Tired of WAHMs Getting Scammed!
August 26, 2008 – 11:45 amI have gotten a lot of emails lately about people falling for or asking how to be a part of these so called work at home jobs. I thought I would write about how a couple of these worked and that you should just avoid them all together.
Envelope stuffing
Here is the scenario: You see an ad. “Make $3 for each envelope you stuff, an easy $500/wk. Send just $29.95.” You send your $29.95 to the address. What you receive are flyers with the information on how you too can place an ad in the paper promoting this wonderful work at home job to others and send the same flyer and receive $3 for each envelope you stuff promoting their $29.95 product. Technically, yes, you are stuffing envelopes, just not what you thought, was it?
Data Entry
Now let me say, this is a legit job title, but scammers have turned this into something bad on the internet. Now if I see data entry I automatically assume it is not a legitimate job offer. Here is why. Most of the time if you see data entry it is a job to post ads online on different websites such as craigslist, forums, advertising sites, etc. Most of the time you do not get paid to post these on the sites, you get paid if someone purchases or clicks on the link from your ad that you posted. So you could post 1000 times and only have 1 click or no sale at all. It just isn’t worth the time to do this.
Check Cashing/Wire Transfer
I have gotten several emails the last few days saying that they have agreed to receive checks from people outside of the country and every time the person outside the country has a “problem” with the check and has given them too much money. They ask that you send them the overpayment back to them. This is a SCAM!! Even after checking with the bank, yes the check is real, but it will not clear, they want to pressure you enough and get you to send the overage before you have time to figure that out.
Please do not accept checks or packages from other countries, you are not protected by our laws if you get scammed, that is why they target you.
- Remember, if someone is offering you a “job” do not pay them. But, if they are offering you a “business opportunity” then you will most likely be required to pay a start up fee, this is normal, but it doesn’t mean it’s a good company. You must do research on them! You cannot rely on WAHM.com to tell you if the company is definitely legitimate, you must do a search of other people’s experiences on the forum and internet so that you can see if they are legitimate.
- Please be aware that all the links to work at home jobs are not posted by us. We have google, indeed and ifreelance jobs up on the site to give you a wide variety of choices. But, as always, you need to research anything that may interest you. These jobs are not researched so please research them yourself before you sign up with them. These are controlled by keyword so if you see any that look like a scam, please alert me by sending me the link of the site in question to jeanine@wahm.com. Remember, if they are saying it’s a job, then you shouldn’t have to pay ANY money. If it’s a business opportunity then ask what you will have to do everyday to earn money.
It just breaks my heart to hear that someone else has fallen for another work at home scam. I feel so bad for them. I try my best to warn and help people, but there are so many vultures out there just trying to make a buck. They don’t realize that most of these moms (and dads) can barely get by and to scrape up a few dollars to pay their fee to be a part of their scam is such a big deal. Then to get their hopes up and only to see them come crashing down, it is just heart breaking.
Just remember to think with your heads, research a company several times before deciding to go with them. Even if you do not have to pay the company to work for them, you will still want to research them because there are companies out there who will hire work at home employees and mistreat them by not paying them a salary as promised or at all. Just do your homework and be careful!
Jeanine Haenel, WAHM.com
10 Responses to “Tired of WAHMs Getting Scammed!”
Thank You for the info, I was thinking about a certain over seas venture, but, have changed my mind. You did answer my questions.
By Ann Hasty on Sep 1, 2008
I’ve recently started a job search and I have gotten two offers via Careerbuilder of people wanting me to cash checks or take money orders for payment.
There is rarely a company name. The emails are often poorly written with poor grammar and spelling. They always promise an income of at LEAST $1,500 to $2,500 per month for only working 2 - 3 hours a day.
If you have a resume on Monster, Careerbuilder or any other service, be wary if you get one of these emails.
Oh, and these vultures are well aware that people are barely making it financially but they’re con artists and sociopaths and don’t care. Even worse, they actually get a thrill from taking people’s money. Steer well clear.
By jjackson on Sep 9, 2008
Like she said, do a lot of research before you sign up. You should even look up reviews on the net about the company so you can hear it from actual people that has had dealings with some of these companies. That’s what I’m doing. I know it will take a while for me to find something, because I’ve fallen (sadly) a couple of times for these evil people and their scams. I’ve been out of hundreds at one time. So please please do your research! You could even got to the BBB to check them out. I know how desperate one can get. Especially when you want to be a stay at home mom, but want to still contribute financially. Take your time, in the long run it is worth it. Just remember, “for whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” Gal 6:7. They will get what they put out. Hope you all well!
By RKJ on Sep 24, 2008
I just wanted to be able to work from home an make an extra buck but when I realized that they are all asking for money I decided no one is getting my money just like that. I had an experience one time where I told one of them that I dont have a credit card so I will wire the money It took forever for them to send a name of a person that would be receiving the money and in the email they told me after sending the money do not respond. After that I’ve changed my mind from thoses crap.
By vcharles on Sep 29, 2008
Has anyone heard of a paid-to-read-e-mail site called $300 Dollars Daily? They promise to pay $10 for each e-mail read.
Is this a scam?
It costs $10. to join
By tichigan on Oct 1, 2008
Hi, i guess i feel i have to share my experince with you guys. You are right, and was trying all of those scams until i found my “niche”, and i just wanted to let you know about it.
First they have online training, the best i have seen in a long time, long but complete. They have live chat support, not those robots thingys, and they help me not only on training, but afterwards to close sells and all. It’s also the most fun i had working in ages, chatting for money, lol, so try if you want, i know some ladies from this site have already, and let me know if you liked it as much as i did. saleschatcash.com is the place for you, have fun!!!
By Erica on Oct 4, 2008
I totally agree with this article. The many scams over the years have given work-at-home opportunities a bad name. A lot of people don’t even give legitimate companies the benefit of the doubt before demonizing them.
Luckily, there are quite a few good and honest companies that do offer legitimate opportunites for business seekers.
I encourage everyone to really do their homework. Talk with the person in the company who you will be working with. Make sure they have the tools to assist you in being successful. Choose a company and team that will work with you to help ensure your success.
By Chuck on Jan 16, 2009
Jeanine, thank you for the advice. There are so many scams out there, this is good information for anyone who wants to work from home.
When I first thought of starting a home business, I was terrified of getting scammed. It’s so hard to know what’s legit when you’re brand new!
One of the first online networking groups I found was VAnetworking.com. The virtual assistants there were extremely helpful and helped me steer clear of all the scams.
By Denise Willms on Jan 16, 2009
For those of you who want to know about paid to read emails. I have tried I think every scam known to man and have not had any luck. The pay to read emails gave me points for reading them but I was not credited correctly and was exposed to them by trying the paid to read survey sites. So I would avoid them, I never got my points or money.
By Lisa on Feb 27, 2009