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Jan 09, 2009 -- Facebook a new breeding ground for get-rich-quick schemes
RIP-OFF ALERT: Have you noticed that Clark is hitting numerous rip-off alert sounders these days? The last time we had so many back-to-back warnings was during the recession of the early '90s. Back then, the Internet was only used by researchers and some government types. But today it's a prime form of communication. Little wonder then that many scams have morphed and gone online.
Facebook, the hugely popular social network for people in their 20s and 30s, has proven to be a breeding ground for get-rich-quick schemes, according to The Washington Post. Clark wants to emphasize that this is through no fault of Facebook's; rather it's a testimony to the portal's immense popularity that criminals are coming to them to tap into their audience.
Know that any promises for magic amounts of money for little work are suspect. Remember that the next time you see an online come-on to make $30,000 per transaction doing some work-at-home business.
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
Hello, my name is Chad Warren and I have been scammed like almost all the people that have tried to make money from home online. Its very similar to gambling. Almost all lose but some win big so it keeps people trying.
To be fair, there are successes too and we should encourage positive online business just as we should raise the alarm. Perhaps its a similar strategy to the Swine Flu scare- a moderate informed approach.
Here's a story in Entrepreneur magazine about a young man that was determined to pay for college with an online business and did just that. http://tinyurl.com/d9f9gt
In an effort to expand on the list of scams to avoid, that Clark Howard mentioned, you can preview my ebook- Stop Being a Victim, for free here: http://tinyurl.com/c8ceol
Not only can you learn their tricks but sell this book for $5 to wannabe online marketers that desperately need it before they lose more money. As well, you'll see that there is a way to do honest business online and that doing so proactively defeats scammers- one informed person at a time.
It is worthwhile ofcourse to warn people not to even try to do business online because of the failure rate. However, one can and should learn self-defense so that scammers will have some informed resistance too.
If you read this book you'll learn things like- The internet doesn't change the basics. Because the internet does offer amazing things like, an instant answer to your questions; the idea that you can make money doing little might be possible too? NO. You're gonna have to work hard just like any business. As well, we wouldn't suggest that no one should do business offline with any business just because some or even many make people feel scammed. I know I've had many bad experiences with car mechanics, for example.
Here's to less scams and more success. We're going to have to embrace the fact that more of our time, money and businesses will be online. Let's make it a place we want it to be just like the settlers of The Wild West.
Qwest Phone Bill "extra charges"
Hello Clark: I listen to Clark on KPAM Portland OR. I feel it is my civic duty as a consumer to say that on our Qwest phone bill here in Portland OR has been over charged for several month with a fishing scam that originated on the internet. My wife evidently visited a music site ez-track.com and clicked on a "get $1,000 in coupons" or something of the sort (button). A form popped up for her to get the coupons was a long contract that most people do not bother to read because you have to scroll down the 6-7 pages of terms and conditions. Click on "I agree or consent". But what she did not have time to read in the mouse type was. (I agree to activate a 1800 number of which family and friends could call to leave a message). And the company has a right to charge $13.99/ month added to the phone bill. We don't always read the phone bill, just pay it. And I reviewed it and was surprised to see this on page four. Called Qwest and they were allowed to credit back 3 of the 6 months charges. However the customer service said that the law allows companies to charge your phone bill if they say that you've activated a service. I just think that folks should be aware that long contacts and an "I agree" with the terms and conditions on the internet is really an unfair practice for those seeking to receive coupons.
Work at Home Scam
Dear Clark, Please warn all your listeners not to talk or correspond with a company called Bank Empire. The scam is getting one to go out and get local merchants to place their ATM machines in their locations. They may have other scams, I am not sure. Oh, no charges accept $19.95 per month for a mentor. The girl was very personable but then said she had to pass me over to the person who would verify my commitment. When the man came on the line my heart sunk - he was right out of the "hood", He wanted to know my net worth! He then said if I would provide $9500 they will do all my advertising. Right! He then lowered the amount to $3600 and I let him know I will do my own advertising and he got so angry and hung up. This company, Bank Empire, is located in the Phoenix, AZ area. Now I stupidly gave them a credit card number for the $19.95 for the "super deluxe mentor" . Within a day there was a fraud charge on that same credit card from an organization that sets-up accounts for prisoners to make calls direct from the jail. The "prison" just happens to be in Phoenix. The organization that tries to help the inmates is legitimate organization, they saw something was wrong and red flagged all the credit cards that were being used repeatedly.
I immediately closed the card and have a fraud alert on the card, and have contacted the Maricopo Durango Sheriff's office (602) 876-0322). They are working on the situation as we speak. if any of your listeners has been taken in by this group I would call the Sheriff's office, but check their credit statements very carefully.
I am heart sick with the possibility that other charges are going show up or that some how they may have obtain my SS#.
I didn't go into this with the idea of get rich quick, but due to a disability I can not go out to a normal job and wanted to find work so I could contribute to the family income. I have just decided to accept my place in life and never want to hear from a work at home offer, and I don't care if they are honest or not, I have been burnt and that is it...
If you would like further information I can be contacted at mhuston@ne.rr.com Marilyn
