Secrets of the Multi-Level Millionaires: Ellie Undercover
Journalist Ellie Flynn goes undercover to investigate 'multi-level marketing', an online selling scheme that promises young women the chance to earn big money as 'influencers'.
Journalist Ellie Flynn goes undercover to investigate a multibillion-pound online selling industry that mostly targets young women with the opportunity to earn big money.
The phenomenon known as βmulti-level marketingβ is sweeping across social media as 'influencers' post job adverts offering the chance of six-figure incomes, cars and holidays in return for selling products online. More than 400,000 people in the UK are already signed up and the industry has thousands of passionate supporters.
But as Ellie digs deeper into two companies, she uncovers a darker side behind these enticing Instagram posts and investigates accusations of illegal pyramid selling, systematic targeting of vulnerable people by recruiters and even brainwashing.
Travelling the length of the country, Ellie meets former sellers like young mum Vickie, who made only Β£20 after spending six months following the training at cosmetics company Nu Skin in the hope she could make enough money for her maternity leave. Ellie also meets Lindsay, who has a chronic illness and hoped selling for makeup company Younique would help her cover the bills while she struggled to find full-time work. Three years later, Lindsay is now Β£3,000 in debt.
In search of answers and accountability from these billion-dollar companies, Ellieβs investigation takes her to Utah, USA, where many of these companies are based.
This film raises concerns about an industry which seems to remain largely overlooked by regulators and mainstream media. Ellieβs investigation uncovers a serious gap in awareness about the potential risks of becoming involved and lack of transparency about the true earning success rate.
Last on
Music Played
-
Action Bronson
The Choreographer (Explicit)
-
Texas
The Conversation (Live)
-
Rehab Nation
Train
-
Buster Pooman
Black Jack
Credit
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Ellie Flynn |
Broadcasts
- Wed 8 May 2019 22:35ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & 1 more
- Wed 8 May 2019 23:05ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ One Wales & Wales HD only
- Thu 9 May 2019 00:05ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Thu 9 May 2019 00:35ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ One Scotland & Scotland HD only
Featured in...
True Crime: Scams and Fraudsters
Unmasking the dark side of human deceit
Documentaries
A selection of the best documentaries from ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Three!
Fresh Faces, Unforgettable Stories
Trendsetting shows by trailblazing creatives
Scams and Scandals
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Three investigates the biggest fraudsters from the UK, across the world and online.
Trailblazing Investigators
Riveting investigative documentaries you really shouldnβt miss.
Three's Top Investigators
A selection of documentaries and investigations from ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Three!
Investigative Docs
A selection of ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Three's biggest investigative documentaries.
Women in the Spotlight
Celebrating International Women's Day on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Three!