Work-at-home schemes topped the list of 2011 scams in northern Illinois and Chicago, according to a list released Wednesday by the Better Business Bureau.
According to the bureau, 45 percent of scam inquiries were related to work-at-home offers, and 22 percent were connected to credit repair services attracting people with bad personal credit ratings.
"In 2011, some consumers were trying to improve their financial situations in these challenging economic times,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the local BBB, in a statement. "That opened the door to scammers who were ready to capitalize on this vulnerability."
The list in full included:
- Work-At-Home schemes
- Credit Repair Services with Advance Fees
- Advance Fee Lenders
- Foreign Lotteries
- Ponzi/Pyramid Schemes
- Prize Promotions
- Office Supplies - Sale by Deceptive Telemarketing
- Paving, Painting, Home Improvement by "Traveling" Workers
- Sweepstakes
- Online Drug & Prescription Services From Unapproved Foreign Locations
