Many people who need extra money would like to work
from home. Unfortunately, some companies cheat people
out of their money by preying on this desire to make
money from home.
Most work at home "opportunities" look
like legitimate ways to make extra cash. They often
advertise ads in local newspapers , magazines , or
through E-MAIL. These ads typically say something
like "EARN &2,500 A MONTH GUARANTEED WITHOUT
LEAVING YOUR HOME" send $20-$40 for details.
While many work at home scams exist , I would like
to tell you about one of the common work at home scams
, known as 'ASSEMBLY WORK AT HOME"
The ads are enticing; "Get an assembly work
at home job and make loads of money! "Can these
ads be trusted? NO! Are there legitimate work at home
assembly jobs available? In all reality , you will
not find a legitimate assembly work at home job.
The majority of these ads are worthless. They attempt
to prey on the disabled, the elderly, and most of
all, those of us who would like to work at home, or
start their own home based business.
Here is what usually happens if you answer to one
of these "assembly work at home" information
request ads. First, you request "free "information
about this opportunity. You then receive "basic
"information that asks you to typically pay between
$20 and $40 dollars for the complete details and materials
to get started earning money right away.
After you pay them their fee, you get back a packet
of information about the assembly work at home opportunity,
and which companies are waiting to hire you. Here's
the catch: you will most likely never make a dime
from any of these companies. Why? Because after you
purchased the supplies and or equipment needed to
get started, and have done the work, these companies
will not pay you. In fact, many people have had these
companies refuse to pay for their work because it
did not [and will not] meet their quality standards.
"Unfortunately, no work is ever "up to standard"
leaving you with expensive equipment and/or supplies,
and no income.
If you are victimized:
If you become a victim of an "assembly, or other
"work at home scheme, ask the company for a refund.
If they refuse, or give you an evasive response, tell
them you plan to notify LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS.
Keep careful records of everything you do to recover
your money. Document your phone calls, keep copies
of all paperwork such as letters and receipts, and
record all costs involved, including the time you
spend.
If the company refuses to refund your money, contact:
Your LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU at: http://lookup.bbb.org
Your LOCAL or STATE Consumer Affairs Agency
The U. S POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE at: http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/
Your STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE at:
http://www.naag.org ,or the office in the
STATE where the company is.
The advertising manager of the publication that ran
the ad you answered.
To learn more about Work-at-Home Schemes,
contact the following:
Your local BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU http://lookup.bbb.org
DIRECT MARKETING ASSOCIATION http://www.the-dma.org
FEDERAL TRADES COMMISSION http://www.ftc.gov
NATIONAL FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER http://www.fraud.org
1-800-876-7060
U. S POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/
