By contrast, if a business provides any of the following in their ad, they’re probably a legitimate company:
The name of the company (which you should research to learn more about its credentials) An email address that is linked to the company’s website (not a blind address) Mention of benefits or other policies associated with traditional commuter jobs Details on the application and interview process Mention of a human resources staff member to whom questions can be directed
Of course, providing the above information is not always enough proof that is a business is legitimate. The following 10 home-based online business offers are usually scam-free and have the potential to net you reliable money without your ever changing out of your pajamas.
Call Center Representative
In the past, calling a company’s customer service line usually connected you to employee of a huge call center that might even have been outside the country. But businesses are increasingly routing calls to representatives who work from home. If you’re hired as an employee rather than a contractor, you may be eligible for benefits. Convergys, Alpine Access, and West Corporation are all reliable sources of work.
Web Search Evaluator
Search engine results don’t rely on algorithms alone. The major search sites all hire real live humans to analyze search results and make recommendations. You’ll need to pass a test before getting web search evaluator work, but Appen Butler Hill, Lionbridge, and Leapforce all hire reliably once you’ve passed.
Medical Transcriptionist
Though you’ll need a certification or associate’s degree, working from home as a medical transcriptionist can net you up to $50,000 per year with the possibility of benefits. If you’ve got the necessary skills, check out Amphion Medical Solutions, M*Modal, and Precyse for job listings.
Web Developer
If you’ve got web design skills or knowledge of code and computer programming, you may be qualified to freelance as a web designer and consultant. If starting your own business isn’t an option, you can choose from the thousands of short-term jobs available on sites like ODesk.com or RatRaceRebellion.com.
Translator
Fluent in another language? Make your linguistic skills work for you. Translation is one of the fastest-growing fields of at-home work, so if you’re capable of translating audio files or documents than you could quickly set up a robust online business. SDL, Argos Translations, and We Localize are three top companies that hire freelance translators.
Virtual Assistant
More and more businesses are hiring virtual assistants rather than in-house staff members. This is great news for you, if you’ve got experience in scheduling, event planning, bookkeeping, preparing memos, or other office-type work. The International Virtual Assistants Association provides a job board through which you can find these at-home positions.
Tech Support Representative
Companies are now increasingly routing tech support calls to at-home representatives instead of large call centers, so if you’ve got relevant experience and the necessary certification, a stay-home tech support business could be perfect for you. Large companies tend to hire directly, but you can also find work through independent agencies like PlumChoice.
Survey Taker
There’s a robust market out there for those willing to spend their time giving opinions online. Though survey taker jobs don’t pay as much as some of the opportunities on the list, they can be one of the most fun and engaging opportunities for those who work from home. Check out RatRaceRebellion.com for reliable survey taker resources.
Tutor
Depending on your level of education and expertise, you could make a very comfortable wage sharing your knowledge in online classrooms and live chats with students. Tutor.com and GetEducated.com are good resources for finding work.
Freelance Writer/Editor
Though it can be hard to break into, freelance writing and blogging can be a very rewarding way to make money from home. Proofreaders and editors can also make significant cash by plying their trades online. ODesk.com is an excellent resource for all types of online freelance opportunities, while companies like Cactus Communications and FirstEditing are geared more toward proofreaders.
