Working at home gives you freedom to be your own boss. Whether you’re a disabled veteran or a stay at home mom, extra income helps your family financially. Scams abound, however, so know what to look for and avoid as you search for a reliable work at home opportunity.
Ask Questions
You’ll want to know upfront what the job entails, what it pays and what you need to perform the job. Reputable companies provide this information on their home page. Ask any questions before you sign up.
Search for Scams
Type in the company’s name and the word scam in the search engine. You’re looking for recommendations or opinions written by other consumers. Use the search to discover a company’s reputation and then make an informed decision. Check out the company’s website thoroughly and note its SEO ranking.
You should also search the Better Business Bureau’s website. Reputable companies enjoy a high ranking with the BBB.
Keep Your Money
Reputable companies don’t ask for money upfront. Likewise, they don’t sell information that’s easily found freely online. Take your time and search the Internet before buying a start-up kit or work at home directory information that’s easy to find online.
Guard Your Information
Don’t send your full name, address, bank account information or credit card number to any company. You’ll probably need to submit a resume and complete a W-9, but do your homework before supplying this information. Dishonest employers can use it to steal your identity or flood your inbox with junk mail.
Specific Jobs to Avoid
Several job opportunities look promising until you read the fine print. Recognize them before you waste your time and energy.
Stuffing envelopes never works to your advantage. Reputable companies use postage machines, not people, to stuff and meter mail.
Assembly jobs require an initial financial investment and pay very little for the finished product. If you enjoy assembling crafts, create your own original items and sell them at local craft sales or through an online store.
Data entry and claims processing jobs sound easy. These opportunities often include hidden fees, however. You may need to buy equipment and software or pay for training before you can start working.
Posting ads is another fraudulent work at home scam. You won’t receive payment for the posts unless people click on the ads and sign up for the services offered.
Multi-Level Marketing requires you to sell products and recruit new sellers. Until you get your business up and running, you won’t receive a paycheck. Often, the effort requires too much hard work and offers little reward.
How to Report a Scam
If you discover scams as you research work at home jobs, contact the Federal Trade Commission. Provide the company’s name, URL and other identifying information, and help protect other consumers from dishonest companies.
Scams remain successful because so many people want to make money from home. Take your time to choose a reputable company. It it’s too good to be true, walk away and continue your search for a reputable work at home opportunity.
Michelle is an aspiring writer and blogger with a passion for the Internet, specifically social media and blogging. She loves how social media connects people across the globe, and appreciates that blogging gives her the opportunity to voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience.
Unfortunately there are lots of scams over the net, we have to avoid them. Thank you for the tips. You have really very nice posts in your blog. All of them are very useful.
Thanks for the tips. Your blog is truly an inspiration. You always have such useful things posted