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.
About The Author:
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.
"Reprinted from
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