Here's an interesting consumer complaint I received this week. This is an old online scheme that comes around again and again disguised differently.

“Work at Home, Make Over $1,000.00 per week!” Sounds pretty good to me. Unfortunately, it's a scam — always. Don't get involved in this one.

This particular one was advertised as “endorsed” by CNN, Fox News and a woman in Rathdrum. The scammer even showed a copy of one of the woman's many weekly paychecks. The consumer signed up and was immediately contacted by email by the scammer asking for additional money to show the applicant's commitment to working at home. Luckily, the consumer called me but not before paying with a credit card (not a debit card).

Always use a credit card if you can for online purchases. A credit card provides many more protections to the consumer. I advised him to call the credit card company and put the charge “in contest.”

RESULT: Money refunded, consumer educated.

LESSON: Work at Home is a scam. When in doubt — DON'T! If it sounds too good to be true, it IS! If you can't talk to someone on the phone before you sign up, you certainly won't be able to after the purchase.

Here is another interesting case, one that we all can learn from. During the better weather, door-to-door sales people come out like flies. The consumer bought meat from a salesperson. The price was great but the meat was not. The consumer called the number listed on the receipt. The person who answered acknowledged that there were other consumers who were unhappy with the quality of the meat she had been sold. He politely asked if he could call her back in 15 minutes. She agreed, but the call never came. That was last October!

I contacted the company and was impolitely told to mind my own business. I contacted the city of Coeur d'Alene licensing department. It turns out the company is not — nor has it ever been — licensed in Coeur d'Alene. I contacted the local code enforcement department. They are in the process of contacting the company.

RESULT: Pending.

LESSON: Always check the credentials/license of anyone selling door-to-door. If they don't have one, say thank you, close the door and call the city.

Remember, if you deal with a local merchant, you're always safer. You can always go back to the store where you bought the product. Local merchants are almost always honest. They depend on return business and word-of-mouth.

Another very important point — many home invasion criminals pretend to be door-to-door salespersons. Don't open your door if you don't know who is on the other side, especially if you're elderly and/or alone.

I have many more interesting cases that I'm working on as The CDA Press Consumer Guy. Have a consumer complaint? Call me, (208) 449-7222, email me CDAPressConsumerGuy @gmail.com or fax me at (866) 362-9266. Also include your full name and a phone number.

• • •

Bill Brooks is the CDA Press Consumer Guy. He is an active associate real estate broker for Tomlinson-Sotheby's in Coeur d'Alene with a background in consumer protection, investigation and advocacy.