Summer is almost upon us and countless folks are looking for ways to earn extra income. There are new individuals in the marketplace competing for the same work from home jobs as the rest of us. The new college graduate, stay at home parents with extra time on hand, retirees and of course students looking to make a little money this time of year. Along with people joining the summer workforce, there are evil doers out there looking to scam and manipulate innocent individuals. The Better Business Bureau is warning to be on the lookout for confidence artists and know the difference between an honest job opportunity and a decoy.
How to spot them
It is very simple for these rip off artists to swindle someone into their trust if a person is not aware. The biggest tip off says president of the BBB is an offer which is simply "too good to be true". She is talking about big money offers for minimal work, no experience necessary or working from home with wonderful hours. This does not mean there are offers in the marketplace with some of these characteristics, but the majority of business opportunities do not fit into all of these categories rolled into on.
Numerous people admit to simply having a "nagging" feeling of something amiss and avoiding disaster. If in doubt about a business, do not go ahead with the venture. Contact the right authorities for advice on the legit or not.
The way in for the tricksters is generally through an online job offer as mentioned previously. Though, other sources included phishing scamming via email and even phone stings.
Examples of some of the swindles
Along with giving the public warning of these crooks the BBB has also identified some examples the office has been made aware of;
Payment transfer cheat
This is one which has been around for a couple of years. The mark is targeted by crooks and asked builds up a confidence or trust. For a simple favor there is a payment in gratitude. Eventually there is a need for the workers bank account number for direct deposit of funds. Of course the employer only needs a portion of the monies and the worker is able to keep the difference for going to all the trouble to help.
What actually takes place is the bank account info is gathered and monies stolen from the workers account by the new employer.. Some even go further by sending a bogus check which means wire fraud and theft are charges against innocent persons.
Personally Invited
The cheat sends out a mass email to accounts purchased from other unscrupulous employers to people interested in finding a job. The recipient has been personally chosen for the job. They will admit to seeing resumes on the web and other flattery. Miraculously there is a perfect match for the job you seek. Simply fill out and easy application with the company and get started.
Form ask for personal info. These include but are not limited to social security numbers, address, bank account numbers and even mother's maiden name..Do not fall for it. If a valid company is mentioned at anytime, call the business to verify.
Great work abroad
Looking to work in exotic spots like Italy or the South of France for the summer? These are promised made and never kept by the con. The trick on this one is promising these out of country dream jobs and the local company is asking for a simple referral fee for setting everything they do to assure you get the job.
Business do hire outside of the country. Though, companies with legit work do not charge for referral fees or any sort of money up front. Additionally, any one using a post office box for sending payment is not representing a valid company. Most people ask why work with a middle man instead of the business directly?
Verification process
This one works like this. The trickster is looking for any and all personal info you give to them. They ask for mother's maiden name, bank account info, etc. Any material they are able to gather to start a case of identity theft or robbery is where this one is headed.
The reason given for needing this info is a driver's license or passport is not enough to verify an identity for this particular company. Walk away as quickly as possible from this one.
How to find out if a business is legit
Being proactive is a good place to begin. The easiest is check for a company website. Though some cons go as far as to make a fake one, most will not. No website generally means no company.
One tip given by the BBB was surprising. They have advised to look out for jobs with generic titles. Thieves have flocked toward job titles such as secret shoppers or care giver. There are more than a few actual jobs these these titles, but most are not hiring via another company.
An enormous give away is most of the con men are not capable of being professional enough.
Too overzealous in pursuit
Hiring managers who simply will not take no for an answer generally deserve a closer look. Most workers are actively pursuing work and tend to be the aggressor in the job search. A balance tilting in the other direction with a sort of frenzy feel to it it not normal.
Out of country jobs or foreign sounding names of businesses who simply cannot take no for an answer from you are big giant red alert.
Resources for help
.
Remember- The BBB is always there to lend a helping hand. There have been thousands identified and in the enormous database of info the office has on hand. Contact the Better Business Bureau for assistance.
Every state has an Attorney General's Office which is able to investigate a possible swindle not yet identified by the BBB. The phone number and address are accessible. Scores of folks who have contacted the State Attorney General's Office have been fundamental in stopping cheats by bringing suspected issues to the state authorities for investigation.
In conclusion
Employment changes and opportunities are big changes in any individual's life. Take the time to investigate and do the homework before diving in head first. Countless people have been taken advantage of simply because an extra ten minute inquiry was overlooked.
There are several sources listed here which are a great place to start and are free of change. Follow natural instincts if all else fails. Those feelings in the pit of the stomach are for flight or fight. Take heart if this one turns out to be a bust because of a scam, another will come along eventually.
How to spot them
It is very simple for these rip off artists to swindle someone into their trust if a person is not aware. The biggest tip off says president of the BBB is an offer which is simply "too good to be true". She is talking about big money offers for minimal work, no experience necessary or working from home with wonderful hours. This does not mean there are offers in the marketplace with some of these characteristics, but the majority of business opportunities do not fit into all of these categories rolled into on.
Numerous people admit to simply having a "nagging" feeling of something amiss and avoiding disaster. If in doubt about a business, do not go ahead with the venture. Contact the right authorities for advice on the legit or not.
The way in for the tricksters is generally through an online job offer as mentioned previously. Though, other sources included phishing scamming via email and even phone stings.
Examples of some of the swindles
Along with giving the public warning of these crooks the BBB has also identified some examples the office has been made aware of;
Payment transfer cheat
This is one which has been around for a couple of years. The mark is targeted by crooks and asked builds up a confidence or trust. For a simple favor there is a payment in gratitude. Eventually there is a need for the workers bank account number for direct deposit of funds. Of course the employer only needs a portion of the monies and the worker is able to keep the difference for going to all the trouble to help.
What actually takes place is the bank account info is gathered and monies stolen from the workers account by the new employer.. Some even go further by sending a bogus check which means wire fraud and theft are charges against innocent persons.
Personally Invited
The cheat sends out a mass email to accounts purchased from other unscrupulous employers to people interested in finding a job. The recipient has been personally chosen for the job. They will admit to seeing resumes on the web and other flattery. Miraculously there is a perfect match for the job you seek. Simply fill out and easy application with the company and get started.
Form ask for personal info. These include but are not limited to social security numbers, address, bank account numbers and even mother's maiden name..Do not fall for it. If a valid company is mentioned at anytime, call the business to verify.
Great work abroad
Looking to work in exotic spots like Italy or the South of France for the summer? These are promised made and never kept by the con. The trick on this one is promising these out of country dream jobs and the local company is asking for a simple referral fee for setting everything they do to assure you get the job.
Business do hire outside of the country. Though, companies with legit work do not charge for referral fees or any sort of money up front. Additionally, any one using a post office box for sending payment is not representing a valid company. Most people ask why work with a middle man instead of the business directly?
Verification process
This one works like this. The trickster is looking for any and all personal info you give to them. They ask for mother's maiden name, bank account info, etc. Any material they are able to gather to start a case of identity theft or robbery is where this one is headed.
The reason given for needing this info is a driver's license or passport is not enough to verify an identity for this particular company. Walk away as quickly as possible from this one.
How to find out if a business is legit
Being proactive is a good place to begin. The easiest is check for a company website. Though some cons go as far as to make a fake one, most will not. No website generally means no company.
One tip given by the BBB was surprising. They have advised to look out for jobs with generic titles. Thieves have flocked toward job titles such as secret shoppers or care giver. There are more than a few actual jobs these these titles, but most are not hiring via another company.
An enormous give away is most of the con men are not capable of being professional enough.
Too overzealous in pursuit
Hiring managers who simply will not take no for an answer generally deserve a closer look. Most workers are actively pursuing work and tend to be the aggressor in the job search. A balance tilting in the other direction with a sort of frenzy feel to it it not normal.
Out of country jobs or foreign sounding names of businesses who simply cannot take no for an answer from you are big giant red alert.
Resources for help
.
Remember- The BBB is always there to lend a helping hand. There have been thousands identified and in the enormous database of info the office has on hand. Contact the Better Business Bureau for assistance.
Every state has an Attorney General's Office which is able to investigate a possible swindle not yet identified by the BBB. The phone number and address are accessible. Scores of folks who have contacted the State Attorney General's Office have been fundamental in stopping cheats by bringing suspected issues to the state authorities for investigation.
In conclusion
Employment changes and opportunities are big changes in any individual's life. Take the time to investigate and do the homework before diving in head first. Countless people have been taken advantage of simply because an extra ten minute inquiry was overlooked.
There are several sources listed here which are a great place to start and are free of change. Follow natural instincts if all else fails. Those feelings in the pit of the stomach are for flight or fight. Take heart if this one turns out to be a bust because of a scam, another will come along eventually.
