Editor's note: Envelope scams are one of the
oldest employment scams around, going back a good 50 years or more.
Envelope stuffing jobs have in fact become synonymous with employment flim-flam.
But unless you've been through the envelope stuffing scam, it can be tempting
to know that this is the career opportunity that you've been waiting
for.
BB Lee lets you in on
the secret to the envelope stuffing scam, how it works, and how to spot
it. Be safe when it comes to job scams and if you see something like
this on Senior Job Search, please let us know. Senior Job Search does
not allow envelop stuffing jobs to be posted here.
How Envelope Stuffing Scams Con
by: BB Lee
Here's a legitimate looking advertisement found
in the classified section of a local newspaper.
"Our Company will pay you up to $5 per
envelope stuffed! Hurry this opportunity will not last long!"
Most work at home envelope stuffing scams look
legitimate. A perfect way to make fast cash!
Now the hard cold facts: It's practically
impossible to make several hundred a week stuffing envelopes a few hours a day.
This is what the promoters of these misleading ads want you; the unwary victim
to believe.
Here's how the scam works: The promoters of the
envelope stuffing scam run an ad in a local paper offering great opportunities
with their company stuffing envelopes. To get further details about this
opportunity they request respondents send in a fee.
They further state the small fee is to separate
the serious applicants from the non-serious factor. And they also assure you
that you will quickly earn back the money.
Once they mail you the information you realize
they were not offering a legitimate work at home job. And you will have to find
your own customers/victims!
The fog clears, you realize you've been
scammed!
You realize for your "fee" you've
received a flimsy brochure and a letter instructing you how to place your own ad
in local newspaper describing this great envelope stuffing job. You realize the
only way you will recoup your fee or make any money is to recruit more victims
for the company!
Avoid Scams-Use Your "Noggin"
Use your head. What company would pay an
individual $1 or more per envelope stuffed? Business
owners would much rather purchase a letter folding and envelope sealing machine
for a few hundred dollars than to pay you thousands per month for the same task!
Beware of these ads promising unrealistic
salaries, amazing profits, without disclosing background information. Like how
you will actually be paid. Weekly, monthly, quarterly. Are you considered an
Independent Contractor or Company Employee. All very important things to
consider.
Be wary of companies that request a fee up
front before they will send you information on the opportunity. Most legitimate
companies will not request a fee up front.
The Real Deal. The only true way to make money
stuffing envelopes is to start your own Direct Mailing Service. Where you are
the BOSS and are operating a legitimate business serving other small/home
business owners. More on that in a future article.
If you've been scammed contact the following
places.
The Federal Trade Commission. www.ftc.gov
Your local Consumer Protection Agency.
Your local Better Business Bureau.
BB
Lee (C)2004
About The Author
BB
Lee is editor/publisher of SmallBizBits News. A Home Based
Business Newsletter packed with info on starting a home biz.
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