Ep 3. A Mother's Costly Revenge

In season 10 episode 3 of American Greed, titled "A Mother's Costly Revenge," viewers are taken on a dramatic journey through the Vemma nutritional supplement pyramid scheme, which left countless investors penniless. The episode centers on a mother named Karen, who was blinded by vengeance after her son, Alex, lost thousands investing in Vemma.

Karen's quest for revenge began with a simple Google search, which led her to a group of former Vemma affiliates who were protesting the company's unethical practices. With their help, Karen became determined to take down the Vemma CEO, Benson Boreyko, and expose the corruption that was ruining families like hers.

The episode shows how Karen became obsessed with uncovering the truth about Vemma, even going undercover as a Vemma affiliate herself. She attended company events, documented her experiences, and even recruited her own downline to gather evidence. However, Karen's relentless pursuit of justice also put her family's financial future in jeopardy.

As Karen spent more and more money on legal fees and traveling to conferences, her husband Peter became increasingly frustrated with her obsession. He worried that Karen's anger was clouding her judgment and leading her down a dangerous path. Meanwhile, Alex struggled to move on from his losses and resented his mother for pouring more money into the Vemma fight instead of helping him with his debt.

The episode also delves into the rise and fall of Vemma, a company that promised financial freedom and a healthy lifestyle to its young, ambitious distributors. Through interviews with former Vemma reps, investigators, and FTC officials, viewers learn how the company manipulated its sales figures, falsified income claims, and lured in vulnerable college students with promises of fast cash.

The Vemma scheme eventually caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which shut down the company and charged Boreyko with running an illegal pyramid scheme. However, Karen's personal vendetta against Vemma took a toll on her family and her own well-being. She struggled with stress-related health issues and her husband filed for divorce. In the end, Karen's quest for justice cost her more than just money.

Overall, "A Mother's Costly Revenge" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of revenge and how it can blind individuals to the true cost of their actions. The episode sheds light on the Vemma saga and the devastating impact it had on the lives of everyday people who were duped by the promises of a fraudulent company.