Follow these five simple rules for determining whether or not work at home opportunity is a scam:
1. Is It Too Good to Be True?
Just like the adage says, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
In other words, if someone is claiming that you can make a lot of money from home, without any experience, and with only a small investment, it’s likely that it’s a scam.
2. Base Your Decision on Information, Not Emotion
Closely related to the above, when evaluating a work at home opportunity, don’t be sucked in by marketing hype, no matter how bad you may want it to be legitimate. Instead, use facts and figures to guide your thought processes. How?
Look through the website or ad for a phone number or email address (note: if you can’t find one, it might be best to stay away altogether). Then, the Federal Trade Commission recommends asking the following questions:
What tasks will I have to perform? What are the steps involved?
Will I be paid a salary or will I be paid on commission?
What is the basis for your claims about my expected earnings? Do you survey everyone who purchased the program? What documents can you show me to prove your claims are true before I give you any money?
Who will pay me?
When will I get my first paycheck?
What is the total cost of this work-at-home program, including supplies, equipment and membership fees? What will I get for my money?
Also, if you find any testimonials on the product’s website, ask the company if you can contact the individuals who provided them to very their claims.
3. Take All the Time You Need
If you’re interested in work at home opportunity and contact the company to learn more, understand that time is on your side.
After all, building a work at home business from the ground up takes lots of time and effort, so don’t feel obligated to make an immediate decision based on high-pressure sales tactics.
If the person on the other end of the line refuses to take “No” for an answer, this is probably a very strong indication that you should walk away.
4. Tap Into Your Extended Network
Sometimes, finding out information about work at home opportunity isn’t as easy as making a phone call.
But, the good news is that people who succeed at working from home are often happy to share what they’ve learned with others who are looking to accomplish the same.
If you have questions about a particular work at home job, or even just working from home in general, ask your friends and family if they know of anyone you could speak with.
Also, consumer advocacy websites like HighYa can be great resources for helping you determine if a work at home opportunity is legitimate.
Be sure to reach out to us through Facebook or by leaving a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help out.
5. Never, Ever Pay Money to Land a Job
Whether we’re talking about work at home opportunity, a traditional job, or even obtaining a scholarship. a “red flag alert” should go off in your head if you’re asked to pay money upfront. Just don’t do it. Instead, walk away.
