Work-at-Home Scams

In the search for family friendly work, many parents seek out opportunities to work-at-home. The opportunities seem plentiful. On a daily basis I receive or see several ads for work-at-home opportunities.

I have discussed some valid opportunities in the past, but want to caution against scams as you look for a work-at-home opportunity. You might actually find real work that does pay you, but you could also end up becoming involved in illegal activities. I just read a story (here) about a woman who took a job assisting a shipping company. What she didn't realize is that she was repackaging and shipping items that were purchased with stolen credit cards, assisting the scammer in moving stolen goods.

There are many other types of scams out there, many featured on a blog for New England Mothers (here- not kept up-to-date, but lists many examples of scams). Often times work-at-home scams are just pyramid schemes that require you to pay a fee to get started. You then make your money by getting others to pay a fee and join the process. For example, you might have to pay $50 to start a business stuffing envelopes. You are then sent ads to mail out to try to get others to pay the same fee to start an envelope stuffing business. You make money when others respond to the ad.

Generally, if a company requires a fee, be cautious. Many direct selling companies (such as Mary Kay or Creative Memories) will require you to purchase products. However, if you have to pay a fee you must know exactly what you are going to get for that fee. If you visit a website about working from home that doesn't clearly tell you what it is you will do, it is likely a scam. Before working for any company, check them out with the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission.