Comments on: How to Avoid ‘Work from Home’ Scams

By: Kainsmoney

Kainsmoney — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:48:17 +0000

Hi Craig, the best way to avoid scams, is to check the name of the company with a search engine, if a site is scam, the info will be there, asking around help too.

By: amethystlady2

amethystlady2 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:50:32 +0000

Sorry for the extra note, but I just recalled a site I visited recently. Heard Dr. Laura advertise this on her show, so thought I would check them out.

Go to ‘workathome.com’ (minus the quotes) and there are a lot of companies there that do not ask you for money…that is a start.

Good luck…I am off to check out the legal assistant positions…you do data and form entry AT home…and I am a paralegal…so this should be right up my alley…going to fill out my resume on this one site, and see what happens.

Good luck, and be cautious!

By: amethystlady2

amethystlady2 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:42:26 +0000

Its true, mystery shopping can be a fun way to make some pocket money…just be certain you do NOT sign on with a company that wants you to send THEM money…at all! Legitimate companies that use mystery/secret shoppers NEVER ask you for money. The illegitimate ones usually advertise in local and all big newspapers, but please do not fall for them.

You can find an enormous data base of mystery shoppers by going to Volition.com, or by simply typing in your search, mystery shopping companies…you will be astounded by the number of companies there are…

If you find some that have jobs in your area, and they pay a decent amount, you can often sign up for several shops…that way you can get a larger check when you are paid. MOST companies hold your pay for 30-45 days, depending on the company, I guess. You do have to use PayPal for them…but I have never had a problem with PayPal or any of the mystery shopping companies I worked through. YOU are an independent contractor, and are responsible for your own taxes…you will only get a 1099 Misc at income tax time if you are paid $600 or more by any one company. You also will have to estimate your taxes, as you are self-employed and will pay your own Social Security.

I was checking out a gift basket business that I was interested in, until I got to the clincher…with this company, you send them $19.95 a month…I have not agreed to do anything with this company, and while I had to put in my info in order to read all about the company, that last little bit of info just flashed a huge warning at me…I unsubscribed from their emails, but in order to “cancel”, I have to call the 1-800 # they have on their site…the only problem is, NO ONE is available to take your call…lol…

So, just a warning, we all can be sucked in to these things…I’m going to do some research on this company and see about if the Better Business Bureau in their state has information on them…that is IF I can find where they really are.

Don’t do it, folks…you NEVER pay anyone to work for them…EVER!

By: SAB

SAB — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:51:54 +0000

Sorry I spelled legitimate incorrectly. (smile)

By: SAB

SAB — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:50:44 +0000

Well one legitamate “work at home” opportunity that I have tried and made a good amount of money at is mystery shopping. The only caution I have is don’t go through a third party and pay for the information. You can sign up directly with the companies and there are no fees. Sometimes you may have to make a small purchase, but you will be reimbursed when you are paid. I did it for years in NY and made a nice amount of money.

By: Craig Ford

Craig Ford — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:20:39 +0000

Yes, you are right. We will make that change ASAP.
Craig

By: jssme

jssme — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:07:19 +0000

Shouldn’t it be: undress4success.com…. with a double c in ‘success’???

By: Craig Ford

Craig Ford — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:50:43 +0000

@bondChristian
Re #2: While (some) banks certainly offer lower fees ther are many online businesses where you need a PayPaly type payment structure. In addition I do like the idea of keeping strangers one step away from my bank information. Yes, I do pay a price to use PayPal, but it is still a prefered method for me.
Re #4: Good point. Thanks for helping clarify that point.
Ha – thinking were are smarter than the average person can be dangerous. I appreciate your comment.

By: bondChristian

bondChristian — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:40:47 +0000

For #2, it’s best just to work through your bank. Most banks will allow you to pay through them instead of bothering with anything else. Paypal still come with a price.

For #4, that can be tricky. Sometimes a free trial is just what you want to see how the thing works out. Still, you have to be careful to make sure you’re not giving out personal information to get going with the free trial. If it’s a scam, they might say you won’t pay for a while, but they’ll take your money anyway. The best is to go with free trials that offer no obligation upfront as far as personal information goes (I assume that’s what you meant in the post though).

Excellent tips though. I think many more people are getting serious online because of their job situations, but they’re still not up to speed on how it all works and what the best practices are. I know I’m certainly in that boat as well, even though I’d like to think I’m smarter than the average bear.

-Marshall Jones Jr.

By: Paul Williams @ Provident Planning

Paul Williams @ Provident Planning — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:33:22 +0000

Two great posts today, Craig!!!

To #9 I’d add be especially skeptical when you’re desperate. You’re much more easily duped when you need money fast – so be super-careful if you’re in a situation like that. I know I was at one point and almost gave my info to a scam company. I was just careful enough to do some research and realize it wasn’t legitimate. And I’m a financial planner! Just goes to show that we’re all susceptible to these scams – though thankfully I’ve never fallen for one yet.