QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness e-commerce direct-selling company, has reiterated the need for consumer protection, ethical business practices, and public education to address fraudulent schemes exploiting its name.
Ms Marlene Kaur, Head of Communications, QNET International Group and Global Head of Public Relations, made the call on Thursday during a webinar organised by the company.
The webinar was to enable journalists to share their experiences at its V-Convention 2026 in Penang, Malaysia.
Kaur said while direct selling offers people a platform to build independent sales businesses, unauthorised individuals and groups sometimes misrepresent legitimate companies to deceive the public.
She explained that misusing established brands could blur the line between legitimate direct-selling operations and fraud, making it necessary for consumers to verify business claims before spending money.
Kaur stressed that QNET maintained zero tolerance for unethical business practices and was working to strengthen compliance frameworks, distributor education and consumer protection.
According to her, the public needs accurate information about how direct selling works, including the distinction between selling products and schemes that promise guaranteed financial returns, jobs or other benefits.
“Media organisations have an important role in helping the public understand complex business models through balanced, factual and responsible reporting,” Kaur said.
Kaur described Nigeria as a key market for QNET, saying the country’s entrepreneurial spirit presented opportunities for the company to expand its reach and support independent distributors.
Speaking on V-Convention, she highlighted it as a platform for bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders and distributors to learn, exchange experiences and examine developments in the company’s business.
According to her, the 2026 edition attracted more than 8,000 entrepreneurs and business leaders from 30 countries.
Kaur said the event also showcased products across QNET’s wellness, personal-care and lifestyle portfolio, including the Amezcua GX-1 Bio-Reset System and Physio Radiance AURA skincare range among others.
On his part, Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for Central and West Africa at QNET, said the company was using public education, financial literacy initiatives and distributor training to help people recognise fraudulent schemes and understand legitimate direct selling.
“The company’s “Say NO” awareness campaign was designed to educate communities about scams and deceptive activities involving the unauthorised use of established company names,” Sarr said.
He also highlighted FinGreen, QNET’s financial literacy programme, which he said was helping young people and women recognise potential fraud and make more informed financial decisions.
Sarr further explained that QNET was strengthening its know-your-customer processes to identify suspicious activity and address unauthorised operations associated with its name.
He said the company was also investing in training for independent distributors through QLEARN, its digital learning academy, which covers digital marketing, business management and ethical conduct.
Sarr emphasised the need for continued engagement with regulators, the media, consumer groups and other stakeholders to improve public understanding of legitimate direct selling.
Sharing his experience, Mr Francis Sule, a broadcaster and content creator, said attending the V-Convention 2026 allowed him to learn more about QNET after hearing different accounts about the company before the trip.
Sule said the scale of the gathering, which brought together thousands of participants from different countries, stood out for him, alongside the product demonstrations and opportunities to interact with participants.
He advised members of the public to verify information before engaging with any business opportunity, stressing the importance of making decisions based on credible information rather than assumptions.
Friday Olokor, a senior correspondent with Arise News Television, said the convention gave him a broader understanding of QNET’s leadership, products and international operations.
Olokor said the event provided opportunities to observe the company’s activities and interact with people involved in its business, giving him a more informed perspective on the organisation.
Mrs Royale Ibeh, a journalist and editor with BusinessDay, said her experience at QNET’s V-Convention 2024 drew her attention to the company’s use of science and technology in presenting some of its products.
Ibeh also urged QNET to leverage its direct-selling business model to create more economic opportunities and jobs for Nigerians.
Mr Prince Osuagwu, Head of High-Tech Desk, Vanguard Newspapers, said he initially approached QNET with skepticism before attending one of its conventions in 2022.
Osuagwu said his impression changed after he met entrepreneurs, observed the company’s activities and listened to participants describe their experiences.
He stressed that media engagement should come with clear information about the company’s business model, products and operations, to help consumers distinguish legitimate activities from frauds misusing its name.
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