But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your report can help us protect others from a scam. And, if you’ve paid someone to join this game, please tell us: ftc.gov/complaint. If the offer comes from a friend or family member, warn them. The warning signs? Promises that you will make money by paying in yourself and recruiting others to do the same. If you get an offer to join an online game like this, beware – it’s a scam. Once players run out of new recruits to bring into the game, the money dries up and everyone waiting to reach the center comes up empty handed. There are no products sold or real investments creating profits. What’s the harm? Like other types of pyramid schemes, these chain letters depend on recruiting new people to keep money flowing into the enterprise. That’s when you leave the game or start all over again with another $100 payment. Eventually, you’re supposed to land at the center of a playing board and collect $100 from each of eight new recruits on the outer ring. As more people join, your board changes and the number of playing boards expands. Your payment gets you one of eight spots on the outer ring of the board and a chance to move towards the center by recruiting other people to join. It invites you to join the Circle or Loom by sending $100 through PayPal or another digital payment service to the person whose name is at the center of an octagon-shaped playing board. You see a post or get a direct message on Instagram, Facebook, or other social media. While versions vary slightly, the one we’re hearing about most promises that you’ll collect $800 for an investment of $100 and, at the same time, help bring good fortune to someone else by recruiting them to join. You’re virtually guaranteed to lose your money, or pull in friends and family who will lose theirs.Īlso known as the “Mandala Game,” “Blessing Circle,” “Infinity Loom,” “Giving Circle,” and by other names, the scam is a chain letter-type of pyramid scheme. It promises a big return for a modest investment. Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu itemsĪre you tempted to play “The Circle Game,” join a “Blessing Loom,” or jump on a “Money Board”? These are some of the names for an online scam that’s making the rounds at a time when millions of people are out of work and scraping for cash.

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