More Resources For The Scam Victim

If you're not sure what work-at-home programs are legit here's another red flag to look for. Think about it this way: If you were to work for a brick-and-mortar business they would require you to fill out a lot of paperwork right? One of those forms is the W-4 which requires ALL employees to complete for tax purposes. OK you're not at a physical work location, but did you know that the money you make on the internet is considerd taxable according to Uncle Sam? This is true for any company doing business in the United States; even an internet based business would have you complete this form. If your work-at-home company is not providing this form BEFORE work is completed more then likely they are scamming you.

Now you may be saying to yourself that you are an Independent Contractor. This means you work on an as-needed-basis and not as an employee of any company. You would then be required to complete a W-9 or 1099 by the employer...get it? A legitimate company would see that you completed the necessary paperwork if they plan on paying you.

If you become a victim inform someone. If your complaint is registered with a reputable site then you have a better chance of getting a refund; and possibly be part of a class action suit. Here are more sites where you can register a complaint:


The National Fraud Information Center at http://www.fraud.org/ is a good place for filing a fraud report in the United States.


The National Consumers League at http://www.natlconsumersleague.org/ has great tips on how to avoid internet fraud as well as an option to register a complaint.


When using the BBB or The Better Business Bureau keep in mind that internet businesses do not need a physical place of business. Therefore Internet companies cannot always be located as websites can be hosted anywhere in the world. Unless they are registered with the BBB then finding the state the company is located in may prove to be difficult when inquiring with the BBB. But do use them for their resource as they are still a valuable asset. Heres their
site: http://www.bbb.org/complaints/file.html


Finally you should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ as they are The Keepers of Trade (including the internet) and if there are enough complaints they will step in.

Avoiding Scams

Welcome, it is my goal to keep trusting people from becoming victims of scam, and to help them find recourse in the event they are.

So you signed up for a work-at-home program on the internet and you hope you didn’t get scammed, right? Well there are safeguards to avoid becoming one of those victims.

Remember when stuffing envelopes was a big thing? First you pay for a start up kit, once it arrives you receive instructions asking you to place your own work-at-home ads to other unsuspecting victims. Not only did you get scammed…you now have become the scammer!

Now here’s another one that has been around for years…craft assembly scams. You pay to receive a set of crafts and instructions, spend hours assembling them, return them and then you are informed that your work was unsatisfactory. Now you are out for the work you did, the fee, and they keep your crafts to sell…dirty rats!

Here are a few things to look for when searching for a work-at-home business. Never pay someone who wants you to join their program. This seems to be the most common scam today. Companies are charging administrative or training fees and in most cases theses fees are non-refundable…always read the Terms of Service! The idea is to make money, not give it away. Look for free listings as they provide the better choice.

Once a red flag goes up what do you do next? Before signing up for anything, do a little research.

• First contact the Better Business Bureau they have information on companies that have complaints against them.

• Do a Google Search for the business in question and add the word “Reviews” or “Scams”. There are a lot of people who have been scammed that want to share their experience.

• Look for a phone number or address on the website in which to contact them. A reputable company would have this information listed. Don’t just look for it…call them to make sure the number is legit.

• Go to http://www.whois.net/ and enter the company website to find out more information. This site will list phone numbers (if one was added), but most important you will find the web hosting provider. If you become a victim contact the web hosting service via their “contact us, support, or email” link. Inform them you may have been a victim of a scam. If enough complaints are made they have an obligation to shut down the site.
  

I hope you find this information useful. Check back as I want to provide the names of companies to be aware of.