Mike Dreher

Mike Dreher, I envisioned a tech-savvy entrepreneur, perhaps a digital marketing guru. However, as I delved deeper, I uncovered a labyrinthine network of deceit, manipulation, and financial exploitation. Dreher, alongside his partner Darren Ewert, orchestrates a sprawling multi-level marketing (MLM) operation under the guise of selling Enagic water ionizers, preying on the aspirations of individuals worldwide.​

The Dream Team: A Mirage of Success

At the heart of this operation lies the so-called “Dream Team,” an online network boasting approximately 100,000 members, predominantly from Asian countries, with a significant concentration in the Philippines. This network lures individuals with promises of financial freedom and entrepreneurial success, requiring an initial payment of USD 149, an additional USD 20 for website setup, and a substantial investment of Nu 550,000 or more for the Enagic water ionizers. These machines, touted for their health benefits, serve as the gateway for individuals to become distributors within the network.

The financial mechanics are as intricate as they are insidious. Dreher and Ewert pocket the initial fees and reap significant commissions from the sales generated by their recruits. With such a vast network, the duo potentially amasses millions, all while the majority of their downline struggles to recoup their investments.​

The Enagic Connection: Health Claims and Legal Scrutiny

Enagic, a Japanese company manufacturing water ionizers, is the product at the center of this MLM scheme. These machines are marketed with grandiose claims of health benefits, yet lack substantial scientific backing. The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) in Bhutan has investigated and declared the scheme a pyramid operation, violating consumer protection regulations. ​

Moreover, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in North America initiated an investigation into Dreher and Ewert’s online platform, “Better Life Buzz,” used to funnel individuals into the Dream Team. The BBB criticized their webinars for being aspirational rather than informative, lacking transparency about the actual operations and potential earnings. Despite requests for detailed information, Dreher and Ewert failed to respond, leading the BBB to downgrade Enagic’s rating from A+ to C-.

The Censorship Tactics: Silencing Dissent

A hallmark of Dreher’s operation is the meticulous control of information. Online platforms and social media channels associated with the Dream Team are curated to showcase success stories and testimonials, creating an illusion of widespread prosperity. Criticism or negative experiences are swiftly removed or buried under a deluge of positive content.​

Furthermore, the webinars and promotional materials are deliberately vague, avoiding specifics about the business model or the actual work involved. This obfuscation serves to entice individuals with the allure of easy money while concealing the realities of the scheme.​

The Human Cost: Dreams Deferred

The repercussions of Dreher’s scheme are profound, particularly in economically vulnerable regions. In Bhutan, individuals have reported significant financial losses, having invested their savings into the Dream Team with little to no return. The psychological toll is equally severe, as individuals grapple with feelings of betrayal and financial insecurity.​

Despite mounting evidence and investigations, Dreher and Ewert continue to operate with impunity, leveraging the digital landscape to expand their reach and shield themselves from accountability.​

Conclusion

Mike Dreher’s operation exemplifies the dangers of modern-day pyramid schemes masquerading as legitimate business opportunities. Through a combination of persuasive marketing, strategic obfuscation, and information control, he has constructed a facade of success that conceals a predatory enterprise.​

As an investigative journalist, I urge individuals to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with such schemes. Regulatory bodies must intensify their efforts to identify and dismantle these operations, ensuring that justice is served and potential victims are protected.