Zer01 Parent Strips Web Site Following Report 95
Posted
by
samzenpus
from the get-out-of-dodge dept.
from the get-out-of-dodge dept.
alphadogg writes "Two days after a report cast doubt on Zer01 Mobile's business, its parent company has stripped its Web site down to only basic information. New details have also come to light suggesting a past connection between two of the involved companies, despite claims to the contrary. Earlier this week IDG News Service reported that it's unlikely that Zer01 could be technically able to offer the unlimited mobile voice and data service that it is advertising. The service, originally targeted for a July 1 launch, does not appear to be available yet. In addition, it's being marketed through a multilevel marketing program run by a company called Global Verge whose founder, Mark Petschel, in 2005 pleaded guilty to securities fraud. Petschel is currently on probation."
Buyer Beware (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Buyer Beware (Score:0, Interesting)
I'm pretty sure there is a pyramid on our money, and and eye. The message should be obvious.
I have to wonder what goes through peoples minds (Score:3, Interesting)
I am pretty sure I would strongly disagree with whatever goes through the minds of the implementers of MLMs. I have dealt with more than a couple in my time and they always leave a bad taste in my mouth so to speak. I can see what goes through the minds of the drones who participate in them -- greed. Some people are constantly searching for opportunities to get in on the first tier of MLMs as it is a pretty good way to get a lot of money without doing anything and also not being responsible for any wrong doing on the part of the implementers. (Makes me wonder how often tier one people are actually implementers from behind the scenes... probably a lot... it makes sense that they would try to protect themselves in that way.)
I don't know why the average person doesn't see it though -- MLMs are quite obviously scams most of the time.
Speaking of scams... anyone experience the latest in getting around the Do Not Call list? They now call and hang up after you answer only to have you confirm your willingness to care by calling back using the caller ID information. This is being used by telemarketers and collections people alike. I am not sure which is "after me" but so far, I have had three of these calls. I did not, of course, call the numbers back. Instead, I googled the phone numbers and found that there are already numerous complaints about the who, the what and the how. What are the odds that the same people behind the auto warranty scams are also behind or connected with this new one?
Re:Buyer Beware (Score:2, Interesting)
Well, yes, but it's slightly more complex than that.
At the very least, they (supposedly) offer a service that works on a subscription basis, so if you're one of the poor shlups stuck at the bottom of the pyramid, you still get something out of your investment (that is, an unlimited voice/data mobile plan).
Still, $60 a month (once everything averages out) is nowhere near enough to pay for such a plan. Unlimited voice from TMobile is $99, same for att. No way in hell they'd manage to come out in the black with the plan they had laid out.
Re:I have to wonder what goes through peoples mind (Score:3, Interesting)
I've been hit with this callback spam, too. The thing is, the one that hit me doesn't call you back until after you say hello twice. Pretty sure it's not a timed delay. Just one more incentive to expect that much more out of people on the phone - if I say hello, and you're taking a sip of your soda or something and don't answer in a timely fashion, expect to get hung up on. I ain't saying it twice.
Re:I have to wonder what goes through peoples mind (Score:4, Interesting)
What they didn't say is that it was an MLM selling insurance, and the network wasn't a computer network, but rather a network of people. I drove an hour and a half for an interview which was just these scumbags hawking their insurance MLM to a bunch of unemployed people (There were about 50 people in the room).
As soon as I realized it was a pyramid scheme I said so in as many words and walked out. About 10 others followed.
Pissed me off, wasted a tank of gas and 4 hours of time I could have been using with my family.
Re:Buyer Beware (Score:4, Interesting)