I read about this work-at-home scam on an Internet forum yesterday, and today local news stations are picking it up as home workers throughout the United States are being victimized.
The scam goes something like this:
You receive a check for a large amount in the mail from a supposed mystery shopping company. Your instructions are something like this - deposit the check in your account, wire a portion of the amount to a designated location using a service like Western Union, phone in how the customer service was at the bank and at the wiring service. You get to keep the balance of the check as your payment.
Does it sound too good to be true? In this case, it is.
What is the problem with the above scenario? Well, for starters, the check is fake, but the amount that you wire to the designated location is quite real. In fact, it's your own money. If you fall for the scam, you can find your bank account overdrawn when the fake check bounces.
Read more about this scam on nbc5i.com. The scam is not new as this post on ConsumerReports.com indicates, but it appears that it is making the rounds again.
- Follow the suggestions in this publication from the United States Federal Trade Commission.
- Be cautious of any offers that far exceed the normal rate of compensation for an assignment.
- Research companies online to find out if they are legitimate.
- If you're in doubt, contact the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general's office.
I have to say, this kind of scam makes me mad. There are many legitimate ways to work at home, but this sort of scam seems to take advantage of home workers who might just be starting out. A bad experience like this could permanently discourage someone from working at home and it gives all work-at-home opportunities a bad reputation.
Do you want to learn more about scams? Refer to this Work From Home Momma post for more information: Is it a Scam? Five Sites to Check to Be Sure
What about you? How do you protect yourself from fraudulent work-at-home offers? Have you been approached by a scammer?
Leave a comment and let us know.
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