Is It a Scam?

Is It a Scam?
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Is it a work at home scam?

Shopper Scams

If you can answer YES to any of these questions on our IS IT A SCAM test, report the company and walk away.

  • Was the shopper job advertised on Craigslist, Monster, or other employment site?
  • Are you being asked to do money transfers of any kind?
  • Does the company want to pay you by cashier’s check?
  • Is there a fee to apply for the job, or to get a list of companies who hire shoppers?
  • Are you asked to cash a check as part of a mystery shopper assignment?
  • Are you asked to cash a money order as part of a mystery shopper assignment?

Work at Home Scams

If you can answer YES to any of these questions on our IS IT A SCAM test, report the company and walk away.

  • Are you being promised large amounts of money for very few hours of work?
  • *Are you asked to pay fees of any kind?
  • *Are you asked to pay upfront, but promised a money-back guarantee?
  • Have you been asked if your bank allows money transfers?
  • Are you asked to pick up packages and mail them somewhere else?
(*The exception are direct sales companies like Avon & Tupperware who legitimately charge fees for kits to do the job.)

Great Advice From the FTC:

If you’re thinking about following up on a work-at-home offer, do your homework. Here are some questions to ask:

  • What tasks will I be doing? Ask the program sponsor to list every step of the job.
  • Will I be paid a salary or will my pay be based on commission?
  • Who will pay me?
  • When will I get my first paycheck?
  • What is this going to cost me, including supplies, equipment and membership fees? What do I get for my money?

 

How to Report a Scam