Envelope stuffing schemes

[Courtesy Flush]

They're alive and well...

http://www.homeworkmadeez.com/?gclid=CNOFz8zinIsCFR3VgAodMmvFOw

This link was on one of those Google ads. I couldn't resist. I think it's amazing that anyone would believe they can make big money doing work that barely warrants minimum wage.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here. These scams target a gullible, unsophisticated audience. It's just so hard to believe people fall for it. Any company that really needs envelopes stuffed would hire people to do it for a pittance.

The new version is the secret shopper scam. I was a real secret shopper once, very briefly. There was never any hint that I would profit from it. All I was promised was reimbursement for my meal at Ruby Tuesday (which I did receive). Had they stiffed me, I would have paid for, and received, a good meal. I was never asked for fees. Now they make it sound like you can make a living shopping with other people's money.

[philosophie_en_rose]

1. Secret shoppers shouldn't have to pay for anything.

Scammers simply distribute information that is public to anyone. I've been a secret shopper. It reimburses a small amount and has a small stipend, but it's nothing anyone could really live on.

[JoDog]

2. I just signed up for my first shop

with a company that a friend recommended. I will be paid $35 to get my oil changed and report on it. If I pay less than that for the service out of pocket (which I doubt will happen) the extra is my profit. The $35 is more of a reimbrusment, and I look at it as such.

The only reason I went with this company was because of the recommendation, and because they didn't ask me to pay them anything. That is the first sign of a scam. And I have a long commute and change my oil frequently, and there is a chance this could become a regular thing if they like my report.