Southeast Texans are bombarded on-line and off-line with “work-at-home” opportunities. Email, postal mail solicitations, street corner signs, and more promote jobs and income that are apparent to be “too good to be true.”
What are some examples of work-at home income opportunities?
· PROCESSING MEDICAL INSURANCE CLAIMS: Typical Ad -- "You can earn from $800 to $1000 weekly processing insurance claims on your home computer for health care professionals such as doctors, dentists chiropractors, and podiatrists. Over 80% of providers need your services. Learn how in one day!"
· ASSEMBLY WORK AT-HOME: Typical Ad -- "Assembly work at home! Easy money assembling craft items. No experience necessary."
· CHAIN LETTER: Typical Ad -- "Make copies of this letter and send them to people whose names we will provide. All you have to do is send us ten dollars for our mailing list and labels. Look at the chart below and see how you will automatically receive thousands in cash return!!!"
· ENVELOPE STUFFING: Typical Ad -- "$350 Weekly Guaranteed! Work two hours daily at home stuffing envelopes."
· ONLINE BUSINESS: Typical Ad -- "Turn your Home Computer into a Cash Machine! Get computer diskette FREE! Huge Selection of Jobs! No experience needed! Start earning money in days! Many companies want to expand, but don’t want to pay for office space. You save them money by working in the comfort of your home."
· INTERNET SALES: Typical Ad -- "Our products make it possible for people like you to earn more than they ever have in their lives! Soon you can let others earn money for you while you and your family relax and enjoy your affluent lifestyle! No experience necessary."
2. What warning signs should we look for?
· Overstated claims of product effectiveness
· Exaggerated claims of potential earnings
· Claims of “inside” information
· Requirements for money for instructions or merchandise before telling you how the plan operates
· States that no experience is necessary
3. What should you do if you are a victim?
If you become a victim of a 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 investment, contact:
Contact the BBB 24 hours a day for more information at (409) 835-5348 or (800) 685-7650 or www.bbb.org