Is QNET a Scam? 

If you’re thinking of working as a QNET representative, you need to know: Is QNET a scam? 

Below, we explain whether QNET is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when working with this company. 

What Is QNET?

QNet is a Hong Kong–based multi-level marketing (MLM) company owned by the QI Group.

Though the company initially sold gold commemorative coins, it later expanded to jewelry, watches, health and nutritional products, personal and home care items, travel, lifestyle, and education services.

QNET markets its products through an e-commerce platform using independent representatives (IRs). Individuals sign up as IRs (for a fee) and earn commissions by recruiting others and selling products.

QNET is active in dozens of countries, e.g., it has a significant market in India and several African countries, as well as parts of Southeast Asia.

Is QNET a Scam?

Depends on who you ask, but generally, yes, QNET is seen as a scam. 

QNet has faced legal scrutiny, accusations, and bans in multiple countries over allegations of fraud, deceptive practices, and operating as a pyramid or Ponzi scheme.

For example, an observation from the High Court of Bombay described QNet’s approach as a deceptive chain where individuals are misled and then trained to mislead others. 

According to the court, QNet operates as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme with a pyramid structure. Members are promised they’ll make money from buying and selling products, but in reality, the system exploits the financial vulnerability of its lower-level participants.

The company denies these allegations and says it operates as a legitimate multi-level marketing business. 

QNET even has a video that answers the question, “Is QNET a scam?” and a press release where it says that whereas most Ponzi schemes collapse within a few months, “QNET is 26 years old.” 

A 2023 BBC article featured a number of individuals who had experienced working as QNET representatives. 

One person said: “They wanted me to write a list of all the people I know from my contact list. I asked why, then they immediately [said] if you want to sell the product you have to first build your network.” 

The individuals interviewed also said the company pressured them to pretend on social media they had a more luxurious lifestyle than they did in reality. 

Among online users, the consensus also seems to be that QNET is a scam. 

So, Should You Work for QNET?

Probably not. QNET does not have a great reputation. 

And even if QNET is not a scam, it is generally recommended to avoid working for any MLM company as participants rarely make any profit. Instead, it is more typical to lose money as a result of upfront costs, required purchases, and so on.  

Also, since most MLMs rely on recruiting new participants rather than actual sales, participating in one can damage your relationships. 

How to Work for QNET Safely

Our advice is not to work for any MLM companies, but if you do, make sure you first understand their business model and do your research into other people’s experiences.