Questions to Ask before joining any work from home program
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Legitimate work-at-home program sponsors should tell you - in writing - what's involved in the program they are selling. Here are some questions you might ask a promoter:
- 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?
The answers to these questions may help you determine whether a work-at-home program is appropriate for your circumstances, and whether it is legitimate.
Tips Avoid Scams
- Be aware of legal requirements
To do some types of work, such as medical billing, you may need a license or certificate because some types of work cannot be done at home under federal law. - Be cautious about emails offering work-at-home opportunities
Many unsolicited emails are fraudulent. - Be patient
If you're looking to start a home-based business, or looking for telecommuting work you can do at home, you may have a considerable search ahead of you. There are a lot of people in the same boat, many of whom are falling prey to scams every day. Don't let scammers use high-pressure tactics to sucker you in. If you're given a time-limited offer, there's usually a reason why -- scammers know that pressure brings in people! Even if you're in dire straits, it pays to be patient... so that you don't lose money to schemes that never materialize. - Be wary of offers to send you an "advance" on your "pay"
Some con artists use this ploy to build trust and get money from your bank. They send you a check for part of your first month's "pay." You deposit it, and the checks have bounced. - Beware of the old "envelope stuffing" scheme
In this classic scam, instead of getting materials to send out on behalf of a company, you get instructions to place an ad like the one you saw, asking people to send you money for information about working at home. This is an illegal pyramid scheme because there is no real product or service being offered. You won't get rich, and you could be prosecuted for fraud.
