Here’s how they work:

You see an ad saying you can earn big money at home. Or one that offers help starting an online business – with a proven system to make money online. Or maybe your resume is on a job search website and someone calls: they want your driver’s license and bank account numbers before they interview you.

What happens next? If you answer the ad to work from home, they’ll ask you for money for training or special access. But there’ll be no job. If you buy that “proven system,” you’ll get pressure to pay more for extra services. But you won’t get anything that really helps you start a business or make money. And if you give that caller your driver’s license and bank account numbers, they might steal your identity or your money. 

Here’s what you can do:

1. Stop. Check it out. Never pay money to earn money. And don’t share personal information until you’ve done your research. Search online for the company name and the words “review,” “scam” or “complaint.”

2. Pass this information on to a friend. You probably know how to keep your money and information safe. But you may know someone who could use a friendly reminder.

Pass it on
Want to know more? Sign up for consumer alerts at ftc.gov/subscribe.
Federal Trade Commission | ftc.gov/PassItOn

Please Report Scams
If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

• Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261

• Go online: ftc.gov/complaint

Your report can help protect other people. By reporting fraud, you can help the FTC’s investigators identify the scammers and stop them before they can get someone’s hard-earned money. It really makes a difference.