The company listing work-at-home scam takes advantage of job seekers who want to get an edge in their industry. Scammers try to sell compiled lists of companies that offer legitimate work-at-home jobs to those seeking employment.
Instructions
1. Come across an advertisement in the job section of an Internet Web site or a newspaper. The advertisement may also be in the form of a flyer in a public space.
2. Read over the advertisement. The advertisement will offer the opportunity to work at home in a profitable industry. Take down the contact information on the advertisement.
3. Contact the scammer. The scammer will tell you that you need to pay for a list of legitimate work-at-home companies. In some instances, the scammer will tell you that there are different lists for each type of industry or job description.
4. Resist the urge to pay for the list in your chosen industry. It's not uncommon for the list to cost up to $100 or more. Scammers often insist that you send them cash or a money order as payment.
5. Realize that if you buy the list it will be poorly organized and formatted. A random selection of companies will be featured; the list will use large fonts and spacing to make the list seem longer than it really is. Fake publishing company information may also be located on the cover of the list.
6. Attempt to call the companies featured on the list. Note that their contact information is wrong or that the companies do not hire contract workers. Naturally, you won't be able to find the scammers or get a refund of your money.