Work At Home Safari

“Internet giant Google filed a lawsuit against Pacific WebWorks and other not-yet named defendants for allegedly using the Google name and logo to promote work-at-home money-making scams.”

“Thousands of people have been tricked into sending payment information and being charged hidden fees by questionable operations,” Google said in a recent blog post.

“The Better Business Bureau has received 382 complaints about Pacific WebWorks in the last year, and 84% of them are related to billing or collection, refund or exchange, and sales practice issues.”

“The company, which rates an F on BBB’s scale of A+ to F, negleted to respond to 107 complaints filed, and did not resolve 45 of them.”

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THE CON.  The company will ask you to pay a hefty deposit to ensure that you complete and return the work.  Unfortunately, when you return the assembled products you will learn that your work did not meet their quality standards and be rejected.  The zinger, the company will keep your deposit too because your work was deemed unacceptable.

#3–
MYSTERY SHOPPERS SCAM. Who doesn’t dream of getting paid to shop?  This scam claims you can make big bucks rating customer service at your favorite stores.  The best part is you also get to keep all the clothes you purchased.

THE CON. There are some legitimate mystery shoppers out there, but in reality they only make about $10-15 per hour (and maybe a free lunch). Many times, you’ll be asked to pay for “training”, then once you’re sent on assignment and come home with loads of new clothes, you won’t be reimbursed for the money you spent.  Worst of all, these scammers are trying to acquire your Social Security number. Never give out this information unless you are absolutely sure the employer is legitimate even if they have a professional-looking website.

#4–
CHECK SCAM.  I’ve seen this scam on Craigslist.  Sometimes scammers will send you a paycheck and then contact you saying they overpaid you. They will ask that you mail them a personal check for the amount they overpaid you.  Steer clear of any type of “job” that requires you to use your own accounts.

THE CON.  A couple of weeks after you’ve sent your personal check, you will discover the paycheck they sent bounced.

#5–
STUFFING ENVELOPES SCAM. I think everyone has seen this ad: Earn extra cash stuffing envelopes!  Sounds pretty easy.  This scam promises to pay you big bucks for cramming paper into envelopes, all you have to do is purchase their supplies or training package.

THE CON.  All you get are worthless instructions on how to stuff envelopes or con your friends into signing up too.  In reality, companies have machines or some poor intern to stuff their envelopes at half the cost of what they’re claiming to pay you to do it.

#6–
BILLING PROCESSOR SCAM. This claim is advertised with the title of Medical Billing Specialist or Insurance Claims Processor.

THE CON: You’ll be asked to shell out big bucks for the required software and training.  Unfortunately, most companies have their own people to process their claims and bills. If they need to outsource they send the work to large companies not work-from-home individuals with little to no experience. You’ll end up paying for the training and software, but never see a cent.

CONCLUSION.  A work-from-home job is just like one outside the house, employers pay you to work, not the other way around.  If you are asked to pay for training materials, charged fees, or anything like that, get away!  These are most likely not legitimate work at home job opportunities.  Don’t get taken advantage of during this tough economy.  It only takes a few minutes to spot a scam.

Scammers are using Twitter to lure victims into work from home scams. During this economic recession, workers are desperate for job opportunities and not paying as close attention to potential scams, especially if the job posting is only 140 characters long.

According to the consumer alert, “The ads say “Twitter needs workers..so apply now,” or make cash with Twitter.  Twitter is a hugely popular site where people communicate with short phrases.  The ads promise big money and say they are trusted ways to make cash.  All you have to do is buy something first.”

“It’s the latest twist on the old work from home scam.  The Better Business Bureau says these websites have just surfaced, with names like TwitterProfitHouse.com and EasyTweetProfits.com.  They promise a risk-free trial period, but the time starts the day you place the order.  And if you don’t cancel in time, they charge you.”

There are many legitimate work at home opportunities out there, but equally as many scams. With a little research and careful reading, you can avoid the latter.

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