The illegal moneymaking operation known as the World of Giving resulted in 57 people reaching financial settlements with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

The illegal pyramid operation became widespread throughout the Times News area when people were asked to make an initial payment of $2,000 that would earn them $16,000 when eight new members joined.

Attorney General Mike Fisher’s office said 50 participants initially agreed to pay back $530,000 to the victims, while seven others who had lawsuits filed against them signed agreements in which they would pay back $65,400 in restitution to victims and another $19,200 in civil penalties and investigation costs.