Ponzi Scheme Alert and Oceanside Network – Rumors, Lies, and HYIP Cheerleader Irrationality Vs the Truth

Posted on January 23rd, 2010 by Mr. Ryz

It has come to my attention that a series of rumors are being spread by some “less than credible” (to put it nicely) characters that this blog was originally created strictly as some clever marketing effort and owned by a company named: Oceanside Network. Though I’m typically keen on just rolling my eyes and letting rumors pass on by, I think the time has come to alleviate some of the skepticism that has erupted.

If you trace back the history of the Ponzi Scheme Alert project, you’ll find it was started several months prior to the Network’s existence.  During February of 2009, I was encouraging Pathway 2 prosperity victims to take action against Nick Smirnow.  In fact, if you really dive into the available research, you’ll find that on multiple occasions people asked me for information pertaining to Oceanside Network in different article sections on this blog, to which I specifically asked them to keep the subject “on topic” and forward all Oceanside Network related discussion to me privately via e-mail.

So, why do I have bio links and a small spotlight on the top, right side of this blog relating to Oceanside Network information? Originally, none of this even existed, but during the last few months of 2009, I received quite a few angry comments and e-mails from HYIP cheerleaders that essentially said: “If you’re going to call this program a scam, why can’t you give any recommendations for something comparable? We want solutions (of course, most of those comments were NOT this polite or respectful).” Despite the fact that warning the public about likely ponzi schemes, MLM scams, etc. doesn’t obligate me to find them a supplement, these repetitive comments did convince me that providing a couple links to a relatively “high return” opportunity that I believe to be ethical would be fair and also most likely beneficial to my readers.

Now I see that some HYIP players – who are frustrated and angry because I have warned people about the ponzi scheme red flags associated with HYIP programs that they have become emotionally attached to – and a few individuals involved in the dark “HYIP Industry” politics – many of which have a personal beef against Broker Jones and other Oceanside Network staff – are trying to use my simple effort of providing a potential passive income supplement to discredit my materials through false rumors and accusations. So, I find myself in a “darned if I do, and darned if I don’t” scenario concerning bitter cheerleaders. One day, I’m accused of “not doing enough” when calling out scams without providing “alternatives.” The next day I’m accused of using the Ponzi Scheme Alert platform to satisfy my own personal “marketing agenda.”

I will no longer attempt to improve the odds in what has become a “lose / lose” situation. Quite frankly, I have no intentions of altering the current presentation and layout of this blog. For the past few months, this blog has contained a few links within my WP signature and a clickable side-box taking others to my website that provides additional information about the Oceanside Network. Readers and participants have not and never will be pressured into joining that company. It is, quite simply, an “alternative opportunity” that I believe to be legitimate and ethical; only recommended to people who are looking for supplements to the unstable and illegal HYIP Industry.  Although I would certainly like to see people join the Network, I never urge anyone to do so.

Regarding the crazy rumors that are currently being spread, let me put it to you “real fast and straight” – The Ponzi Scheme Alert website and blog has never been owned, shared, or operated by the Oceanside Network, Broker Jones, JD Kaiser, or any other related individuals or organizations.

Another, slightly more ambiguous rumor I’ve discovered states that “I will call ‘ANYTHING’ and/or ‘EVERYTHING’ a scam except for the Oceanside Network;” and I’m inclined to believe this one is derived from cheerleader desperation I’m accustomed to seeing whenever I “rattle the cages” of an extremely emotional group. Once again, let’s go through the simple history of Ponzi Scheme Alert to see why this ridiculous accusation is purely false:

- I wrote about a blatant HYIP ponzi scheme, Sam Serino’s Cash Tanker, mainly to vent about my disgust for a fraudster that would pervert religion and symbols of Christianity to market his scam. I was half-way shocked when I discovered just how many people had infused blind faith into Serino’s absurd promises and wouldn’t allow themselves to see the obvious red flags indicating a ponzi scheme.

- I discussed some of the red flags associated with Guardian Equity Group at the request of some personal contacts involved with GEG’s investment program. Interestingly enough, a few GEG members came forth admitting that they and many other investors they knew were also critically examining the “model” and “changes” associated with the group. Most of them agreed with my red flag analysis to some extent.

- I reviewed TVI Express and the nature of “cycler programs,” explaining why such models weren’t built to last. In straightforward terms, the very proof that cycler programs are temporary, “get in while their hot” programs lies in the fact that no cycler program has ever survived even the basic, 3-5 year test of time. The fact that they contain illegal pyramid scheme aspects is verifiable by FTC definitions.

- I warned people about an outrageously blatant series of ponzi schemes that were promising their “investors” over 1000% ROI in one day!

- I examined a rather popular HYIP, Genius Funds, and disproved many of its members’ arguments that it was “safe” or didn’t show “red flags.”

Apparently some individuals would like you to believe that 5 warnings against programs showing dangers, “red flags,” etc is “Everything.“  How ridiculous.

Before I go on, take note that I am not summarizing these warnings in some arrogant attempt to portray myself as someone who is “always right.” I’m not a fortune teller, and I certainly admit that what I predict or suggest may not always be right. I’m simply an individual that has seen the treacherous angles of the “HYIP Industry” and has learned to separate due diligence and proper criticism from “negativity.” I examine the warning signs that often repeat themselves within the HYIP industry, and attempt to shine a little logic on to communities that “fall in love” with specific ponzi schemes and are blinded to the dangers around them.

Put as simply as I can – When I see a scam, I call it a “scam.” When I see red flags, I alert people to “red flags” and encourage them to examine the situation in a professional, mature manner. This is exactly what I have done with the programs / organizations I previously listed. Apparently, some misleading cheerleaders and desperate instigators have distorted those warnings as if I’m calling “EVERYTHING” a scam except “Oceanside Network,” when in fact, I’m merely “calling them as I see them.”

At the same time, I see nothing wrong with recommending a program I believe in to those who are searching for something legitimate.  As for those who claim that the very presence of a “link” on my site to the Oceanside Network indicates that I will call any program I come across a scam – whether I believe it is or not – they are probably not reading the reasons and logic I give behind my posts.   They are most likely just claiming such things because the truth about the red flags surrounding their program is too hard for them to accept.  People such as this are more interested in finding any way they can to justify the situation, even if it involves making me look like the “bad guy,” instead of coming to terms with reality.

I did not originally set up the Ponzi Scheme Alert blog expecting 100% support from every reader and participant. I’ve witnessed some outrageously greedy and delusional people in the HYIP Industry, and it’s only natural to expect some retaliation. I’ve also been on the opposite end of the table with a former ponzi scheme known as 12 Daily Pro, and I remember how easy the “thrill of being paid” and “making money” can persuade a reasonable person to adopt the attitude of a mindless, greedy cheerleader. Some people refuse the invitation to apply common sense and instead choose to recklessly mock anyone that doesn’t support the programs they have interests in. Unfortunately, some individuals’ immaturity needs to be ignored and they must learn the “hard way.”

A recent poster on this blog attempted to patronize me by suggesting that my warnings against ponzi schemes and specific red flags only help support the programs I am warning against. This is a common HYIP cheerleader taunt, but I tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. I have received several e-mails from random people all over the globe thanking me for my honesty and attempts to warn people to think critically and avoid suspicious programs. Certain individuals have even specifically told me how much money they saved after reading my articles, deciding not to “invest,” and watching the program crumble away to ponzi scheme fate. Their testimonies alone are enough to convince me that posting these warnings is making a difference.

In conclusion, you may choose to believe what you wish about me and Ponzi Scheme Alert. In fact, I imagine the zealous gossip train out there will read this article and start some new pitiful rumor, something along the lines of- “The only reason he posted all that is to try to get you into the Oceanside Network after all!” – which would not be surprising. Desperate cheerleaders looking for any way to combat those who explain the truth about HYIP scams will continue to do what they do best – twist the truth.

However, even if you’re involved in the “HYIP Industry” to some extent and you decide not to trust a word I ever post, I still encourage you to do the following: Be open-minded, use common sense, complete real due diligence, and think like a professional investor - not like a gambler. If you do these things, you will avoid the sting of reality that comes with ponzi scheme deception.

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- Mr. Ryz

www.MrRyzFinancial.com

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Tags: Broker Jones, Cash Tanker, Genius Funds, Guardian Equity Group, HYIP cheerleader, HYIP Industry, Oceanside Network, ponzi scheme, Ponzi Scheme Alert, TVI Express

Guardian Equity Group Scam or Forex Wonder? Could the private forex HYIP be legitimate and not another ponzi scheme operation?

Posted on September 7th, 2009 by Mr. Ryz

During the past year, I’ve had many friends call me up and several random people e-mail me about my thoughts concerning the Guardian Equity Group. The reports of their successful “trading” and payouts have reached the ears of many people who have been sick and tired of the dark HYIP / Autosurf Industry.

For the past 1.5 years, the Guardian Equity Group has generated an average of 5.6% per week for members. If a member decided to cash out his or her earnings each month, a 25% fee would be charged. However, those conditions were recently changed and a new policy was adopted: A 12.5% fee is now charged each month, whether the member withdraws money from his account or not. Weekly compounding has also been downgraded to monthly compounding.

What does this indicate? Well, if you’re searching for ponzi scheme red flags in Guardian Equity Group, technically any new policies that decrease earnings or add to the manager / administrator’s pocket do increase the likelihood that the program is attempting to slow the exponential drain on the ponzi money pot. However, this policy change alone is not enough to convict the group of operating a scam, in my opinion.

What does confuse me is the reasoning behind these changes according to GEG. The group states that these measures were taken to ensure that member’s money would never “run into risk,” based on “market uncertainties” during these days and months to come. I have spoken with experienced traders this past month, and none of them have mentioned any rising levels of “market uncertainties.” I would think Guardian Equity would have been wise to elaborate on this point, though in any case, I suppose a professional forex trader could always argue he “acknowledges trends that others don’t.”

What is my stance on the Guardian Equity Group?

I believe I was officially introduced to the GEG concept last November. I decided to watch on and stay updated within my own inner circle of private forex HYIP researchers. Eventually, I decided to decline any participation Guardian Equity Group, because I just wasn’t convinced their evidence for legitimate, long-term trading was strong enough.

These are the primary reasons I did not become involved with Guardian Equity Group:

#1. GEG traders have supposedly been earning over 5% each week. On average after compounding, that’s 20 – 25% per month. Now, I am most certainly willing to recognize and state that producing consistent profits in the 20 – 30% ROI range for short term intervals is very possible. I know some stock day-traders that have earned closer to 50% per month in the short term and kept their role or “lucky streak” (as one called it) going for more than 1 full quarter.

However, notice the key words here: SHORT TERM. All expert forex traders that I’ve discussed monthly trading performance with agree that turning a 20% profit or higher each and every month is essentially impossible. It doesn’t matter how advanced or particular your forex bot is – you can NOT have a perfect record and earn profits of those heights each and every month. As stated in previous articles, some of the richest forex traders in the world make over $1 Billion a year and don’t make any more than 5% per month. That’s something to think very seriously about.

#2. I haven’t met a single individual within the Guardian Equity Group that has seen even a shred of evidence regarding the existence of GEG’s trading activity. I acknowledge the standard argument: Trading reports are privileged information and cannot be publicly distributed. Sure, that’s quite understandable, but I’m surprised even some of the more loyal members haven’t been presented with any proof of legitimate profits. Even if someone were able to honestly claim they had seen the trading records, I suppose I would be at least somewhat relieved. From what I gather, no real evidence is available.

#3. Discussion of all Guardian Equity Group related topics is completely forbidden on all other forums. In fact, on one popular HYIP related forum, Money Maker Group (MMG), a member even threatened to report all other GEG members to the program’s administration if they were found posting about GEG related topics. Why is such strict censorship needed? I can understand if GEG wanted to restrict the full, private details about their investment activities and trading secrets to a specific level of membership. However, the acts of silencing all discussion about GEG on public forums does raise that inevitable question: “What exactly are they trying to hide?” To even obtain the information I have presented thus far, I had to bang on the backdoor of private contacts.

The Verdict on Guardian Equity Group: Scam Land or Road to Riches?

I know some current GEG members will reach this point and be compelled to rant along the lines of “How DARE you put the words ‘Guardian Equity Group scam and ponzi scheme’ together!!” Yet others who have heard of GEG and are dying to know the truth will be asking- “So, should I invest or not?”

Unfortunately, I don’t have enough evidence to make a strong prediction one way or the other at this given time. I have trained myself to carefully inspect any and all red flags that suggest ponzi scheme elements, and I will say that the Guardian Equity Group does have several characteristics that make me extremely skeptical. Most of these have already been summarized above, though I will provide updates if any shocking news should come my way.

What is my recommendation to current GEG investors? Well, I always had a golden rule back in the day: If a program ever started showing any signs of potential ponzi scheme elements, I made sure to immediately cash my money out and wait 6 – 12 months before re-entering. If the program is legitimate and can exist without new member’s investments, it will survive for another year. When most long term HYIP ponzi schemes start showing major red flags, they don’t even survive for another solid 2-3 months. Therefore, if you recognize the signs, make your move and make it fast!

In fact, here’s another golden investing rule worth mention: If you haven’t put yourself in a safe position, I recommend you immediately start taking money out so you are merely playing with profits. That way, if the worst should fall upon GEG, at least you didn’t lose any of your hard earned money. Good luck!

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- Mr. Ryz

www.PonziSchemeAlert.com

Tags: forex HYIP, GEG, Guardian Equity, Guardian Equity Group, Guardian Equity Group scam, ponzi scheme