While there are legitimate work-at-home jobs today, it is very important that a Job Seeker is able to identify the legitimate opportunities from work-at-home scams.

Work at Home scams are “positions” which claim that almost anyone can perform the job and earn lots of money from the comfort of home and without any advanced skill, knowledge, or training. They may sound like great opportunities for earning some extra cash, but in reality, falling for one of these scams only leaves the Job Seeker frustrated and with an empty wallet.  

Some of these so-called jobs involve assembling crafts, stuffing envelopes, data entry, or even bill processing. The “employer” requires an upfront payment for instructions about the position, required software, or materials. Or the employer may require a “subscription fee” or initial start up fee be paid before they send any information to the Job Seeker. Once payment is made, the Job Seeker is told that the materials and information will be mailed or emailed to them within several business days.

If the Job Seeker even receives the materials/software needed to start their new “job”, the materials are usually of very poor quality and the information provided is minimal. Typically, the Job Seeker is given instructions to assemble the products or transcribe data. However, when the task has been completed, the fraudulent employer immediately rejects the work claiming that it didn’t meet the required standards or did not pass their quality control test. Often these employers require a repurchase for another kit/software at a “discounted rate” to receive another payment from the Job Seeker. The fact is that all work submitted to the employer will be rejected as it will never “meet quality standards.” The Job Seeker is left with less money in the bank and will never be paid by the “employer.”

In some cases, the Job Seeker will not receive any materials to start employment. Attempts to contact the employer will be unsuccessful, due to the lack of valid contact information provided for the company. Again, the Job Seeker is left without any working materials and may be further in debt.