Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting consumers to Pacific Publications, an online company that purports to sell a “genuine” employment opportunity, in which consumers can make money from home by stuffing and mailing envelopes.

Using two Web sites, www.pacificpubs.com and www.funsimplework.com, Pacific Publications claims that for $42-$50 consumers will be paid $5 for each envelope they stuff and mail, when they enroll in the company’s “Free Mailer’s Program.”

However, consumers, including two in Arizona, who purchased the program say they either never received anything from the company, or they only received a booklet outlining other work-from-home opportunities.

BBB in Western Washington, where the company is based, reports that in the past year Pacific Publications has received 21 complaints originating in 12 states, and has racked up over 9,000 consumer inquiries.

BBB Tips:

• When considering any online purchase always read the terms and conditions, and make sure you’re clear on what the company’s refund policy is.
• Beware of upfront fees. Legitimate employment opportunities will never require that you pay a fee before being hired.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you come across an offer that promises easy money for not a lot of time or effort, there’s a very good chance it is not a legitimate offer.
• Be extremely wary of any company that asks you pay via money order for their services. These types of transactions are extremely hard to trace, and tend to be the favorites of fraudsters and scammers around the world.
• Before doing business with any online company research the company with BBB by calling (520)888-5353 or visiting www.tucson.bbb.org.