If you sought a legitimate work at home job a decade ago, you would have come across several scams - companies that asked for a fee, but didn’t guarantee employment.

Nowadays, things are quite different, and many reputable companies hire work at home professionals to handle their customer’s needs.

Once such company is LiveOps, a virtual call center. I know two individuals who work as LiveOps independent agents. And so far, everything I’ve heard about the company has been positive. In many ways, these independent agents are like business owners. They choose when to work, and decide how much too work.

There are many good reasons to become a LiveOps independent agent: flexibility, financial freedom, and personal freedoms. Some positions require special skills, but most agents can get started with high speed internet access, computer, telephone line, and a positive attitude.

But before submitting your application, here are a few things you should know about LiveOps.

1. Independent agents get paid per minute: Unlike most jobs that pay by the hour, LiveOps pays by the minute. More specifically, per talk minute. Since independent agents earn $.25 per minute, you can easily make $15 an hour - without leaving the house!

2. All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $50 fee: Upfront fees typically signal a work at home scam, in which companies charge applicants, but don’t deliver opportunities. LiveOps is different. The company conducts a background and credit check on every potential applicant. Individuals with a satisfactory history can become agents.

3. LiveOps requires a separate, landline telephone: Anyone who works for LiveOps needs to install a separate telephone line in their home. This must be a designated line for receiving incoming calls from LiveOps. Sorry, cellular phones aren’t allowed.

4. No hourly requirements. LiveOps independent agents set their own hours, and have the freedom to work full-time or part-time. However, the company asks each agent to commit to at least 30 minutes upon logging onto the system.

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