Jobless is a title no one wants, but unfortunately, some will find themselves there during this economic downturn. Those who find themselves in this position may look toward a work-at-home job or business. However, your Better Business Bureau warns that con artists prey on the jobless.
Work-at-home jobs can be a great benefit to both the employee and the company. But job seekers should beware that work-at-home schemes are constantly circulating. They also target senior citizens, the disabled, stay-at-home moms, people with low incomes, and people who are looking to get rich quick.
Work-at-home scheme promoters will:
- Never offer regular salaried employment.
- Promise huge profits and big part-time earnings.
- Use personal testimonials but never identify the person so that you could check with them.
- Require money for instructions or merchandise before explaining how the plan operates.
- Assure you of guaranteed markets and a huge demand for your handiwork.
- Overstate claims of product effectiveness.
- Make a high pressure sales pitch and state the offer is available for a limited time.
- Tell you that no experience is necessary.
Your BBB advises the following when looking for a work-at-home job:
- Visit your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to find a Reliability Report on the business offering the work opportunity.
- Check references, and where appropriate, check for business licensing.
- If you decide to use a business' services to start working from home, know exactly what you are paying for and make sure it is in writing.
- Read contracts thoroughly. Make sure verbal promises are in the contract.
- Consider all possible costs (office supplies, software, etc.) and weigh them with the benefits (gas savings, convenience, etc.).
- If the advertisement is Internet based, do not enter any personal information into an e-mail or Web site unless you are positive the offer is not a scam.
- Feel free to ask questions. Legitimate work-at-home opportunities are happy to answer any questions with detailed answers about the company and job.
- Those who are scammed by a work-at-home scheme can contact: Your BBB at www.bbb.org, local state or consumer affairs agencies and the local state attorney general's office.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau accredited businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.