Fake "work-at-home" schemes discovered

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Attorney General of Texas, Greg Abbott, charged a Web site operator with orchestrating fraudulent work-at-home schemes.

The operator, Infusion Media Inc. , used a high-profile name to trick Internet users. Infusion Media, a Utah-based company, used the name " GoogleMoneyTree.com " which promised six-figure earnings for conducting specialized Google and Yahoo Internet searches.

Investigators said the company promised big payouts to convince Web users to spend $3.88 on shipping and handling for a "free kit" which would allegedly show anyone how to make money at home. People who purchased the kit discovered thy were being charged $72 a month by Infusion Media Inc.

Victims of this fraudulent company would have deceptive ads on Google and Facebook which linked to blogs that promoted the work-at-home offer. The blogs had all sorts of corroboration like "testimonials" from previous employees.

When victims of this trick requested the free starter kit, they were required to provide extensive personal information, including their name, address, telephone number, email address and credit card payment information that would be used to pay for shipping and handling.

Obviously, "GoogleMoneyTree" neglected to mention purchasers that they had enrolled in monthly memberships and only had seven days to cancel their trial membership. Besides the monthly charges, people never received the free kit.

The state is seeking an injunction and civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act , as well as restitution for purchasers.

For those who feel they may have fallen victim to similar business practices, they can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General .