Unrealistic work-from-home businesses have been around long before the internet existed. They were often advertisements in various magazines that promised millions for doing nothing — just send in your money to find out how.

Here are some ways to tell whether a business opportunity is real, or simply too good to be true.

No Way to Contact the Business

If the opportunity is real, they’ll have a real business website with a real business email address at the minimum, not a Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail address. You should easily be able to look up the people and the name of the business to find out more information.

Promises of Riches Overnight

Any plan that claims you’ll become rich overnight is a hoax. It’s just not going to happen. Working from home at a job, or running your own business, requires skill, work, and more work to make money. You’re not going to just set up a business and do nothing and get paid.

They Ask for Money Up Front (and Now)

Many MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing) do ask for money upfront, which is a business investment. Even if you do not like MLMs, some of them are legitimate companies with real opportunities. However, some jobs or opportunities only want your money. You should have plenty of time to do research before giving anyone money. Never pay for a job, although an investment in a business opportunity is considered normal.

You Feel Pressured to Act Now

If you’ve been contacted by someone making a lot of promises to you about making tons of money and claiming you must act right now or lose out forever, it’s not legitimate. A real opportunity is going to be there tomorrow.

It Sounds Too Good to Be True

You know it in your gut that it’s just too good to be true, but you are tempted. Stop. Take some time to research the company and not just the people and places they give you to research. Do your due diligence and walk away if you can’t prove they’re legitimate.

Random Email Offering Position You Did Not Apply For Directly

This happens sometimes when you apply for or fill out real job opportunities online. They get the information online and then they send you unsolicited jobs or offers of advice for a fee. It’s no different than a phone call during dinner making you promises. Delete.

They Offer Outlandish Pay for Low Wage Position Titles

This is a common sign of a hoax. You’ll see the advertisement on a seemingly legitimate website that promises a lot of money for many different positions that just do not earn that kind of money. Be realistic. You’re not going to make $45 dollars an hour stuffing envelopes.

Legitimate companies are happy to pay real commissions to people just like you, in return for selling their products and services. You have the potential to make a great income when you choose the right niche, stay committed, and understand your audience. For a no-nonsense, kick-start guide to getting started, click here to download my free checklist, Affiliate Marketing For Beginners