Beware of scammers trading on Google’s name

The Better Business Bureau says it has received more than 1,500 complaints about dozens of Web sites that are trading on Google’s name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home.

Because the sites use the Google name and often prominently display its logo, consumers may assume they are getting a job with Google. But instead, BBB says, they are getting taken in by a work-at-home scheme.

Victimized consumers say they signed up online to receive a free trial of a CD or access to information that would show them how to make money from home using Google, BBB says. Consumers had to provide a credit card or debit card number to cover shipping — which is typically only a few dollars.

But consumers told BBB they were billed before their trial ended — or never even received the CD — and continued to be billed after they had canceled their order.

Consumers also found mystery charges from several other businesses for services they didn’t realize they were signing up for with their “free” trial.  One Georgia consumer’s bank account was debited $433 by various entities, BBB says.

Before signing up for any work-at-home opportunity, BBB advises job hunters to:

• Beware of any offer that guarantees a lot of money for little effort and no experience.
• Thoroughly read the Web site’s terms and conditions, keeping in mind that a free trial could cost you in the end.
• Be wary of work-at-home offers that use logos from Google, Twitter or other prominent online businesses.
• Research the Web site to determine ownership of the domain name. If the site is anonymous or individually registered, beware.

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