Avoid work-at-home scams

When money is tight, work-at-home opportunities can sound like just the thing to make ends meet. Unfortunately, many of these job offers are scams and the con artists peddling them may try to get you to pay for starter kits or certifications that are useless. Others just don't deliver on their promises.

Promises of a big income by working from home, especially when the "opportunity" involves an up-front fee or divulging your credit card information, should make you suspicious. It doesn't matter if the ad is placed in a trusted newspaper or website -- or if the people you talk to on the phone sound legitimate. The situation demands both research and skepticism.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, says legitimate work-at-home program sponsors should tell you -- in writing -- what's involved in the program they're selling. Here are some questions to ask:

n What tasks will I have to perform? Ask the program sponsor to list every step of the job.

n Will I be paid a salary or will I be paid on commission?

n What is the basis for your claims about my likely earnings? What evidence can you show me to prove your claims are true before I give you any money?

n Who will pay me?

n When will I get my first paycheck?

n What is the total cost of this work-at-home program, including supplies, equipment and membership fees? What will I get for my money?

Work-at-home scams in the past have included envelope stuffing, online searches and medical billing. For example, the ad says: For a "small" fee, you'll learn how to earn lots of money stuffing envelopes at home. But once you pay, you find out the promoter never had any work to offer.

To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Watch a video, "How to File a Complaint," at www.ftc.gov/ video to learn more.

Courtesy NAPS