The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, is actively working to eradicate online alternative investment projects that are suspected of being fraudulent. These projects often resemble pyramid schemes, promising participants high returns primarily based on recruiting new members into the system.

UOKiK has identified a significant rise in dishonest entrepreneurs who lure consumers with the prospect of earning money through risky investment schemes. These schemes cover a wide range of appealing topics such as investment, health, fitness, education, and travel. Many promoters showcase wealth and luxury online to attract young individuals or those without stable employment, enticing them with visions of quick and substantial profits.

According to Tomasz Chróstny, the President of UOKiK, pyramid schemes create the illusion of high profits available only to insiders. However, these systems inevitably collapse as the money invested primarily benefits the organizers and those in higher positions within the pyramid structure. There is typically no actual product or service that generates real value or profits.

UOKiK is currently investigating several online platforms, including iGenius, which offers educational services in financial management, and Dream Trips, which encourages consumers to join a travel club. The authority is also scrutinizing Jifu, which provides a search engine for travel services in exchange for a monthly subscription and offers commissions for recruiting new members.

Additionally, UOKiK has raised concerns against promoters of investment projects, including Grzegorz Baryla, Franciszek Rumak, and Łukasz Spórnia, for promoting IM.Academy, which falsely claims to sell educational packages in finance and e-commerce. This company has been under investigation since July 2022 for allegedly establishing and promoting a pyramid scheme.

UOKiK continues to monitor the financial investment market closely, particularly focusing on proposals that promise high earnings without risk. The authority emphasizes the importance of distinguishing pyramid schemes from financial pyramids, which are outright scams. Entrepreneurs found to be operating or promoting pyramid schemes face penalties of up to 10% of their turnover, while individuals managing these schemes could face fines of up to 2 million PLN.

Consumers are urged to verify any investment opportunities by checking the relevant authorities' websites, including UOKiK, the Financial Ombudsman, and the Financial Supervision Authority, and to be cautious of public warnings regarding potentially dangerous investment forms.