LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- Who isn't seduced by the idea of making a little extra money on the side? But those ads promising easy money for simply stuffing envelopes are -- most times -- not what they appear to be.
"On the website and on the radio what they heard is they would be stuffing envelopes and being paid up to $5,000 a week,” said U.S. Postal Inspector Daryl Greenberg.
More than 230 people in one case alone were lured in by this bogus job offer.
"You had very young victims out of high school and you had very elderly victims,” Greenberg said. “You had victims who were destitute."
Victims were told to send between $50 and $500 for the starter packet. But they received nothing in return.
"They were heartfelt,” Greenberg said. “They were trying to do good and make money and fell victim anyway."
Here is how to protect yourself from this kind of scam:
-- Never give your personal information to a person or company you don't know.
-- Check out the company with the federal trade commission, better business bureau or state attorney general before you send any money.
-- Be skeptical.
"I have never found a legitimate envelope-stuffing project that actually panned out the way people believe," Greenberg said.
Postal inspectors say to be on the lookout for another new scam. You're asked to receive, repackage and then mail merchandise to a foreign address.
The problem -- the contents are usually paid for with stolen credit cards. If you repackage and mail it, you become part of a fencing operation and could face criminal charges.
