Would you be tempted by an online business training program that promises you could earn thousands of dollars a month working from home? I wouldn’t blame you if you were. But don’t believe the hype. Promises like these are signs of an online business scam.
The FTC recently took steps to stop MOBE, a company that was promoting a bogus online business opportunity to retirees and veterans, among others. The company claimed that you could start your own business working from home and make a LOT of money by following its 21-step system. How much is a lot? One of their websites said you could “make $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 or more every single month.”
Despite the promises, most people who paid for the online business program made little or no money. But you know who did make a lot of money? The people running the bogus business opportunity. The FTC alleges they collected more than $125 million from the customers they ripped off.
Recognize the Signs of an Online Business Scam
Marketers of these fake business opportunities often make similar claims that are a sign of a scam. They:
- Guarantee that you can make a lot of money.
- Promise that you can make money quickly and easily.
- Use high pressure sales tactics, like saying you’ll miss out if you don’t buy in now.
Report Scams
If you come across someone selling a business opportunity that you think could be a scam, report it to the FTC. Why bother? Because your report matters.
Learn More about Starting a Business
Learn more about your rights if you’re thinking about buying a business or business opportunity. You can also visit the Small Business Administration site for tips on starting a business.
Note: This blog was edited on June 25, 2018 by adding the word MOBE.
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In reply to Emails coming out of Nigeria by Bobby
I am one such who got caught with this when i even didnot have the job. some how i took credit and loan for this. Can i get any help to get back my money from this. I have done and started it in Novemebr 2017.
In reply to I am one such who got caught by shar
Please tell the FTC about this at FTC.gov/Complaint. You can give your contact information if you choose and tell how much paid and other details.
In reply to Please tell the FTC about by FTC Staff
In reply to Does reporting your story to by Another victim...
In reply to So many bad people out there. by dontgetstung
In reply to these scams have been around by rockin' ron
Yes!! Rockin Ron.. You are so right. They should be heavily prosecuted before they collects millions from retirees. So whats next?
In reply to Yes!! Rockin Ron.. by dee
In reply to these scams have been around by rockin' ron
In reply to Just remember folks, if it by Litlestarr
In reply to I have lost my Ira of 24,000 by Sharon
You can report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that law enforcement uses for investigations. You can also report to the Attorney General in your state. This page lists the Attorneys General for every state.
Use the federal eldercare locator (eldercare.acl.gov) to find agencies in your community that help older adults with housing, legal assistance, financial help and other needs, or call them at 1-800-677-1116.
In reply to I have lost my Ira of 24,000 by Sharon
In reply to I have lost my Ira of 24,000 by Sharon
In reply to There would be no possible by SandyO
In reply to I got burnt really bad. In by thegailgirl
You can report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that law enforcement uses for investigations. The comments you put here on the blog don’t go into the law enforcement database.
In reply to I got burnt really bad. In by thegailgirl
In reply to I know the feeling. I'm out by Jroth9104
You can report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. YOu can include your name and contact information if you choose, and details about the money you lost. The information you give will go into a secure database that law enforcement uses for investigations.
The comments you put here on the blog don’t go into the law enforcement database.
In reply to What would happen to Russell by Selling-The-Illusion
In reply to I just bought into this by Jv
Please tell the FTC about this at FTC.gov/Complaint. You can give your contact information if you choose and tell how much paid and other details.
In reply to I just bought into this by Jv
In reply to There is ascammer that by Dotmatrix
This page has information about how to stop unwanted calls.
What are the Authorities doing concerning all these Scams?
Hello I did purchase the Mobe program, what should I do? Please your advice in next steps
In reply to Hello by al
Please tell the FTC about this at FTC.gov/Complaint. You could tell your name and contact information, how much you paid, and other details about your experience.
In reply to Dear FTC, I am writing this by Teresa X.C.H.
Please report your experience to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. That is a secure website that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. You can give your name and contact information, how much you paid, and other details about your experience.
In reply to What happens to people by Disappointed
Please report your experience to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. That is a secure website that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. You can give your name and contact information, how much you paid, and other details about your experience.
I am from India And I had invested around 2500$ plus amount with this system of 21 steps.i was tempted when i had lost the Job and I didnot have any other means.So I took a credit/loan from my local bank to pay to this system to start Business. As i am completely new to the business. i had to loose my enitre money that too which i took as a loan for an interest rate. I kept on putting more and more money but never got back one penny dollar also. can i get any help to get back my money. Please guide me. thanks.
In reply to I am from India And I had by shar
Please report your experience to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. That is a secure website that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. You can give your name and contact information, how much you paid, and other details about your experience.
Pagination