Companies that claim to help you earn money online are plentiful on the Internet, but there are many companies that are built on scams to get your money. These companies or people can end up stealing your identity, getting into your bank account, or opening accounts in your name if you offer too much unneeded information to them and they are illegitimate. For a list of authentic companies I have used and had success for, you can read my article on YCN here. If you would like to search for other companies, please keep in mind the following tips to protect yourself.
Tip #1
Some web sites will require your Social Security number, but do your research before offering it up. With your SSN, identity thieves can open accounts in your name and totally wreck your credit, so you want to make sure that the company you are providing it for is a genuine, trustworthy company. The reason they need your SSN is because they must report your earnings to the IRS, and if you earn more than $600 a year (in most cases), you also have to report your earnings to the IRS.
Tip #2
If you want to look up a company (and you should), I advise the first step be to check them out on the Better Business Bureau’s web site to be safe. From their web site, you can see if they have accredited the business, what their rating of the business is, and the number of complaints a company has received. You can also try researching at Rip Off Report, but I prefer the BBB because it is more trustworthy and reliable, in my opinion.
Tip #3
Be wary of any company that claims you will get rich quick or earn a certain amount of money in a short time. It’s most likely a scam, and even with legitimate companies, it’s hard to earn a living working online.
Tip #4
Do not pay for a job. You should never have to pay to get a list of jobs or join a company. There are legitimate mystery shop jobs out there that will offer you jobs without payment. Never, ever pay! And NEVER wire money. If you are asked to do this, close the e-mail or web page immediately!
Tip #5
Look for proof or reviews online. Before joining Swagbucks, for example, I searched Google for reviews of people who had tried it, as well as read reviews on some blogs that I was already reading. If a company is not legit, you will likely find complaints online from people who have been burned. Do NOT count on testimonials on the company’s web site, as they will most likely be fake for fictitious companies.
Tip #6
Never give unneeded information. There is no reason they need your banking account numbers, for example. Most companies pay via Paypal or checks they mail.
Tip #7
Keep informed with new scams via the Federal Trade Commission’s web site. An example of a current scam is coupon clipping.
Tip #8
Envelope stuffing “jobs” are abundant online – and not valid. The FTC strictly warns against these schemes, which appear to work as a pyramid scheme. (Read more on what a pyramid scheme is here.
Tip #9
Look for a company that allows you to easily contact them with questions or concerns.
Tip #10
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Go with your gut if you can’t decide. It’s better to be safe than sorry.