This post on ABC2News.com alerts readers to a new scam that is growing in popularity, that sounds nearly identical to the Google scam I've been blogging about.
The newer scam targets Twitter fans. And, just like the Google scam, Twitter (the company) has nothing to do with it. Scam websites, using names like like EasyTweetProfits.com and TwitterProfitHouse.com (sound familiar?), claim you can make $250 - $800 a day working at home. The scammers assert that you can grow your list of Twitter followers and companies will pay you to “market” their products/services to your list.
Just like the Google for Profits work at home scam, these scammers offer to give you a "free" CD-ROM (or access to an eBook) and monthly tips and tools to grow your Twitter work-at-home business. Typically, you pay just $1.95 to cover shipping and handling (even for a download, which they refer to as a "bandwidth usage fee"), which of course, you pay with your credit or debit card. Once you give them your credit card information, they bill you anywhere from $47 - $99.99 per month. For? As suspected, nothing of value. And, I imagine, just like the Google Profits scam, it will be next to impossible to get them to stop charging your credit card. According to the article, consumers report having lost hundreds of dollars, however, I suspect it's much more than that.
Update on Google Profits Scam
I've received several comments indicating that some of you have been or were about to be duped by the Google Profits work at home scam.
Dee writes: "I almost got sucked into that scam and I'm glad I looked at the fine print. I also went to GOOGLE jobs and found nothing on the work at home kit from them. The ad I saw was "FREE" as well, plus $1.95 S/H, a six day trial, and additional $84.75 a month after the six day trial. The link also displays Yahoo, MSNBC, and etc. to make it look legit. So, do the research everyone and if you take that chance, get a pre-paid credit card from the store first. THANKS for the posting."
My thinking is that if these people were so legitimate, why don't they let you pay with a check?
Terry writes: "How can such a reputable company get away with misleading so many innocent people that just want to work? I also clicked on the link and was a bit leery of the offer. I need a job and it sounded fine - especially because the Google name is there. I never went any further and have been called multiple times daily by the company since. I can't believe Google would be this deceitful. Thanks for the heads up."
My response to Terry was: "IT IS NOT GOOGLE THAT IS DOING THIS. THESE SCAMMERS HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP TO GOOGLE WHATSOEVER - They just want you to believe that they do so you'll bite. If you read carefully and read the fine print - they generally admit that."
Carolyn wrote: "My god, I cannot believe I fell for it. I can't even remember how it appeared on my screen. So if I cancel my credit card, will that be the end of it? Thank you for your article."
My response to her was: "If you cancel your credit card, they won't be able to keep charging it. You can try contacting the card company first and see if they will refuse any further charges from the company - that would save you from having to update your card information with whomever you've authorized to charge it legitimately."
The scammers never give up, do they?
Related topics:
Google Work at Home Scam - Can it Get any Funnier?
How to Report Work at Home Scams
Do You Twitter?
Follow Me on Twitter: microbizathome
Twitter Work at Home Scams Seem Identical to Google Scams
From Randy Duermyer, About.com GuideJuly 19, 2009
Explore Home Business
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I agree there are a lot of scams out there and you have to be extremely careful. I thank for letting people know about these new scams that continue to pop up.
Before I started my own online business I also came accross many scams in the Internet. It is always suspicious when they say that you will earn if you pay first. If your payment is not investment, so it is the scam, as for me.
It is a pity that many people “buy” it looking for easy money.
I have come across many scams.. finally have found a legitimate program Profit Lance. You do have to pay a one time fee, but if you are not happy their is an eight week money back guarantee. I have been extremely successful with this program. I was able to quit my job and stay at home with my two little ones! Now I am making more money than my husband. Check it out through my link above.
Twitter is like a breath of fresh air on the Social Media scene. I have been on it for just a few weeks now and I have met several interesting people. It is a platform to network with people you would like to meet in real life.
KZ
There are toms of legitimate ways to make money from home. If people just did 5 minutes of research the wouldn’t fall from these work ay home scams.
Very true, although sometimes it takes considerably more than 5 minutes, especially for newer scams that aren’t already plastered all over the search results or haven’t been reported to the BBB yet.
Randy D.
It remains to be seen how long it will be effective as a marketing tool. I think people are already getting fed up with the over abundance of blatant commercial pitches.
Randy D.
I think the problem is people are getting a bit desparate and are thinking that someone can offer “the answer” for them. An answer where they don’t have to do the work to succeed. That’s just not going to happen.
Randy D.
Jessica:
It’s a big part of why I’m here. I just wish I had unlimited hours to report on all of them – I’d be very busy!
Randy D.
What is the secret to increase Twitter followers (more than 500)?
Time and perseverance, I suppose. Also, some of those you follow will want to check you out and possibly follow you. You can also add a link to follow you within your email signature.
As I’m new to Twitter myself, I’m open to suggestions from others. Thoughts, anyone? I’ll probably “promote” this comment as well to get more ideas.
Randy D.