Just wanted to see if you think this is a scam or not.
I was at Odakyu in Shinjuku one morning and was approached by a stranger in English. He seemed like a down to earth person, talked about life for a bit and was like “Are you open to exploring new opportunities?” when I said “Sure”, he was like how he finally has a passive income, improved his quality of life and how it changed the way he preceived things and changed his life. He was ranting on about this, but when I asked what you guys do, he just gave a simple answer. “Ecommerce, similar to Amazon”. He asked for my contact info but never ended up giving it to him. Just curious if you had encounters like this and if you think it is a scam since I am new to Japan.
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Edit: Thank you for your responses reddit friends. I have now determined that it is a mlm scam. I will look into the details myself as well, but if you could also briefly explain their scheme, tha would be nice too. Thanks!
10 comments
Run.
r/antimlm
> talked about life for a bit and was like “Are you open to exploring new opportunities?”
You met an MLM recruiter.
/r/antiMLM
This is 1000% Amway. Especially the “passive income” spiel. Not only is it an MLM it’s insanely culty. They’ll never actually tell you it’s Amway until you get sucked into their “meetings” too. Avoid these people.
Seconding what everyone else is saying but that’s 1000% an MLM, probably Amway given its popularity here. So yeah it’s a scam.
Further to others’ excellent responses, it doesn’t matter that “this is Japan”; if some stranger approaches you while you’re out and about, it’s because they want something. Not necessarily a good something either.
Just the same as where you’re from.
Absolutely do not expose your private information to random strangers.
There’s no need to be rude to folks like this, but do not hesitate to tell them no thanks, and strut right out of there.
The same applies to door salesmen, nutcases, jiggly titties touts, death cultists, etc.
99% of people who approach you with a “business opportunity” are trying to scam you. Like, think about it:
>Hmm, I have a great business going. I’m going to approach a person who probably doesn’t have any real money to invest to further saturate the market.
Like, it would be like a bakery owner in a place with no other bakeries and making a killing because of it walking up to a random person and saying “Yo man you gotta get in on this bakery business here I’ll help you get started up!”
As a side note this is Japan. If someone approaches you out of the blue, they want one of these four things: English lessons, your money, for you to join their cult, or your cock.
>improved his quality of life and how it changed the way he preceived things and changed his life.
To add to what others said, these MLM/scammers say these things try to make you either jealous, feel FOMO, or get your hopes up that you can achieve this lifestyle too ***someday***. They sell you on an idea of a dream, and if you decide to enroll, they make their money off others’ hopes of achieving those dreams ***someday***.
Anyone who says these things then tries to sell you on an opportunity based off these should be another immediate red flag, doesn’t matter what country you’re in.
You did good walking away without giving them your information.
Ecommerce, “similar to Amazon”. LOL
So many red flags there, but I’m glad you didn’t give him any info. You would’ve ended up going to “motivational gatherings” to hype up the dream, connect with “like-minded people” and would be buying “materials” for learning about and growing your business. THEN, after you get 1,000 plus people signed up under you, you can reach PLATINUM or some shit and be a big-dick millionaire and retire early with 72 virgins beckoning your call 24/7.
YOU’VE GOT NOTHING TO LOSE!
Best case scenario MLM, worst case scenario someone who is looking for a patsy to help launder stolen/counterfeit merchandise. Either way stay away.
Yes. Scam