Work-at-Home Scams
Information about Work-at-Home Scams.
How It Works
You see an ad saying you can earn big money at home. Or one that offers help starting an online business – with a proven system to make money online. Or maybe your resume is on a job search website and someone calls: they want your driver’s license and bank account numbers before they interview you.
What happens next? If you answer the ad to work from home, they’ll ask you for money – for training or special access. But there will be no job. If you buy that proven system, you’ll get pressure to pay more for extra services. But you won’t get anything that really helps you start a business or make money. And if you give that caller your driver’s license and bank account numbers, they might steal your identity or your money.
How to Prevent It
- Check it out. Never pay money to earn money. And don’t share personal information until you’ve done your research.
- Search online for the company name and the words “review,” “scam” or “complaint.”
If you lost money you should act immediately:
- If you sent cash, report it immediately to the postal service or whatever company you used. If you act quickly you may be able to stop delivery by giving the tracking number to the delivery company.
- If you gave personal information to the scammer you may be subject to identity theft. Learn what to do.
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission: Report Now