The reason for this is that it's so easy to set a scam up and have people fall for it. Websites cost very little and a scam can be set up in just a few hours, waiting for the unwary.

If you want to work at home in customer service there are a few things you need to look out for in order to avoid the scams. There are real jobs out there if you can only find them.

No matter the work at home job you want, be careful about paying when you apply. There are a few legitimate companies that do charge for a background check, a practice I personally disapprove of, but it's something you can also see in outside the home jobs.

Keep in mind whether you're applying for a job or starting a home business. You can expect to pay to get started in a home business, but not a job. If you don't understand which a given opportunity is, take the time to find out. You need to know what you're getting into.

A real customer service work at home job will have some expectations about your working conditions. If you're going to be working on the telephone, most likely zero background noise will be tolerated. Get a noise cancelling headset, but also have a quiet room in which to work. If you can only work at night when the kids are asleep, so be it.

The challenge most people find with these jobs is that you get paid by talk time, not by the hour, even when you're expected to remain available for your entire schedule. At times this isn't a problem but other times it can be a really big deal. Be prepared to deal with these problems.

Very, very few work at home jobs offer benefits. If health coverage is a big deal for you there will be even fewer companies that will interest you. You will often be considered an independent contractor rather than an employee. This has an impact on how you do your taxes and you may have to file quarterly, depending on how the company handles it.

Most companies do let you choose your schedule, but will expect you to stick with your schedule. This is great in that you have the advantages of working at home and being there for your kids, but just as with other jobs you will have to call in if there's a problem keeping you from working your usual schedule.

Customer service is a great work at home job for many people. That means it can be very competitive and a little hard to get into. But not impossible. Be persistent, be professional, be prepared to work hard.