Louisiana police warn of Facebook "Circle Game" scam

Police in Vidalia, Louisiana, are warning of a re-emerging scam going around on Facebook.

In a Facebook post signed by Police Chief Joey Merrill, the scam is described as being called the “The Circle Game”, the “Mandala Game”, “Blessing Circle” or “Loom Circle.”

"The scheme involves a group where each person pays an “entry fee” of $100 to join. As more people join, the original members are told they will get payouts from the money of the new members. The most recent version of this scam promises an $800 return for a $100 investment. In order to make money, new people constantly have to be recruited into the circle. In order for the first eight people to be paid, 64 new people have to buy in. In order for those 64 people to be paid, 512 people have to buy in, and so on. At some point, the system collapses and people lose money. Not only will you lose money, this activity is also illegal in the US and many other countries. Please don’t fall for this new take on an old scam."

Police Chief Merrill urges everyone to use caution online at all times.