Are you out of work? Are you desperate to find a job? Well, that's what scam artists are hoping for. Employment scams are used to take the money of consumers who are looking for a job. The scam artists prey on people who are anxious about finding honest employment.
Job Hunting Services
There are many companies that offer to help you find employment. Many of these companies will actually be helpful and are legit. However, some are scams to get you to pay money. It may be difficult to tell the difference between the good companies and the scam artists.
You should be skeptical of any employment service company that plans to charge you before it does anything. Make sure the company is legit before you give it any bank or credit card information. You don't want to be the victim of financial fraud.
Any company that promises you'll find a job should be viewed as suspicious. No person or company can guarantee that outcome.
Read the company's policy information. Find out if there's a way to get a refund if you're unhappy. Make sure to review the contract language before you sign it. Any promises made by the company should be in the contract.
Find out the reputation of the company before you do business with it. You can check web site reviews and the Better Business Bureau for complaints from consumers. You can also check with your local consumer protection agency and state Attorney General's office.
Work at Home Schemes
It may sound great to be able to work from home. You can find ads everywhere that promise you'll make money right from the comfort of your own house. However, most of these offers are scams. There's a much greater chance that you'll lose money than gain money.
There are many examples of work at home schemes. Some examples of schemes you may see in these ads include:
- Rebate processing
- Envelope stuffing
- Assembling crafts
- Online searches
- Medical billing
Most of these schemes are run by scam artists trying to get your financial information. Check out closely any company that offers a work at home program to make sure it's legit. Get any information from the company in writing.
Pyramid Schemes
A pyramid scheme is one in which money is made by getting others to join. It's not made by any real sale or investment to the public. The whole scheme falls apart once new recruits are unable to sustain the payment structure. A pyramid scheme is a form of fraud.
You must be very careful to not accidently join a pyramid scheme. Be skeptical of any plan that involves commissions for getting others to join. Avoid spending a large amount of money to join a business opportunity. Beware of any program that makes huge earnings claims that seem exaggerated.
Get Rich Quick Schemes
Everyone wants to make a large amount of money quickly. However, this outcome is very rare. Always examine ads that claim you'll get rich quick with skepticism. Check out the company and the product it's selling. Don't get caught up with unreasonable promises of easy money. Most people need to put in time and energy to make a comfortable living.
Questions for Your Attorney
- What's the difference between a legitimate multi-level marketing plan and a pyramid scheme?
- What should I do if I'm ripped off by a job hunting services scam? Can I get my money back?
- How can I tell if a work from home job opportunity is legit?