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1. Research the company and always check them out with the Better Business Bureau. 
   Review the BBB's Work-at-Home Schemes information.
2. Ask for at least three references of people they have worked with. Call each person and ask about their experiences with the company.
3. Don't be fooled by ads claiming you can make large amounts of money in short periods of time. And be cautious of companies that require you to sign up immediately. Usually if it sounds too good to be true; it probably is.
4. Before you invest in a business opportunity, get specific information (in writing) from the company such as how long they have been in business, where they are located (not just a P.O. Box), how many customers they have, what their refund policy is (read it thoroughly), how long it takes to get paid and if there are any restrictions on payments, etc.
5. Try to use your credit card instead of cash if you invest in a business opportunity. That way if you do want a refund, it may be easier to dispute the charges with your credit card company rather than trying to get your money back from the fraudulent company.
6. Be cautious of any employment opportunity that asks for money (such as money for "job" instructions, to test your printer, to see if you are qualified or for an application).
7. Research current scams on web sites such as ScamBusters.
8. Contact the National Fraud Information Center or (800) 876-7060 for information.
9. Report any scams or fraudulent companies to the Federal Trade Commission. Send email to the FTC with business opportunity or work-at-home spam email you receive at: uce@ftc.gov.  Also contact your state's Attorney General and the National Fraud Information Center, PO Box 65868, Washington, DC 20035 or (800) 876-7060.
10. Don't invest in any opportunity that you are not sure about. Instead, find something that you are interested in and will enjoy doing. (Do what you love, and the money will follow.)

Our Advertising Policy states:

Ads that are considered objectionable, contain sexual material or appear fraudulent will not be accepted, and such is at the sole discretion of Publisher.  

Advertisements that have been accepted and are later found to be objectionable, fraudulent or misleading will be removed from all HBWM media. Advertiser will not receive a refund on advertisements that are misleading or fraudulent. Fraudulent ads include, but are not limited to, advertisements that offer a product or service which is not delivered, advertisements which claims cannot be substantiated or are exaggerated; advertisements which mislead people into buying something other than the advertised product or service. 

Advertisement from companies with unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau are also subject to be removed from all HBWM media without refund.

We hope this policy will prevent a dishonest company from wanting to place an ad with HBWM.com, Inc.

Parting with Your Money
by Tammy Harrison

One of the "10 Tips for Avoiding Scams" from HBWM.com is "Be cautious of any company that asks for money to make money (such as money for registration, materials or instructions."  Although this is very important information, especially considering all of the companies that will take your money and run, it is also important that you understand the concept involved.

2)    Investigate the recipient of your funds fully.  If no red flags are raised in your quest, tell the recipient that you would like to submit payment via check (so you have the option to stop payment) or money order and UPS, signature required for delivery.  By doing this, you must mail to a physical address and not to a post office box.  Once you have the physical mailing address, you will be able to continue your information search by using that address.  Even if you do not want to pay by money order, I still recommend you ask for a physical address.

3)    Most business opportunities will send you a kit in exchange for your money.  What is included in the kit?  Is it worth your money?

4)    Get references who are part of the organization.  Call them (do not write to them) and ask them their thoughts on the business opportunity, the promises that the company makes; and do not be afraid to ask the tough questions about how much they are making, how easy it is to earn an income or how the resolution processes within the company work.

5)    If the amount you are asked to pay is over $50, pay by credit card.  All credit card companies insure amounts over $50 and if you have a complaint, call or write to your credit card company to handle the problem.  Under most circumstances, you will be reimbursed the full amount and your credit card company will handle the dispute with the company.

6)    Stay away from vague promises.  There is one company who offers to send you data entry work from home.  That is ALL they say!  Unbelievably, a LOT of people respond to their ads, because they are hitting on the emotions of moms who desperately want to stay home and work.  Their fee is a mere $15 to *register*, so it is not a lot of money, even to moms who are just scraping by.  You'll NEVER see your money - or any work!  In this instance, information is power, so get all of the information you can before spending your hard-earned money.

7)    Do not spend your last dollar on work-at-home opportunities.  A better bet is for you to work at your job, take the time to do your research, and make sure you know what you want; and that you have the drive and determination to make your home-business successful.

8)    If the kit is a lot of money, partner with someone to offset the costs.  Most companies allow this, and it also gives you the support of each other in case something bad happens.

9)    Make sure that the kit cost is a one-time thing.  Some companies charge very little for their kit, but they then require you to purchase their additional marketing materials from them, increasing your out-of-pocket expenses to the point that your profit is significantly diminished. 

10)    Say NO to start off with.  Use your research skills and your intuition to think the whole thing over before jumping in feet first.  Make SURE you want to proceed....and make sure that any monies you spend are monies that you can do without.

Tammy Harrison is a wife and mother of four children.  She is the Independent Creative Representative for HBWM.com, Inc. and can be reached at tammyh@jdharrison.com.  

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