A bid to sell a get-rich-quick scheme using MP Dale Butler's name is bogus, the Warwick representative said yesterday.

Mr. Butler acted after several people contacted him asking about the investment scheme -- which promises a $15,000 return on a $2,000 investment -- whose agents have been using Mr. Butler's name as an endorsement.

But Mr. Butler said: "Someone has maliciously associated me with this scheme, or used my name as a marketing tool. I don't intend to join this scheme. I'm not aware of the legitimacy of this scheme or the organisers.'' Mr. Butler said he had been invited to join up, but declined to name who had approached him. He turned down the offer.

He added: "I was approached by an individual and I was told that all ranks of society -- lawyers, doctors, teachers -- were in it. That may well be true, but I am definitely not associated with it in any way.'' He said the organisers wanted $2,000, and if the investor signed another two people up, they were promised a $15,000 return.

"I haven't joined. I haven't given anyone any money. I was offered the chance to do it anonymously, but I wouldn't do that.'' Mr. Butler said he had a namesake on the Island -- an overseas citizen who works for a Hamilton firm -- and he was not associated with the scheme either.

A Police spokesman said: "These schemes are not illegal...but if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.