I don't think it's a scam but it's definitely shady for them. I watched a 20/20 episode a few years ago about these kids who sign up to travel around the country and they mistreat them, teach them to lie, etc. and the kids get paid next to nothing and if they don't sell magazines they don't eat for the day. It was really sad. Obviously there are some people who would try to rip your mom off for more than she paid or whatever but I'd say more than likely it won't happen.