Millions of people worldwide are enticed by the opportunity to work at home. A job from home allows individuals considerably more flexibility, extra time with family and generally alleviates the immense stress which may result from an active career. At home jobs are also desirable for individuals who wish to make an extra income in addition to their day job, college students, disabled persons, at home mothers and senior citizens.

Thousands of people search the internet everyday in hopes of finding financial freedom from the comfort of their own home. Unfortunately, the internet is plagued with work at home scams. There are hundreds of companies which promote 'get rich quick schemes' or 'guaranteed' opportunities to make a living from home. Scams include, but are not limited to, envelope stuffing, mail order, pyramid schemes, medical billing, typist jobs and numerous other ways to make money. The FTC has already charged several individuals involved in managing and promoting fraudulent work at home opportunities. “The dream of owning a business is as American as apple pie, but business opportunity scammers spoil the recipe for success,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. According to the Better Business Bureau, consumers may lose amounts ranging from $10 up to $70,000 or more in their search to make money from home. So how do you know which opportunities are legitimate and which are not?

Fortunately, there are actually legitimate money making opportunities available on the internet. A large number of individuals actually do earn a good living on the internet. There are people who make millions on the internet and are living the life all of us would like to live. Many more, however, earn an income comparable to their salary or, in many cases, higher.

Many legitimate telecommuting jobs from qualified employers exist. A significant number of them do require some type of skill, but that does not mean you need a college degree to earn a living on the internet. The World Wide Web is full of opportunities, and all types of persons from all over the world are making their dreams come true by working at home.