Naughty Business of the Week: Carvertizing International
Steer clear of the mobile advertising company Carvertising International, warns the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland.
People from as far away as Canada have been scammed by the scheme that promised to earn $50 to $500 a month in exchange for posting a business logo on their car.
The problem arises after consumers pay a $109 "membership fee" for the materials, according to the BBB. Consumers complained that they didn't have enough information to start receiving payments.
It doesn't help that the company's voice mail box is full, its Web site has been taken down and its phone number disconnected, according to the BBB.
The physical address for the business in Bel Air turned out to be a Mailboxes, Etc. store where the business has rented a box, a BBB investigation uncovered.
Here's the BBB's tips to avoid scams like this one:
- Ask questions before joining or sending payment.In addition to filing a complaint with the BBB, consumers can also contact the Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on its Web site or by calling 877-876-2455.
- Confirm if business opportunity is legitimate with the Securities Division of the Office of the Maryland Attorney General.
- If an employer is offering a work at home opportunity, note that it is illegal to require upfront money in Maryland.
- Read the entire Web site, including the fine print.
- Know the refund policy.
- Get details about what the position entails before sending off your start up fee if opportunity is outside of Maryland.
- Ask for references.
