Last July, we told you about the FTC’s settlement with Herbalife, which made the multilevel marketing company not only restructure how it does business, but also pay $200 million to people who lost money trying to run an Herbalife business. Today, we mailed checks to about 350,000 of them.
Are you thinking about a multilevel marketing (MLM) business opportunity? Every year, many people join MLM plans – and many also leave. Before joining any MLM company, do some research. Your time and money are too valuable not to. Here are a few things to consider:
- Can you realistically see yourself selling to your network of friends and family? Selling is work, and not everyone is good at it.
- What about the product? Would people you know buy it repeatedly and consistently? Or would they only buy it once as a favor? Can people buy comparable products for less?
- What will it cost you to run this business? You might get pressure to buy a lot of product – in fact, people have lost a lot of money buying more product than they can sell. Also consider things like gas, shipping and packaging costs, sales aids, trainings, and your time. Does that math add up for you? Lots of people leave multilevel marketing programs without making any money, and many lose money.
If the person who recruited you into the business tells you not to worry about selling because you can make money by recruiting others – walk away. In a legitimate MLM program, you need to be able to make money by selling the product, not by recruiting others to join and buy the product.
So, what about the money back from the Herbalife settlement? Well, the settlement covered people who worked with Herbalife between 2009 and 2015. If you were an Herbalife distributor who paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife during those years, but got little or nothing back from the company – and we were able to locate a valid address for you – you should be seeing a check. The check is a partial refund of the money we estimate you lost while trying to run an Herbalife business.
If you get a check refunding some of the money you lost in Herbalife, cash it. If you have questions about why you didn’t get a check, learn more on our refunds page. Thinking about whether a business opportunity is right for you? The FTC has resources for evaluating business opportunities, including MLMs.
In reply to IF WE HAVE BEEN IN THIS by m1986
In reply to I don't believe so.. I was by dddd2010
In reply to I don't believe so.. I was by dddd2010
In reply to Had no idea there was a class by Big Surprise
Got the check today and it was a surprise. I bought products first, to lose weight, and then, I was so damm and naive so it was easy to made me to sign up. Never sold anything because I stopped to believe in their product. I lost around $2000 and it was hurting me since i didnt make much money at my work at that time. Thank you for the check, even small amount that I got, was very helpful.
In reply to How can we fund out of we by Ragae
In general, the FTC is sending partial refunds to people if they:
Click here for more information and a number to call if you think you should get a refund.
In reply to In general, the FTC is by FTC Staff
In reply to If i am still an active by Danielle H
In reply to I received my check today and by Leapinlizard
This is a legitimate check. The money came from the FTC's settlement with Herbalife.
You have 60 days to cash the check. If you cash or deposit this check and more money becomes available, you may get another check.
Click here for more information about the refunds.
In reply to I Was a distributor for by Frank
You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:
Click here for more information and a number to call to ask about a refund.
In reply to You might be eligible for a by FTC Staff
I got mine. I only purchased products that I would use. I did buy one bundle of leads and it was a big mistake and a lie. I also bought advertising. Because I am optimistic but I am also 57 years old so I was skeptical enough not to put myself at high risk. Thank you to the FTC because there are mechanisms in place to take care of unethical behavior.
In reply to How might I check to see if I by farmboy
You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:
Click here for more information and a number to call to ask about being eligible for a refund.
In reply to I was a distributor and spent by stnen
If you think you should have gotten a check, please call the FTC's refund administrator at 844-322-8146.
In reply to If you think you should have by FTC Staff
In reply to HOW DO I KNOW IF IM GETTING A by ismael.v
You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:
Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.
In reply to Are this checks legit?!? by lillii110227
You can call the refund administrator to ask about the check. The company is Analytics Consulting LLC, at 844-322-8146. You have 60 days to cash the check.
In reply to is this only for members who by HERBA
You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:
Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.
In reply to I'm trying to figure out if I by On hold...
Before you call to ask if you will get a partial refund, ask yourself if you might be eligible.
In general, the FTC is sending checks to people who:
Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.
In reply to I'm trying to figure out if I by On hold...
What if you became a distributor in April of 2015? How I know if I am receiving a check? My address had not been updated.
In reply to What if you became a by Trfern
Before you call to ask if you will get a partial refund, ask yourself if you might be eligible.
In general, the FTC is sending checks to people who:
Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.
In reply to Is there anyone I can call or by Muskrat
Click here for more information. It includes a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.
In reply to so what if you are not a by rhonda
Click here for more information. It includes a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.
In reply to so what if you are not a by rhonda
In reply to I tried to call that number by Tina85
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