Most work at home "opportunities" look like legitimate ways to make extra cash. They often advertise ads in local newspapers , magazines , or through E-MAIL. These ads typically say something like "EARN &2,500 A MONTH GUARANTEED WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOME" send $20-$40 for details.

While many work at home scams exist , I would like to tell you about one of the common work at home scams , known as 'ASSEMBLY WORK AT HOME"

The ads are tempting and often misleading ; they may look something like this,  "Make $100's weekly with an Assembly Work At Home Job! Should you trust an ad like this? The answer is simple: NO! Can you find any legitimate work at home assembly jobs ? In most cases, you most likely will not find one that is legitimate, and can back up their claims of how much money you can earn.

You will find that most of these ads are full of lies and are worthless. These ads are directed towards the disabled, the elderly, and most of all, people that would like to work at home,and/ or start their own home based business.

This is what typically will happen should you decide answer to one of these "assembly work at home" information request ads. First, you will be asked to  request "free "information about this opportunity.  Then you will receive some  information that asks you to  pay anywhere from  $20 and $40 dollars for the complete details and materials to get started earning money right away.

Once you pay them their fee, you get back a packet of information about the assembly work at home opportunity, and which companies are waiting to hire you. Here's where this becomes a scam: you will most likely never make a dime from any of these companies. Why? Because after you purchased the supplies and or equipment needed to get started, and have done the work, these companies will not pay you.

In fact, many people have had these companies refuse to pay for their work because it did not [and will not] meet their quality standards. "Unfortunately, no work is ever "up to standard" leaving you with expensive equipment and/or supplies, and no income.

If you are victimized:

If you become a victim of an "assembly, or other "work at home scheme, ask the company for a refund. If they refuse, or give you an evasive response, tell them you plan to notify LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS. Keep careful records of everything you do to recover your money. Document your phone calls, keep copies of all paperwork such as letters and receipts, and record all costs involved, including the time you spend.

Your LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU at:  Your local BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Your LOCAL or STATE Consumer Affairs Agency

The U. S POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE at: The U. S POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE

Your STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE at: Your STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE or the office in the STATE where the company is.

The advertising manager of the publication that ran the ad you answered.

To learn more about Work-at-Home Schemes, contact the following:

Your local BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

DIRECT MARKETING ASSOCIATION

FEDERAL TRADES COMMISSION

NATIONAL FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER 1-800-876-7060