How to Avoid Work At Home Scams

We have all heard a story (or two or ten) about someone who has been scammed by a "home-based business".  They joined a company that you only had to invest this much money and you were going to create a VERY LARGE return on your investment.  You give them your credit card number only to find out that they have stolen your identity, there will be no starter kit, or the company's system is not easily duplicated therefore, you will not be making any money.  Based on these stories, I decided to investigate how to avoid work-at-home scams. 

According to the National Consumers League's Internet Fraud Watch, these are some tips to follow to avoid being scammed.

#1 Know who you are dealing with.  
#2 Don't believe that you can make BIG profit EASILY. 
#3 Be cautious of emails offering work-at-home opportunities.  
#4 Get ALL of the details before you pay. 
#5 Find out if there is really a market for your work.
#6 Get references for other people who are doing the work.
#7 Be aware of legal requirements (ex. do you need a license?).
#8 Know the refund policy.
#9 Beware of the old "envelope stuffing" scheme
#10 Be wary of offers that send you and "advance" on your "pay".
#11 Do your own research about work-at-home opportunities. 

Top 10 Work at Home Scams According to Scambusters.com

1. Envelope Stuffing
2. Chain Letters/Emails - Make money fast.
3. MLMs that focus on recruiting ONLY rather than on the product or service being sold.
4. "Turn Your Computer into a Money Making Machine"
5. Typing at Home 
6. "Just Call this 1-900 Number for More Information"
7. "A List of Companies Looking for Homeworkers"
8. Email Processing
9. Medical Billing
10. Craft Assembly

There are legitimate companies out there that provide a real opportunity to make an income.  Not every home-based company or MLM is a scam.  Just be sure to do your research on the company to ensure that they are focused on selling their product/service, and be inspired by the product or service that they are offering.  I wish you happiness and success in finding a home-based-business and/or work from home!