As a virtual assistant, you will probably use many resources such as local newspapers and online job sites when looking for work. But how much do you need to know about the companies who post these ads? How can you distinguish between a legitimate ad and a scam? Once you've found a few legitimate clients, you will become better at distinguishing good employment opportunities from bad ones. But here are a few tips to help you in the meantime!

Tip #1: Never Send Money

During your virtual job search, you will come across ads that offer to help you find clients easily, promise you full-time work in data entry or transcription, or ads that promise instant income only after you send money for a start-up kit or guide.

Never pay an employer to hire you. When looking for potential clients in the newspaper or online, only consider ads asking for help. These will be ads posted by companies who are in need of your services.

If you want to learn more about a company before making contact, visit the Better Business Bureau at http://BBB.org. This site is very easy to use. Searching by state, you should be able to find the company you're interested in easily. You can find out when the company was started, what the company does, and most importantly, if the company has been investigated for fraud or misrepresentation.

Tip #2: Gather Additional Information

Even if a company seems legitimate, it doesn't hurt to find out more about the position you're applying for. Asking questions about salary, how you will be paid, and the frequency of payment are very important. Never give out bank account information over the phone or online. If the company wants to pay you through electronic means, they will send you forms or you may have to go to their location and fill them out.

Ask for references before committing to performing any services. These references can be other virtual assistants, clients, or vendors the company has worked with before. If the company is hesitant to do so, then you should decide if the job is worth pursuing.

Finding out as much about your job tasks up front will make your job much easier. You can create a contract that lists your job functions, hourly rate, and other information so you and the client are in agreement.

Virtual employment should be taken just as seriously as any other position within a company. If the company hires virtual assistants regularly, they may have their own set of paperwork for you to fill out as well.

Tip #3: You Won't Get Rich Quick

Ads that proclaim you can 'Get Rich Quick!' are scams. Legitimate companies never make claims like this when they want to be taken seriously. If you're having difficulty deciding whether an ad is legitimate or not, visit http://wahm.com. This website was created to help stay-at-home moms (and dads) find legitimate jobs they can perform at home. When you join the site's message board, you can ask questions about a company and the moderators will do their best to find out as much information as possible.

Tip#4: Follow Your Instincts

If an ad promises unrealistic outcomes, or just seems suspicious, keep looking. Because many companies are in need of the skills you provide, you shouldn't worry about not jumping on every opportunity you find.

One more resource to use when checking up on a company is http://ripoffreport.com. This site is similar to the Better Business Bureau and can help prevent you from falling victim to a fraudulent company.

Keep in mind that once you find a few clients and build a working relationship with them, you won't have to look for work as often. Through consistent work from existing clients and referrals, you may have to turn work away!