[ad_1]
President Donald Trump and his children are accused of "deliberately" scamming Americans by encouraging them to invest in a multilevel marketing company, according to a complaint filed in federal court on Monday.
The complaint accuses Trump and his children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, of luring vulnerable investors to three businesses with "a pattern of racketeering activity," according to The New York Times, which first reported on the lawsuit.
Trump was reportedly paid millions of dollars in exchange for promoting ACN, a telecommunications marketing company; Trump Network, another multilevel marketing company which offers vitamins and health promoting products; and Trump Institute, which allegedly gave "extravagantly priced multiday training seminars."
Some of the payments were made in secret, according to the lawsuit, which also alleges the Trumps "were aware that the vast majority of consumers would lose whatever money they invested."
Trump, who allegedly promoted to ACN marketing video describing the company as being "the cusp of the advancements that will change the way we communicate."
"Trump said in the video.
"That's probably even better than real estate, I like real estate," Trump continued. "But I think this is better, it's certainly more advanced."
"You have a great opportunity before you with ACN." Trump added. "Believe me, it's ultimately a dream come true."
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of anonymous plaintiffs, who withheld their identities due to "serious and legitimate security concerns given to the political environment," according to their attorneys.
The plaintiffs reportedly became investors in ACN after watching Trump 's commercial videos, and were featured in The Times and CNBC reported on Monday.
ACN, like other multilevel marketing companies, allegedly advertised incentives for recruiting other investors or sales staff to join its program.
ACN in 2014 after attending a meeting that included a video of Trump's endorsement. After attending meetings, she only earned $ 38 from the company, according to the lawsuit.
Trump Organization officials questioned the timing of the lawsuit, which comes days before the November 6 midterm election: "This is clearly just another effort by opponents of the President to use the court system to advance a political agenda," Alan Garten attorney said to The Times.
"Their motives are as plain as day," added Garten.
A spokesperson for the plaintiff's attorneys denied the allegation and said the lawsuit was filed "because it is ready now," according to CNBC.
"No matter when this was filed, the Trump Org would say it was politically motivated," the spokesman said.
Source link
