How can I find out if a business is legitimate and not a scam?
99289
The Better Business Bureau is a great place to check into a company's background.  You can see if people have logged complaints against the company in the past.  Use the link below to go to their website.  Unfortunately, if a company is new, it may not have been reported yet.  \n\nMy rule of thumb is the old adage that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is :)
282842
Use this free business database to verify their legal status:\n\nhttp://www.hoovers.com/free/\n\nIf they do not show up, they are not legitimate.\n\nif you are still not sure, contact your local librarian to access more business databases.
1087826
if in doubt contact the state licensing board, they should be able to tell you if it is legal or not.
183049
Mail Order can be a legitimate business. I think it roughly works like this - you order goods from your wholesaler, place and ad in your local paper and see the orders rolling in. This is assuming you're doing it yourself.\n\nBeware of scammers though. If you want to start your own internet business http://www.getyourebook.com has got a simple step-by-step guide. And oh - while you're there read the article on Home based business SCAMS - v. important\n\nAlso http://www.getyourebook.com/sitesell for more ideas.\n\nEbay is free to join, don't forget.
76466
Try asking the Better Business Bureau in your area to see if they are legimiate or not.
55837
Have you checked out the Better Business Bureau? They can probably tell you if there is anything going on. You can probably even find the information you are looking for online.
460397
Almost none of them are legitimate.  A few years back, I wanted to work at home for those assembling products or stuffing envelopes.  Well, I called the Better Business Bureau first to see what they think about it.\n\nThey told me that nearly all of them are bogus and phony.  Think about it, almost all of them require some kind of money up front to "get started."  Do you think you should have to actually pay somebody to give you a job?  I never have.\n\nAnd with those that have you assemble products at home, BBB told me that when you assemble them and send them in to get paid, they will pick them apart and tell you that there were "flaws" and that you didn't assemble them right and then you won't get paid anyway.\n\nSounds like a scam to me.  The only way to really be safe is to go to the company in person, and if they are very close to where you live.  Other than that, don't just walk away--RUN!!!
1181996
Check with the bank itself for authentic and complete details.
1089867
If the site have popups - don't touch it with a bargepole!\n\nIs the company reputable in the first place, well established, highly regarded by consumers? If yes, thats a measure of trustworthiness.\n\nThe purchase page with the order and billing forms should be done over SSL (Secure Socket Layer) a padlock symbol should appear on the status bar on the bottom.\n\nTo avoid falling foul of phishers, don't access the site from links in unsolicited emails. Type in the company's url into the address bar of the browser.
1095111
yes, but read the person's comments first. if it seems like a shady deal, it probably is. there are lots of legitimate people out there selling stuff though.
360183
You mean legit?\n\nNo.
1166738
Try craigslist.com.  It's free.  Be sure that you include pictures and a lengthy description of your items.  Also, put your contact information (cell phone, home phone, etc.) on the ad.  I believe this shows people that you are legit.\n\nAlso, I've heard people complain about people trying to scam them on Craigslist.  For example, someone may contact you and ask if you would ship the product if they send you a check (or some other form of payment).  Don't do it.  Let people know that you only sell to local people (that you'll meet face-to-face).  It would probably be a good idea to specify that in your ad.\n\nI hope this helps.\n\nScott.....
103110
I'm not aware of this particular company, but to the extent that it claims that it can help you recover long lost property belonging to you or your family, these are usually scams.  Before you give this company any money or personal information, you will want to contact the Better Business Bureau AND the Texas Attorney General's Office to see what records they have on such a company.  You will also want to contact the Texas Secretary of State, which should handle business registrations for legitimate businesses operating in Texas.  If the business is listed with the Texas AG's Office, it is likely not a legitimate business since the attorneys general in all states keep records on bad guys whom they have had to investigate.  If it is listed with the Better Business Bureau, check to see what, if any reports have been made against it.  It may be listed with the BBB because it is a member in good standing, or it may be listed because it has been the subject of negative reporting before.  Best of luck to you.  If you follow this advice before doing business with any unfamiliar company or agency, you will likely not be scammed.  I am including links to all three agencies' web sites.
968477
If its unauthorised or otherwise,Hijack this would be your best bet.Download it,scan,post your results in the same website and you will know everything thats on your start up list,including advice on whether it is legitimate or necessary.You ll be surprised at how well it works.You can get it here-\nhttp://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/
218428
Goto http://www.getyourebook.com for more information on home based business scams.\n\nYes you can set up a website for yourself, but realistically, you have to pay for the hosting and pay to promote it if you want to make any money from it.\n\nTry http://www.getyourebook.com/sitesell for more info on how to set up a website even if you're not technical.\n\nAny genuine business involves some money down, but for an internet business it's usually less than their offline counterparts.\n\nHope this helps
1149015
Two ways that I know of and have used are 1) searching them out on the BBB (Better Business Bureu) and 2) look on their site for what city they are based out of and go to that city's official website and look them up in the registered business listings.\n\nIf the business can't be found in either of those two places that doesn't immediately mean they are not valid, but if they are in atleast one fo those places you can rest assured that they are. :)\n\nHope that helps. :)
1141319
You may consider a a two-prong approach of verifying any overseas supplier. First, look carefully at supplier web-site. There are several criteria to evaluate any business web-site (such as How to evaluate a Business Website at http://www.infobanc.com/articles/faida3_37.htm) \n\nIf the supplier does not have web-site - be extra cautious. The anonymous nature of Internet is a convenient cover for international frauds and scamsters, though not having a web-site does not make any company suspicious. Just be extra cautious !\n\nThe second approach is little expensive. Please visit a reputed third party business evaluator such as Dun and Bradstreet who has offices in most countries including China and Japan. You can find D@B web-site at http://www.dnb.com/us/\n\nD@B has risk assessment services specially for importers like you.\n\nHope the above helps\n\nWarm Regards\n\nAmit