Common Signs & Types of Work From Home Scams
Often times, the biggest signs of a work from home scam come simply your sense of judgment.
If it smells “fishy”, it likely is. However, it often isn’t that simple – if it was, scamming would’ve long been out of business!
Okay, so what are some common signs of work from home scams?
Certain Types of Fees for Work From Home Opportunities
Alright, if you haven’t noticed – I used the word certain. Some people would say – NEVER!
In my opinion, the truth depends on if we are talking about a work from home business or job.
The bottom line is – if you are looking into working from home in a business opportunity, you will face various costs to start and maintain your business. Every business opportunity is different and costs will vary substantially.
I personally have been in this industry since 2000 back in the dial up days. I don’t like paying money for anything since I fell for a work from home envelope stuffing scam in 2000 after I received an ad in the mail.
I came up with 7 principles I look for when finding a work from home opportunity. You can find that at “WORK FROM HOME: How to Turn CAN’T into SUCCESS”.
HOWEVER – If you are truly pursuing a work from home job, you should never pay any fee.
- Processing
- Application
- Materials
- Shipping and/or Handling
- JUST DON’T DO IT!
You will likely receive an outdated list of work from home jobs long picked over by others. The jobs may not even exist! Never buy lists – they are work from home scams!
Background Checks: Some work from home jobs do require a background check and require you to foot the bill. Read my article on “Researching Work From Home Scams” to make sure the company is legitimate. These are likely big companies and should have a visible track record! BE CAREFUL!
Didn’t Ask For It! (Unsolicited Work From Home Scams)
If an opportunity or job came to you unsolicited – it is 99% likely a work from home scam. If it isn’t, it either was sent accidentally, or the company is simply shady.
- SPAM / Bulk / Junk E-mail, Junk Postal Mail, Telemarketing, Text Messaging (Yes, that now too!)
Keep track of who you do respond to because scammers will claim you asked for the information!
Get Rich Quick / Easy Wealth
I know how it is to be desperate for money – bills, obligations, they are all piling up. But get this through your mind now if you haven’t already – there is no such thing as a free meal! You must work just as hard to be successful working from home.
If a company offers you quick riches or easy work – it is either a scam (99% likely) or is being misrepresented by a likely equally desperate sales representative.
Use your brain! (And if you ever need help visit our Work From Home Scams Shame List).
Types of Work From Home Scams
Work From Home Scams can come in any number of forms. As technology advances, scammers are finding new ways to rip off the most vulnerable in our society. As I mentioned, I was scammed in 2000 by an envelope stuffing scheme. That is what motivated me to educate myself (and others).
- Money Making Programs and Software (Extra Due Diligence)
- Envelope Stuffing (NEVER Legitimate)
- Pyramid Schemes (ILLEGAL!)
- Home Assembly Jobs (Very unlikely)
- Data Entry Jobs (Very unlikely)
- Processing Claims and Rebates (Extremely unlikely)
- Google Work At Home Scams (NEVER Legitimate)
- Wiring and Cashing Checks (ILLEGAL!)
- Receiving Equipment and Materials (ILLEGAL!)
- Online Survey Websites Requiring Fees (NEVER Legitimate)
Remember – if there are unsubstantiated fees, no real “business” in operation, and you are promised easy wealth and work – you are likely looking at a scam. These industries above require at least extra due diligence as potential work from home scams.
You’ll find more of this kind of information first on my Work From Home Blog.
If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts – please post them in the comments section below!
