FFA Marketing ([log in to unmask]) wrote:
: [envelope-stuffing scam]

   http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect/workhome.htm
   Work-at-Home Schemes

   "Assemble our products at home. Earn $200 per week." How often have
   you seen such an advertisement or ones like it? Advertised
   opportunities to earn money by doing work in your home are frequently
   nothing more than fraudulent schemes and, at best, rarely result in
   any meaningful earnings.

   The targets of the work-at-home con artists are those who need extra
   money but who are not able to work outside their homes. Victims
   typically include mothers at home caring for young children, the
   unemployed, the elderly, handicapped persons and people with low
   incomes.

   These ads typically promise a "large income" for working on projects
   "in great demand." Some promotions stress that "no experience is
   necessary," while others indicate that "no investment is required."
   The one characteristic common to all of these schemes is that you are
   required to purchase something before you are able to start work.

   Probably, the most common kind of work-at-home scheme is envelope
   stuffing. Typically, all you receive for your money are instructions
   to place an ad like the one you answered, which requires you to rip
   off your fellow citizens to make any money. Remember: modern mailing
   techniques and equipment have virtually eliminated the need for
   homeworkers to perform legitimate envelope stuffing, addressing, and
   mailing services from their homes.

   Some work-at-home schemes don't really offer work in the home, but
   sell ideas for setting up home businesses. Other schemes require you
   to raise animals. Many schemes require you to produce items, such as
   sewing baby booties or aprons, making Christmas wreaths or toys, or
   fabricating other specialty products. You are not told that you will
   have to sell these items yourself and that there is generally little
   or no market for them. The promoters of such schemes are only
   interested in selling you something--that is, the ideas, animals, or
   materials you need to start your business.

   Sometimes the promoters indicate that "no selling is required." They
   promise to buy back any items you make, as long as your workmanship is
   "acceptable" or up to their "high standards." Of course, these
   promoters will reject everything you send them by telling you that
   your finished products do not meet their standards. Once again, you
   are left to sell the items on your own, if you can.

   If you fall victim to a work-at-home scheme, immediately notify your
   local postmaster or the nearest Postal Inspector. The sooner postal
   inspectors become aware of such a scheme, the sooner they can prevent
   other people from being defrauded."

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