Future Strategies SRL - Pentagono

The RCMP has received a number of enquiries about a company soliciting funds on the Internet through participation in a pyramid type scheme offering huge returns on investment.

The scheme, dubbed Pentagono, is operated through an Internet home page provided by an Italian company, Future Strategies Srl (Srl, meaning a limited company registration in Italy). FSS claims to be registered with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Modena. They also claim that Future Strategies Srl is a company completely approved by the Italian authorities, operating world wide. There are a number of Internet websites that post links to the Pentagono website.

In the scheme, investors are asked to purchase a membership certificate from “a friend” priced at $60 Cdn. Seven people’s names are printed on this certificate - the friend’s name is on the bottom. Once the certificate has been purchased, you are asked to send $60 to the person who is shown in the top position. You are also asked to send an additional $60 to Future Strategies Srl, Via Muratori 1, Carpi (Mo) 41012, Italy, to cover administrative costs.

Once this has been paid, the buyer will receive three additional certificates with his/her name in 7th position. The buyer must then sell each additional certificate at $60 each. By the time the buyer’s name reaches the top of the list, the company claims a total of $131,220 can be earned. Future Strategies says “the mathematically tested Pentagono system represents the improvement and best synthesis of over 50 years of experience and university studies”.

The RCMP Commercial Crime Branch has reviewed these reports and believes that this investment solicitation exhibits the characteristics of a common "pyramid" scheme and warns readers that continued participation in the scheme may result in a charge under Section 206(1)(e) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The RCMP has been advised by Italian authorities that this scheme does not constitute a criminal offence in Italy, but rather a violation of an administrative procedure. The Italian authorities will not be intervening.

If you encounter any sort of Internet investment solicitation that encourages you to urgently mail or send funds and you feel compelled to participate, the RCMP urges you to first seek the advice of a local investment advisor or banker. Rely only on real people that you can trust!

*Originally published 09-DEC-98

LINKS

• Better Business Bureau On-line complaint form
• CBC Marketplace Scam Alert
• Canadian Marketing Association Consumer Information
• Junkbusters Junk e-mail tips/filtering
• Public Interest Advocacy Centre
• Scambusters

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