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Last July, we told you about the FTC’s settlement with Herbalife, which made the multilevel marketing company not only restructure how it does business, but also pay $200 million to people who lost money trying to run an Herbalife business. Today, we mailed checks to about 350,000 of them.

Are you thinking about a multilevel marketing (MLM) business opportunity? Every year, many people join MLM plans – and many also leave. Before joining any MLM company, do some research. Your time and money are too valuable not to. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Can you realistically see yourself selling to your network of friends and family? Selling is work, and not everyone is good at it.
  • What about the product? Would people you know buy it repeatedly and consistently? Or would they only buy it once as a favor? Can people buy comparable products for less?
  • What will it cost you to run this business? You might get pressure to buy a lot of product – in fact, people have lost a lot of money buying more product than they can sell. Also consider things like gas, shipping and packaging costs, sales aids, trainings, and your time. Does that math add up for you? Lots of people leave multilevel marketing programs without making any money, and many lose money.

If the person who recruited you into the business tells you not to worry about selling because you can make money by recruiting others – walk away. In a legitimate MLM program, you need to be able to make money by selling the product, not by recruiting others to join and buy the product. 

So, what about the money back from the Herbalife settlement? Well, the settlement covered people who worked with Herbalife between 2009 and 2015. If you were an Herbalife distributor who paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife during those years, but got little or nothing back from the company – and we were able to locate a valid address for you – you should be seeing a check. The check is a partial refund of the money we estimate you lost while trying to run an Herbalife business.

If you get a check refunding some of the money you lost in Herbalife, cash it. If you have questions about why you didn’t get a check, learn more on our refunds page. Thinking about whether a business opportunity is right for you? The FTC has resources for evaluating business opportunities, including MLMs.

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m1986
January 17, 2017
IF WE HAVE BEEN IN THIS BUSINESS SINCE 2012 UP TO NOW, WILL WE SEE ANY OF THE MONEY. WE INVESTED SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS.
dddd2010
January 18, 2017

In reply to by m1986

I don't believe so.. I was told that since I am still an active member I would not be receiving a check.
Blts
January 25, 2017

In reply to by dddd2010

I have downline that is active and received a check, also I have downline that I paid there distributors fees and placed my orders under them and claimed it on my income taxes since it was me buying it and about 8 of them received checks 5000- 7500$ They don't want to cash it cause they know they didn't loose a dime or was in it for business they just wanted the product at cost I transferred my volume points and made them Supervisior's. So on January 10 FTC did exactly what there claiming Herbalife does which is paying out the wrong people everyone I know that got a check told me they don't deserve it just like Herbalife paying out who can recruite more people instead of the real people that have invested there time money there everything in there life and didn't get anything ftc has made a mistake by going off volume points instead of real money paid and also going off of Herbalife's crooked system every transaction was paid for by my debit card it's no against the USA law that I can't place orders under someone else name is it? So I hear sit just about lost everything and invested my time and money for Herbalife and people are getting money determined by FTC a refund check they didnt care who got a check they just passed it out to everyone who didn't join for business reasons!ROAD
JunkFoodHarmsMore
February 03, 2017

In reply to by dddd2010

I got a 4k check and I'm active supervisor. FTC should protect citizens from big pharma and the disgraceful cancer industry that kills 1,000's of people per day since 1920's. Cancer chemo, false evaluations of cancer by Dr's, etc. Doctor can not recommend alternative solutions or they get their license taken away. People killed everyday and bankrupt as well!!! Also, Monsanto with their GMO harmful foods, cows are not eating grass to increase mental and cardio deaths by the millions is insane!!!
Min
January 17, 2017
HOW DO I KNOW IF IM GETTING A CHECK? MY ADDRESS ON MYHERBALIFE.COM IS NOT UPDATED
Big Surprise
January 17, 2017
Had no idea there was a class action suit going on. Received my check today for 694.71. Not sure how the amt was determined but I thanked God for it.
Thankful
January 18, 2017

In reply to by Big Surprise

I received my check last week and it was over $600. I put in over $3000 and never was able to sell the products. I'm thankful for my refund.
Ginga
January 17, 2017
I got my check today 1/17/17 on my birthday, very nice thing!!! 3 figure check, Thank You FTC! I just through out the stuff I could never sell before Christmas last year. Had no Idea, WoW the FTC really is on top of it's game,, Bravo! Herb Life needs to be shut down, after they got the money we never heard from them again.
Thank you
January 18, 2017

Got the check today and it was a surprise. I bought products first, to lose weight, and then, I was so damm and naive so it was easy to made me to sign up. Never sold anything because I stopped to believe in their product. I lost around $2000 and it was hurting me since i didnt make much money at my work at that time. Thank you for the check, even small amount that I got, was very helpful.

Ragae
January 17, 2017
How can we fund out of we should have a refund?
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by Ragae

In general, the FTC is sending partial refunds to people if they:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • the people got nothing, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information and a number to call if you think you should get a refund.

Danielle H
January 19, 2017

In reply to by FTC Staff

If i am still an active member because i never cancelled but i did change to a chartered member so i wouldnt have to pay the fee even though I am not buying from them anymore because i lost so much money how will i know if i am eligible! i paid over 1000s and was in this business since 2013.
Thcahcs
January 20, 2017

In reply to by Danielle H

If you are active you will not get any check. I just found that out and am not happy. I'm still in it trying to make some back from all the money I stuck in. The FTC needs to dig in deeper than just those who aren't distributors anymore.
Anloess
January 17, 2017
I received mine today for $1,024. Unexpected
Leapinlizard
January 17, 2017
I received my check today and was shocked. I thought i2would never receive anything. I heard the company was being investigated and thought there was nothing else being done. I put in over 4k into it and got 10% back. I never made a dime on the product and canceled my account before I went broke. I never received any money from Herb a life for anything. Even if I ordered. What a scam. I'm glad I got out before I really went on the hole. It said this was a partial payment. Are we expected to receive more. It also says to cash before a certain date or it may bounce. Is this a legit check or are we going to end up being charged through our banks in the long run?
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by Leapinlizard

This is a legitimate check. The money came from the FTC's settlement with Herbalife.

You have 60 days to cash the check. If you cash or deposit this check and more money becomes available, you may get another check.

Click here for more information about the refunds.

Frank
January 18, 2017
I Was a distributor for Hirbalife and I moved from home. I need to know if a getting a refund from Herbalife. How do I do the Claim.
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by Frank

You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • got no money, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information and a number to call to ask about  a refund.

Surprise!
January 18, 2017
Yesterday I got mine...it was really a surprise! I didn't know that all this process was going on...Thanks FTC for an excellent work! A little, is better than nothing, much more when you weren't expecting anything!
olga1
January 18, 2017

I got mine. I only purchased products that I would use. I did buy one bundle of leads and it was a big mistake and a lie. I also bought advertising. Because I am optimistic but I am also 57 years old so I was skeptical enough not to put myself at high risk. Thank you to the FTC because there are mechanisms in place to take care of unethical behavior.

farmboy
January 18, 2017
How might I check to see if I am to receive a check?
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by farmboy

You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • got no money, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information and a number to call to ask about  being eligible for a refund.

stnen
January 18, 2017
I was a distributor and spent more then 3,000$ and when I called the number they said I wasn't on the list and I wasn't getting anything is there anything I can do
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by stnen

If you think you should have gotten a check, please call the FTC's refund administrator at 844-322-8146.

13080liz
January 25, 2017

In reply to by FTC Staff

Iwas a herbalife distruvidor and did not receive a check i called the phone # and is only an answeted machine i need to know if im getting a refund I change address and my address was never updated with herbalife
ismael.v
January 18, 2017
HOW DO I KNOW IF IM GETTING A CHECK? MY ADDRESS ON MYHERBALIFE.COM IS NOT UPDATED
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by ismael.v

You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • got no money, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.

lillii110227
January 18, 2017
Are this checks legit?!?
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by lillii110227

You can call the refund administrator to ask about the check. The company is Analytics Consulting LLC, at 844-322-8146. You have 60 days to cash the check.

Sweet Surprise
January 18, 2017
I got a check in yesterday for $2249...I'm like is this legit? Total surprise! No clue there was a law suit!
HERBA
January 18, 2017
is this only for members who are not distributors anymore?
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by HERBA

You might be eligible for a partial refund if you:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • got no money, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.

Mony1982
January 18, 2017
I have moved a lot since I stopped my membership with Herbalife, how would I get that check?
On hold...
January 18, 2017
I'm trying to figure out if I'm receiving a check. I should be but want to make sure you have my address. Where did the FTC get a person's address? From Herbalife site..? I've been on hold for 30+ minutes.
FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by On hold...

Before you call to ask if you will get a partial refund, ask yourself if you might be eligible.

In general, the FTC is sending checks to people who:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • got no money, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.

HERBA
January 18, 2017

In reply to by On hold...

were you able to get through, I had to go back to work, but I was on hold for 20 min.
vondodson
January 18, 2017
Is the check considered taxable income?
confused
January 18, 2017
I called the number shown to see if i'm eligible for a refundand still no answer. I've been on hold for 41 minutes
Trfern
January 18, 2017

What if you became a distributor in April of 2015? How I know if I am receiving a check? My address had not been updated.

FTC Staff
January 18, 2017

In reply to by Trfern

Before you call to ask if you will get a partial refund, ask yourself if you might be eligible.

In general, the FTC is sending checks to people who:

  • ran a Herbalife business in the United States between 2009 and 2015, and
  • paid at least $1,000 to Herbalife, and
  • got no money, or very little, back from the company.

Click here for more information. It shows a number to call to ask if you are eligible for a refund.

Muskrat
January 18, 2017
Is there anyone I can call or email about the mailing address? ive moved around a lot sense I quit the buiness
rhonda
January 18, 2017
so what if you are not a distributor now and had changed to being just a customer at the end of 2106 will you still be eligible for a check
Leanie
January 26, 2017

In reply to by rhonda

I don't know for sure but I think it would be fair to get a check if you changed to customer because that was another tactic they used to keep you in and if you changed your mind, it would be easier and less expensive to do it for business again than if you had quit or taken a break.
Wow
January 18, 2017
I'm just wondering if there is a way to check to see if we are even getting a check?
ASAP
January 18, 2017
What happens if a distributer of herbalist moved and does not have the same address that herbalist recodo has, but the rest of the personal information is the same (ex. Phone#, email address, social ect.)? What can I do, what would be my next step? I am 100 percent sure that I do qualify for a refund. Please let me know anyone, what can I do?
Tina85
January 18, 2017
I tried to call that number to get information about the refund but still no answer just keeps me on hold for over 40+minutes