Recognise Business-Opportunity Fraud
In the US, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that fraudulent business opportunities consistently rank in the top 10 categories in its database of consumer fraud complaints.
Clues include claims of high pay in weeks or months for little effort ("work only hours a week"), as well as claims about working conditions like the ability to "set your own hours," "be your own boss" or "work from home."
According to the FTC, many business opportunities offered through the classifieds or via spam email have little chance of success -- for example, a business with little or no demand in the market; cheap, low-quality or outdated merchandise; poor customer service; and few, if any, locations.
The FTC says consumers interested in buying a business opportunity must know their rights. "Consumers should know to look for the information," "If it's not there, the opportunity isn't worth pursuing."
Other Preventive Measures
If the opportunity involves selling products from a well-known company, call the company's legal department. Find out whether the promoter is affiliated with it and ask whether the company has ever threatened trademark action against this promoter or others.
Consult a solicitor, accountant or other business advisor before you sign any papers or pay any money. If the promoter requires a deposit, your solicitor can establish an escrow account until you close the deal.
Contact Trading Standards both where the business-opportunity promoter is based and where you live to find out if there's any record of unresolved complaints. Remember that unscrupulous dealers will change names and locations to hide a history of complaints.
How to Report Possible Fraud
If you see a questionable Job Posting or any potential misuse of the Monster site or its brand, please report the suspected fraud to Monster.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, immediately report the committed fraud to your local police and contact Monster, so steps can be taken for your safety.
