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How To Avoid Work-At-Home Scams

By
Real Estate Agent with Choice 1 Realty

"Earn thousands of dollars a month from your home!"  We've all seen these types of ads posted on telephone poles and on the Internet.  It sounds great, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends exercising caution when it comes to work-at-home opportunities.  Many of these companies don't deliver on their promises, warns the FTC.

 

What many of these ads don't disclose is that you may have to work many hours without pay, or front the money for the materials needed to accomplish the job such as envelopes, paper, stamps, or other supplies.  Many consumers have lost thousands of dollars to companies like these - not to mention their time and energy, says the FTC.

 

Before you accept a work-at-home job, ask questions like these to determine the legitimacy of the offer and the appropriateness of it for you:

 

· What does the job entail?  Can you describe the process step by step?

 

· Who will be my contact with your organization?

 

· How is the compensation determined:  Is it a salary?  Piecework?  Commission?

 

· Who will pay me?

 

· When may I expect my first paycheck?

 

· What is the total cost of the work-at-home program, including supplies, equipment, and membership fees?  And what will I get for my money?

 

Mike Sikorski
Realty One Group - Port Charlotte, FL
MBA, GRI, CRS

Great article!

Oct 21, 2008 09:25 PM
Carol Swain
Keller Williams Real Estate - Langhorne, PA
Realtor, -www.swainsells.com- Bucks County, Pa

Thanks for the info.  I had no idea, since I never looked into it.  I did know someone who tried this and they had to buy everything upfront. It again was one of those it was too good to be true.

Oct 21, 2008 09:43 PM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!!

Oct 21, 2008 09:47 PM
Dean Moss
Dean's Team - Keller Williams Realty Partners Chicago IL - Chicago, IL
Dean's Team Chicago IL Real Estate Team

Pablo -

These scammers will prey on many in a floundering economy.  Let's hope most folks keep their heads - and their common sense - intact!

I know - because my wife was tempted to get involved with one of these - an online offer - and very nearly charged $895 for the "kit."

Glad we nipped this one in the bud!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Oct 21, 2008 09:47 PM
Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC
Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Something for nothing, or nearly nothing.  Hmmm.  Good checklist.

Oct 21, 2008 11:38 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Pablo, it always comes back to, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't." Thanks.

Oct 22, 2008 12:59 AM
Kathy Fey
Fey & Associates - Dacula, GA

I have done a lot of research myself on this subject.  The majority are scams, although there are very legitimate work at home companies.  Unfortunately they are becoming a "needle in a haystack".

Oct 22, 2008 01:04 AM