For many, working at home has become a successful alternative to long commutes, beige cubicles and the office politics sometimes associated with traditional jobs. Unfortunately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that many criminals also find success in the work-at-home marketplace when it comes to scamming interested job applicants. Following a few common sense principals and doing some investigation can help you find a legitimate work-at-home job.
Step 1
Ignore the advertisement if the hype promises you will make thousands in a matter of weeks with very little training, time or expertise--and only a small investment. The FBI cautions job applicants to avoid working with any company that makes these claims. Work-at-home jobs require the same amount of effort, training and discipline as any job.
Step 2
Contact the Better Business Bureau and your State Attorney General for information regarding old and new work-at-home frauds, or a specific company's history. The FBI also recommends checking for legitimate opportunities in "The Work-at-Home Sourcebook" by Lynie Arden and other resources available through your public library. Research even well known companies by going to their home website and reviewing their employment opportunities to make certain the proposed at-home job is legitimate.
Step 3
Request written information from the company regarding their employee benefits, business philosophy, growth potential, pay scale and any other item you would address when applying for a traditional job. Ask for a pay schedule, whether they pay for training time, what the overtime policy is and if they will mail or direct deposit your check. You should expect a legitimate at-home employer to supply this information and answer your questions without hesitation, according to the FBI.
Step 4
Refuse to supply information such as your Social Security number or other sensitive information until you've researched the company thoroughly. Legitimate job offers obviously require you to submit a resume and fill out an application at some point. They also may eventually require a background or credit check. However, supplying Social Security numbers and credit information should generally occur late in the process, well after an employer reviews your resume, contacts you for a phone interview or tests your skills.
Step 5
Ask the company for an explanation if they want you to purchase specific equipment or supplies. To work for medical transcription services, for instance, you may need specific Internet speeds, types of headphones or computer memory capabilities to connect to their site and process the jobs they send you. On the other hand, companies that ask you to send them hundreds of dollars for the supplies you need to make crafts they promise to sell for you are likely scams to avoid, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
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