Now that you have made your initial assessment as to whether or not a home business opportunity is legitimate, there are additional steps you can take to determine if this is the opportunity for you.
~ Check with the Better Business Bureau - The BBB has a division dedicated to online businesses and any complaints filed against a company will be found here.
~ Check with the Federal Trade Commission ¬– The FTC has a lot of helpful information related to scams and legitimate opportunities.
~ Ask for references. Any legitimate company will have references and will be pleased to give them. If you sense stalling or hedging, it should be a warning sign.
~ Check with people you trust. If you have any friends directly involved with a similar opportunity, ask them about their experience. If you have any friends who spend a lot of time online, ask them if they know anything about this company or type of opportunity.
~ Can’t figure out if this is a “pyramid scheme”? In a pyramid scheme, the focus is not on selling a product, but on recruiting people. The Pyramid Scheme Alert website has an online quiz you can take to determine whether or not the opportunity is legit or just a pyramid scheme.
~ PowerHomeBiz.com has many resources about scams and legitimate home business opportunities.
~ Search the web – Do an online search about the company you are considering to find out what others are saying.
If the opportunity you are considering is still in the running, then you probably have a winner. Go for it!
If You Fall for a Scam
If you have fallen for a scam, report the company to the BBB, the Internet Fraud Watch, and the Federal Trade Commission. If significant money is involved, you may want to check with your attorney to see if you have any legal recourse.
Most of us in our quest for a home business have fallen for a scam or two along the way, (me included) so if you do, don’t beat yourself up and don’t give up. Learn from it and keep on plugging away.
Sue Richardson with At Home with the Family serves stay-at-home and work-at-home moms, of all ages, and those who would like to be. Please visit www.athomewithmyfamily.com for a free copy of the excellent Service Sellers Master Course (link is found in Part I).
