3. DON'T JUMP INTO ANYTHING

Before you agree to anything, get all the details about what your money is getting you before you drop a dime. Many of these scams try to sell you a 'proven' system, which means you give them money and they send you a booklet on how to start taking other peoples' money the way they just took yours. Furthermore, know how to get your money back if you aren't satisfied. Though most good work at home opportunities shouldn't charge you any money at all, or should have a refund policy for any supplies you buy on your own.

Listen to their sales technique.

Are they selling you a useful product you think you can sell to someone else, or are they trying to sell you the hype about how much money you can make? The more they try to appeal to your greed, the less likely they are legitimate. If they are pressuring you to make a decision right away, that is another sign that they are trying to scam you.

Research the market the company is claiming as a niche.

They may try to convince you that your area is in desperate need for a certain service that you have the opportunity to monopolize. Be ready to ask for specific questions about this market, including prospective customers and demand.

Talk to current employees.

Get a hold of some people working with the system and ask them about the company and how well the system runs. Make sure to talk to more than one person, and that they don't all say the same things. Also, don't trust emails, just get phone numbers and speak to people in person.

Check any legal requirements for the position.

You can't just go out and start selling insurance to people on your own; you must have a license. The position that is too good to be true might need legal certification that is a lengthy and painstaking process. There are also scams out there trying to get you to set up false bank accounts for money laundering. Any email trying to get you to set up a new bank account or talking about transferring money overseas should be reported.

Despite how many scammers there are out there, there are also organizations trying to nab them. Do your research and call the NFIC hotline at 1-800-876-7060 if you find anything that looks fishy. You can also contact your local State Attorney General or the local Better Business Bureau if you find a company that is running a scam.