The Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers about a new scam that targets those applying for work-from-home rebate processing positions.
Hundreds of consumers nationwide have filed complaints against fake companies that promise hefty paychecks earned by processing rebates from home. Many of these victims paid $40 to $500 to the offenders for a ’starter kit’ but were sent instructions on how to make money by sending e-mails, posting blogs, and paying for ads on the Internet in order to sell various products.
When the victims called to complain, many got either no response or answering machines that said the call center was closed.
These companies lured people in by claiming to be affiliated with big-name companies like Home Depot and Hewlett Packard.
The BBB said that in 2008 alone, more than one million people checked with their BBB about the legitimacy of companies that offer work-at-home jobs. A weakened economy and millions of jobs lost have forced people to consider opportunities they wouldn’t normally take. Cash-strapped job seekers may be especially vulnerable to scams that promise big payouts and ask for money up-front.
“With the nation’s unemployment rate hitting double digits in some states, more families are desperately searching for ways to bring in income and these rebate processing scams lure them in with promises of big money for little work or no experience,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “No one ever wants to lose money, but in these hard times, job hunters are getting scammed when they can least afford it.”
When considering work-from-home opportunities, the BBB has published a list of guidelines that job seekers should adhere to when searching:
• Beware of offers that sound too good to be true including the promise of big bucks for little work or no experience.
• Always check out the company’s BBB Reliability Report for free at www.bbb.org to see if the company has received a passing grade from BBB.
• Never give your credit card or checking account information to an individual or business that promises employment. Legitimate employers never charge fees to prospective employees. Period.
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