Approached about an opportunity to make supplemental money (employees, job, companies)

[jjthejetplane]

I was recently contacted on Linkedin randomly by someone who lives generally close to my area. He has a start up business (which seems legit and has a company website) based out of a region in my state. He focuses on expanding name brands and marketing for companies. He messaged me and said my skills in international affairs could match what he is looking for in finding individuals who will work for extra income.

Now I had a phone conversation with him today and he essentially gave me a vague description of what he does and told me we could work out the details in person. He emphasizes that he doesn't hire employees but "partners" that cooperate with him. Also it seems the position has not much to do with international affairs and more with branding. At any rate, he essentially told me it was pointless to talk over the phone about the opportunity and that he can convey a much clearer description in person. He wants to meet with me in the coming weeks, though I told him I would contact him back if I wanted to do so. I asked him about his company, if he contacted people before me, if others successfully do what he is offering to me, etc. He gave me nothing but vague wishywashy answers. (major red flag to me)

Now based off everything I typed, I know I should probably tell this guy to hit the road. It sounds to me like a business scheme that involves using people for various types of work for commission based salary. (Sales or branding) Although it is hard to tell because he never really gave me a full description yet. The only thing keeping me from blowing this off is the company still seems legit, he is young and a recent graduate (like me), is well connected with others in area businesses and perhaps I am looking too hard for discrepancies. Also I never encountered a situation like this before.

Anyone familiar with businesses or individuals I just described? At this rate I will most likely tell him to bugger off. Insight however is appreciated.

[jaypee]

Yeah, it's Amway or some kind of MLM. Just walk away.

[yellowsnow]

Doesn't sound too legit to me.

[Gasolin]

A lot of red flags and no clear sign of hope. Not being able to explain over the phone is already bad, but all the vague answers cannot be good.

[davebarnes]

Run. Away.

[e130478]

How does the idea of spending every weekend sitting in a holiday inn conference room sound? That's what you are signing up for.

[harlowvart]

Agree with everyone above, sounds like a scam.

[MSchemist80]

I posted a while back about a Linkedin scam. They seem to be on the increase. In general when I get a vague job solicitation especially about marketing it screams scam/mlm to me.

[jjthejetplane]

Did some more digging and he is with Amway. Rejecting him from here on out.

[Yellow Saltbox]

Anyone can create a website. That doesn't prove his business is legit.