Unrealistic work-from-home businesses have been around long before the internet existed. Often they were ads in various magazines promising millions for doing nothing, just send your money to find out how to do it.

Here are some ways to tell if a business opportunity is real or just too good to be true.

There is no way to contact the company

If the opportunity is real, they will have a real business website with a real business email address at the very least, not a Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail address. You should be able to easily search for the people and company name for more information.

Promises of riches overnight

Any scheme that claims you will get 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 earn money. You’re not going to just set up a business and do nothing and get paid.

They ask for money in advance (and now)

Many MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) ask for money up front, which is a business investment. Even if you don’t like MLMs, some of them are legitimate companies with real opportunities. However, some jobs or opportunities just want your money. You should have a lot of time to do your research before giving someone money. Never pay for a job, even though an investment in a business opportunity is considered normal.

You feel pressured to act now

If someone has contacted you making lots of promises about making tons of money and stating that you must act right now or you will lose forever, it is not legitimate. A real opportunity is going to be there tomorrow.

It sounds too good to be true

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

Random email offer position that you did not apply for directly

This sometimes happens when you apply for or complete real job opportunities online. They get the information online and then send you unsolicited jobs or advice offers for a fee. It’s not unlike a phone call over dinner making promises to you. Delete.

Extravagant pay offered for low-salary position titles

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