During my time of searching for “work from home” job opportunities, I have learned a lot on what to look for, and how to not waste time on bogus postings and scams.

One to pay attention to is the “get paid to take surveys” opportunities. They say it is the easiest way to make money online. That’s not necessarily true . First they want you to sign up, then they give you a survey to fill out, which earns you the money. But what many people don’t know is that there is a catch, they usually ask you to sign up to one of their sponsors first, every time before taking a survey. These sponsors sell trials or so-called “special offers” just for you, and spamming your inbox with these offers.

Another popular system they intend to use, is that there is a certain amount of cash you must obtain first, before requesting payment. Maybe around 30 to 50 dollars as their limit. This could take awhile. Because sometimes a completed survey will only be worth 25 cents, if they allow you to finish the survey; they often will tell you your answers isn’t what their sponsors are looking for.

Some paid survey websites may even have a 30-$100 membership fee for access to their directory of "high paying" survey sources. These are usually the recommendations, but careful, these guys can really rip you off. With lack of costumer service, no refunds, broken links, and puzzling navigation. My advice, do research before giving out your credit card, or PayPal information, or just stay away from paid surveys period.

Then there is the referrals. This is how they get you to help them get more people to be interested in their site and offers. Of course they will say you will earn some cash for every referral. Here’ s how it works. First you enter your friends' name and their email address. They’ll send a personalized invitation to visit their site, addressed by you. Earn dollars when your friend joins their site and/or receives their first check payment.

It all just doesn’t seem worth the bother and time. Although, there is some serious businesses that are looking for people to employ your own from home. Here’s a list I dug up of what you should look into:

Data Entry
Document Coding
Virtual Assistants
Legal Transcription
Medical Transcription
Customer Service Reps.
Freelance Writers
Proofreaders
Editors
Translators
Telemarketers
Online Tutors

Some may charge a training fee if you are inexperienced. While some are picky and require a lot of skill in that specific field. But overall, it is a great way to earn extra cash, or the only job you will ever need. Earning up $2,000 a week, all from your own home.