Thanks for posting this. I have the same problem. Since I am a stay at home mom, a lot of other women see me as an easy target for MLM. They can't imagine why I don't work a home-based business. About 60% of other moms I know are in MLM. No joke.
I also am a member of "mothers of multiples" and I found out most of the moms join just to have access to a wider network of women to prey on, to pitch their business to. Sadly, I joined just to make friends. :(
I had to block one woman from facebook, email and my phone number. She harassed me via all three. When I told her nicely that I wasn't interested she said "there's no need for you to be so mean about it". I was nice, but I didn't sugar coat it too much or my meaning would have been lost.
They don't even want to sell products, and in fact, many will get upset if you only act interested in buying a cosmetic item or piece of jewelry. Their end goal is to recruit. That is where the big money is made. I tend to feel uncomfortable around people who want access to my bank account, credit card, etc.
I know many intelligent and nice people who get mixed up in these. I don't know why. One of the main flaws of MLM is that you recruit your own competition. This makes no sense, if you think about it. Why recruit other people to compete against you? Also, most MLMs become a saturated market after several years. Mary Kay is a good example of a saturated market.
The free car is a lie. It is a leased car with an option to buy. The person can only drive the car as long as they maintain their sales at a certain level. If their sales drop, they have to give the car back. Of course, they can always buy it. With their own money.