Online Scammers Set their ‘Sites’ on Moms
How to recognize an online “mom job” as a scam
In today’s world of “legit” online businesses, it’s easy to be taken in by promising offers of telecommuting jobs that can make you millions. It used to be simple to spot these, because they usually targeted two essential groups: the desperate, and the ignorant. Yet in recent months, the conventional “work from home” variety scam has been re-imagined; honing in on the average everyday stay at home mom.
Some might call this approach the last ethical straw, or perhaps the lowest of the low. But for today’s morally corrupt web enterpriser, it’s called pay day.
A recent article from About.com found that moms are increasingly profitable targets for online work-at-home schemes. Often, the worst thing about these schemes is that there’s no way to regain the money, or the countless hours of unpaid effort that was spent on illegitimate or even illegal projects.
Just ask someone like Laura O’Neal, who was recently profiled by ABC News for being a victim of an envelope stuffing scam. O’Neal, who reportedly sent in $37.94 for a “starter kit” and received nothing in return, was actually one of the luckier ones.
Others, like Jill Parker of Chicago, have been taken for much higher—and more painful—amounts. Parker was quoted in an article for the Arizona Star, because she and her husband had been duped out of $25,000 by a rental schemer. The Parkers were one of many families who were actually targeted by scammers, rather than simply falling into a waiting trap. They’d simply posted a “for rent” ad on a craigslist-type site.
Regardless of the victim’s intentions, racial demographic or economic status, thousands of scammers are getting rich off average American moms and dads daily. The most bitter irony of this fact is that most of these scams promise that they’re out to help, and not profit from, those who are struggling to support their families.
Or, at least that’s what the hundreds of “I did it, you can too!” ads in your inbox or on your Facebook page from some guy named “Jeff” seem to promise.
However, as Grandma used to say, “The proof is in the pudding.” This was simply a saucy old lady’s way of saying that if the ingredients don’t add up, then whatever you’re looking at is likely to leave a bad taste in your mouth.
This is a lesson many have learned the hard way, when it comes to online scams. Considering the state of the economy and how many people are currently looking for gainful, supplemental employment online, it’s a potentially terrifying trend.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from cyber-wolves in sheep’s clothing?
The best defense, according to anti-scam sites like ProConsumerGuides.org, is to recognize these offers before you get involved.
One site that’s particularly good to remember is the Better Business Bureau site. On anti-fraud sites, you can learn how to avoid fraudulent business promises, or even look up specific company names if you’re unsure.
Other helpful sites in the war against online employment fraud:
https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/
http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/press/today?prid=633536
Dateline story on internet scams
Post by Veronica Anderson
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Veronica Anderson was once Veronica Park, and misses the notorious awesomeness of her former last name. Luckily, that’s the only thing she misses about single life. Her married life is awesome; her husband is awesome, and there is no doubt in her mind that her future children will also be…you guessed it: awesome. When not working on her novel of the week or catching up on ANTM, Vero’s probably avoiding housework by shopping for *necessary* items… like shoes. veronica.anderson@momswhoblog.com |
