MADISON (WKOW) - Sometimes the smallest ads can grab attention. For 62-year-old Steven Whiting it was the promise of serious money for easy work: Stuffing envelopes at home. The ad says he can make $5000 a month, $3 to $7 an envelope!
Steve called the number on the ad to learn more.
"Are you ready to process envelopes for more money than you can imagine?," said the recording.
The recording then asked for his name and address. A few days later he got a letter in the mail.
"They said after you fill out the application to send in a certain amount of money," said Steve Whiting.
They wanted $45.
"A red flag should go up immediately," said Sandy Chalmers with the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection.
And it did. Steve called 27 News for advice. It took us only a few seconds to look up the company on the Better Business Bureau website and find out its rating. An "F".
"What do you think about this now?," asked Reporter Sabrina Hall.
"I don't think it's a good idea," said Whiting.
And whether its stuffing envelopes, doing medical billing or creating homemade crafts. Experts say that all these so called "work at home" opportunities are likely too good to be true.
"We get a lot of people who call to ask is this legitimate and most of the time its 'no'," said Chalmers. "Do not send your money up front because you are not going to get anything in return."
So while Steve may not be getting rich 'quick' anytime soon, he's at least keeping his 45 bucks and outsmarting empty promises.
"You have just made a phone call that will change your life forever," said the recording.
And before you get lured into a work from home scheme, the Department of Consumer Protection has some tips for you:
1. Watch out for vague ads with no company name - just a phone number and promises that seem too good to be true.
2. Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau
3. Get all promises in writing.
4. Don't give out your personal information like your social security number.
5. Don't send cash through the mail.
If you have a suspicious business you'd like us to look into or any other consumer complaint, give our Call for Action hotline a call at 661-2727.
