{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-240.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-240.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-240.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-240.html"}],"law_id":61630,"edition_id":1,"section_id":61630,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-240","catch_line":"Same; injunction","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 59.1-67.3; 1970, c. 450; 1975, cc. 14, 15.","full_text":"Any attorney for the Commonwealth may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the further prosecution of any pyramid promotional scheme as defined in \u00a7 18.2-239, and to appoint receivers to secure and distribute in an equitable manner any assets received by any participant as a result of such scheme, any such distribution to effect reimbursement, to the extent possible, for uncompensated payments made to become a participant in the scheme. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for equitable relief, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein. Any person who organizes an endless chain scheme and, either directly or through an agent, promotes such scheme within the Commonwealth shall be deemed subject to the personal jurisdiction of such court of competent jurisdiction under \u00a7\u00a7 8.01-328 through 8.01-330, and shall be liable for reasonable costs and attorneys&#8217; fees in such suit.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":224996,"text":"Any attorney for the Commonwealth may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the further prosecution of any pyramid promotional scheme as defined in \u00a7 18.2-239, and to appoint receivers to secure and distribute in an equitable manner any assets received by any participant as a result of such scheme, any such distribution to effect reimbursement, to the extent possible, for uncompensated payments made to become a participant in the scheme. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for equitable relief, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein. Any person who organizes an endless chain scheme and, either directly or through an agent, promotes such scheme within the Commonwealth shall be deemed subject to the personal jurisdiction of such court of competent jurisdiction under \u00a7\u00a7 8.01-328 through 8.01-330, and shall be liable for reasonable costs and attorneys&#8217; fees in such suit.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":14926,"edition_id":1,"name":"Misrepresentations and Other Offenses Connected With Sales","identifier":"8","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13358,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:50","permalink":{"id":166333,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14926,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/6\/8","url":"\/18.2\/6\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13358,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Fraud","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:42","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:42","permalink":{"id":165933,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13358,"identifier":"6","token":"18.2\/6","url":"\/18.2\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56967,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-214","catch_line":"Changing or removing, etc., trademarks, identification marks, etc","url":"\/18.2-214\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-214","metadata":false},{"id":82948,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-214.1","catch_line":"Penalties for failure to report removal or alteration of identification or serial number on business machines","url":"\/18.2-214.1\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-214.1","metadata":false},{"id":68648,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-215","catch_line":"Removal or alteration of identification numbers on household electrical appliances; possession of such appliances","url":"\/18.2-215\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-215","metadata":false},{"id":67373,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-216","catch_line":"Untrue, deceptive or misleading advertising, inducements, writings or documents","url":"\/18.2-216\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-216","metadata":false},{"id":60772,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-216.1","catch_line":"Unauthorized use of name or picture of any person; punishment","url":"\/18.2-216.1\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-216.1","metadata":false},{"id":74276,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-217","catch_line":"Advertising merchandise, etc., for sale with intent not to sell at price or terms advertised; prima facie evidence of violation","url":"\/18.2-217\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-217","metadata":false},{"id":75186,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-218","catch_line":"Failure to indicate goods, etc., are \"seconds,\" \"irregulars,\" \"secondhand,\" etc","url":"\/18.2-218\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-218","metadata":false},{"id":64605,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-219","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-219\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-219","metadata":false},{"id":64882,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-220","catch_line":"Use of word \"wholesale\" or \"wholesaler.\"","url":"\/18.2-220\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-220","metadata":false},{"id":66715,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-221","catch_line":"Advertising new or used automobiles or trucks","url":"\/18.2-221\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-221","metadata":false},{"id":75297,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-222","catch_line":"Misrepresentation as to source of merchandise; penalty","url":"\/18.2-222\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-222","metadata":false},{"id":86176,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-223","catch_line":"\"Going out of business\" sales; permit required","url":"\/18.2-223\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-223","metadata":false},{"id":74974,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-224","catch_line":"\"Going out of business\" sales; counties, cities and towns to issue permits; inspections; application for permit; inventory required; commingling of other goods prohibited; duration; additional permits; inclusion of permit number and dates in advertisements; fee","url":"\/18.2-224\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-224","metadata":false},{"id":58121,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-225","catch_line":"Misrepresentations as to agricultural products","url":"\/18.2-225\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-225","metadata":false},{"id":64895,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-226","catch_line":"Fraud and misrepresentation in sale of liquid fuels, lubricating oils and similar products","url":"\/18.2-226\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-226","metadata":false},{"id":71529,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-227","catch_line":"Same; sale from pump indicating other brand","url":"\/18.2-227\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-227","metadata":false},{"id":77793,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-228","catch_line":"Same; imitating indicia of other brands","url":"\/18.2-228\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-228","metadata":false},{"id":76918,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-229","catch_line":"Same; false trade name or mixing brands","url":"\/18.2-229\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-229","metadata":false},{"id":77965,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-230","catch_line":"Same; assisting in violation of \u00a7\u00a7 18.2-226 through 18.2-229","url":"\/18.2-230\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-230","metadata":false},{"id":84281,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-231","catch_line":"Same; label required","url":"\/18.2-231\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-231","metadata":false},{"id":71104,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-232","catch_line":"Same; punishment for violation of \u00a7\u00a7 18.2-226 through 18.2-231","url":"\/18.2-232\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-232","metadata":false},{"id":82796,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-233","catch_line":"Sale of goods marked \"sterling\" and \"sterling silver.\"","url":"\/18.2-233\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-233","metadata":false},{"id":87312,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-234","catch_line":"Sale of goods marked \"coin\" and \"coin silver.\"","url":"\/18.2-234\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-234","metadata":false},{"id":58096,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-235","catch_line":"Regulating sale of merchandise made of gold","url":"\/18.2-235\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-235","metadata":false},{"id":71037,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-236","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-236\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-236","metadata":false},{"id":73398,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-237","catch_line":"Buying, etc., certain secondhand materials; intent; possession","url":"\/18.2-237\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-237","metadata":false},{"id":57637,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-238","catch_line":"Buying, etc., pig iron, etc., with intent to defraud; possession; evidence of intent","url":"\/18.2-238\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-238","metadata":false},{"id":66246,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-239","catch_line":"Pyramid promotional schemes; misdemeanor; definitions; contracts void","url":"\/18.2-239\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-239","metadata":false},{"id":61630,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-240","catch_line":"Same; injunction","url":"\/18.2-240\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-240","metadata":false},{"id":81679,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-241","catch_line":"Acceptance of promissory notes in payment for food sold at retail","url":"\/18.2-241\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-241","metadata":false},{"id":71800,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-242","catch_line":"Use of games, lotteries, etc., for promoting sale of certain products","url":"\/18.2-242\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-242","metadata":false},{"id":67303,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-242.1","catch_line":"Certain referral transactions in connection with consumer sales or leases prohibited; effect of such transactions","url":"\/18.2-242.1\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-242.1","metadata":false},{"id":79206,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-243","catch_line":"When issuer or distributor of advertisements not guilty of violation; inadvertent error","url":"\/18.2-243\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-243","metadata":false},{"id":70417,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-244","catch_line":"Right to select clientele or customers not affected","url":"\/18.2-244\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-244","metadata":false},{"id":65577,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-245","catch_line":"Enjoining violation of this article","url":"\/18.2-245\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-245","metadata":false},{"id":73290,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-246","catch_line":"Penalty in general for violations","url":"\/18.2-246\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-246","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":66246,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-239","catch_line":"Pyramid promotional schemes; misdemeanor; definitions; contracts void","url":"\/18.2-239\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-239","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":81679,"structure_id":14926,"section_number":"18.2-241","catch_line":"Acceptance of promissory notes in payment for food sold at retail","url":"\/18.2-241\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-241","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-240\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1970, chapter 450; in 1975, chapters 14 and 15.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":66246,"section_number":"18.2-239","catch_line":"Pyramid promotional schemes; misdemeanor; definitions; contracts void","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-239\/"},{"id":73823,"section_number":"8.01-328","catch_line":"Person defined","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-328\/"},{"id":75215,"section_number":"8.01-330","catch_line":"Jurisdiction on any other basis authorized","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-330\/"}],"permalink":{"id":166447,"object_type":"law","relational_id":61630,"identifier":"18.2-240","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-240","url":"\/18.2-240\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-240\/","token":"18.2\/6\/8\/18.2-240","dublin_core":{"Title":"Same; injunction","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-240","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Any attorney for the Commonwealth may <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> a <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> of competent <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> to enjoin the further <span class=\"dictionary\">prosecution<\/span> of any pyramid promotional scheme as defined in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Pyramid promotional schemes; misdemeanor; definitions; contracts void\" href=\"\/18.2-239\/\">18.2-239<\/a>, and to appoint receivers to secure and distribute in an <span class=\"dictionary\">equitable<\/span> manner any <span class=\"dictionary\">assets<\/span> received by any participant as a result of such scheme, any such distribution to effect reimbursement, to the extent possible, for uncompensated payments made to become a participant in the scheme. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for <span class=\"dictionary\">equitable<\/span> relief, except that no <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent <span class=\"dictionary\">injunction<\/span> therein. Any person who organizes an endless chain scheme and, either directly or through an agent, promotes such scheme within the Commonwealth shall be deemed subject to the personal <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> of such <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> of competent <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> under \u00a7\u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Person defined\" href=\"\/8.01-328\/\">8.01-328<\/a> through <a class=\"law\" title=\"Jurisdiction on any other basis authorized\" href=\"\/8.01-330\/\">8.01-330<\/a>, and shall be liable for reasonable costs and attorneys&#8217; fees in such suit.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSAME; INJUNCTION (\u00a7 18.2-240)\n\nAny attorney for the Commonwealth may petition a court of competent jurisdiction\nto enjoin the further prosecution of any pyramid promotional scheme as defined\nin \u00a7 18.2-239, and to appoint receivers to secure and distribute in an\nequitable manner any assets received by any participant as a result of such\nscheme, any such distribution to effect reimbursement, to the extent possible,\nfor uncompensated payments made to become a participant in the scheme. The\nprocedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for\nequitable relief, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of\neither a temporary or permanent injunction therein. Any person who organizes an\nendless chain scheme and, either directly or through an agent, promotes such\nscheme within the Commonwealth shall be deemed subject to the personal\njurisdiction of such court of competent jurisdiction under \u00a7\u00a7 8.01-328 through\n8.01-330, and shall be liable for reasonable costs and attorneys&#8217; fees in\nsuch suit.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 59.1-67.3; 1970, c. 450; 1975, cc. 14, 15.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}