Scam Tip - Avoid Phishing Scams

There is currently a massive phishing scam going around online.  The scam is comprised of a group of individuals who are trying to disuse themselves as the IRS,  the FDIC or Facebook.  Their goal is to steal your identity and banking information.


"Cyber criminals are using fake messages claiming to be from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to deliver a virus capable of stealing unsuspecting victims' bank passwords and other sensitive personal information, said Gary Warner, the director of research in computer forensics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)."

Apparently the scammers are using the email subject lines

• FDIC has officially named your bank a failed bank
• You need to check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage 

These scammers try and lure you into downloading a software or link and then unleash a virus on your computer that will steal your banking information and personal passwords.  They may also ask you to fill out a form and give your bank information.

These emails will typically be scary and look very official.  The objective of the scammer is to get you to open the email and download their software disguised as something your bank has sent you.

Rule #1 to avoid any type of scam like this, is NEVER download anything from anyone but a personal friend or family member.  Your bank should never ask you to download or fill out a form online with your personal information.  Always play it safe and call your bank.

Rule #2 Check for .exe files attached to the email.  .exe stands for executable file that downloads software on your computer.  Be-wary of any email that contains a .exe file.

Rule #3 Check the email senders full email address.  Is it a .com, .gov or reliable website?  Scammers will try and trick you by using a domain extension to try and look like a legitimate website.

When in doubt don't download!  If you have any question, pick up the phone and call your institution to find out if the email is legitimate.

This report is being brought to you by Revive Energy Mints Scam Alerts - Keeping you informed!

Revive Mints Announces New Scam Tips, Formula and Support for it's Distributors

2010 has been a big year for Revive Energy Mints, from re-branding it's packaging, new and improved formulation to creating more intensive support and training for it's distributors, things are really starting to take shape for the company and the brand.  This scam alert blog was to inform people of new and prevalent internet scams as they hit they market.

Revive Energy Mints

Recently Revive did a press release with Franchising.com to talk about all the updates it has unraveled in 2010.

You can read the full article here: Revive Energy Mints Franchise Announces New Formula, New Training and a New Anti-Scam and Fraud Alert Blog

Revive Energy Mints Scam Prevention Tip – Franchise Complaints

If you are looking to get into business for yourself a franchise is a great way to do so with a proven system.  It’s always important to conduct due diligence and make sure you are investing in the right franchise.   Many franchise systems, even some of the most well know franchise systems out there are loaded with complaints from a number of franchisees.   Just because a franchisor has complaints does not mean that the franchising company has a bad system or that the system is a fraud.  It is important look into complaints against any company in order to find out what type of complaints there are and whether or not they have been resolved. 

The best place to check and see if a franchisor has complaints is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  The BBB verifies all complaints come from actual customers of the business in question, not competitors.  Unlike the BBB, many consumer fraud protection sites will let competitors post phony complaints in order to draw traffic to their websites. The BBB verifies the complaint is real and then works with the business to see if they are willing to resolve the complaint.  If a business has no complaints with the BBB, it is a good sign that the business is doing right and satisfying their customers, clients or franchisees.  A business that has one or more complaints with the BBB, but has taken action to resolve the complaints against it, is another tell-tale sign that the company is reputable and is active in addressing consumer complaints.  An unresolved complaint on the BBB should raise red flags.  An unresolved complaint with the BBB means that the business is not willing or able to resolve complaints.

Before buying any business opportunity or franchise make sure to check with the BBB to see what the company's rating is, if the company has any complaints against it and, if so, if they have resolved those complaints.

This tip is being brought to you by Revive Energy Mint Scam Coalition, Revive Energy Mints Franchise has zero complaints with the BBB and works diligently with all its distributors and franchisee’s to resolve any and all problems.

Revive Mint Scam Tip - Avoid Facebook Scams and Ripoffs

The more popular social networking becomes, the more scam artist will try and abuse the system. With Facebook being one of the most popular social network mediums more and more people are trying to abuse the system.

Revive Energy Mint Scam Tips provides some valuable information for avoiding social networking and Facebook scams.

1. Never give out your personal email. More and more scammers are using Facebook and other social networking sites to capture illegally capture email address and use them for email spam campaigns.

2. Be very cautious when clicking on links that take you off Facebook or whatever social networking site you are on. Viruses and malware can be embedded in links you follow of Facebook or other sites. Be especially cautious when clicking on video's, games, or dating offers.

3. Be cautious of unknown people requesting your friendship or inviting you to events. Scammers are frequently creating false facebook accounts to collect personal information. Do not give attend any event you are not familiar with and do not befriend anyone that you do not know.

Revive Mint Scam Tips and Alerts are brought to you by Revive Franchising, LLC and Sito Marketing, LLC.

Revive Energy Mint Scam and Rip Off Tip – How to Avoid Ebay Scams and Rip Offs

When looking to buy merchandise, vending machines or just normal household items, many people look to Ebay thinking they are going to find a deal, discount prices, etc.  In today’s world you usually get what you pay for.  That’s not to say you won’t find the occasional deal on Ebay, but keep in mind there are many imitators and scammers out there who want nothing more than to take your money.  Buying things on Ebay you should be aware of several things.

1)       You most likely won’t get the warranty with the product.  If the product offers a warranty it is most likely not transferable.

2)      The goods may be used (even if they say they are new) and may not be in good condition.

3)      Check a seller’s feedback and rating.  It may not be a good idea to buy from someone with bad feedback and buyer complaints.

4)      Make sure rights are transferable through Ebay.   If you are buying a product or solution that requires seller rights, make sure the rights are transferable.

5)      Make sure you are buying authentic goods.  Ebay does a great job of trying to rid the auction site of people selling knock off products, but they are still out there.  Ask for serial numbers and check with the manufacturer to make sure the goods you are looking to purchase are authentic.

Avoid scams and rip offs.  Revive Mints scam and rip off tips are designed to help educate online consumers.  Before making any large investment you can check out this blog for ideas and tips to avoid fraud and scams.

Revive Energy Ming Scam Alert - Conducting Due Diligence

This report is being brought to you by Revive Energy Mints as a consumers guide to conducting due diligence before investing in a franchise or business opportunity.  Revive Energy Mints wants to help educate consumers so they can avoid the pitfalls of getting lured into a scam or rip off.

When looking at any business opportunity or franchise, consumers should follow the below steps before making any serious investment.

1) Check with the Better Business Bureau - You can easily access the BBB's website and see if a company has complaints, and more importantly if those complaints were resolved.  A company that has outstanding complaints which have not been resolved is a sure sign of trouble.  A reputable company should have a low amount of complaints and those complaints should always be resolved.  Currently Revive Franchising, LLC has zero complaints with the Better Business Bureau.  Revive Energy Mints prides itself on its customer service and working with people to resolve any and all complaints.

2) Review the company's Franchise Disclosure document.  The Federal Trade Commission requires a company selling a business opportunity or a franchise to provide all purchasers with a complete disclosure document.  These disclosure documents should be thoroughly reviewed and understood before making an investment.  Here is a short guide to understanding Revive Energy Mints Franchise Disclosure

3) Always request a package and sample the product or opportunity before making an investment.  Make sure to get the product you are looking at in your hands before making any investment.  Hand some samples out to friends and get feedback, make sure it's a product or brand you are comfortable selling.

5) Trademark, trademark, trademark!  Make sure the company you are looking at investing with has some sort of trademark!  Owning a franchise is all about using the company you are investing in trademark.  Without a registered trademark, the system may not be as valuable as one thinks. 

4)  Ask Questions!  Make sure you are well informed.  Every franchisor and business opportunity should give you time to ask questions and make sure you are comfortable moving forward.

Before investing in any franchise or business opportunity, make sure to follow the steps above!  Revive Energy Mints is a great franchise opportunity and happy to work with someone interested in looking at a franchise business.  Be wary of scam artist that have tons of complaints, use high pressure sales tactics and don't provide adequate disclosure documents.

Revive Energy Mints Scam Tip #3 - Reviewing the FDD

A franchise enables you to operate your own business. You pay a franchise fee and you get a format or system developed by the company (franchisor), the right to use the franchisor’s trade name and assistance. Revive Energy Mints provides you with help with location assistance, determine what locations to look for, what locations to avoid, how to approach locations and how to generate sales in your locations.

An operating manual/online training; Revive provides new franchises with complete online training that covers locations, advertising, product information and facts, sales scripts, do’s and don’ts and much much more.

Every Franchisor should provide you with a detailed Franchise Disclosure Document.

Revive supports franchisees with 1 on 1 coaching. Your Revive Energy Mint coach will help you build a business plan, target locations, understand the benefits of Revive Energy Mints, help you with day to day business operations and be there to assist you with questions.

Buying a franchise may reduce your investment risk by enabling you to work with Revive Corporate as a team.

Before you invest in any franchise system or business opportunity, do your homework. Get a copy of the franchisor’s disclosure document, the FDD. This document should be thoroughly reviewed and give you a very good understanding of the franchise system. Under the Franchise Rule, which is enforced by the FTC, you must receive the document at least 14 days before you are asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor or an affiliate of the franchisor.

Revive Energy Mints will give you a copy of its disclosure document via email, and on a disc. The cover of the disclosure document should have information about its availability in other formats. Make sure you are able to view the disclosure document, if you have trouble opening it you should contact your Franchise Account rep and ask for the document in another format.

Read the entire disclosure document. Don’t be shy about asking for explanations, clarifications, and answers to your questions before you invest.

The Federal Trade Commission - The FTC provides consumers with a guide to buying a franchise. The FTC's guide includes.

I. The Benefits and Responsibilities of Franchise Ownership

II. Advance Work: Before You Select a Franchise System

III. Selecting a Franchise

IV. Finding the Right Opportunity

V. Investigating Before You Invest

VI. Before You Sign the Franchise Agreement

You can find a copy of the guide on the FTC's website