Last fall police issued a warning about a pyramid scheme: don't get involved.

At that time, police hadn't made any arrests. Now they have: three Winnipeg women are charged with participating in a pyramid scheme.

The investigation looked at a pyramid organization called the W.I.N.E. CLUB.

The acronym refers to Women Improving their Needs through financial Empowerment.

Police say the victims are asked to put up $5,000 to join.

They're promised to collect $40,000 in a few weeks, after at least eight other women have joined the club.

But it doesn't turn out that way for the victims.

Constable Bob Johnson says "so far we have a number of people that have presented their 5,000 dollar gift and received nothing."

Police didn't release the names of the women charged. But the investigation was centred in Winnipeg and the Pembina Valley to the south.

Johnson says "don't participate in anything that sounds too good to be true because believe me 5,000 dollars with a 40 thousand dollar return a few weeks later is too good to be true."

This investigation is ongoing, and police say they're still looking for more victims to come forward.

If you were a victim of the scheme, or have any more information, the Morals and Gaming unit of the Winnipeg Police want to hear from you. You can reach them at 986-6276.

Outside Winnipeg, contact your local RCMP.