Answer

I did some online searching and found one site I thought might meet your needs. ContractExchange.com connects at-home agents with companies, hiring and training them for a specific assignment as an independent contractor. To do this work you need a recent model computer, high speed Internet, a dedicated phone line, a head set, a web cam and, in some cases, a biometric personal ID system. In addition, contractors have to pay training fees. A ContractExchange agent told me that contractors are considered self-employed and are thus responsible for the training fees, which range from between $150 and $300 for each client they take on (you can work for more than one client). She also noted that training and equipment costs are tax deductible.

I also read some forum discussions about working for ContractExchange such as this one from Scam.com and this one from Working at Home Moms (WAHM). As well, I took a look at findingworkathome.com, which has this to say about ContractExchange: "If you've visited other pages on my site, you may have seen my dire warnings that, with few exceptions, you should not have to pay to work for home-based jobs. This company is one of those rare exceptions."

It took quite a while for me to research this company, but in the world of online work (and offline, for that matter) you really have to do your research before applying anywhere.

It's also helpful to be aware of the signs that can alert you to a potential employment scam, such as:

• Ads that offer large earnings for little effort
• Ads that ask you to send money for start-up kits, information packages, or administrative fees
• Correspondence containing poor English or unprofessional language

Check out WAHM's The Seven Rules That Weed Out Scams for more info on how to avoid getting conned, and read WorkAtHomeTruth's "not recommended" section to find out specific sites to avoid.

Best of luck,

Katherine O'Brien