The Internet provides an opportunity for employees to quit their jobs and start their own businesses right from the comfort of their home. Unfortunately, the internet also enables con artists and scammers to proliferate freely, victimizing more law-abiding citizens than ever. To avoid making your home internet opportunity turn to nightmare, you should be vigilant about your business transactions especially on the web. Here are some pointers to help you spot potential scammers.
• Required fees – Be wary of online companies that charge fees up front. There are scams that operate through membership to organizations that will require you to subscribe with a nominal fee but eventually, the fee increases exponentially. There are legitimate companies that offer start-up kits that include initial product inventories and sales materials but be sure that you get value for your money. Avoid getting scammed. Read the fine print.
• Unprofessional looking sites – Although there are a lot of legitimate companies with horrible websites, scammers often have sites with atrocious grammar and spelling errors. They also use free web hosting sites that looks like it was put together in a hurry. There are exemptions of course, a number of scammers pay to have their own domain. Some even have .org domain names. Anybody can have a .org site so don’t be fooled. There are also scamming sites that ask you to provide personal details like birth date, marital status, race, etc. Whatever you do, don’t give them your credit card number, social security number or any other sensitive information until you’re absolutely sure the company is legitimate.
• Dubious and incomplete information – Legitimate company websites usually post their physical address and telephone address on their website. Scammers sometimes only list their email address or post office box. Some just use email forms in which case you won’t even know their email address while you just gave them yours. A website or ad with hardly any details on what you will be doing is also highly suspicious. Companies usually list in detail what they expect of the person they are hiring.
Use your common sense in determining if the home internet opportunity is real or not. Do careful research and check their credentials before transacting with businesses especially online. Ask questions and don’t rely on email alone for communication. Be aware and educate yourself on new scams to avoid. Remember that the internet provides great opportunity for everyone including scammers.