Has anyone prosecuted one of these cases recently? I know this use to be a crime in Texas (TPC 32.48), but I can't find the statute that criminalizes "pyramid" or "endless chain" schemes. Can anyone help? Is it still illegal in Texas? Thanks.

Houston had a bunch of these cases a few years ago. Williamson County had some, too. The law is in the Business Code. Houston also did some serious forfeiting of money, and a subsequent appellate case affirmed their work.

Shane, the Pyramid Scheme is Sec. 17.461 of the Business and Commerce Code. I have indictments and information I would be happy to share with you.

This scheme was the same as those in Williamson and Harris, and was blatant. No products, just cash.

The biggest Ponzi scheme going is social security. I wish you could go after the crooks running that scam. Is there anyone under age 45 who really thinks he will see much, if any, of his contribution?

Shane: You should call Russel Turbeville. He is the Chief of our Consumer Fraud Division at Harris County and has been for years. He has done a bunch of these and can give you a lot of good advice.

Call 713-755-5836