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Step 1
Make sure there is a clear-cut job description. If there are no details other than "make money at home" or "work fifteen minutes on the computer and earn full time cash", then move on. If you can't figure out what you would be doing, then it's a sure bet that this is not going to be a legitimate job.
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Step 2
Do not believe any ad that tells you there are only "limited spaces available, enter your information now". The ad is pressuring you to decide quickly for fear that the "job" might be filled by others. If you can't research the company and get more information, then do not waste your time. The limited spaces will never be filled because ANYONE can apply...and most everyone will be required to pay to get started.
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Step 3
Just because a site mentions on their online ad that a major company endorses their work-at-home program does NOT mean it's a fact. Look for links to the "major company" that show that there truly is an endorsement. Most of these fly-by-night companies count on the fact that you won't check any further into their claims of having company endorsements. There is something to be said for "too good to be true".
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Step 4
Look for contact information in the ad. There should be a phone number, address and an email account that is not a "freebie" email account such as Yahoo or Gmail. Most successful companies have their own domain. However, do your research--anyone can buy a domain name for less than $20.
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Step 5
Stuffing envelopes, assembling products or processing claims are just three of the many work at home scams that will likely never net you more than a few dollars for hours and hours of work -- if they pay at all. Also do not purchase a guide or "kit" that will tell you how to start your big money making business. Chances are this is just a reprint from information you can get on the Internet yourself.
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Step 6
There are many online sites that offer payment for surveys. Be very careful when signing up for any of these sites. Often times you will be required to enter personal information or a credit card for a "free trial" and then you are promised a credit for this trial if you complete a multitude of tasks online. By the time you finish the tasks, your free trial has expired and your credit card has been charge. It is extremely difficult to stop future charges to your credit card.
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Step 7
Be aware when looking for extra money to help you pay bills or take care of your children. Companies who are out to scam you know that you are suffering financially and might just jump at the chance to make extra money. They are counting on your not asking questions.
Bottom line: If it doesn't seem right, it's not.
Comments
jrockjams said
on 12/7/2009 Added to my favorites! thanks :) 5*!
sallyemaycreate said
on 11/7/2009 Very informative, smart facts and warning signs about How to Spot Online Money Making Scams. Well done and well needed information. 5* & recommendation
suzieque8403 said
on 11/5/2009 it is always nice to see what the scams are and how to spot them.
passion8poet said
on 9/7/2009 Thanks Cheryl, this is a wonderful article. I fell into one of these scams many many years ago. Right after I bought the "kit" and received a list of names with mine at the bottom, and was told that once my name reached the top, I would rake in all this money, well, I knew it smelled fishy and jumped ship. It seems there are more scams out there now than there are legitimate jobs. So sad!
jrosengarten said
on 8/15/2009 Great info..you are so right about all the scammers out there!