It’s junk like this that makes me frustrated with online job offers. The FTC has cracked down on one company that tricked people and stole thousands and thousands of dollars from unsuspecting customers.

FTC Halts Multi-Million Dollar Work-From-Home Business Coaching Scheme (Full Story)

I really, really wish people would do their homework before they fork out their hard-earned money for these get-rich-quick schemes. Let me tell you, getting rich quick DOES NOT EXIST!! It’s not going to happen, and if it does, it’s probably not legitimate. Working your idea and staying focused are the only ways to get you to a fat check. Let me quickly share with you a couple of things you need to do when you’re checking out that promise of fast wealth. Here goes:

1. Money

Are you asked for all of the money up front? That’s a red flag! Just think…why do you have to pay money to make money? Crazy, right? You should only pay for something for which you are receiving either services or a product in return. Never pay for an idea, a promise, delayed money or anything silly of that sort.

2. Referrals

Do you know anybody else who’s doing the get-rich thing? So if you don’t know of anyone else who has successfully done this thing and has cancelled checks or a bank statement to prove it, keep walking. Oh yeah, and don’t fall for the celebrity endorsement thing either. They’re PAID to say something is great. Really, they are.

3. Due Diligence

Have you done your homework? Research, research, research. Find out as much about the company as you can. Who owns and runs the company? How long have they ben in business? Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Support

Is there a support system? This means, is there someone you can call and actually talk to when you have a question? Does the company answer their emails in a timely manner (>24 hrs.)? I only do business with companies that have a proven track record of great customer service. So if I’m going to invest my money for a work-at-home business opportunity, I need to feel comfortable about it and feel like I actually matter to them. If they can’t answer my call or return my emails, then I keep moving. And you should too.

5. Training

There should be a training and educational system in place. To make money, whether that’s offline or online, you have to be shown exactly how to do it. You need to know how to market, how to ship products, how to troubleshoot problems and even how to send off an email! You’d be surprised. But a comprehensive training system ensures that you will be successful. That is, if they’re truly interested in your success.

Like I said, these are only a few tips that I wanted to quickly share. But always, please, please, ALWAYS take your time and carefully look at any work-from-home opportunity and see what it’s all about before you plunk down your dollars. I don’t care if it’s $15 or $1500, it’s YOUR money. You’re worth it.