Watch Out For This Work From Home Scam

Not long ago, while looking for a work from home job, I responded to a job announcement for a work from home position as a finance manager. It sounded like the perfect position for me. I have worked in finance for a high tech company and know that many finance functions can be done from a home office. I sent my resume by email and was offered the job, by email, a few days later.

The email explained that my job would be collecting payments from customers, depositing the payments into my bank account, and then forwarding the money to the company, keeping a small percentage for myself. I don’t like doing accounts payable and putting the money in my bank account sounded a little odd, so I turned down the job offer. Now I am really glad I did.

I had assumed the job was working as a bill collector, but it turns out this is a new work from home scam. According to the Better Business Bureau:

In another scenario, a job seeker was hired to collect payments from clients in the U.S. and in turn wire the money to a company located overseas. The employee was instructed to keep a percentage of the money as his or her pay. The employee later found out that the collected payments were for non-existent merchandise sold through online auction sites. Auction bidders, would bid on an item and send in their payment to the seller, only to find out later that the merchandise never existed.

I am very happy I listened to my instincts and turned down the “job”.

Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau to help you avoid this and other similar scams.

Job listings that use words like “package forwarding”, “reshipping”, “foreign agent agreements” should be approached with caution.

Legitimate jobs do not require you to use your own bank account. Deposits and transfers should be made from the employer’s bank account.

Never fax someone you don’t know copies of your driver’s license and social security card. They can use these to create fake ID’s, or your identity could be stolen.

If you are unsure if a business is legitimate check with the Better Business Bureau.

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Working From Home….In My Pajamas?

Thanks to a really old advertisement for I don’t remember what, a lot of people think that working from home means you can work wearing just your pajamas, or sweats, or …. nothing at all! ( Now that’s a scary thought!) In fact, being able to work in your pajamas is often mentioned as one of the benefits of working from home. That may be true for many people, but not for me. Even though I work from home, I find it important that I have my morning routine to get my day started. That means coffee, a shower, and getting dressed before I start work in my home office.

Now that doesn’t mean I get all dressed up in a suit and heels. My work wardrobe is definitely causal. Nice jeans and a sweater, or khakis and a blouse. I find that if I stay in my pajamas, it is hard to get into “work” mode. I am more likely to surf the net and play Freecell.

The other benefit to getting dressed every morning is when the “emergency” meeting comes up. When the boss needs you in the office right away, or that “special”client needs attention, it is nice to be able to just get up and go. Much better than trying to make excuses to buy more time so you can shower and find clean clothes to wear!

I also find it helps to fend off all those distractions that come from your neighbors. You know the ones. There is this belief that because you work at home you have plenty of free time to take care of their errands. Pick up their kids, accept a package, or whatever! If you come to the door dressed for work it is much easier for them to believe you when you say, “I’m sorry I can’t help you right now, I’m working.” How much credibility do you think you have when you are in your pajamas and your hair isn’t combed?

How about you? Do you find you work best in your pajamas? Or are do you prefer to dress for work?