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However, again this year, a small percentage of people – mainly young moms and
the elderly – will still be scammed into thinking they just might make money doing something
easy like stuffing envelopes or assembling craft items from home.  |
Once you call the toll free number, you’ll learn that in order to receive information, you’ll have to pay a small fee (usually around $35) designed to separate the “curious” from “serious” opportunity seekers. In exchange, you’ll be promised an information package that contains training documents with complete instructions and (supposedly) everything you need to get started.
The information you receive will consist of some type of instructional handout (usually in the form of a printed book or e-book) that will tell you to post another ad like the one you responded to either on the internet or in a newspaper. From there, the process is repeated over and over again. The bottom line is that work-at-home scams fail to deliver because, in reality, they’re nothing more than illegal chain letters!
While it varies somewhat if you respond to an ad for craft assembly, it’s basically the same process. In this case, your information package might include a set of craft kits to complete with instructions and/or a list of suppliers from which you order your crafts and high- priced supplies.
Either way, you generally have to pay for the kit(s) and are told that you’ll be reimbursed for this cost -plus the cost of assembly - once you submit your completed projects.
Regardless of the variation of this scam, the end result is that you wind up spending your own money and time placing newspaper ads, making photocopies, buying software, supplies, and possibly even purchasing high-priced tools or equipment with which to do your job.
Once your products are assembled and submitted, they’re often rejected with the claim that your work doesn’t meet the company’s “high quality” standards. Or, you might find yourself unable to obtain a retailer or promoter for your products. Whatever the case or regardless of the details, you always lose in the end. You’re not only out your time plus the cost of your kits; but the company often adds insult to injury by turning right around and selling your work without you knowing it!
Avoiding Work-at-Home Scams
Obviously, the best way to avoid work-at-home scams is to simply disregard misleading ads and thoroughly research the company's credibility. This advice from the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is helpful and if followed, will reduce your risk of falling prey to work-at-home scams.
“The FTC has yet to find anyone who has gotten rich stuffing envelopes or assembling magnets at home. Legitimate work-at-home business promoters should tell you – in writing – exactly what’s involved in the program they’re selling. Before you commit any money, find out what tasks you will have to perform, whether you will be paid a salary or work on commission, who will pay you, when you will get your first paycheck, the total cost of the program – including supplies, equipment, and membership fees – and what you will get for your money. Can you verify information from current workers? Be aware of ‘shills’ – people who are paid to lie and give you every reason to pay for work. Get professional advice from a lawyer, an accountant, a financial advisor, or another expert if you need it." See PAGE 11.
© 2010 Christina K. Dodson. All Rights Reserved.
