Freelancing is a great way to take charge of your career and grow your earning power, but you need to choose your gigs with care. While many work-at-home and freelance opportunities are legitimate, scammers often take advantage of those who want to leave the office behind.
Falling for one of those scams could leave you a lot poorer. If you spot any of these 10 warning signs, you could be looking at a scam instead of a legitimate business opportunity.
1. The Job Promises Instant Riches
There is no such thing as a legitimate get rich quick scheme. If the freelance job or work at home opportunity promises instant riches for no work, it is best to look elsewhere. A promise of high earnings and no work is the biggest red flag of all.
2. Details are Vague and Hard to Ferret Out
Before you start any freelance gig, you need a clear understanding of what you will be doing. Watch out for so-called business opportunities that make vague promises and offer little to back it up. If you cannot easily explain what the job is, move on to the next opportunity.
3. You Are Asked to Pay for Training or Materials
This is another classic warning sign of a scam. The same companies that offer untold wealth for little work often look for an up-front payment. They may say that payment is for training or starter materials, but in reality you are likely to receive neither. Legitimate freelance gigs pay you – not the other way around.
4. You Find Lots of Online Complaints
Checking out a potential freelancing client has never been easier. All you need is the name of the company and a good search engine. If your quick Google search brings up page after page of complaints, you are probably looking at a scam.
5. You Cannot Find Any Information About the Company
You should also be wary if your search brings up no information at all. Scammers often change the name of their companies as soon as the complaints start rolling in. If you cannot find anything at all about the company, you may be dealing with one of these serial scammers.
6. The Company Promises to Pay via Western Union
A legitimate company will have a business bank account, or at least a Paypal identity. Watch out for companies that promise to pay you through Western Union or other money transfer services.
7. The Work Seems Unethical or Illegal
If anything about the work seems unseemly or unethical, it is best to turn the job down and look elsewhere. Getting roped into an illegal work at home business or freelance gig could cost you more than money – it could cost you your freedom.
8. The Email Address is Suspect
Be very cautious if you receive an email from a non-business address. While some companies use public email domains like Yahoo! And Gmail, watch out for addresses that seem too personal or inappropriate. Chances are that email from bigdog2020 is not really offering a legitimate work at home opportunity.
9. There is No Experience Necessary
The beauty of freelancing is it gives you a chance to harness your experience and expertise. Watch out for clients that claim you do not need any experience. Freelancing is a two-way street, and you will need to offer real value to land legitimate clients.
10. You Are Offered the Job Immediately
If it is a legitimate freelance opportunity, the company or individual doing the hiring will work hard to find the right fit. They will ask you questions, ask for work samples and try to evaluate your expertise. Being offered the job immediately with no questions asked is a giant red flag.