I am a writer for a local newspaper in Tacoma, Washington USA. Since the unemployment rate is so high here (7%), I wanted to do research for a story about fraudulent employment ads in local newspapers.
I recalled that a few months before when I was looking for extra work, I had found an ad that said something about health/fitness marketing and that the position paid $3,000.00 per month PLUS commission.
I answered the ad but the lady I talked to wouldn't tell me much about the position and she said it was all commission. I kinda figured something was weird so I didn't proceed.
I remembered this ad when I began my research so I looked it up and it was still in the paper. I called again, pretending to be someone who was just looking for work.
The lady didn't remember me, but she was still the same-gave very little if any information. So I went to their introductory meeting in an office building in Federal Way, Washington (south of Seattle) and I can say after only a couple days of researching this "company?" that they are as bad as the complaints say.
Their "employment" advertisements are very fraudulent because (at the least): 1. The ad states that it's a position that pays base pay PLUS commission. 2. If it's a MLM deal and you have to pay a fee, it should state it in the ad (at least that's the way it is in most places).
I will continue to research this company and maybe go back to another meeting (they have no idea that I'm a news reporter!).in any event, my editor has interest in this project and I intend to blow these guys wide open in my city.
It makes me sick to see all those young people (most people who show up are in their late teens and early 20's) get taken like this. I will also advise certain legal authorities in my area when my research is complete.
John
Tacoma, Washington
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