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Not all work-at-home opportunities deliver on their promises. Some classic
work-at-home schemes are medical billing, envelope stuffing and assembly or
craftwork. Ads for these businesses say: "Be part of one of America's fastest
growing industries. Earn thousands of dollars a month from home!" Legitimate
work-at-home program promoters should tell you, in writing, what's involved in
the program they are selling. Here are some questions you might ask a promoter:
- What tasks will I have to perform? (Ask the program sponsor to list every
step of the job.)
- Will I be paid a salary or will my pay be based on commission?
- Who will pay me?
- When will I get my first paycheck?
- What is the total cost of the work-at home program, including supplies,
equipment and membership fees? What will I get for my money?
The answers to these questions may help you determine whether a work-at-home
program is appropriate for your circumstances, and whether it is legitimate.
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Mystery Shopper Jobs
Mystery Shopper Jobs
Mystery shopper jobs can seem like an easy and lucrative way to earn money. However, many frauds are based on these types of jobs. According to the FTC, some scams require you to pay a fee for the privilege of working for that company.. Other companies will send you a fake cashier’s check to deposit; then they will instruct you to send the majority of the money to some other address and to use only a small amount for your shopping trip. However, when the bank figures out that the check is not legal, you will be liable for repaying.
Some rules to keep in mind:
- Reputable companies will not ask you to pay a fee to work for them as a shopper.
- Don’t deposit cashier’s checks you receive out of the blue from companies you don’t know.
- Be skeptical of advertisements for mystery shoppers.
- Beware of companies selling directories of mystery shopping jobs. You can get reliable information from bookstores, libraries, or the Mystery Shopping Providers Association .
- Mystery shopper jobs pay modestly. They are a part-time job at best, and the company will send your pay only after you have completed a job and evaluation form.
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