I realize that work at home life isn’t for everyone. Some people love working in an office setting - where they’re able to interact with co-workers and customers. Meanwhile, you have a select group of individuals who prefer the work at home life - and they’ll do any and everything to make this dream a reality.

Unfortunately, in a quest to find the best work at home opportunity, some people have fallen prey to scams. It’s a known fact that work at home scams are prevalent on the Internet. And many dishonest companies and individuals will stop at nothing to take advantage of inexperienced job seekers. Legitimate opportunities do exist - but you have to look for them. They’re not going to present themselves in a unsolicited e-mail or on the back page of a magazine.

There are ways to recognize a work at home scam. The key is keeping your eyes opened, and listening to your gut.

• Consider the source: How did you find this “so-called” dream opportunity? Was it a referral from a reputable friend or website? Or did you receive an instant message or e-mail? Scammers will send hundreds or thousands of e-mails, with the hopes of deceiving a percentage of recipients. If you didn’t request information on a particular work at home opportunity - delete the message.

• What’s the urgency: Work at home scams often imply a sense of urgency, and they’ll do everything to get your money - now! Phrases such as “Act Now,” “Offer Expires,” and “Limited Offer” are tactics to get your credit card information. In other words, they want to get your money before you have an opportunity to research the company.

• I’ll Make How Much a Week?!?: Work at home opportunities that promise a certain income are almost always a scam. I know you’ve seen the ads, “Earn $1,000 a day,” or “Make $10,000 a month.” Yeah right. If that’s the case, why isn’t everyone taking advantage of the opportunity. I’m not saying you can’t make this type of money. But you have to ask yourself - at what price? What will you have to sacrifice - time, family, sleep?