Maryanne Myers, operator of the online advertising scheme #1 Goldmine, claims she has run websites since 1998. Her operations, which appear to be based in Indiana, involve selling advertising services primarily through an affiliate recruitment model.
Myers has a long history in the online "get paid to" sector. She has previously operated under names such as Webstars2000 and Webstars2K. A detailed thread on the RealScam forum has documented her activities since 2012.
#1 Goldmine does not sell any tangible products or services to external retail customers. Its entire revenue stream relies on affiliates purchasing advertising packages, who then recruit other individuals to do the same.
Affiliates can sign up for free. They earn commissions when their recruits, and those recruits' own referrals, buy advertising. The website indicates advertising packages range from $5.77 to $100. A 25% commission is paid out on purchases, extending two levels deep in the referral structure.
The platform offers several tools. The "Colossal" Blaster reportedly pushes advertisements to over 338,000 members across 12 sites, including safelists and traffic exchanges. Another tool, the "Poppin" Blaster, claims to submit sites to search engines and classifieds, promising up to 4 million exposures. Myers asserts that the programming for these tools is "100% custom." Members also receive a free, unlimited text ad link and viral banner ads that display their sponsor's preferred programs.
Despite the large numbers cited, the actual advertising quality is often low. It typically involves non-targeted email blasting to lists compiled over many years. The platform's refund policy reflects this expected lack of efficacy: "Refunds are not provided due to lack of effort over expectation or due diligence and once the account or advertising is accessed." This statement suggests that users should manage their expectations regarding results.
The compensation plan is straightforward: recruit others to buy advertising, and earn a percentage. However, the scheme lacks genuine retail sales to consumers outside the affiliate network. Every #1 Goldmine "member" is an affiliate, meaning 100% of the platform's revenue, and therefore 100% of commission payouts, originate from affiliate purchases.
This model closely aligns with how the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines an illegal pyramid scheme. The FTC has taken action against companies like Vemma and Herbalife for operating as pyramid schemes, specifically when participant earnings primarily derive from recruiting new members rather than from the sale of legitimate products or services to a significant base of retail customers. The distinction hinges on whether the core business generates revenue from end-users or from the internal network.
#1 Goldmine attempts to circumvent this issue with a disclaimer on its website, asserting that it "is not an MLM, Pyramid Scheme, or Get-Rich-Quick cash or money program." It offers reasoning such as free membership, no required purchases, and no referral requirement. But these claims contradict the evident operational mechanics of the platform.
The scheme's reliance on affiliate purchases for all revenue, coupled with the absence of genuine retail sales, positions #1 Goldmine as a recruitment-driven model bundled with low-quality advertising. This structure makes it an illegal pyramid scheme under U.S. consumer protection laws.
Maryanne Myers' approach to online business has remained largely unchanged over two decades. While the wider industry has moved towards more sophisticated and regulated advertising models, #1 Goldmine continues to attract individuals desperate for simple online income or highly inexpensive, albeit ineffective, advertising.
Individuals who believe they have been defrauded by #1 Goldmine or similar online schemes can report their experiences to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov or contact their state Attorney General's office for assistance.