by Lucy May

Created on: March 17, 2009

For decades now there have been thousands of honest hard working people who would just like to find a job that they could do at home and earn a little extra money. Why is that so difficult for the average person to find something?

As soon as they started a search, whether it was in the local paper classified page or today in our Internet world using search engines, out of the woodwork come all the scam artists' and rip-off' con men.

For some unknown reason people over the years have become gullible and unfortunately due to their strong desire to find work, have agreed to pay out in advance for what they assumed was the promise of a job. Then after forfeiting their fee they discover all they received is a useless pamphlet of out of date job hunting sites. They are then too embarrassed to complain or request a refund, which they probably would not have received anyway.

Now the Internet is suffocating under the work at home schemes and modern day job seekers have to sift through all these dubious companies to try and find the respectable employers.

If you are considering finding a job you can do at home, there are several factors you must take into account:

1. Never ever pay any sign up fees or any request for upfront payment.

2. Do not answer any of those unsolicited emails where they are looking for people to help with receiving finances from aboard. This work will get you arrested!

3. If you join any survey sites or even reading emails, check the terms and conditions. Look for the minimum pay out amount; some companies set this figure so high, it could easily take you 2-3 years to reach pay out. The company works on the idea that most people give up in that time, they win, you lose.

4. If a company interests you, use the search engines. Check to see if other people have had any problems with them, particularly in paying out.

5. When it comes to stuffing envelopes, making crafts etc., respectable companies are hard to find. Do not take on any work where you are only going to be paid a few cents for several hours work. Your time and energy are worth much more.

6. There are thousands upon thousands of e-books, courses, DVD's and other material offering you promises of an easy get rich lifestyle. One thing they all have in common is the large box text of 100% guarantee. Unfortunately I cannot give you a list of which you can believe and which will rip you off. But sorry to report not all of these guarantee's are guaranteed! Returning to the search engine's are where you will find many stories of consumer's who did not receive a refund.

7. One final piece of advice, open up a new email address, use this for all enquiries. Although you will see the words, we respect your email details and will not pass it on', somebody will. Your in box will be hit by an incredible amount of spam and your details will be sold on a list many times over.

There are many work at home opportunities out there, just keep up your search and you will find work.

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