Mobile payments and loyalty scheme Aspire Worldwide (AU) Pty Ltd is the subject of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigation into whether the scheme complies with Australian Consumer Law, news.com.au understands.
Aspire is a cashback shopping scheme, where customers (known as franchisees) are asked to pay a joining fee, with the promise they’ll earn a ‘passive income’ once they get small businesses to also sign onto the scheme.
The joining fees range from $3000, to $22,000 as a “coach mentor franchisee”.
One of its founders, UK-based motivational speaker Andy Hansen, was involved in the early promotion in 2011 of the Lyoness cashback scheme in Australia, which iscurrently being sued by the ACCC over allegedly operating a pyramid scheme and engaging in referral selling.
Lyoness denies any wrongdoing and says it will “vigorously defend” the action. A directions hearing was held last month and the matter will resume in February next year.
In defence documents filed with the Federal Court this week, Lyoness distanced itself from Mr Hansen and his associates, Wendy Hansen, Phil Watts and Sally Watts — who referred to themselves as “Global Go Getters” in online training webinars — claiming they were neither employed by Lyoness nor acting on its behalf at the time.
WATCH: LYONESS TORN APART ON