Avoiding Internet Scams

Avoiding internet scams is one of the biggest problems that we face nowadays. The internet is a wonderful thing, but you do have to be careful and avoid work at home scams, especially if you are looking to make some extra cash.

So, how can I avoid work at home scams? Here is a list of 9 things to help you from falling victim to a cleaver hoax.

1. Do They Have 800 numbers

If a company is real and they have a support number it should be a 1-800 number. If they have a standard area code for support be wary.

Note: Even if they have a 1-800 number it does not mean that it is a real opportunity. Also not all companies will have a number to reach them. Google doesn’t have a number but they are pretty well established.

2. Don’t Pay for a Job

If it is a job offer one of the quickest ways to tell if it is a scam or not is to see if you will have to pay them anything. If you do have to pay them for a training kit or something that should be a red flag right there.

3. Google it

This is a simple way of avoiding internet scams, simply Google the name and read what others are saying about it. If the company is called “Work From Home Pro” you can Google.

“Work From Home Pro Scam”

“Work From Home Pro Forums”

“Work From Home Pro Proof”

Etc. Do your research and read a couple different reviews first, this will give you a more reasonable understanding of what it is and how it works.

4. Verify Endorsements

Endorsements help build a company’s reputation. Unfortunately, many companies online will simply make them up. If a potential scam says something like, “this work at home opportunity has been featured on CNN” try to verify that.

Google it, ask it in Yahoo answers, or if you can contact the company and ask. If they are lying about that they are probably lying about all sorts of things.

5. Be Wary of Emails

Any work at home program you get in your email is probably a scam. Emails have become ground zero for internet scams and any company that emails you without you signing up with them or giving them permission to do so is pretty much a company that you are going to want to stay away from.

6. Don’t Check Spam Mail

Going on the same line here, a great way of avoiding internet scams is to avoid checking your spam mail. Unless you need to get something specific out of it then just delete them all and don’t think twice about it.

Your spam email is there for a reason after all.

7. Don’t Fall for the “No Risk” Business Adventure

There is no such thing as a risk free business. If a company is selling something that will allow you to start an online business where you can work at home and be your own boss for absolutely no risk and no work, be wary.

8. Learn About Different Scams

Most of the scams online today follow a similar pattern as other scams. Learning about the different types of internet scams can help you to recognize a new scam right away.

9. Is it Clear

If you are not sure exactly what it is you are going to be doing and have no clue as to what the value of it would be, run away. Unless someone can explain to you in simple terms what the position is, then chances are it is just a scam covered up in fine prints and smooth talking.

10. Does it Make Sense?

Once you understand what exactly it is ask yourself if it makes sense. Obviously if they are paying you $50 per email to copy and paste emails then there is something fishy here, especially considering companies can send hundreds of emails for pennies automatically.

Are you being paid fairly considering what you would be doing? Or are you being promised $9,000 a month to stuff and mail envelopes?

Common sense will be your biggest help when avoiding internet scams, but when in doubt use the other 9 methods to give you a better idea.

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