Beware of work-at-home schemes

St. Petersburg, Florida- The rising unemployment rate has many people looking for any way to make a buck, making some Work-at-Home ads very tempting but fraud experts say beware.

"Complaints are very common. These work-at-home scams have been around for 50 years and I don't' think they'll go away anytime soon," says Kevin Jackson with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office in Hillsborough.

"I want my money," says Carol Nilsen. She's been looking for work since being laid off in January. Last month, she stumbled on what looked like a money making opportunity in a local magazine. "It says work-at-home government jobs, data entry, clerical benefits,$12 to $48 an hour," says Nilsen.

She adds, "I thought I'll give it a shot, [it] sounds pretty good to me."

On October 6th, Carol called the number 1-888-293-7370 and ordered a startup kit for $79 using her credit card.  "They told me you could cancel at anytime, not a problem," says Nilsen. But she quickly realized getting her money back would be a problem.

Even before receiving the packet, Nilsen says on October 14^th she called Brook Standard Data Group in California to cancel and says she was told to return the packet unopened. Nilsen says the next day the packet arrived and she gave it back to the mailman to return. Nilsen expected a refund by the end of the month but she's still waiting.

"I have called and called and called and you can't get through," says Nilsen. "You can't get through to anyone, there's no address and no website for Brook Standard Data Group."

Nilsen says every time she calls a recording answers and the most she can do is leave a message.

A national search through the Better Business Bureau does not show any listing for the company.

Kevin Jackson with the state's Consumer Services division in Hillsborough says consumers should be leery of work-at-home businesses. "These work-at-home companies, most are going to be scams. You don't want to pay money up front to seek some sort of employment," says Jackson.

Consumer advocates say before you even check out an individual business, you first want to get educated on the work-at-home industry. Federal, state, and consumer protection web sites detail the red flags you need to look for.

Fraud experts say warning signs include companies that promise huge profits for minimal work or tell you no experience is necessary. Also be aware of personal testimonials that are never identified and companies that require you spend money up front for starter kits, merchandise, or training.

Jackson says there are a few good work-at-home business around. "Most of the viable work-at-home businesses are usually multi-level companies that have been around a long time where you sell a product or make a commission."

Nilsen says the $79 may not seem like much but, when you are unemployed, it adds up. "$79 for me means being without air conditioning, my electric bill, and cable TV bill."

The 65-year-old unemployed homeowner is still looking for a job but work-at-home isn't on the list of options, "unless you can afford to throw $80 away, I wouldn't do it. Really, I wouldn't. I won't do it again."

Consumer advocates say if you become a victim you should keep careful records of the steps you take to recover your money and lodge a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, local or state consumer affairs agency, and state attorney's office.

For more information on work-at-home schemes click here.