Health & Fitness
Credit Card Processing Scheme Takes Thousands From Seniors, BBB Warns
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a credit card processing scheme based in Arizona that has taken thousands of dollars from people by promising returns of $1,000 or more a month.
With yields on many investments extremely low, a pitch promising $1,000 or more in monthly income probably sounded pretty good to some seniors, including at least one from Missouri.
Unfortunately, the promise by an Arizona-based credit card processing scheme was bogus, and seniors nationwide have received little or no income and may have lost their initial investments as well.The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be skeptical of these and similar schemes in a press release today.
The scheme involves a string of companies tied to excons Lance R. Himes and Leary Darling along with a woman named Anna Hobbs. The companies have promised refunds to more than 100 consumers in Oregon under action taken by that state's justice department.
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The companies used a variety of names, including JMC Services, Global Production Group, Aflac Assist (no connection to the insurance provider), Alac Assist, US Doc Assist, Money Now Funding, First Business, Divine Clientele, Legal Doxs, Assisting US Jobs, Management A.A., Transactions A. A., US Job Assistance, US Job Assist, US Biz Assist, Direct Merchant Network and Merchant Care.
A retiree from Villa Ridge said he was promised returns of between $1,000 and $10,000 a month for investing in the scheme, which was marketed online as a work-at-home program. But he got nothing in return for his $10,000 investment.
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The BBB knows of no legitimate work-at-home schemes, especially those that say no work is required to earn money.
The BBB's tips on work-at-home or investment schemes are as follows:
- Research investment or work-at-home offers thoroughly before committing any money. Work-at-home offers that require advance payments are seldom legitimate.
- Ask for references and contact them before making any investment.
- Discuss the offer with a trusted friend, family member or financial advisor before making a commitment. You can also contact your local BBB, attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission to determine whether the offer is a recognized scam.
- Pay with a credit card in the event you have to challenge the payment later. Find out if there is a deadline for challenging a charge.
- Get a BBB Business Review by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.
For more BBB news, go to the BBB website, or follow the BBB on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.