NCJ Number
209081
Date Published
2004
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This DVD provides narrative information on and dramatizes the investigation of a "work-at-home" scam.
Abstract
The scam that is featured in this DVD involves a thief's use of stolen credit cards to order merchandise that he/she designates to be sent to innocent individuals he/she has hired to "work at home" in receiving the merchandise and then shipping it to a postal box where the thief picks it up. This provides the thief some degree of insulation from detection by postal inspectors; however, those hired by the thief to "work at home" to do the shipping become unwitting accomplices who are liable for arrest as receivers of stolen property. This DVD dramatizes such an occurrence for the person "working at home" as well as the arrest of the offender when he picked up merchandise at the address assigned for the shipment. Suggested steps for avoiding being scammed by "work-at-home" ads are to closely examine the ad or offer; do not provide any personal information to a stranger without thorough knowledge of that person and any job being offered; be suspicious of any offer that does not pay a regular salary or involves an overseas company; and check out the company with the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, State Attorney General, or local consumer protection agency.