As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for ways to earn some extra cash. One popular option is taking on a side gig, but it’s important to be cautious when considering opportunities that seem too good to be true. One such warning comes from Darlene Henderson, who almost fell victim to a scam involving a side hustle that required little to no work.
Henderson was excited when an energy drink company offered to pay her to drive around with their logo on her car. The company promised to wrap her doors with their decal and pay her for 12 weeks of advertising. However, when she received a check for $4,000 and was instructed to pay an installer $3,000 and keep $1,000 for herself, she became suspicious.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that this type of scam is common, where scammers send victims a large check and ask them to send money back. By the time the victim realizes the check is fake, they have already lost money. Legitimate work opportunities typically involve interviews, paperwork, and tax forms, so receiving payment upfront should raise red flags.
When attempting to contact the energy drink company, the response was evasive, further confirming the suspicious nature of the offer. The BBB advises that very few companies will pay individuals to advertise on their cars, and they will not send a large check upfront before any work is done.
Henderson expressed her disappointment in how scammers prey on people who are just looking to make ends meet. Many individuals, like her, are in need of extra income for necessities like groceries or car repairs, making them vulnerable to these types of scams.
In conclusion, it’s essential to be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, especially when it comes to side hustles that require minimal effort for a large payout. Scammers often target individuals who are in need of extra income, so it’s important to do thorough research and ask questions before accepting any offers. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to scams that could cost you money in the long run.