Data Entry Jobs a Scam Artists Dream

Data entry jobs are one of the newest and most prevalent job scams out there, offering dreams of making $20 her hour and more simply typing information into your computer and sending it off. All you have to do is pay a fee, anywhere from $10 to $150 to “join.” Huh? Pay someone to work for them? If the scam alert alarms bells aren’t ringing yet, they should be.

Never send money to anyone unless you’ve done your due diligence. For a job like data entry, you should never have to pay for the privilege of working. Never. According to jobsearch.about.com, data entry is one of the biggest scams out there.

Here’s how one such scam works. The worker sends a fee for the necessary software and “training.” Then they are sent an e-mail with instructions how to send the same advertisement you responded to out to other people. In other words, the scammer has turned you into a spammer. Though many of these sites offer “money back guarantees” most do not follow up on this guarantee.

These data entry jobs have very little to do with typing data, which they all claim to be. Instead, many are affiliate marketers trying to get more money from other people duped into believing they are “applying” for data entry positions.

Here’s what a “typical” data entry site claims. Earn $4,000 a month. Work whenever you want, wherever you want. All you have to do is “join” for your exclusive membership for $57. It even admonishes the applicant, “don’t get scammed.”

Data entry jobs can be legitimate and it is sometimes difficult to know the difference between a real job and one that is only looking someone to market their product.

Here are a few things to look for:

Is the company looking for money from you? If they are, avoid this ad. They will likely send you worthless information or software. Too many people have sent money to what they thought was their ticket out of the recession, only to find out that none of the e-mails work, the company doesn’t really exist, and they’re left without the job they thought they had.

Are they really just trying to sell you software? Is the company telling you to “invest” a small amount to receive money-making software that will allow you to start up your own data entry company? Any legitimate company would never require you to buy the necessary software so you can conduct your business. Think about it. If you work as a secretary for someone, does your company make you buy the computer or the software that allows you to do your job? Treat your at-home job like any other job and expect the same treatment.

Is the company legitimate? Google the company. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Read scam alert sites (those these cannot always be trusted).

Seeing claims of making thousands a month can be intoxicating. These websites are well thought out and made to seduce intelligent people into dreams of easy money.

Here’s what the Better Business Bureau says about avoiding scams: “There is no substitute for closely examining any offer which promises or guarantees income from work-at-home programs. Consider it a warning sign if a worker must buy something in order to start the program. Those interested also should take into consideration that, by becoming involved in a work-at-home scheme, they might well be perpetrating a fraud by selling the program to others, and risk investigation by postal authorities.”