Due to the number of scams that circulate on the internet, it is not wise to trust others easily, especially if they are offering an income that seems too good to be true when you are just starting a home-based business.

The following are some of the legitimate home-based businesses you can consider starting:

1. Buying and selling antiques. This has proven to be a good home-based business. All you need to do is choose a particular space in your house where you will store your antiques. You can use your stock room or your garage—and you have now your own office! If your house is large and you already have some antique furniture, you might consider converting it into a showroom for your acquisitions. Just be sure that you satisfy local zoning regulations.

2. Baking. This is another good home-based business idea. You can start by cooking at home and selling it to local people. If your neighbors like your products, your reputation will spread by word of mouth and your culinary masterpieces may start finding their way into restaurants and bakeries.

3. Child care. Babysitting your neighbors' children in the comfort of your own home may be another possibility. You can do this for only a small investment in basic equipment and toys for the kids and in advertising your business. Often flyers posted in high traffic areas around the neighborhood are enough to get your started.

4. Computer Services. You can also have a business performing some basic computer services, even if you are just a novice computer user. If you are already a computer wizard, you can perform different advanced computer jobs such as accounting and encoding payroll records for companies. You can also perform some desktop publishing for newsletters of other businesses and organizations.

5. Nursery and Gardening. This is another good home-based business that you can work at in a legitimate way. All you have to do is clear some ground and plant a garden. You can start growing flowering plants and vegetables that you can either sell around your neighborhood or to different flower shops in your locality. There is also a market for dried flowers on the internet. In some cases, you can grow particular herbs or medicinal plants that are in demand.

6. Interior Design. If you have a passion for home decorating, then interior design could be right for you. Just have the knowledge about different designs and motifs and you can start asking your neighbors or friends if they want to re-design the interior of their homes.

* How can I tell if a business opportunity is a scam?

If you want to know if a "business opportunity" is just a scam, there are two things you need to keep in mind:

1. If a business opportunity promises you a lot of money in exchange for very little work, you should beware of it. Get-rich-quick schemes are often a sign of a scam, especially when they offer large sums of money in a short period of time.

2. If a business opportunity requires some "registration fees" or some sort of down payment for materials, it may be a scam.

* How can I discover which business opportunity is best for me?

First, consider your interests. For instance, if you are fond of children, a child care center may be a good business for you. If you often tell your friends about products you love, then maybe you should establish a specialty shop.

Second, consider your skills. If you are a computer genius, for instance, computer-related services fit you. Sometimes just a bit more training will help qualify you for a type of business where you already have some skills.