Witness: pyramid schemes still operating in Conn.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A witness in the trial of two Connecticut women charged with running a so-called "gifting table" pyramid scheme says the alleged scams are still being run in shoreline communities.

The New Haven Register reports that Linda Valley testified Tuesday in federal court in Hartford that the gifting table groups are still operating as social clubs and for financial gain.

Prosecutors say the scheme involved women joining the clubs by giving $5,000 "gifts" to high-ranking table members. The new members climbed up the rankings by recruiting new members and left the tables after receiving $40,000 from new members.

Guilford residents Donna Bello and Jill Platt were charged last year with conspiracy and fraud and are now on trial in connection with the alleged scheme from 2008 to 2011.

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Information from: New Haven Register