Do Your Homework Before Working At Home

By drodriguez Jul 02, 2009

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor there are currently 14.5 million Americans who are out of work. Many of us who have lost jobs, along with stay-at-home moms looking to supplement the household income, are the perfect target for the latest fly by-night companies.

Some of the popular internet scams today make it seem as though they are affiliated with web sites like Google and Twitter, but after reading the fine print (if you can find it), it becomes obvious that there is no affiliation. Fred T. Elsberry, President and CEO of Georgia’s Better Business Bureau recently discussed some of the newer schemes making their way to you via fake blogs, newspaper articles, emails and web sites. He said, “The pitch used to be about making money by sending e-mails or by placing ads on Google but now cash-strapped job hunters need to be wary of shelling out money for a dubious scheme that revolves around Twitter.”

The schemes work so well because they don’t ask for much of a commitment from their potential victims. One of the popular schemes claiming to be associated with Twitter promises that you can make between $250 and $873 a day by posting on Twitter. The company asks that you purchase a free seven-day trial CD-ROM with instructions.

What it doesn’t tell you up front is that the “free trial” begins the day the CD is ordered and if the consumer fails to cancel within seven days of signing up they will be charged $47 every month to be drawn directly from their bank account. But even if you do call before the seven days is up, it might not be enough to save you from the scam. Consumers have reported that a lot of these types of companies often supply bogus phone numbers or make it impossible to speak with a competent operator.

The Federal Trade Commission’s website suggests that consumers always ask the proprietor of the business the following questions before considering an offer of work:

What tasks will I have to perform? (Ask the program sponsor to list every step of the job.)
Will I be paid a salary or will my pay be based on commission?
Who will pay me?
When will I get my first paycheck?
What is the total cost of the work-at-home program, including supplies, equipment and membership fees? What will I get for my money?

What has been your experience with scams on the internet?

How do you or people you know avoid falling prey to these types of schemes?

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Comments

by christygirl | DES MOINES, IA

Jul 23, 2009

Great information. I am looking for a part time job that I can do from home. I work 45-60 hours a week but need a second job, I don't make much at my full time job. I don't want to be away from home any more hours than I already am. I will be checking out many of the sites recommended here. Thanks,

by adelyn | LONG BEACH, CA

Jul 23, 2009

I've actually never even heard of work at home jobs and think it sounds interesting. Though I doubt I would have the motivation to find a legit one ... Though I'm glad a few of you have one some!! :)

by Saviina60 | Wallingford, CT

Jul 20, 2009

Nowadays if someone falls for these scams that say "pay only x" or "it's only $29.99", etc., then you're basically asking for it. How can one not know about these scams today!? Do your homework people - and yes, as small and as long as they are - read every fine print there is on EVERY page of the website...it'll save you lots of aggravation!

by resa1320 | Mesa, AZ

Jul 16, 2009

I just don't go for anything anymore. People are so sneaky and to be honest, with the way our economy is right now everyone is trying to get a buck and will do whatever it takes... Sad but True, don't accept anything with out checking it out .

by coco_dip19 | Baltimore, MD

Jul 13, 2009

I have been scamed two times and it is not funny, I invested money and saw no results they promise you a bundle and you recieve a penny for the return on a $100 and $200 investment. I really don't trust any work at home jobs now; they are only taking your money and getting rich.

by justmefrankie | Poulan, GA

Jul 10, 2009

I have three boys- 9,7, and 4. My husband and I have talked about me finding a job. When we talked to our boys about "Mommy going to work" they all cried. It is hard to find a job that allows your children to have their Mom and for a Mom to provide a little extra income for her family. Then you also have to go through scam after scam.

by ajannasmom | Plainfield, NJ

Jul 08, 2009

Not me personally, but my girlfriend just got COMPLETELY scammed with a 'work at home' job. She was doing business travel arrangements, 5 star accommodations for clients that were sent to her. The company sent her several payments to pay for the travel, but when the two weeks were up and it was time for them to pay her...they were no where to be found...horrible.

by stsunflowers | fremont, CA

Jul 07, 2009

But aren't most work at home jobs scams? that's what I associate them with anyway..

by ashleylparrott | COWARD, SC

Jul 07, 2009

I work from home and love it. I saw another comment about West at Home, and it is indeed a real, legitimate business. Just be aware that a "real" work at home opportunity should NEVER COST YOU A PENNY! Be wary of anybody that gives you specialized links to click on, which is usually a sign of a referral--meaning that person is getting credit for you signing up, and it's usually not a trustworthy operation. A great website (and it is not mine, nor am I affiliated with it) is WAHM.com. They post opportunities that are not scams. I personally work for ChaCha (chacha.com) and Demand Studios (DemandStudios.com). They are both great companies. You can also check out sites like Elance, Odesk, etc.

by phil924 | manitowoc, WI

Jul 05, 2009

I have never been able to find a work at home job that would work for our family. I have now found a great job, but I have a very good friend that needs a job. I have read all the comments that have been posted and will pass on all the information that I have read and learned. So hopefully something will work out for her. Thanks much for all your help.

by WANNADOO22572 | Tappahannock, VA

Jul 04, 2009

I have been working at home with a legitimate company for a while now. I work about an hour a day and make around $100 per week. If I devoted more time, I could make a little more money. If anyone is interested, the company I work for is hiring. Email me for the link. wannadoo22572 at aol dot c o m

by krisxoxo4 | monroe, NY

Jul 03, 2009

jcorbett, what exactly do you do for the company..it isn't telemarketing is it? i would def. be interested if not.

by ummali | glendale, AZ

Jul 03, 2009

I would love to find a legitimate work at home job and searching for one has showed me how much scams are on the computer these days. I have also signed up for survey listings and one survey company said they would send me a check when it totals 20 dollars I have been signed up for a month and have a credit of 8 dollars because all their products require me to use a credit card which I won't so I don't earn anything except reading the paid email they send me everyday and that gives me .50 cents or .20 cents. I am also in another survey listing and they are supposed to pay 5 dollars a survey(it said on their site) I have been sent 2 emails and the first was for 2 dollars and the second for 1.50 and when I filled out the questions they said i was not qualified for the survey but they are only supposed to contact me when I am qualified. no luck and bad experiences when it comes to searching online for a little extra income. good luck everyone out there.

by u5mcmom | Phoenix, AZ

Jul 03, 2009

very interesting I was just looking at such sites this morning and was almost caught up in the phony promotional ads. I thought they were good because they were linked to the name google. becarful out there, make sure to do lots of research.

by Kaylei | Langley AFB, VA

Jul 02, 2009

With trying to give my husband a little help, I've noticed lately just how many scams there are! It's ridiculous! As soon as I see something asking for my credit card number I know to run for the hills! More people need to read things like this because some of those places can be sly. It's easy to fall for the scam when you're looking for a miracle.