Beware of easy money promised by work-at-home deals, BBB says

Thousands of inquiries about a Seattle business touting work-from-home jobs -- including stuffing envelopes -- has prompted the Better Business Bureau to issue a consumer alert to be wary of any business opportunity that promises quick, easy money.

Since August 2009, the BBB has logged 12,641 inquiries and 21 complaints about Pacific Publications. The complaints allege consumers paid cash for a work-at-home kit that would allow them to process mail, but some never got the kit. Of those who did, many complained that what they got was a guide, not an actual job. Other complaints involve alleged trouble contacting the company over concerns. Both a phone message and e-mail seeking comment from Pacific Publications, which touts on its web site that it's been in business 18 years, weren't returned. The website identifies the owner as Ron Harper.

The Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington BBB chapter says the company has worked to resolve those complaints, but that it gave the company an "F" rating because it provides too little information about itself, and because the industry is rife with advertised scams. "Rarely, if ever, are these ads an offer of legitimate employment," the organization warns.