The opportunities to make an income online are growing, and, for those of us looking to make money part-time, there is nothing better than doing so online. however, there are probably more scams when it comes to work-from-home opportunities than there are actual positions. Check out the five things you should never do while looking for employment online, and save yourself from a potential scam.

1. Not bothering to learn about the company

Do some research on the employer until you feel certain that it is legitimate. Check out the company’s website, and call the contact numbers listed. If the company doesn’t have a name or credible main website, then don’t even consider it. When you call, pay attention to how you are treated. If it sounds like you are calling an automated hotline, or if representatives don’t seem to care to help you, it could very will be a scam.

2. Sending a potential employer money

Legitimate employers will never charge you in order to start an application process or job training. If a company tells you that you’re hired but must buy a training kit or reading materials, it’s a sham. Also, never believe any excuse that requires you to send money. Some scam artists have deposited checks into employee’s accounts then said that they deposited too much. The employee sends a check to reimburse the employer, and the employer’s check ultimately bounces, leaving the employee with a loss. Rule of thumb: never send money.

3. Believing claims of huge profits

This goes back to what we’ve all been told many times: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. No one is going to pay you exorbitant amounts of money for doing very little work. Any job that offers a big salary will require hard work and dedication, so there is no credibility to any company’s claim that it’s possible to sit at home and rack up money with very little effort. The only people who can do that are scam artists.

4. Accepting a job without employee references

Your employer should be more than willing to provide you with references of current or past employees. Ask them about whether the company paid on time and fulfilled its promises. If a potential employer is not willing to give you contact information for any employees, it is most likely a scam.

5. Forgetting to research your market

If a position looks great, you get hired easily, and there seems to be an endless amount of job offers in that area, you may want to research whether or not the industry you are looking at is actually booming. Contact people who currently work in the industry and ask whether or not it is common to outsource employment to people who work from home.

This is a guest post by Eliza Morgan who is a full time blogger. She specializes in writing about business credit cards. You can reach her at: elizamorgan856@gmail.com.