You’re sitting at your computer. Or maybe scrolling on your phone. You’ve polished your resume, made a cover letter, and started applying for jobs.

One job listing catches your eye.

“Entry-level position with rapid growth opportunity.”

“Flexible schedule — remote options.”

“Be your own boss. Unlimited earning potential.”

It sounds great. No experience required, but they value ambition. You submit your application and — wow — you get a response within hours. They want to interview you. The email is vague but enthusiastic.

You feel excited. Maybe a little nervous. But mostly relieved. Maybe things are finally turning around.

Except… what you’ve just applied for? It’s not a job. It’s bait.

And what you’re walking into isn’t an interview.

It’s a sales pitch.

Across LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, even Facebook Jobs — multi-level marketing companies are posting fake job listings. They’re designed to look like jobs. But the goal isn’t to hire you. It’s to recruit you into an MLM — and take your money.

Let’s break it down.

What is an MLM?

MLM stands for multi-level marketing. You’ve probably heard of companies like Amway, Herbalife, Arbonne, Monat, Primerica, Young Living, and It Works.

On the surface, they sell products — health supplements, essential oils, makeup, insurance, skincare, whatever.

But the real business model is about recruitment. You don’t make real money selling products. You make money by getting other people to join under you — and then getting them to do the same.

Sound familiar?

That’s because it’s a pyramid structure. One that’s carefully designed to look legal — but functions a lot like a scam.

Now here’s the part they don’t tell you:

Over 99% of people who join an MLM lose money. Not break even. Not make a little. Lose money. The people who make it to the top? They usually joined early — and they’re making money off of you.

But MLM recruiters don’t show up at your door anymore. They’ve evolved. They’re not pushing products at parties or booths in the mall.

They’re showing up in job search results.

They’re abusing professional job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed to make their pitch sound like a real job.

So how does it work?

First, they post a vague job ad. It might say “marketing associate,” “remote coordinator,” “business development rep,” or “entry-level account executive.” The title sounds familiar. Generic. But something feels a little… off.

There’s no clear salary. They mention commissions. Or “performance-based earnings.”

The company name is either missing — or it’s something you’ve never heard of. If you Google it, you might find it’s actually connected to a major MLM.

You apply. And then it gets weirder.

They respond immediately. Often with a templated email. Sometimes it says, “We were impressed with your resume!” …but you never uploaded one.

Then they ask to schedule a Zoom meeting. Or worse — they invite you to a “group information session” or “webinar.”

That’s your next red flag. This is not a one-on-one job interview. This is a scripted presentation. And it’s going to end with them trying to sell you on “an opportunity.”

The conversation usually goes like this:

They compliment you.

They ask generic questions about your “mindset,” your “ambition,” or your “passion.”

Then, they pivot.

They say things like:

“What if I told you you could work from anywhere?”

“Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss?”

“We’re looking for people with hustle — not just employees.”

And just like that, you’re no longer being interviewed.
You’re being sold to.

At some point, they’ll reveal that to get started, you’ll need to buy a starter kit. Or pay for “training materials.” Or purchase your own inventory to “try the products yourself.”

They’ll frame it as “investing in yourself.”

They’ll show you testimonials of people making six figures and working on the beach.

They won’t show you the thousands of people who lost money, maxed out their credit cards, or ruined their relationships trying to meet sales quotas.

They won’t tell you that only 1 out of 1000 people ever see a profit.

They won’t tell you that you’re not actually getting a job — you’re becoming their customer.

And here’s the worst part:

They’re targeting people who are desperate.

If you’re unemployed, newly graduated, disabled, a single parent, a military spouse, or someone just trying to stay afloat — you are the prime target. MLMs are counting on you being tired, broke, and hopeful.

They offer the illusion of freedom, income, and purpose.

And when it fails — which it almost always does — they blame you.

“You didn’t work hard enough.”

“You didn’t want it bad enough.”

“You gave up.”

But let’s be very clear:

The problem isn’t you.

The problem is the system.

And while this is happening every day, the platforms doing the most damage — like LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job sites — are still letting it happen.

You might think: “Wouldn’t LinkedIn crack down on scams like this?”

You’d think so.

But these companies walk a legal tightrope. MLMs aren’t technically illegal — as long as they’re selling a product, not just recruiting people.

So job platforms let them through. They profit from listing fees. And desperate job seekers? They get tricked into fake interviews for jobs that never existed.

So how can you protect yourself?

First, research every company before the interview. Google their name plus “MLM” or “pyramid scheme” — you’ll be shocked how fast you’ll find the truth.

Second, ask direct questions before the interview:

• Is this a salaried or hourly position?

• Will I be asked to pay any fees or purchase anything?

• Is this a sales role or recruiting-based?

Third, trust your instincts. If something feels off — especially if they avoid answering — walk away.

And finally, speak up.

Report fake listings to the job platform. Leave reviews on Glassdoor. Post on Reddit. Warn others.

MLMs thrive on silence and shame. But there is nothing shameful about being tricked by a professional con.

If you’ve been in one of these fake “interviews,” you are not alone.

If you’ve lost money to a starter kit, you are not alone.

If you joined because you were just trying to survive — you are not the failure.

The failure is in a system that allows these companies to exploit vulnerable people — and in platforms that pretend not to see it happening.

You deserve real work. With real pay. And real respect.

So next time you see a vague job ad promising big rewards and “freedom” — look deeper.

Because a job that asks you to pay up front…
Isn’t a job.

It’s a scam.