Make ten thousand dollars a day reading books and web sites! Call this number and we’ll show you how to live your dreams by placing ads in newspapers! Most people probably chuckle at online and late night television commercials with such obvious come-ons, but more sophisticated employment scams continue to flourish.

According to a press release from the Better Business Bureau dated November 2, 2009, there have been more than 1,500 complaints about a variety of web sites using the “Google” name and logo to scam people seeking to work from home. While each site is different in name, address, and appearance each offers job seekers a disc or other source of information with the promise the material will teach them how to use the Google search engine to make money from home in exchange for a small shipping and handling fee.

The graphics and use of the famous corporation’s name lead many to believe they were working for or with Google, but none of these sites are in any way connected to the famous search engine.  Job seekers who sign up at any of these sites find their credit or debit cards charged for materials they never received, subscriptions they had canceled, or even services from businesses they never knew existed.

While it is easy to spot the “red flags” in the description of a scam that has already been revealed, it is much more difficult to notice the same warning signs when one thinks and hopes they may have found a solution to their financial difficulties.

First, beware of any job offer that requires the employee to pay the employer money, whether that be for “training materials,” “kits,” or “seminars.” While many direct sales companies require the purchase of kits, remember that anyone who does direct sales is considered an Independent Contractor. They do not have a paid job with the company whose products they sell. Obviously, you cannot make ten thousand dollars reading or placing tiny ads in newspapers, but any job that sounds like it has few duties or responsibilities, or like very easy work for the money they offer, may also be nothing more than a ploy to trick people into providing personal information such as addresses and social security numbers.

Finally, beware of any job that appears to have little to no minimum qualifications or a company that appears ready to hire anyone. Even the most basic, entry level legitimate job will require a prospective employer to fill out an application and meet representatives of the company for an interview.

For more information on researching prospective employers and avoiding scams, visit www.bbb.org.