General Job Scams

There are various ways you can be "scammed" when you are looking for a job:

1. "Bait and Switch" - As in reading an ad for a product, going to the store to buy the product, and all they have are more expensive versions, you many be offered a job, and from all you hear from your contact, it's has great pay, great hours, etc., and once you actually accept the job, you find you must start at a lower level and "work your way up" to the job as it was described.
2. You are offered a job that requires you to supply all your own  uniforms/equipment, but you can only purchase them through the company, and the prices are grossly inflated. (In other words, the company OBVIOUSLY makes money on your purchases.)
3. You are offered a job in "direct advertising" or "direct marketing" but told little more about it. If you interview with them, it's usually in a restaurant or cafe, not their office. Their website may or may not contain a street address. The description is of a manager or supervisor. What you're NOT told is that "direct advertising" or "direct marketing" is either going door-to-door giving out coupons or selling items, walking a neighborhood putting handbills in doors, walking parking lots putting coupons or handbills on vehicles, telemarketing, or other such work. You are also not told that you must "work your way up" to management/supervisory level. (#1 - "Bait and Switch")
4. You are offered a job overseas, but must pay the finding company for their services, and, most likely, your own travel, for which you may also have to make your own arrangements.
5. You see an ad for a job. The phone number is 1-900-xxx-xxxx. This IS a scam. 1-900 numbers are pay-per-call services, and the receiver of the call gets money (charged to your phone bill) for every minute he/she can keep you on the line. There have even been cases of 1-800 and 1-888 numbers being switched to a 1-900 number without the caller's know it. AND, you can also be charged for certain services, even using some 1-800 and 1-888 numbers. See the About.com link, below for more.

You are told you could be making BUNCHES of money by joining an MLM unlike any you've heard of on the 'net, but told little else. They are having a meeting, and you are invited, where they will tell you all about it. When you get there, it isn't until about half-way though the two-three hour meeting that the company name is mentioned. Many times it will be Quixtar or Amway. THIS ONE IS NOT A SCAM

Amway, Quixtar, and Access Business Group are all part of Alticor Family of Companies. Some of you will recognize the last names of the Chairman and President. Steve Van Andel is the son of the late Jay Van Andel, and Doug DeVos is the son of Rich DeVos, the original founders of Amway.