There is a lot of confusion for people getting into the work at home world about the difference between a legitimate home business and a scam. It is not surprising that people are thinking about it because work at home scams can be very damaging. Many people have spent a lot of money, wasted a lot of time and invested a lot into these scams that, in the end, result in no money earned.

The main point of confusion comes with the top work at home tip. Almost anywhere a person goes to inquire about working at home they will see the number one tip – Never pay to work at home. This is a great piece of advice, but when it comes to a home business it is not completely true.

There is a fine line between paying for a scam and paying for an opportunity. Many scammers have even caught on and have changed the way they do things to make themselves look legitimate, which causes even more problems. It used to be that if you received a product or sales kit for the investment that you could assume it is legitimate. Many times with a scam they will send something that they claim is a sales kit, so it makes it hard to see the difference between a scam and something real.

So how does a person keep themselves away from a scam when they want to get into a home business? All it takes is a little knowledge about keeping yourself safe. The following are two great tips that can help anyone avoid a scam and find a legitimate home business.

• Always check out the business. A search online with the company’s name and the word scam will turn up better results. When people get scammed they are quick to tell the world and there will be signs all over the internet to tell if a company is a scam. Additionally, if nobody has heard of the company or there is nothing that comes up online about them then that is also a good sign they are not legitimate.

• Know what the investment is for. A person should know exactly what they are getting for their investment. It should be something that is valuable and well worth the investment. Do not pay for a service that you can do yourself for free.

These may seem like simple things to do, but they are one way to ensure that a company is real and not a scam. Just by doing these two simple things a person can really dodge a problem. They are simple things to do and they will not take much time. Usually scammers keep trying the same old game over and over. People will make sure that others are alerted so they can avoid the problems. That is one of the great things about home business and the online business environment – everyone looks out for everyone else.

Practice patience. If an opportunity claims to make you rich overnight, RUN for the hills. As in any endeavor, the more work put into your business, the more your business gives back. Set goals and follow your plan. Set time aside each day to work on your online business. The more time the better.

Knowledge is power. Free work from home employment information is available everywhere. Arm yourself with as much information as you can get your hands on. Even when you are reading all the free information available online, you are advancing your business goals by learning. I have always been an early riser. In the early morning hours, my mind is fresh, and I get some of my best work done. Remember what they say about the early bird?

You are not alone! A free work from home employment opportunity has a huge support structure. Not only do you receive tons of information about how to succeed with your business from the companies involved in your program, other members can be a source of information on what has and has not worked for them. They will be straightforward and honest, as helping others also helps them.

James B. Brown is a Plug-In Profit site affiliate and very proud to be part of the Plug-In Profit opportunity. Find out more and take advantage of all the free information available at his website. http://www.blairsedu.com