As Tucson’s unemployment rate hovers around 8.5 percent, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers of three Tucson-based work-from-home companies that are soliciting consumers with questionable offers for employment.

BBB received a complaint against one company, Sweet Success Publications, in which a Maryland consumer, Mary Norris, said that she sent the company $30 for a list of residences she would be paid to mail letters too, but never received a product list, and was not able to get a refund.

“They sent a letter griping at me for contacting the BBB, and told me they had a no-refund policy,” Norris said. “I don’t see how a company can tell you they have a no-refund policy if you never even receive a product to return.”

Sweet Success Publications lists a Tucson P.O. Box numbered 35083, but BBB is not aware of a phone number or a physical address for the company.

Another company, Radall Co. located at 6336 N. Oracle Rd, claims consumers can earn up to $500 per-week in their “spare time” by painting toys at home, and a third company, Home Employment Agency, claims consumers can be paid for selecting products off a list and posting them on eBay.

“A lot of people are desperate for work and this creates a great opportunity for scammers,” said Kim States, BBB President. “It’s important for consumers to thoroughly research any potential work-at-home job opportunity, especially before sending money or handing over personal information.”

BBB recommends looking out for the following red flags when searching for a job:

Red Flag: The employer offers the opportunity to become rich without leaving home
While many legitimate businesses allow employees to work from home, there are also a lot of scammers trying to take advantage of senior citizens, stay-at-home moms, students and others looking to make money conveniently from home. Job hunters should use extreme caution when considering a work-at-home offer and always research the company with their BBB first www.tucson.bbb.org.

Red Flag: The employer asks for money upfront
It is rarely advisable for an applicant to pay upfront fees or make a required purchase to get a job. BBB often hears from job hunters who paid a phony employer for background checks, training for jobs that don’t exist, or for “kits” that are required to perform the work. Always research the job thoroughly (more…)