The quest for gold has taken explorers into remote and dangerous parts of the world and this fascination with gold has led to its use in various get-rich-quick schemes.

The beautiful metal was at the heart of two pyramid schemes. One involved the purchase of gold coins and the other used gold ingots as the lure.

In both cases individuals were told they had a wonderful opportunity to make lots of money. The gold coin scheme took the form of investment seminars that emphasized the importance of bringing others into the program – the more people you bring in, the more money you make.

The gold ingot scheme was similar. It was called a “gold accumulation” program. The primary emphasis was on enlisting others to join the plan. Consumers were urged to sign up their friends and the gold bars would start rolling in -a pyramid scheme.

Keep in mind, pyramid schemes are illegal and even participants can be held responsible and fined.