Home Based Business Scams To Avoid
Scams in the home based business niche have been around for many years, but many now use the ever growing reach of email and the internet to get target more victims. We have all seen those spam emails and classified ads that try to sell us the lifestyle of our dreams. For just a small investment and a little of our time, we can have it all. Most of these are rubbish, but here are some very genuine ways of working at home. The key is knowing how to spot and then avoid the scams.
You know that feeling you get - “this sounds too good to be true”? Well, that gut instinct is usually right.
Often, home business scams share some common characteristics, such as their promises of large profits for very little effort and in a very short period of time; claims like “it’s so easy you’ll be up and running in no time”, “no experience required”, and the like. Often the promo material has testimonials from fictitious individuals and that favourite ploy, “We can only fully let you in on this excellent home business opportunity after you register, oh by the way, the price goes up tomorrow”.
Some really old scams are still around, and they are still catching out innocent people looking for a break in life. Be extremely cautious of work at home plans such as:
Assembly Work at Home - A real classic this one. Spend some money on materials to assemble into gift items or toys with great profits on selling the now completed pieces back to the promoter, after all he’s paying for your assembly work. Unfortunately, the promoter says your work is not up to their standards, and won’t pay for the assembled toys. Now you’re left with a bunch of stuff that nobody really wants, and there is no way to get your money back.
Medical Claims Processing - You’ll hear that many medical practices need help to process their claims work, and for just a little cash right now (there it is again…) you can buy the software which does all that processing and allows you to offer your freelance processing service. Why you’re now a ‘certified’ claims expert with some fancy software, all you need is to get some medical practice to use your services. That’s when you find they are perfectly happy doing their own processing.
Envelope Stuffing - You’ll most likely find yourself deluged with offers of more work at home schemes all of which need just a little cash to get started right now! You’ll also get the detailed instructions on how to place ads about envelope stuffing and make money by performing the same scam on others!
Avoid these home based business scams like the plague and pay only when you know what you’re getting. Look for money back guarantees like those offered by Clickbank. The genuine home business promoters will tell you exactly what you’re paying for, and certainly there are some excellent guides to home businesses available there. Try them, I’ve only ever asked for one refund and that was on some faulty software. The home business guides I’ve bought have been very informative and great value, even if sometimes a little bit hyped.
Take the time to study any home based business opportunity you are interested in, and then go with one or two that you find are credible and legitimate.
To see some tested and proven work at home businesses, click HERE
Oh boy have I ever donated to my share of scams. And I notice a trend of a lot of them are offered under $20. Most people would think…”I will only get burned for less than $20, so why not give it a try. ”
Good reminder Alan.
Leon Bowes
Very good post. I wrote a post on scams a while ago because they’re so prominent, especially medical billing. As that’s my primary business, I’ve always warned people about that, for the very reason you gave. Way to go.
Great to be warning others Alan. Most newbies would just be tempted by these scams and only to realise they have gained themselves disappointments.