The number of home business opportunities (aka scams) that were bombarded with today is astoundingespecially given the state of our economy. Unfortunately, I became a victim to one myself since I lost my job several months ago and was feeling the pressure of not having a regular paycheck. Ive since decided to investigate the legitimacy of these jobs as theyre listed on so many job listings.

Most jobs that can be performed at home involved data entry to taking orders through your home phone line for other companies. The opportunity looks great, promises lots of money, and many even back up their claims with a guarantee. Thats what convinced me; if I wasnt satisfied Id simply get my money back.

I examined several opportunities quite thoroughly, trying to avoid the ads that simply sold software that taught me how to make money and focused on those that made me an employee and had specific instructions on pulling information from a website and enter into the forms provided. It seemed foolproof.

The one I chose had the aforementioned guarantee plus I was one of the first several callers so I received a special discount (or so I thought). What I really got was not at all what Id been promised. I knew Id been scammed as soon as I give my information (including my credit card account information). I shouldve known better.

My job was to promote credit cards on a website that I was to enter into hundreds of search engines and through other online media. I hadnt been told that before, nor had I been told I had to apply for several credit cards and that only after I was approved for them would I get paid $20 for each of them. Even that turned out to be elusive since I had to earn $500 first.

I couldnt get paid until Id provided leads. There was always another reason why I couldnt yet get paid and no way to really get answers since they didnt provide a telephone number or online helpjust an email address that was usually ignored (or it replied with generic, automated messages that werent applicable).

I repeatedly requested a refund to no avail and finally tried to call the number that was on my credit card bill. It was based in Australia and the voicemail requested to leave a message and someone would get back to me. This never happened as well. I ended up filing a fraud complaint with my credit card company and currently await a credit to my account.

I hate to admit I was scammed so easily, after all Im a college graduate. Its not nice was being in a state of desperation will do to ones reasoning. I was willing to work hard for it also. I just wasnt given the legitimate chance to do that. Bottom line: remember (as I did not) that if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.