Like clockwork, every morning I scan my favorite online news sources to update myself on the "goings-on" of the world. Yesterday was no different. More bailouts, bungles and blunders. Hmm...seemed not much had really changed overnight. Then my eye caught an ad embedded in a story about the dismal state of the global economy.

Headline read, "Scam-Free Work at Home Jobs! No Experience Necessary! Act now!"

That got me thinking, how many people actually fall for these ads? You know those blatant, in-your-face ads with claims that can't be true and "call to actions" that force you to stop whatever you're doing to give full attention to this "once-in-a-lifetime offer."

Let me ask you. Have you ever forked out money for something that sounded like a good product or service to someone who seemed like a nice person and avoided that nagging voice in your head that said, "Sounds too good to be true!?"

You did?

Then what happened? Let me guess. You get the product. It's not even close to what was described, doesn't do half of what the expert testimonials claimed it would. And, you know that 100% money-back guarantee? It isn't worth a dime when the seller goes AWOL.

Then anxiety rushes in and you realize - scam, internet...I've been had.

I'll let you in on a little secret. You're not alone. A lot of people fall for those ads...hardworking, sensible people who for the most part aren't looking to become millionaires. They just want a little slice of their own pie, to take control of their life and provide a comfortable lifestyle for their family.

But the truth is, people do fall for the ads. That's why scammers keep running them. And people keep falling for them. And admittedly, I've fallen for them myself.

Let's see, there was that home business membership site that was pitched to make you millions and when I finally got the chance to peek inside (after forking over more than a $1000), there was nothing there. No articles, no content, nada...in fact the only thing that was there was an affiliate link to sign up other suckers like me.

And then there was the year-long "search engine domination" service using Web 2.0 methods, promising never-before released marketing techniques and new content added to the site throughout the year. Sure, there was content added to this "bare bones" website, but much of it was generated by users trying out the techniques. Occasionally, there was a lame "inspirational" 5 minute audio clip recorded in the guru's car as he was off to put together another deal. Oh, brother. But I should have known something was up when during that first mastermind the "guru" explained call protocol...absolutely no negative comments or the call would end immediately.

How stupid could I be? Turns out, pretty stupid. It wasn't enough that I wasted $1500 on this pathetic excuse for a mastermind program, but what really took the cake was when he took an additional $500 from my PayPal account (which I later recovered).

And then there's the countless other home business programs stacked up in my office, doing nothing but gathering dust.

So what have I learned over the years that will keep you from becoming a victim to another online home business scam? What can you do to ensure that the next work at home job opportunities pitch is scam-free?

Scam-free Work at Home Jobs Checklist

• Get to know the Seller

If you're unfamiliar with the group that's pitching the business opportunity or work at home job, make sure you do some online research. Using your favorite search engine, type in the name of the seller and see what results come back. You can also type in the seller's name plus the word "feedback." Visit forums and blogs in the related industry. Post questions. Ask webmasters. Typically, people are more than happy to provide advice and feedback.

• Verify Contact Information

Look for a contact link in the navigation menu or in the footer. Legitimate companies have links to real contact information including an email address, business address and phone number. Is there an email address; what kind is it? Be careful if it is a gmail, yahoo, hotmail or other free email account. Legitimate companies usually have their own domain (e.g., businessname.com) though it is no guarantee of legitimacy.

• Know What You're Getting

Request a sneak peek of what you're buying. If it's an information product, ask to see a sample. If it's an ebook, ask for the table of contents. If it's an online service or software, maybe there's a demo, a trial, or a video review.

• Pay Using Installments

Frequently more expensive products offer the option of paying with installments. If you're unfamiliar with what you're buying or from whom you are buying, always choose this option. Although you may end up paying a bit more than the one payment price, it gives you the chance of seeing what you're buying, before you risk the entire amount on a product that doesn't measure up.

• Effectively Manage PayPal Subscriptions

If you're paying by installments and using PayPal, make sure you cancel the subscription after the final installment. If not, this leaves you open to the risk of unauthorized additional installments taken from your account.

• Don't Use PayPal if Unfamiliar With the Seller or Service

The dispute process is always much easier and the outcome usually much better when you dispute charges with credit card companies vs. PayPal. I don't know why. Maybe it's because credit card companies have been at it longer; the process is predictable, straightforward. Although PayPal is a great service, this is definitely an area where it needs to improve.

• Contact When Seller is Unresponsive to Your Complaints

• Better Business Bureau - http://bbb.org

• USPS Fraud Inspection Service - http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/

• Federal Trade Commission - http://ftc.gov

If you're unable to find the seller's contact information (which you'll need to file a report with the above agencies), try your PayPal receipt or call PayPal directly, search the WhoIs Lookup (which provides information on domain ownership), review emails you might have received from the guru, or search for the seller's name using your favorite search engine.

The #1 guaranteed way of never becoming a victim to a job or business opportunity scam again - know from whom you are buying. If you do your homework and take the necessary steps as outlined above, you can be virtually certain that the "scam-free" work at home jobs you are considering are just that...scam-free.