him for a business opportunity. He said that if my profile gets shortlisted then my life will be changed. I thought to give it a try. So I shared my resume though I didn’t know anything about the opportunity.

My resume got shortlisted and I received a phone call for a meeting at hotel Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, New Delhi. I was surprised and excited at the same time. I went there and met one person. He told me that he is going to buy BMW soon because he is earning a lot of money in the business. Still, I had no clue and I was surprised why they need me for business partnership when they are already earning a lot of money. This person explained everything except their business model and my role. His focus was on generating passive income with the help of loyal customers for the lifetime and retire in the next five years. He said that his senior madam wants to meet me. Also, he said that she is like his Rich Mom (giving example from Rich Dad Poor Dad book). At that time only, I realized something messy is going on there. I thought maybe she will explain to me my role and their business model. The person left and joined me back with his senior madam. He introduced me to her and left.

The very first question she asked me what I want to do in my life? I didn’t share her my plans and replied in a diplomatic way. She still tried to dig deep into my mind but I didn’t reveal anything to her. Then she asked me about the book Cashflow Quadrant if I have finished it. I said I'm in the middle of the book and I'll finish it soon. Then she said, "You know Tarun, you are like a Google Map which doesn’t have any destination. Go home and write ten points on a paper what do you want to do? Also, finish the book Cashflow Quadrant." I nodded, laughing within myself. "We do a discussion with lot people and shortlist them for our business. We might call you again if we shortlist you." She said. I didn’t ask questions after that and did let her talk. Once she was done, I left, saying thank you.

My friend asked me in the evening, how was the discussion? I said the first discussion was good but the second one was confusing. I was still not aware of what business they are doing and why they need me? Then my friend said, "Wait for the list, your name should come." I forgot about it as I didn’t have any interest at all. I don't accept the deals where I have even 0.1% doubt. And here I had a series of doubts. 

Next week, my friend called me and said that the list has come out but my name is not there. I said ok. Then my friend asked me to wait for few more days as the 2nd list will come. Four days later, my friend called me and asked, can I dance? I asked, why?  "Bro, you are shortlisted," my friend said. I didn’t react much. He said that he wants me to meet the very senior person (he was the CFO of some big MNC for a long time, as per my friend) the next day, be ready. I said ok. 

Next day, my friend took me to Starbucks @ Gardens Galleria, Noida. The very senior person appeared after some time. He asked me if I have any previous business experience? I said no. He asked me if I have finished the Cashflow Quadrant book? I said yes. He then started explaining me word-of-mouth publicity in the e-commerce business. He talked about making money from the loyal customer base. I asked him about the business model and my role. He didn’t tell me how this system works, saying employees ask “How” and businessmen ask “Why” so come out of employee mentality! Then he said that I'll come to know in the training.

"Training, for business partnership?" I asked.

"Yes, you need to go through the training for two weeks," he replied.

You have to put twenty hours per week, he continued. Then he said I have to invest 3.5 lacs rupees from my pocket to join this business. I lied to him that I don't have money. Then he went ahead and said I can avail personal loan on credit card and he has a team to help me out. When I asked about the team then he said they have an office in Bangalore. Now, I asked him company name, he told there are many. Now he said you have five days to think and decide otherwise this position will be filled. You can transfer 3.5 lacs rupees into your friend’s bank account and join training for two weeks. If you decide not to join the business after training then your friend will return your money back into your bank account. Here I decided not to waste more time. I said I’ll tell you my decision later. He left, hinting me I have only five days to decide. During the whole conversation, my friend didn't speak a word.

Now, I and my friend came into parking and my friend started telling me how he built his home, bought a car and other things without taking any loan. He could do it because of this business only.  When I asked him since how long you are in this business he said more than a year. Also, he said that the very senior person is retired now and he is like his rich dad (giving example from Rich Dad Poor Dad book). I left from there that evening. For five days I didn’t have any communication with my friend. I knew that he 'll message me on day 5th and he did. On the 5th day, he messaged me and hinted for decision. I messaged him back that I’m out of this deal. He replied ok like he doesn’t care.

Next day, he asked me to meet. I met him. Now he tried to convince me and pay 3.5 lacs rupees. I said, "Why didn’t you tell me this 3.5 lacs rupees thing in our first meeting. And nobody shared me the business model and my role?" He replied, "I was following protocol, I'm not supposed to share this info." He then said that anyway the position is filled but if I want then he can request the very senior person on his behalf. Six days back the very senior person was so strict about the position and now they are so desperate to get 3.5 lacs rupees from me. Still, I said no. Then, he tried his best to convince me and was not ready to leave me. Then I said ok I’ll transfer the money, tell me your bank account on WhatsApp. I came home. I found his message with his bank account details. I didn’t respond. Then he messaged back saying don't put your brain this time, please bro.

Why boss? Why should not I put my brain? It’s my money. Why should I give it to you?

I asked him again about the company name and office address on Whatsapp. He said that he will meet and tell me next day. 

A few hours later, he messaged me a quote: Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness. I strictly told him no and asked him not to talk about this business with me in the future. When I searched on the internet I found they take 3.5 lacs rupees from you and get you an income of 10,000 rupees per month so you’ll feel that you are earning something. But these 10,000 rupees you are getting from your 3.5 lacs rupees only. In this way, this business can give you return for around three years. What they asking you in return is you have to put your twenty hours per week. And, in those twenty hours, you might need to frame your friends in the same way. 

Can you imagine you are working for three years (twenty hours per week) just to get your money back? Sounds crazy? In short, it's all business. I'm not sure whether it's an e-commerce marketing scam or some real business?

Products mentioned in this article:

• Cashflow Quadrant book by Robert Kiyosaki <= click to buy
• Rich Dad Poor Dad book by Robert Kiyosaki <= click to buy