AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I can answer questions on how to find a work-at-home job online or off including the best sites for finding jobs, how approach an employer about working at home, and other methods for creating a work-at-home job. I can also answer questions about current trends in telecommuting, how to establish a telecommuting program in a company, and how to maximize productivity while working at home.
Experience I have telecommuted as a social worker, writer, web designer and online researcher. I have provided work-at-home job announcements and tips online since 1998 at my site WorkAtHomeSuccess.com. I am the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home and of the soon to be published The Pajama Mama Guide to Online Employment.
Publications My articles have appeared in various work-at-home and stay-at-home e-zines and web site.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work.
Awards and Honors Work-At-Home Success has been recognized and received several awards from various online resources.
Expert: Leslie Truex Date: 3/20/2008 Subject: Is this a scam?
Question My father-in-law just called me and is looking into being an at home travel agent. He says he is going to get deals on travel for himself too. I'm pretty sure it's a scam, but I didn't have the heart to tell him that because he seems pretty excited. He's going to a meeting tonight and wants my husband and I to go also. Is this a scam? Where can I find something to show him if it is?
Answer Hi Jessica,
I can't tell you if this is a scam because you didn't give me the company's name. There are some home business opportunities that involve the travel industry. I know one (YTB) has been profiled in a couple of magazines. Some of them use a network marketing system so its really two businesses in one. If its a job, I would suggest he be careful. Jobs don't require money and often in travel do require experience and training.
What you need to do is research. If its a business opportunity, can your father-in-law verify any claims the company makes (by a third party)? Has he read everything (!!!) and completely understand it? What is the refund policy? The FTC require business opportunities to disclose income information so not just the rich people's income gets quoted.
Is it part of travel industry associations and organizations? What do people on the Internet say. Those who love it..why do they love it. Those who hate it...why do they hate it?
Finally, don't get sucked in by pressure. Any good business opportunity will be good in 2 days, 2 years or 20 years. Don't fall for ground-floor or "get in today" hype.
Also check the BBB (http://www.bbb.org) in the state which the agency is located for information. And if it is a network marketing opportunity also check to see if its part of the http://www.dsa.org.
One more word of warning, if its a paid training program that says he'll have a job (as opposed to a business), also be careful. There are many work-at-home programs that sell "training systems" that don't result in getting a job.
