I came along the newest scam. As you all have read in my previous blogs, I am in desperate search of working from home. I was searching on Craigslist for some ideas on how to make an income from the comfort of my couch and came across this.
15 lb weight loss study, 60 day study and participants will be paid $1500 for their time.
Sounds exciting, right????? Who wants to lose 15 lbs.... ME!!!! Who wants to be paid $1500......ME!!!!
So I email the contact. I get a response within a few hours telling me to click on the following website. The website is the official website for the acai berry pills. The email tells me to order the pills and pay for shipping. Then email the contact back and see if I fit in the prototype for the study. If chosen, I will be reimbursed for the pills and at the end of the study a check for $1500 will be sent in the mail.
Sounds to me as they are trying to get people to just buy their pills. I had to buy two kinds at $69.95 and $49.95.
What does this sound like to you????
SCAM!!!
February 9, 2010
February 1, 2010
Top Work at Home Scams
My parents always told me, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep that in mind when using the internet to find work at home. The internet can be a great place for loads of information but remember anyone can post information on the internet; I mean anyone!!
Many companies offer to pay you hundreds of dollars a day for just an hour of your time. Let's face it, if that was the case wouldn't everyone work from home just 2 hours a week and make a 6 figure income. Here are a list of some of the top online scams every stay at home mom should be warned of. And remember, if they are asking money from you up front chances are your going to end up only paying them.
Note: These scams are not ranked by dollars lost or people scammed. In fact, there's nothing scientific about the list. It's just the ten home-based business scams we find the most disturbing.
10. Craft Assembly
This scam encourages you to assemble toys, dolls, or other craft projects at home with the promise of high per-piece rates. All you have to do is pay a fee up-front for the starter kit... which includes instructions and parts.
Sounds good? Well, once you finish assembling your first batch of crafts, you'll be told by the company that they "don't meet our specifications."
In fact, even if you were a robot and did it perfectly, it would be impossible for you to meet their specifications. The scammer company is making money selling the starter kits -- not selling the assembled product. So, you're left with a set of assembled crafts... and no one to sell them to.
9. Medical Billing
In this scam, you pay $300-$900 for everything (supposedly) you need to start your own medical billing service at home. You're promised state-of-the-art medical billing software, as well as a list of potential clients in your area.
What you're not told is that most medical clinics process their own bills, or outsource the processing to firms, not individuals. Your software may not meet their specifications, and often the lists of "potential clients" are outdated or just plain wrong.
As usual, trying to get a refund from the medical billing company is like trying to get blood from a stone.
8. Email Processing
This is a twist on the classic "envelope stuffing scam" (see #1 below). For a low price ($50?) you can become a "highly-paid" email processor working "from the comfort of your own home."
Now... what do you suppose an email processor does? If you have visions of forwarding or editing emails, forget it. What you get for your money are instructions on spamming the same ad you responded to in newsgroups and Web forums!
Think about it -- they offer to pay you $25 per email processed -- would any legitimate company pay that?
7. "A List of Companies Looking for Homeworkers!"
In this one, you pay a small fee for a list of companies looking for homeworkers just like you.
The only problem is that the list is usually a generic list of companies, companies that don't take homeworkers, or companies that may have accepted homeworkers long, long ago. Don't expect to get your money back with this one.
6. "Just Call This 1-900 Number For More Information..."
No need to spend too much time (or money) on this one. 1-900 numbers cost money to call, and that's how the scammers make their profit.
Save your money -- don't call a 1-900 number for more information about a supposed work-at-home job.
5. Typing At Home
If you use the Internet a lot, then odds are that you're probably a good typist. How better to capitalize on it than making money by typing at home?
Here's how it works: After sending the fee to the scammer for "more information," you receive a disk and printed information that tells you to place home typist ads and sell copies of the disk to the suckers who reply to you. Like #8, this scam tries to turn you into a scammer!
4. "Turn Your Computer Into a Money-Making Machine!"
Well, this one's at least half-true. To be completely true, it should read: "Turn your computer into a money-making machine... for spammers!"
This is much the same spam as #5, above. Once you pay your money, you'll be sent instructions on how to place ads and pull in suckers to "turn their computers into money-making machines."
3. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)
If you've heard of network marketing (like Amway), then you know that there are legitimate MLM businesses based on agents selling products or services.
One big problem with MLMs, though, is when the pyramid and the ladder-climbing become more important than selling the actual product or service.
If the MLM business opportunity is all about finding new recruits rather than selling products or services, beware: The Federal Trade Commission may consider it to be a pyramid scheme... and not only can you lose all your money, but you can be charged with fraud, too!
We saw an interesting MLM scam recently: one MLM company advertised the product they were selling as FREE. The fine print, however, states that it is "free in the sense that you could be earning commissions and bonuses in excess of the cost of your monthly purchase of" the product. Does that sound like free to you?
2. Chain Letters/Emails ("Make Money Fast")
If you've been on the Internet for any length of time, you've probably received or at least seen these chain emails. They promise that all you have to do is send the email along plus some money by mail to the top names on the list, then add your name to the bottom... and one day you'll be a millionaire.
Actually, the only thing you might be one day is prosecuted for fraud. This is a classic pyramid scheme, and most times the names in the chain emails are manipulated to make sure only the people at the top of the list (the true scammers) make any money.
This scam should be called "Lose Money Fast" -- and it's illegal.
1. Envelope Stuffing
This is THE classic work-at-home scam. It's been around since the U.S. Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, and it's moved onto the Internet like a cockroach you just can't eliminate.
There are several variations, but here's a sample: Much like #5 and #4 above, you are promised to be paid $1-2 for every envelope you stuff. All you have to do is send money and you're guaranteed "up to 1,000 envelopes a week that you can stuff... with postage and address already affixed!"
When you send your money, you get a short manual with flyer templates you're supposed to put up around town, advertising yet another harebrained work-from-home scheme.
And the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelopes? Well, when people see those flyers, all they have to do is send you $2.00 in a pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope. Then you stuff that envelope with another flyer and send it to them.
The above top 10 list was from http://www.scambusters.org/work-at-home.html
If you are a mom wanting to work from home please continue, it can happen. Don't put yourself in more debt trying to find the gold-filled pot at the ed of the rainbow. Keep an eye on this blog and do lots of research.
Many companies offer to pay you hundreds of dollars a day for just an hour of your time. Let's face it, if that was the case wouldn't everyone work from home just 2 hours a week and make a 6 figure income. Here are a list of some of the top online scams every stay at home mom should be warned of. And remember, if they are asking money from you up front chances are your going to end up only paying them.
Note: These scams are not ranked by dollars lost or people scammed. In fact, there's nothing scientific about the list. It's just the ten home-based business scams we find the most disturbing.
10. Craft Assembly
This scam encourages you to assemble toys, dolls, or other craft projects at home with the promise of high per-piece rates. All you have to do is pay a fee up-front for the starter kit... which includes instructions and parts.
Sounds good? Well, once you finish assembling your first batch of crafts, you'll be told by the company that they "don't meet our specifications."
In fact, even if you were a robot and did it perfectly, it would be impossible for you to meet their specifications. The scammer company is making money selling the starter kits -- not selling the assembled product. So, you're left with a set of assembled crafts... and no one to sell them to.
9. Medical Billing
In this scam, you pay $300-$900 for everything (supposedly) you need to start your own medical billing service at home. You're promised state-of-the-art medical billing software, as well as a list of potential clients in your area.
What you're not told is that most medical clinics process their own bills, or outsource the processing to firms, not individuals. Your software may not meet their specifications, and often the lists of "potential clients" are outdated or just plain wrong.
As usual, trying to get a refund from the medical billing company is like trying to get blood from a stone.
8. Email Processing
This is a twist on the classic "envelope stuffing scam" (see #1 below). For a low price ($50?) you can become a "highly-paid" email processor working "from the comfort of your own home."
Now... what do you suppose an email processor does? If you have visions of forwarding or editing emails, forget it. What you get for your money are instructions on spamming the same ad you responded to in newsgroups and Web forums!
Think about it -- they offer to pay you $25 per email processed -- would any legitimate company pay that?
7. "A List of Companies Looking for Homeworkers!"
In this one, you pay a small fee for a list of companies looking for homeworkers just like you.
The only problem is that the list is usually a generic list of companies, companies that don't take homeworkers, or companies that may have accepted homeworkers long, long ago. Don't expect to get your money back with this one.
6. "Just Call This 1-900 Number For More Information..."
No need to spend too much time (or money) on this one. 1-900 numbers cost money to call, and that's how the scammers make their profit.
Save your money -- don't call a 1-900 number for more information about a supposed work-at-home job.
5. Typing At Home
If you use the Internet a lot, then odds are that you're probably a good typist. How better to capitalize on it than making money by typing at home?
Here's how it works: After sending the fee to the scammer for "more information," you receive a disk and printed information that tells you to place home typist ads and sell copies of the disk to the suckers who reply to you. Like #8, this scam tries to turn you into a scammer!
4. "Turn Your Computer Into a Money-Making Machine!"
Well, this one's at least half-true. To be completely true, it should read: "Turn your computer into a money-making machine... for spammers!"
This is much the same spam as #5, above. Once you pay your money, you'll be sent instructions on how to place ads and pull in suckers to "turn their computers into money-making machines."
3. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)
If you've heard of network marketing (like Amway), then you know that there are legitimate MLM businesses based on agents selling products or services.
One big problem with MLMs, though, is when the pyramid and the ladder-climbing become more important than selling the actual product or service.
If the MLM business opportunity is all about finding new recruits rather than selling products or services, beware: The Federal Trade Commission may consider it to be a pyramid scheme... and not only can you lose all your money, but you can be charged with fraud, too!
We saw an interesting MLM scam recently: one MLM company advertised the product they were selling as FREE. The fine print, however, states that it is "free in the sense that you could be earning commissions and bonuses in excess of the cost of your monthly purchase of" the product. Does that sound like free to you?
2. Chain Letters/Emails ("Make Money Fast")
If you've been on the Internet for any length of time, you've probably received or at least seen these chain emails. They promise that all you have to do is send the email along plus some money by mail to the top names on the list, then add your name to the bottom... and one day you'll be a millionaire.
Actually, the only thing you might be one day is prosecuted for fraud. This is a classic pyramid scheme, and most times the names in the chain emails are manipulated to make sure only the people at the top of the list (the true scammers) make any money.
This scam should be called "Lose Money Fast" -- and it's illegal.
1. Envelope Stuffing
This is THE classic work-at-home scam. It's been around since the U.S. Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, and it's moved onto the Internet like a cockroach you just can't eliminate.
There are several variations, but here's a sample: Much like #5 and #4 above, you are promised to be paid $1-2 for every envelope you stuff. All you have to do is send money and you're guaranteed "up to 1,000 envelopes a week that you can stuff... with postage and address already affixed!"
When you send your money, you get a short manual with flyer templates you're supposed to put up around town, advertising yet another harebrained work-from-home scheme.
And the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelopes? Well, when people see those flyers, all they have to do is send you $2.00 in a pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope. Then you stuff that envelope with another flyer and send it to them.
The above top 10 list was from http://www.scambusters.org/work-at-home.html
If you are a mom wanting to work from home please continue, it can happen. Don't put yourself in more debt trying to find the gold-filled pot at the ed of the rainbow. Keep an eye on this blog and do lots of research.
Diaper Rash from Antibiotics
Okay okay. I know technically this is supposed to be a "stay at home and work" blog but I am writing to seek advice from other stay at home moms. My son is on a round of antibiotics for 10 days (today is day 4). His rear end and delicates are so red that he won't sit down and is fearful of having his diaper changed. I know this is common from antibiotics and I have the prescription nystasin cream for diaper changes. Does anyone have any home remedies that can help me out?
The Quest to Work From Home
Hi! Like so many of you who are reading this post, I have been in search of the American Dream..... "Working from the comfort of your own couch in your pajamas and become rich making thousands of dollars a day".
Well not exactly. Let me clarify, I do want to work in the comfort of my home, but I am not looking to become a millionaire doing it. If you are looking for that job that claims you can make $1000 a day this isn't the blog for you. Keep researching and then send me an email when you have found it. I have student loans, and bills and I just want to bring home a little extra income at the end of the month. For me, for my son and for my husband.
A little background information on me. I am married, 30 years old, and have one son. I have my bachelors degree and have worked in the consulting field for over 5 years. My son was born in late 2008, during our country's economic hardship. After taking 6 months off from work, my work continued to "let" me stay at home with my child. I recently returned at the end of 2009 (part-time) and the amount of money I make vs. the times my child has to be kept home from daycare doesn't add up. I am losing money considering part-time employees aren't given the luxury of vacation and/or sick days. Daycare facilities are a haven for germs and bacteria all waiting to infect each and every child over and over again. It really is the true domino effect. Here I am back home with my son but have bills adding up in the background. My husband works and has a great job but we bought our home, our cars, and everything else on the basis of two incomes.
I spent almost the entire year of 2009 searching for that work at home reality and have tried out so many companies. I decided to blog about them and help other moms wanting to stay at home not waste anymore of your time. In addition, please email me if you want me to know of a website that has worked for you. We should all be sharing this information and not concealing it.
My blog title tells it all, is there really work at home out there? Don't worry, I am going to find out! Wish me luck and check back often!
Well not exactly. Let me clarify, I do want to work in the comfort of my home, but I am not looking to become a millionaire doing it. If you are looking for that job that claims you can make $1000 a day this isn't the blog for you. Keep researching and then send me an email when you have found it. I have student loans, and bills and I just want to bring home a little extra income at the end of the month. For me, for my son and for my husband.
A little background information on me. I am married, 30 years old, and have one son. I have my bachelors degree and have worked in the consulting field for over 5 years. My son was born in late 2008, during our country's economic hardship. After taking 6 months off from work, my work continued to "let" me stay at home with my child. I recently returned at the end of 2009 (part-time) and the amount of money I make vs. the times my child has to be kept home from daycare doesn't add up. I am losing money considering part-time employees aren't given the luxury of vacation and/or sick days. Daycare facilities are a haven for germs and bacteria all waiting to infect each and every child over and over again. It really is the true domino effect. Here I am back home with my son but have bills adding up in the background. My husband works and has a great job but we bought our home, our cars, and everything else on the basis of two incomes.
I spent almost the entire year of 2009 searching for that work at home reality and have tried out so many companies. I decided to blog about them and help other moms wanting to stay at home not waste anymore of your time. In addition, please email me if you want me to know of a website that has worked for you. We should all be sharing this information and not concealing it.
My blog title tells it all, is there really work at home out there? Don't worry, I am going to find out! Wish me luck and check back often!
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