'Get rich' scheme targets tradies + One Nation's future
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A disturbing trend is emerging in Australia: online 'get rich quick' courses targeting young tradies and vulnerable workers are exploiting desperation with false promises of financial freedom. Hack investigates ABC Sales Agency, a shadowy operation running out of the UAE that preys on apprentices and young men with slick social media marketing, fake certifications, and predatory financing—like $12,500 loans disguised as dental loans. Former participants describe intense group manipulation, isolation from family, and a pyramid-like structure where most earn nothing while a few top affiliates profit. Experts confirm these schemes mirror MLMs and pyramid structures, preying on those with low income and high hope. Simultaneously, One Nation’s historic by-election win in Farrah has sent shockwaves through Australian politics. The party captured a seat long held by the Liberals, fueled by cost-of-living anger and a rejection of the major parties. Analysts warn this isn’t a sign of One Nation’s rise but a political earthquake for the coalition—proof that voters are fed up with broken promises. The real story? A generation trapped between grinding work and false hope, both from exploitative online gurus and a political system that no longer listens.
ABC Academy operates out of the UAE and isn't registered in Australia, allowing it to evade financial and education regulation.
Participants are often lured with promises of $1,000–$5,000/day earnings with minimal effort, but most earn nothing and face predatory loans.
The course uses manipulative social media tactics, targeting young tradies and financially struggling youth with 'escape the 9-to-5' narratives.
Many participants report losing relationships, mental health, and time—while only a few top affiliates profit from reselling the course.
Experts confirm these schemes mimic pyramid structures, with success dependent on recruiting others, not actual skill or income.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Rise of the 'Get Rich Quick' Hustle
The episode opens with a critique of billionaire culture and political dysfunction, then pivots to a deep dive into online courses promising financial freedom to young tradies. The focus is on ABC Sales Agency, a shadowy operation using social media to target vulnerable apprentices.
Tom’s Story: The Trap of the 'Easy Money' Promise
Tom, a 24-year-old chippy from Coffs Harbour, shares how he was lured by a video promising $1,000–$5,000/day with just a phone and Wi-Fi. He joined ABC Academy, only to feel manipulated and isolated.
Billy and Sam: The Hidden Costs of the 'Dream'
Billy, a 19-year-old WA apprentice, reveals he paid nearly $1,000/month and lost contact with his girlfriend. Sam shows a $12,500 loan falsified as a dental loan, highlighting financial deception.
The ABC Academy Machine: Unregistered, Unregulated, Untraceable
Alice Angeloni uncovers that ABC Academy isn’t registered in Australia, operates from the UAE, and has no public website. Key figures like founder Tremaine Turner are unreachable, and affiliates profit from reselling the course.
Expert Insight: Why These Schemes Work (And Why They’re Scams)
Professor Deanna Grant-Smith explains the psychological hooks: targeting the desperate, selling false promises of 'no skills needed', using influencer-style content, and creating a cult-like group dynamic.
“This should be massive alarm bells for the major parties. It really should be the start of the major parties sitting up and taking notice.”
“The Liberals preferenced One Nation above the Independent in Farrah. Do you think that was a big mistake or one that the Liberal Party is going to be really, really stewing over?”
“I do feel like there was a sense of brainwashing. He ended up leaving ABC. He reckons it was giving pyramid scheme.”
Host
Guests
One Nation
organization
ABC Sales Agency
organization
Pauline Hanson
person
Deanna Grant-Smith
person
Susan Lee
person
Jill Shepard
person
Tremaine Turner
person
David Farley
person
ANU
organization
Marcel Stam
person
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