Unrealistic work-from-home businesses have been around long before the Internet existed. Often they were advertisements in various magazines that promised millions for doing nothing; just send your money to find out how.

Here are some ways to tell if a business opportunity is real or just too good to be true.

There is no way to contact the company

If the opportunity is real, they will have a real business website with at least a real business email address, not a Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail address. You should be able to easily search for people and company name to get more information.

Promises of riches overnight

Any plan that claims that you will get rich overnight is a hoax. It just won’t happen. Working from home at a job, or running your own business, requires skill, work, and more work to earn money. You are not going to start a business without doing anything and getting paid.

They ask for money in advance (and now)

Many MLM (multi-level marketing) ask for money up front, which is a business investment. Even if you don’t like MLMs, some of them are legitimate companies with real opportunities. However, some jobs or opportunities just want your money. You should have plenty of time to do your research before giving money to someone. Never pay for a job, although an investment in a business opportunity is considered normal.

You feel pressured to act now

If someone has contacted you and made a lot of promises about making tons of money and stating that you must act now or lose forever, it is not legitimate. Tomorrow there will be a real opportunity.

It sounds too good to be true

You know inside that it is too good to be true, but you are tempted. Stop. Take the time to research the company and not just the people and places they provide you to research. Do your due diligence and walk away if you can’t prove they are legitimate.

Random email bid position that did not directly request

This sometimes happens when you apply for or complete real job opportunities online. They get the information online and then send you unsolicited jobs or advisory offers for a fee. It is no different than a phone call at dinner that makes you promises. Erase.

They offer extravagant pay for low-paying job titles

This is a common sign of deception. You will see the ad on a seemingly legitimate website that promises a lot of money for many different positions that just don’t make that much money. Be realistic. You’re not going to make $ 45 an hour stuffing envelopes.