How to Protect Yourself
from Home Based Business Scams
While there are many lucrative home based
opportunities on the Internet, there are also many scams that one must be
aware of in their quest for a home business. Scam artists are in abundance,
and just waiting for someone who is hopeful - and inexperienced - to happen
by. Don't let it be you!
Of course, there are scam artists who target those who
want to start their own home based business, but there are also scam artists
who target average computer users around the world. These scam artists are
adept at creating web sites that look and feel just like the web sites that
you commonly use. For example, they can make an exact duplicate site of your
banks web site, in an attempt to trick you into providing them with your
username and password, or other sensitive data, such as your account number
or credit card number.
In home based business scams, however, things work a bit differently. In
this case, the scammer simply wants you to give him your money, in exchange
for a load of lies and unfulfilled promises. He doesn't need your bank account
information, he just needs payment, which inexperienced hopeful people will
happily give him. He will take your money knowing that he is crushing your
dreams and draining your bank account - and he won't care.
Protecting Yourself from Business Opportunity Scams
So, how can you protect yourself from these scammers?
The first step is to use good, sound common sense. As always, if something
sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Learn to recognize hype, and
to avoid offers that are 'hyped.' Hype means that outlandish promises are
being made. For example, a scammer might promise you that you can make tens
of thousands of dollars in just a few short days, with little or no work.
That is a common ploy used in scammy home based business advertisements.
Research the Company
Before you invest your hard earned money in any business
opportunity, you need to fully research the company. Check with the Better
Business Bureau first to see if there are any negative reports. You can also
pay for a basic background check, which generally costs less than twenty
bucks. A great deal can be learned from such basic information.
Personal Information
Use a post office box, instead of your home address,
and never give out personal details if you can avoid it. However, when doing
business online, many times you will need to provide personal information.
When doing so over the Internet, make sure that the site is secure by ensuring
that the web site address in your address bar begins with https://, instead
of just http://.
Read the Fine Print
Read everything, including the fine print, and make sure
that you don't pay for anything until you have read all agreements and such.
You should know exactly what you are paying for, before you send that payment.
If possible, ask to talk directly with other people who have invested in
the business opportunity, and verify who they are. Note that a scammer can
put people up to telling you anything that they think that you want to hear,
but often, when asked for references and such, a scammer will move on.
Common Sense
Once again, use good common sense in all transactions,
and trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is. If it sounds
too good to be true, it probably is. If you are unsure, do not move forward
until you are sure. The right business opportunity will come along, but by
paying attention, and knowing what to be on the lookout for, you won't spend
a great deal of time or money investing in business scams.
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is a successful well-known Internet Marketer and the owner
of www.Web-Source.net. Join Shelley
in the most exciting business opportunity in Internet history. Make up to
$5000 or more weekly with a proven automated
residual income
system that is making many members wealthy in a very short period of time.
http://www.BoardYourShip.com/workathome/
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
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