7 Signs that a Work from Home Job is a Scam

Tips on How to Avoid Work at Home JOB Scams

A Work at Home Job is Different Than a Work at Home Business or Opportunity

Knowing the Difference Will Help You From Being Scammed

They are plastered all over the internet.  Infomercials invite you to join them.  You might get dozens of emails each day boasting their benefits.  Work from home jobs are a dime a dozen these days, but only a few of them are legitimate opportunities that offer real financial benefits.  So how can you tell which jobs are worth trying and which are best left alone?  Here at MoneyMakingMommy.com I want to do whatever I can to help you avoid falling for a scam when you’re desperately looking for a job online. Look for these 7 signs that a work from home job is a scam and you will always know when it’s better to walk away.

1.    The work at home “employers” don’t ask for a resume.

How many real world jobs invite applicants to simply email or call to join?  None!  In fact, with unemployment at an all-time high, most employers simply give a P.O. box or fax number where you can send a resume to apply.  If landing a job is as simple as filling out a five line form online, the job is a scam and you should walk away.

2.    The work at home employers don’t require any previous experience or relevant skills.

To be successful in any job setting, you need the experience or at least some predefined skills.  If you are never asked questions in regards to your education, experience, or work history, the job is probably a scam.  Real employers are looking for top notch employees and will use this information to find the best applicants out of the bunch.

3.    The work at home employers use the terms “telecommute” and “no experience necessary” together.

If you are going to telecommute for a job, you will need the experience to get it done without constant supervision.  An entry level job requires training, which is difficult to get when you are working virtually.

4.    The work at home employers give no specifics about the position.

When a supposed employer invites you to apply to make money from home, but never tells you what you will be doing to make the money, it is always a scam.  Legitimate jobs always tell applicants up front what the position will be, the skills that are required, and other important details.

5.    The work at home employers promise a big salary right off the bat.

When you browse the classified section in a newspaper and look at local job opportunities, how often do you see salary listed?  Very rarely!  This is proof that legitimate jobs rarely advertise big salaries up front when recruiting a very generalized group of people.  Legitimate telecommuting jobs generally determine salary based on experience or they discuss details of pay once you have been accepted for the position.

6.    The work at home employers ask for money.

How many job interviews have you paid for?  If you are looking in the right places, the answer will be none!  Unfortunately, many work from home scams ask people to pay money in exchange for a list of employers or a kit which gives information that can land you a “guaranteed” work from home job.  This is a scam!
**But let me note, that JOB interviews are not the same as business start-ups or home business opportunities. In many instances, companies like Mary Kay, Tupperware and Discovery Toys will ask you to pay for your kit and materials. These are legitimate companies and opportunities — and not to be confused with actual JOB interviews and employment.

7.    They advertise the job as “work from home”.

Most legitimate work from home jobs will use words like “telecommute” or “virtual” to describe the operations setup.  When you are weeding out scams, avoid ads that use the phrase “work from home” and look for specific jobs such as “technical writer” or “virtual assistant”.

If you use these 7 signs of work from home scams to guide you in your search, you can find jobs that offer a real opportunity to make money at home.  It’s important to remember the old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!”  Use a dose of common sense and take some time to look at job opportunities with objectivity and your scrutiny will pay off in big rewards in the long run.