Never heard of Advance Fee Scheme?
Let me explain what it is. An advance scheme happens when the victim pays money in hope of receiving something of greater value such as a contract, a loan, an investment, or a gift then receives nothing in return. The variety of advance fee schemes is only limited to the imagination of the thief behind the scheme. Some of the services offered are products or services, the offering of lottery winnings, found money, or other "opportunities. They may offer to pay a "finder fee"in advance. The victim is required to sign a contract in which they agree to pay the fee when they are introduced to the financing source. Unfortunately they are denied financing after they have paid the fee. Naturally it will be impossible for the victim to contact the " company" because they use a web of fake address, phone numbers, and email address.
Tips or Avoid the Advanced Fee Schemes:
* If the offer sounds too good to be true, it is. Follow common sense business practice. Legitimate business don't conduct business on a street corner.
* Know who you are dealing with. If you have never heard of this person or business, do some research. Contact the Better Business Bureau, consult your bank, State Attorney's office, FBI, or many of the consumer protection web sites available to you. Get their physical address NOT a post office box. If it is local, go by there. If not contact the city hall of the city in their address to see if they actually have a valid business license.
* Make sure you fully understand ANY business agreement you inter into. If the terms are complex, have your attorney or banker look it over.DO NOT SIGN WHAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND!
* Going back to an address, do not do with a company that only has a post office or mail drop.
* Be very wary of business deals that require you to sign a nondisclosure or noncircumvention agreement that are designed to keep you from independently verifying the bona fides of the people with whom you intend to do business. Thieves often use noncircumvention agreements to threaten their victims with civil suit if they report their loss to law enforcement.
With the economy in the sad shape it is, there are more con artist than ever lurking out there, so be careful about who you are dealing with.