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What to do so you don't get taken by common work at home job scams: Internet ScamBusters #62
Today we'll focus on Part 2 of our series on home-based business scams and work-at-home scams. If you missed Part 1 in last month's issue on the Top 10 scams of this type
10 Tips on Avoiding Work At Home and
Home Based Business Scams
1. Never, NEVER pay for the chance to work!
This is the cardinal rule. You should treat working at home just like you would treat working for an employer at their place of business.
If you were going for a job interview in the 'real world,' how would you react if the interviewer asked you to pay $50 or $100 to land the job, for starter materials, or for a 'good faith' payment to make sure you were serious about the business?
You'd think it was absurd. No legitimate company charges employees a fee for a job.
Whenever you're asked to pay for the chance at a job, or information about work-from-home jobs, you know it's a scam.
Home-based businesses, on the other hand, may require start-up costs to cover investments, materials, franchises, or other items. As we state in the next step, check things out before you pay anything.
2. Check out the business before you pay anything.
Have you heard of the business that's soliciting your money?
If not, check them out carefully. Make sure they have a physical address and a phone number. Call to see if it's a real phone number. Do a search on http://www.Google.com to see if you can find any positive or negative comments. Check references carefully.
Some warning signs of scammer companies:
- They use free Web hosting services (such as Tripod or Geocities).
- They use free Web email services (such as Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail).
- They use Post Office boxes for mailings and don't disclose their real addresses.
- They won't give you a telephone number where you can contact them.
3. Use your credit card to make purchases.
This sounds counter-intuitive, but if you are going to buy a starter kit or make some investment relating to a home-based business, purchase using your credit card.
That way, if you don't receive the items, or if things go wrong, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company. If you're unsure how to do this, speak to your credit card company *before* you make the purchase.
4. Research the market for the proposed business/work.
Every scammer will promise unlimited wealth and easy work. With a little virtual footwork, you can see whether you can make money doing this kind of business or work.
If you're thinking of starting a medical billing practice, for example, call a few doctors and hospitals in your city or town and ask if there would be a market for your services. As we mentioned in the last issue, you may be surprised to discover just how limited the market really is.
5. Beware of vagueness and incredible claims.
Companies that don't state their names, costs, or other important information in their
