Tory Johnson's Work-From-Home Tips: Don't Get Scammed

Make It a Power November -- Tory Johnson Has a Job Opportunity Every Day
By TORY JOHNSON

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More than 11,000 people are now making money at home because of opportunities they've learned about on "Good Morning America" and our online series. They're setting their own hours and working at their own pace, which is one big way they're taking control of their lives.

The message in your e-mails is loud and clear: Whether you're looking to contribute to your family's finances or earn some cash to cover holiday expenses, you want more ways to make money at home.

The most common question we're asked is how to find legitimate home-based opportunities. There are several great ways to find full-time and freelance openings, but sometimes the best way to land a home-based job is by calling someone you'd like to work for and offering your services on either a full-time or freelance basis.

Don't limit yourself solely to responding to advertised openings. Sometimes you have to create the opportunity for yourself by initiating the contact on your own.

Every day this November, I'll have a new lead on home-based work opportunities. We have a range of fields and resources below to help guide you in discovering the options that exist. But only you can decide if an opportunity is right for you.

Check back often since we post something new each day.

Nov. 27: Don't Get Scammed

While we're focused on making money, it's also important to note how to avoid losing it, too.

I responded to ads to stuff envelopes that boasted the ability to earn up to $1,500 a week with little effort. Though I was highly skeptical, I bought a dozen different starter kits for $20 to $50 each, figuring one might work.

Each instructed me to mail flyers aimed at recruiting other people to stuff envelopes. I wasn't promoting a product or service; I was just told to get other people to stuff envelopes with the same offer. If they purchased the same kit, I'd receive a commission.

I'm pretty resourceful, yet I couldn't get this to pan out. I didn't get a single cent. Recruiting people to stuff envelopes is the oldest work-from-home gimmick that fools people every day. Don't be one of them.

That isn't to say that all home-based opportunities that request money upfront are rip-offs. Many legitimate direct-sales companies and others that help you start your own business require a start-up fee to cover the cost of training manuals and supplies to get you going.

Before mailing a check or submitting a credit card payment, talk to a live person about the requirements and the realistic earning potential. Also ask about obstacles and challenges, too.

If you wanted to become a consultant with Mary Kay or Avon, you'd have no trouble finding people willing to talk — not just e-mail you — about how to get started. The same access to information and people should be your standard for any home-based work you consider.

In the end, only you can decide whether an opportunity is right for you. Do your own due diligence. I wouldn't be willing to pay money in hopes of making money unless I could talk to someone about all of my questions and concerns.

Nov. 26: Channel Your Inner Judge Judy

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