The cruellest of CONS

Fancy being your own boss, working flexible hours from the kitchen table and around the school run? How about a chance to earn thousands, with no commute, just a few hours selling mascara or diet shakes, and some friendly networking? These are promises made by hundreds of multi-level marketing companies (MLM) preying on busy mums, low-earners and those hoping to get rich quick.

Half a million Brits are now signed up to MLM. Social-media feeds are awash with posts from friends peddling make-up, skincare, weight-loss products, vitamins, cleaning products...the list goes on. They’re trying to recruit you to sell, too, because most companies make their revenue from new recruits stocking up on expensive