Not every business that you come across is going to be legit – so keep your eyes open!
Yes, scams are everywhere we look anymore. We read about them in the newspapers, hear about them on the radio and see them on news broadcasts all over television and the internet. Some people think that they are above that type of scam – that they’re too smart for that or that it could never happen to them. Well, that’s just not true. It can happen to anyone and often does! Think about the Nigerian scam and how much damage that it had done before people really started to get the word out about it. More and more people are devising these little plans in order to line their pockets with the victim’s money and this is also true for the home-based business offerings as well.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of legitimate businesses available out there as well but you have to be careful when you involve yourself and your hard earned dollars in a business of any kind. This article should help you identify the warning signs of a scam and help you to prevent this from happening to you as well as the methods of informing the proper individuals if it does.
Signs of a Scam
Scammers operate everywhere – in every country on this planet – and we are all possible victims. Here are some helpful tips to avoid being scammed…
• If you are prompted to call a toll number such as a 1-900, or something similar, it is probably not legitimate. No legitimate business is going to ask you to do that.
• If you are promised thousands of dollars in a short period of time, the chances are good that it’s not legitimate.
• One of the biggest scams out there right now is the one that asks you to send a payment to get started. What you receive for your payment is a list of possible businesses that may or may not be hiring individuals who wish to work from home.
• You call the number in the ad and the person on the other end states that they will need your credit card information but there will be no charges. The same is true for checking information. Why do they need this information if you are not going to be charged? Good question.
• Any business that requires you to make your choice immediately is probably not legitimate. Most legitimate businesses realize that you may want some time to look things over and see if it is a good fit for you. They’re legitimate, they are in no hurry. They know that they are offering you a fair deal and they can wait for your decision.
Ultimately, if and when you decide to become involved in a home based business, you should make sure that your business offers you all of the information that is pertinent to you making a sound decision. Any legitimate business will have no problems answering any of your questions or providing you with brochures and other materials to help you make up your mind.
Still, if you should get caught up in a home-based business scam, it is best to report it. So many people feel embarrassed about it but are you really that embarrassed that you want to let these individuals continue to take advantage of others? Do something about it! Here are the places that can help:
National Fraud Information Center
1-800-876-7060
FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
Correspondence Branch
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
Better Business Bureau
You will be required to have knowledge of the state that this scammer is operating in and you will be required to contact the BBB in that state. You can get in touch with them online at www.BBB.org/ |
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