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Avoiding Common Work at Home Scams

Working from home is a great way to supply the additional income often needed for one spouse to stay home and raise their children. Sadly, many people are scared away from doing so because of the many scams that are so prevalent today. While it can be hard to tell fact from fiction, it is possible. With so many excellent work-at-home opportunities available today, it’s well worth the time to explore so you can be able to start your own business and enjoy the many benefits the business provides.

Here are several tips to avoid work-at-home scams:

When researching companies that hire home-based workers, the best place to start is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB will have information on that business if there have been disputes or other problems. You'll want to look for a pattern of "Unresolved” or "Unanswered” disputes, which will be an indication that there is a problem with the company in question. The business does not need to be a member of the BBB to have complaints filed against them.

Next, perform an Internet Search on the company you are researching and see what others are saying about them. If you see a pattern of negative comments, often that’s an indication that you may need to explore the company in more detail.

There are also websites such as BBBonline.com that will tell you some of the common scams around. One of these scams is the “work-from-home typing” scam. Scammers often lure job seekers with promotions such as the ability to earn $35,000.00 a year, or promising to provide a list of companies that will hire them.

Diana Ennen, author of Virtual Assistant: The Series has been a home-based word processor for over twenty years. Ennen states, “Working at home as a typist is an excellent opportunity that often only requires excellent secretarial skills. However, be cautious of offers guaranteeing a list of companies that will hire you. The truth of the matter is that most of these companies aren’t even aware they are on this list. There’s so much information available online today that there is no need to fall for this scam.”

It’s also important to know the difference between paying for information about working from home and actually investing in a home-based. Most home-based businesses, such as direct sales companies, are valid ways to make an income. However, because you need to make an initial investment many people are confused and believe these to be scams as well.

Think about home-based businesses in the terms of your local fast-food chain. A fast-food restaurant will pay you if they hire you as an employee. However, in order to start your own franchise of that same restaurant, you would need to make a monetary investment. The same holds true when you begin a home-based business. You must make an investment, but in return you receive the means to begin your own business – generally the paperwork needed, marketing materials and product for display. Still, you must do your research when considering a home-based business. It’s important to know things like: the history of the company, their reputation, how many representatives are in your area, and what quotas must be met.

Whether considering a telecommuting position or a home-based business, speak with others who have worked with the company you are contemplating. Ask for references of other employees/business owners in your area.

There are many legitimate ways to work from home, but when seeking a work at home opportunity, it’s important to take your time and do your research. Unfortunately, there are people who make it their primary goal to take money from the unsuspecting. If you are thorough in your examination you will not become one of their. Remember the age old saying that still holds true today, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. Jill is a contributing author in The Business Mom Guide Book and I'll Be Home For Christmas and co-author of the upcoming book, Home Based Blessings. Jill has articles published across the web on sites like DrLaura.com and ClubMom.com. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com reside in Nebraska with their two children.

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