BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SCHEMES

Nowadays people are constantly seeking new ways to invest their savings at higher rates of earning in order to keep pace with rising inflation. There are plenty of business opportunity swindlers around to take their savings off of their hands. Unethical purveyors of dubious "opportunities" usually exaggerate the earnings potential of the "opportunity" and the amount of training and assistance available, while understating the cost of buying the "opportunity" and setting up business. They also stress that no experience or special skills are necessary. Recently, a firm rented an expensive office suite in Pinellas County and began selling distributorships for legitimate products. Payment for a distributorship entitled the investor to a supply of the products, training, and assistance in setting up and operating the business. Although the firm sold more than $300,000 worth of distributorships, they delivered very few of the promised products, and none of the new distributors received the promised training and assistance. The firm went out of business after about 18 months of operation, and the investors were left holding an empty bag.

Other Florida residents recently bought vending machines, hoping to earn a good profit with a minimum effort. They soon found that the earning potential of the machines had been grossly overstated and that the promised placement of the machines in lucrative locations did not materialize. One purchaser of vending machines found that they all had to be moved to new locations and that he had to move them himself. One machine had been placed in a closed gasoline station. Persons who wish to become involved in a business opportunity should thoroughly check out the organization and its principals before committing themselves. In all cases, they should try to identify and interview persons who have invested previously. You should always have your attorney review all promotional material related to business opportunities and all contracts and related documents, BEFORE SIGNING!