‘NASCAR’ pyramid scheme wheels into three counties

Richard A. Foss knew better. But not everyone will.

Foss, who lives in Brewer, got a call from a family member Thursday night, inviting him to a meeting in the Hancock County town of Franklin. Information that was to be provided at the meeting would lead to his making money – a lot of money – he was told.

But Foss knew that what was described probably fell under the category of pyramid schemes, and declined the invitation. In fact, he discouraged the family member from attending as well.

“This was the first meeting [in Hancock County] as far as I know,” he said. “There was a guy who was supposed to come in and get his first $40,000.”

What Foss told a reporter Friday was one step ahead of the state Attorney General’s Office, which sent out an announcement warning of a new pyramid scheme said to be spreading quickly through Waldo and Kennebec counties.

“These reports indicate that this pyramid is limited to men only and appears to be based on a racing car theme,” according to the announcement from the Attorney General’s Office. “Sometimes the names of ‘NASCAR’ or ‘Men’s Club’ are being used by the participants.”

The pyramid scheme requires new members to donate $5,000 with the hope of eventually receiving $30,000 to $40,000. At the base of the “pyramid,” according to the Attorney General’s Office, are eight new recruits referred to as “racing fans.” Each recruit must pay $5,000, then hopes to work his way up the pyramid to “pit crew,” “crew chief” and, finally, “driver.”

Attorney General Steven Rowe noted that from all reports this is an illegal pyramid scheme in violation of Maine law.

“This appears to be the male version of the women-only pyramid schemes, which are modeled on a dinner party in which new recruits enter at the ‘appetizer’ level, contribute $5,000, and hope to eventually reach the ‘dessert’ level and receive $40,000 to $50,000,” Rowe said in the announcement.

Foss said he heard of a meeting this week in the Waldo County town of Searsport at which 200 men were told how to join the “NASCAR” pyramid.

Foss said he happened to be at a car dealership having his vehicle repaired this week and overheard some men talking about the vengeance that might be taken against anyone perpetrating a pyramid scheme that cost local men money.

Men also have been contacted in the Unity area in western Waldo County, near the county line with Kennebec County, and asked to join the “NASCAR” club.

“Such pyramids are not legal under Maine law,” Rowe said in the announcement. While some participants do end up “earning” a huge return on their “investment,” the pyramid inevitably will collapse, leaving many people with no recourse to get their $5,000 back.