Monday, December 11, 2006

Avoid Being Scammed; Protect Yourself Now

If you stay at home as a single mother, young person and senior, you may have heard lots of ads, infomercials claiming that you can earn thousands of dollars working at home. Many people who are on fixed income jump to what sounds as a good deal.

Con artists make various pitches and hope some of their listeners will fall for their offers. They know where to promote their business ideas. You have seen the promotions pasted on electric poles at major intersections, supermarket bulletin boards, magazines, newspaper classified sections, and on TV. These pitches can also be posted on message boards, chatrooms and other areas with high traffic. People, just know that those who are behind these promotions are after your money.

What are some of the forms most used in work-at-home schemes?

These scams involve medical billing centers, envelope stuffing, assembly or Craft work. These fraudulent promoters want you to mail them money for software and company setups. In many occasions, you will not receive anything in return for your work and initial investment.

Here is what you need to do to find out what you are dealing with. Ask these questions: do you have to send money for parts or software? How are you going to receive your money back if you are not satisfied? Will you receive a salary? or will you work on commission? Who will pay you? If you have to make some products, what quality standards must you meet for the products? Are there costs to you to get started? What do you have to purchase to get started? If you are unsure of the deal, call Better Business Bureau to check on the company or phone number you have. Other resources can also help. The Federal Trade Commission, National Fraud Information Center, U.S. Postal Inspection Service postmaster and inspector can help you out. Report any illegal activity to them.