Work-from-home scams have been around for decades. Seedy companies promise workers thousands of dollars for doing minimal labor in the comfort of their own homes. The catch is that these companies usually require a down payment for the tools and startup package, and that initial fee comprises more than what the worker will ever profit — that’s if they ever hear from the company again. With the pervasiveness of the Internet today, these get-rich-quick schemes are becoming more widespread. Below is a list of the top work-from-home scams on the Internet.
- Email processing: In this scam, the company tells you that for $50 (sometimes more) you can become an at-home email processor making $25 or more per email. After the company receives your money, you’re told to spam forums and websites. And the spam content? It’s the same advertisement that prompted you to contact the company in the first place. You’re recruiter more suckers and not getting paid $25 per email.
- Typing: Much like the email processing scam, a company will tell you it’s possible to make money at home by simply typing. You’ll pay a startup fee and receive a training disk in the mail. That disk will contain information on how to type, place scam ads, and get others to buy the disk you just bought from the company to someone else.
- Chain letters: Sent to you through email, this scam announces that you can make fast money without any effort. Making fast money without any effort should be an immediate red flag, but people are fooled by the advertisement. The email contains names of people who’ve made money through the process. All you have to do is send money to the people on the top of the list and your name will be added to the bottom of the list. Then you’re told to pass it on.