Want to give up the stressful commute and work from home?
It could happen, if you can avoid all the scams.
Stacey Carter spends more time at home these days after turning a baking hobby into a successful business.
"I'm not sure what title I would have-dishwasher, baker, marketer, sales rep, kinda everything," she says.
For Valerie Neal, telecommuting allows her to focus on her work.
"I am able to make my phone calls and really concentrate and not be interrupted," she says
But be careful! The internet is full of work at home scams.
Those scams include the old envelope stuffing or craft making jobs where you spend more than you will ever make.
The new scams include medical billing and repackaging and then shipping items.
That last one could even get you in trouble if it turns out you are shipping stolen items.
Our sister station in Cincinnati found legitimate work at home opportunities through: Arise, Convergys, Elance and Speak Write.
And these two blogs can help:homewiththekids.com andwahm.com for work at home moms.
It could be a scam if the job pays much more than it should.
Also, if the employer sends you a big check in advance and then wants a part of it back, don't bite.
Your money is good, their check is not.
Here's more from the Federal Trade Commissionabout work at home scams.
Use the sign up box on this page to get our monthly newsletter email. You'll see the latest scams to avoid, stories to protect you and websites you may want to check out.
Need my help? Call the Assistance League of Phoenix volunteers at 1-855-323-1515. You can also send me an e-mail, a tweet, or like the Let Joe Know Facebook page and tell me about it there.
AND WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you want to be a volunteer and help consumers who call the Let Joe Know helpline, let us know. Just call the 855 number above. Leave your name, phone number, tell us that you want to volunteer, and we will get back to you. It's a great way to help others AND learn the latest scams and how to protect yourself!
