UPDATE
Tucson, AZ, Nov. 26, 2007 – An online work-at-home company boasting a bogus BBB Reliability Report, fake Tucson street address and “guaranteed” success to its students may also be doing business as Computer Career Institute
Columbia Career Institute, www.columbiacourse.com, says it’s located at 1400 N. Campbell Ave. in Tucson. This address is actually a Catholic school across from University Medical Center. There is no commercial development or office space at the address. The company may also be using the name Computer Career Institute, www.computercareerinstitute.net to sell its online course, according to recent complaints filed with BBB of Southern Arizona.
Until recently, the company’s Web site provided a link to a fake BBB report. The link directed viewers to a BBB business reliability report that appeared to be legitimate and issued by Tucson BBB. This report was a forgery.
The BBB has received inquiries from consumers both in Tucson and as far away as Virginia about this company. In attempting to contact the company multiple times through the toll free number listed on its site the BBB reached a recording stating that all counselors were currently helping other students and to please leave a message, or email the company at its info@ address. The BBB did both and has yet to receive a response.
For $499 visitors to the site are offered certification to become a “Website Promotion Specialist,” or WPS through a course that consists of “carefully crafted video lessons, amounting to over six hours of training.” According to the company, web promotion specialists type articles that reference the products and services of the companies they work with.
“We guarantee we will have you working with a major corporation, in many cases a Fortune 500 company, from the comfort of your own home, in as little as three days from when you begin the course. Our students are reporting earning $50,000 to $125,000 in their first year.”
Traditional work-at-home schemes, such as making handicrafts or stuffing envelopes, have been replaced by offers to use a home PC to make money fast. The BBB offers some warning signs to questionable online advertising:
· Overstated claims of product effectiveness. Use of hype titles and frequent use of the word “hot” to describe an investment opportunity can indicate a scam.
· Exaggerated claims of potential earnings, profits, or part-time earnings.
· Require money for instructions or merchandise before telling you how the plan operates.
· Tell you that no experience is necessary.
Anyone victimized by work-at-home offers over the Internet can file a complaint online or off-line with the BBB. Visit www.tucson.bbb.org or call (520) 888-6161.
About the BBB System
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB membership contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB.