There really are legit ways to work from home online ... And we're not just talking eBay. Here are five sites you may not know that could bring in some dough. Find out where to look, the Do's & Don'ts and how much you can reasonably expect to make. Plus, some important "red flags" to watch for.

Hundreds of thousands of full-time, home-based freelancers and independent contractors in the US are expected to be added to the workforce in 2010 and that number only goes up when you start counting part-time independent contractors looking to pick up work and earn cash fast or supplement their existing income. In other words, people are saying, "Look, I can't afford to wait. I'm ready, willing and able to work now, from right here!"
This is especially true for households where a spouse has lost a job or in cases where someone is juggling household, childcare and elder care responsibilities. The earnings may be a "must" & the flexibility can be invaluable.

It also makes sense when you look at the degree of down-sizing in corporate America. You've got folks who are accustomed to earning a certain amount and living a certain lifestyle. When they get cut, finding work online can be tremendously empowering ... In part, because the more you pour yourself into it, the more you can make. I think this is what many of us are after in a world with little-to-no job security. We want to feel like we have a little more control over our financial destiny.

Plus, entire industries have transformed. Newspapers come to mind ... And this shift to working remotely is a natural trendline enabled by technology. It's a trend too big to dodge. So, embrace it.

Five Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for Home-based Jobs Online:

1) GET TECH- READY
First, walk before you run. Make sure you have high speed access, don't have a love/hate relationship with your laptop and be sure your printer isn't about to run out of ink! A dedicated space and phone line is also high priority for your working area.

2) WATCH YOUR WATCH
Watch your watch in terms of really understanding the amount of time you're willing and able to dedicate to your online venture. Take it slow and err on side of adding hours over time and scaling up vs taking on too much out of the box and potentially jeopardizing your results and – by extension – your reputation and ratings.

3) BE READY TO COMPETE
It's competitive. The top employers are competing for the top talent and the top talent is competing for limited opportunities. In many cases some employers are only accepting 10% of applicants. The good news is, they're actually accepting 10%! Also, don't price yourself right out of a job. Just as you might compare prices on eBay before making a bid, make sure you know what the going rate is for the work you're qualified to do. And, remember, players with established track records can probably charge more, so you may need to under-cut them on price when you're first getting started.

4) MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
Manage your own expectations regarding how much money you can reasonably expect to pull in. Most of the sites covered below try to present a candid picture of income potential and will flat out tell you – with few exceptions – they're not intended to provide a primary revenue stream. A few extra bucks? Absolutely. And who doesn't need a few extra bucks?

5) OVER-DELIVER
Success breeds success. Once you get your foot in the virtual door ... deliver. That goes without saying, so will take it a step further ... Over-deliver to ensure a high rating and reputation. This will bring more opportunities your way and the ability to charge more premium rates. It's all about the climb ... Some things never change:)


Be Wary of Work from Home Scams:
There is a fair amount of fraud in this arena. Two of the biggest "red flags" to be on the lookout for are:

1) Requests for Cash: Needing to shell out up-front cash (e.g., investing in a sales "kit" or being asked to pay to find out about job openings).

2) Requests for Personal Information: Having to hand over a lot of personal and financial information up-front, which could be an identity theft scam.

Five Legit Sites for Earning Money from Home:

1) www.eJury.com:

The virtual jury is one of the newest tools used in pre-trial research aimed at helping lawyers develop their courtroom presentations, select the best jurors for their cases and reach negotiated settlements. Let them try the case on you. Interesting and profitable work at $5-10 per verdict depending on the length of the case and the amount of material they're asking you to review.


The case I reviewed took me roughly 30 minutes to review facts; assess diagrams; and answer questions, including figures on amounts of money I think would fairly and reasonably compensate for damages. So, that's about $20 an hour on my end & it's interesting work. They're often trying to get a ballpark sense for what will fly in the actual court room. This is an efficient way for lawyers to try out arguments pre-trial and make adjustments based on feedback. You get "called" to be a virtual juror based on zip code (the jurisdiction you're in). So, you can't bank on getting this work. Some counties have as many as one case a week going through the ejury system. (Here's a sample of what a case looks like).

2) www.Seed.com:

There's so much talk about digital journalism and blogging these days, this site seems like a sign of the times . ... Seed.com is a new site that will pay you for articles, photos and soon videos too. When you go to the site you'll see assignments from editors in AOL's network of more than 80 top sites on the web – Asylum, PawNation, ThatsFit, etc. They're credentialed journalists looking for high-caliber content and lots of it. So, the standards are high, but so is the demand, since the distribution is built in. The Seed network "seeds" stories for existing sites, so they already have an audience.

When you go to Seed, you can view the available assignments. It's as if you've got a seat at the newsroom assignment desk (see: How it Works).

Current assignments include: 100 Words or Less on Your Best Packing Tips or Best Road Trip Tips ... Both going for $10. An article on Taking Care of Antique Silverware will suggest, including tips at least 2 different methods and answering: Can you run through the dishwasher? How should you store? If editors accept your work, you get paid a flat fee. In this case, $25 for 400 words. If you know your stuff, the free tool they provide to submit material is incredibly user-friendly.

Many of the assignments are "hyper-local" .... Things like Local Luxury Day Spas in X Area or Navigating Unemployment in X State. Grabbing a local beat is a great way to get in the game.

On the higher earning end .... If you're already spending significant amounts of time planning a family vacation, maybe you can turn that into taking advantage of a more substantial writing assignment involving interviewing local residents, etc. Something along these lines of magazine-caliber at 1500 words is currently being sought for $300.

If/when your work is accepted, you essentially hand over the rights for a flat fee. A dashboard tracks your current assignments, the # of views you're getting and your earnings. The PAY ME NOW button issues weekly payments.

3) www.ChaCha.com

We've all done our share of Googling ... And now you can actually get paid to search for answers for ChaCha.com users. ChaCha is a search engine that just passed benchmark of answering one MILLION questions a day! You can apply to be one of the people who decides what search results pop up when someone types in, phones in or texts an inquiry on a topic you're passionate about – anything from God to Guitars and from Diabetes to Decorating. There are currently 55,000 ChaCha guides nationwide. It's an attractive part-time gig for night owls in particular, as well as college students and retirees.

All you need is a high-speed connection to be apply to become a guide. Fair warning: Not everyone can be a guide. There are entrance tests and limited opportunities. If you're lucky enough to be one of the 10% of applicants accepted, you'll go to "Search University" and then quickly be on your way to earning points for each search or task you complete. Points convert into cash at end of month. While this is not designed to be a primary revenue source. in their own words, it can be "more than chump change." In fact, ChaCha tells us most guides make a few hundred dollars per month. More than chump change, indeed.

4) www.VIPDesk.com:

Become a virtual concierge or customer service representative helping people plan travel, find home improvement contractors, etc. The job can be done from home, anywhere in the country, at set hours for generally $10-12 an hour. This is growing trend in this economic climate ... In fact, VIP Desk tells us they're recruiting now with plans to add hundreds more people to their network with a mix of independent contracting and part- and full-time opportunities. It is competitive, but fantastic work for people who live in remote locations or who are juggling child- or elder-care responsibilities.


Approximately 1/2 of their Brand Ambassadors are bilingual, so if you speak multiple languages you may really have a leg up. When you sign up you get a schedule weekly or biweekly with your assigned The work varies by season, since many retail clients – including Eddie Bauer and Bluefly use VIPDesk to field customer service calls. Right now, ServiceMagic is gearing up for all the people who will be looking for Spring cleaning and home improvement efforts ... They generate leads for contractors, plumbers and the like ... Rather than take the calls directly, while they're out on a job, VIP Desk customer service reps serve as their frontline.

5) www.eLance.com:

This site is the new way to work for many small businesses with less than 500 employees. Monthly hiring is up roughly 40% year-over-year. They're not looking to hire someone in two weeks or two months, odds are, they needs something N-O-W. There are currently thousands of open jobs on this site – everything from building Facebook apps to ghostwriting books, developing marketing materials and writing executive bios.

You submit a proposal for the work; get hired and agree upon terms and milestones. At the end you submit your invoice and funds are released from escrow. This is key because one of the things freelancers and elancers struggle with is getting paid and getting paid expeditiously. So the fact that elance provides a tool to facilitate this and that the project is funded up-front is significant benefit.

As freelancing has traditionally been, elancing is great way to get a foot in door and build a reputation. You'll be rated on your work (much like eBays rating system for sellers). The more positive your rating, the more likely work is to come your way. Over time some elancers pair up with other high-rated elancers and bid on bigger more profitable pieces of business. So, you may start by going it alone and end up joining others and earning a piece of a potentially bigger pie.

QUESTIONS? SUGGESTIONS? We'll be taking them on ABC News Now via AIM: ReginaLewis & Twitter.com/ReginaLewis

With money extra tight these days, instead of hiring a handyman, homeowners are increasingly turning to web sites like DIYlife.com for tips on tackling common household repairs on their own. From minor plumbing and electrical fixes to trouble-shooting doors, windows, appliances and even home computers ... Whatever problem you're having, chances are, someone else has had the same issue. Online searches can also turn up message boards where other online do-it-your-selfers have your back & can save you a buck.

So, you could still go to the game ... Certainly -- as covering on MSNBC & FOX throughout the day -- there are still tickets available. In fact, StubHub.com is reporting record volume & lower prices than ever. Some are even predicting tickets could soon go for face value by kick-off with prices plummeting after the first punt.

Face value + use miles to fly and you're so there ....

Or, keep hope alive & imagine yourself here for SuperBowl 2010. Packages already available. No word re: pre-sales. I dare you;)

Or, NOT. None of the above is new norm, which could be why the big game is the second biggest driver of TV sales. This year, 40 seems to be the new 50. As in inches. While the discounts may be deeper on the jumbos, seems we must be coming to our collective flat-screen senses & realizing what we have or can get for under $1000 is .... big enough.

Enough said. Enjoy the game with family & friends + watch for updates re: the "other" game .... ADVERTISING + RATE ADS HERE.

WITH UNEMPLOYMENT, THE HIGHEST IN ALMOST 16 YEARS .... LOOKING FOR A JOB HAS TAKEN ON A WHOLE NEW DYNAMIC. HAVE WEBSITES CHANGED ACCORDINGLY? WE'LL BE TACKLING THIS TOPIC ON-AIR & SHARING BACKGROUND NOTES HERE IN COMING WEEKS.

They have. They get it. They have particular eye/slant now on "recession-proof" jobs. Business Week has this story. Perhaps there isn't such a thing, but if you're out of work & looking to figure out what the rest of your career picture looks like -- or if you have a student in college and are looking to guide them -- the changes in these sites are pretty telling. Specifically: Jobs.AOL.Com – powered by CareerBuilder.com – now offers a salary calculator + a cost of living calculator if you're thinking of relocating for work ...

Spending a few minutes HERE could really pay off.

The more you play around with the PayScale tools & calculators, the more you'll likely come to appreciate the grass isn't always greener. We're all in this together. The resources can also help you think outside of the box .... Some of the most "recession proof" jobs – teachers & nurses. Jobs that help you work less & earn more based on hourly rates? Tree trimmers, bus drivers and directors of religious activities or school counselors. Seems it pays to have specific skills and be able to make a difference on an hourly basis.

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If you caught the final Presidential debate last night, you know "Joe the Plumber" stole the show. But just who is Joe the Plumber ... and does Joe the Plumber know Joe Six Pack? Maybe, maybe not. Joe the Plumber's real name is Joe Wurzelbacher and he had a face-to-face encounter with Senator Obama just a few days ago. Joe questioned the Senator's new tax plan which may not be so good for Joe, since Joe's about to buy a company making a little over $250,000 a year, and under Obama's proposal that'll put him into a higher tax bracket. Obama told Joe he wasn't trying to punish his success, only to spread the wealth around.

One exchange from last night's debate went as follows:

"Joe wants to buy the business that he has been in for all of these years, worked 10, 12 hours a day. And he wanted to buy the business but he looked at your tax plan and he saw that he was going to pay much higher taxes," McCain said.

"Joe, I want to tell you, I'll not only help you buy that business that you worked your whole life for and be able - and I'll keep your taxes low and I'll provide available and affordable health care for you and your employees," McCain said, staring straight into the camera.

With all this talk about Joe, he's become an overnight Internet celebrity. Online searches for "Joe the Plumber' are spiking and already on YouTube there are well over 400 videos related to "Joe the Plumber."



More:
"Joe The Plumber" Speaks: "It's Pretty Surreal", Ben Smith's Blog: 'Joe the plumber' - Politico.com, Political Radar: Joe The Plumber: Obama Tax Plan 'Infuriates Me'

Related:
Seven Sites to Get Primed for the Election * CBS & MSNBC * - Regina Lewis

The large downturn in real estate is leaving a record number of homes on the market ...
At last count, there were 4 million pre-owned houses for sale. That's up 14% from the start of last year. The large glut of unsold homes is also fueling some interesting new trends online ... Sellers are turning to web in search of outside the box ways to unload their homes, while perspective buyers hope to Goggle their way to a sweet deal.


WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING ONLINE AS OPPOSED TO A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN THE MARKET WAS THRIVING?

Big spike in searches for foreclosures.
It's no secret it's a buyers market ...Home prices continue to drop and foreclosures are hitting record highs in some states. As a result, home foreclosure websites are experiencing record traffic. On realestate.aol.com you can now simply check a box and have "foreclosures" included as part of your overall home search. So, you end up with results for existing homes, new homes and foreclosures


EVEN PEOPLE WHO AREN'T PLANNING TO SELL OR BUY ARE GOING BACK TO THESE SITES AGAIN & AGAIN – WHY? WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

The latest value of their home. There's even a term for it "Zillowing." Think of it like "Googling," but for prices. www.zillow.com

IT IS SUCH A BUYERS MARKET ... SOME DESPERATE SELLERS ARE GETTING REALLY CREATIVE. HOW ARE THEY USING THE INTERNET TO THEIR ADVANTAGE?

Some people are avoiding banks and opting for peer-to-peer lending on sites like www.prosper.com, so they can get hands on cash quickly and take advantage of good buys.

Another wild new trend we're seeing is house swapping ... Sellers actually using the Internet to connect with other sellers who agree to "swap" – or buy one another's property. The idea of trading houses temporarily for vacations has long existed, but permanent house swapping isn't something most of us are familiar with.

Here's how it works ... While it is referred to as "house swapping" or "house trading," it really is two traditional real estate sales conducted at the same time ... you have simultaneous closings.

The swapping sites work by playing matchmaker. Think of it like online dating, but instead of posting pictures and a profile for yourself, you're listing your house; and at the same time you're checking out someone else's house in an area where you'd like to move or relocate to.

WHO MIGHT HOUSE SWAPPING MAKE SENSE FOR? WHO IS DOING IT?

The main advantage is the ability to move a house in a tough market. In states like Ohio, Michigan, Florida and Nevada ... places where there's a real glut of homes for sale ... this may be a logical next step if you've already pulled out all the stops and have been unable to unload your house.

Also, for someone who is afraid to buy a new house before they sell their current house ... This solves that problem, as everything is done in one step. Another bonus, both parties usually save on brokers' commissions (though you'll still be on the hook for closing costs).


WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF FINDING A MATCH? AND HOW IS THE MATCH-MAKING FACILITATED?

About half a dozen of these sites have launched in the past year ... On of the more popular ones, Onlinehousetrading.com – they say they're getting about 1 million hits a month – there, the matchmaking is fully automated. They use search technology to comb through their listings database for someone looking to buy a house like yours, and at the same time, selling a home that meets YOUR needs. Once a match has been made, OnlineHouseTrading.com will make anonymous contact information available to both parties.

Houses swapping ads/offers are also showing up on Craigslist, but things are less automated there.

FINDING THE RIGHT MATCH IS ONE THING, BUT FINALIZING THE TRANSACTION SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE COMPLICATED. DOES THE SITE HELP YOU WITH THOSE KINDS OF DETAILS?

When you think of an online dating site like Match.com – they might help match you with the right guy or girl, but you don't expect them to be there when you're exchanging vows.

The swapping sites are there to help sellers and buyers network and connect. It is up to both parties to come to a contractual agreement to purchase each other's properties if they so choose.

They usually recommend both clients (the swappers) agree to use one title company ... That can simplify and streamline things by having all the paperwork in one place. And the deal's not done "until everyone signs off."

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE HOUSE PRICES – IF IT'S NOT AN EVEN SWAP?

You don't have to trade for equivalent value. While it's called a swap, it's really two separate transactions, where both trading partners take out mortgages based on the price they agree to pay. So if you're an empty-nester who wants to downsize and pocket some of the equity you've built in your home, you might choose to swap with a younger couple with a growing family.


DO THE SITES CHARGE FOR THE SWAP?

Most, like OnlineHouseTrading.com charges a flat fee of $20.00. So, pretty reasonable. If you're using Craigslist it's free, but again, the functionality/matching capabilities aren't very robust.

ANY DOWNSIDE TO HOUSE SWAPPING .... THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Make sure there is a solid commitment and cooperation between the swappers ... or things won't get off the ground.

You might find the selection of houses to be limited, depending on what market you are hoping to swap to. There are a lot more houses available for swapping in Florida or Nevada than you will in hotter markets like NYC.

More on this topic ...

Celebrity Real Estate Markdowns


Real Estate/ House Swapping Sites:

www.ReginaLewis.com

www.realestate.aol.com

www.prosper.com

www.zillow.com

www.onlinehousetrading.com

Back in the day, you'd meet & review a portfolio. Now, their work is displayed online. Talk about selection. You can search by specialty or location. From portraits to fashion and animals to nudes, this site lists established and up & coming photographers and agencies from around the world with thumbnails of their work & corresponding links. I tend to think anyone in creative field should have a good looking website. If you look around, you'll see a real disparity. Here's an example of one that works well:

Photo credit: Keith Skelton

This site has a directory of wedding photographers by state: www.weddingphotousa.com, keeping in mind professional wedding photographers are almost always willing to branch out & cover other events.

I'm a fan of black & white journalistic style photography. For that, look no further than your local newspaper or university. You may be able to get a staffer or student looking to make little extra money or work for free to build their portfolio.

These sites -- www.flickr.com, tabblo.com, & pictures.aol.com have amateur & professional work. Post comments to track the photographer down. I once posted pictures of floral arrangements made for an event at my son's school & ended up getting unsolicited requests from people who actually thought I was a florist (career Plan B:).

You can also put out a call for bids from potential candidates. Here's an example from a guy searching for a photographer on the cheap for 4-5 hrs work: Craigslist.

Professional photography is a business & marketing online is an art, hence the new site Trash the Dress . For better or worse, it shocks you into being showcased dresses in unexpected places.

- R

We're all over the "Curbing Summer Brain Drain" beat ... Nielsen Media did intriguing study indicating "screen time" is up across-the-board. Screens = TV, PC & Mobile Devices (a.k.a. cellphones). Personalize it for a second & is easy to believe + a telling trend. As a parent, think you've got no choice but to play into it ... My eight year old son likes to watch skateboarding clips on YouTube .... He literally asks, "Can I do You Tube." "Doing" video online is apparently typical for his age.

Here's excerpts from the study:

News

July 8, 2008
Nielsen Reports TV, Internet and Mobile Usage Among Americans
The Nielsen Company today released the first comparable U.S. figures showing video and TV usage across the 'three screens' – Television, Internet and Mobile devices. Nielsen's findings show that screen time of the average American continues to increase with TV users watching more TV than ever before (127 hrs, 15 min per month), while also spending 9% more time using the Internet (26 hrs, 26 min per month) from last year.
Read More Download PDF

"Web video is changing the definition of the Internet for those under the age of 24. Those under 24 use the Internet less than older users but spend a greater percent of time viewing video. For instance, children 2-11 spend relatively little time on the Internet – just 4:58 vs 38:47 for adults 35-44. But much more of their time is likely spent watching video than checking email or traditional websites." Burbank concluded.
(See Table "Time Spent in Hours:Minutes May 2008 " in Full PDF Download version of release.)

If high gas prices have put your plans for a summer vacation on the back burner, you're not alone. According to a new survey by MapQuest, pain at the pump is causing 66% of consumers to alter vacation plans ... While some are simply opting for destinations closer to home, over one-third say they've canceled vacation plans altogether.


Now the good news ... there are ways to spend a little less and make a little more out of your summer vacation. Whether you're setting out on a Fourth of July road trip or planning to take in attractions a little closer to home (a.k.a., a "staycation") ... A few tips and a handful of must click web sites may be all it takes to enjoy your time away, without breaking the bank.


MAPQUEST.COM
For those of you who are hitting the road, MapQuest.com can not only help you find the cheapest gas in town, it can also help you avoid gas-guzzling traffic. There are a lot of sites out there attempting to track the latest gas prices in a given area, but keep in mind, gas prices change daily, so the information is only as good as the last time it was updated ... and most of the sites depend on volunteer price spotters to send in price updates.


With gasprices.mapquest.com, prices are provided by OPIS (Oil Price Information Service). The prices OPIS provides to MapQuest are the latest prices at the pump and not samples. OPIS obtains pricing data from participating credit card transactions and direct feeds from participating retail chains. Each day retail gasoline prices are compiled from more than 90,000 gasoline and convenience stores across the United States.


Use MapQuest's Gas Prices feature by typing in an address or zip code and it will give you gas stations with the lowest prices for up to a 50 mile radius. The stations appear plotted on a map. In a given area, prices can range by as much as 50 cents per gallon and are updated up to 7 times a day. The service is also available on your cell phone or other wireless device. You could save as much as $10.00 each time you fill up a 20 gallon tank. Another feature on MaqQuest is the ability to view current traffic conditions (they're updated every 5 minutes) – you'd hate to waste more gas sitting in a traffic jam.

FUELCOSTCALCULATOR.COM
With airfare prices also up significantly over this time last year, some people are left wondering whether it's cheaper for them to take the road trip or fly to their destination. There is a way to calculate whether you're likely to spend more by car or by plane. AAA's fuel cost calculator (www.fuelcostcalculator.com) is updated regularly with current gas prices and allows you to input the make and model of your vehicle as well as your travel plans. Take the cost of driving, then weigh it against what it would cost you (or your & the family) to fly.

Keep in mind, in addition to the cost of airfare, American, United and US Airways will start start collecting fees on every piece of checked luggage, including $30 round trip to check one bag and an additional $50 round trip to check a second ... so be sure to do the total math – car trunk (free) vs. cargo (not-so-free).

ROADTRIPAMERICA.COM
With gas prices sky high, every mile counts,and that has travelers going all out to make the most of their road trips. We know road trips are decreasing in distance – the ideal road trip is now less than 200 miles, according to mapmaker Ran McNally – so you want to make the most of it and catch all the attractions along the way.


Roadtripamerica.com is a great site with lots of tips for road trippers – whether you're going by car, RV, motorcycle or by bike. The site can help you plan a road trip close to home – there's a section listing cool places to explore by state, they have suggestions on road food – where to eat while on your road trip ... And one of the best places to frequent on the site are the forums or message boards ... Here, people exchange ideas, give advice on the best road trips in particular areas and offer suggestions for people who may be traveling to their local area. The "locals" always know best.

CITYGUIDE.AOL.COM
Then there's the other crowd ... those who plan to stay close to home or enjoy what is referred to as a "staycation." According to the MapQuest survey, over 1/3 say they've canceled vacation plans altogether this summer. Those really looking to cut costs are vacationing in their backyard ... maybe not literally, but they're opting to enjoy nearby attractions and festivities. There's probably a lot more going on in your area than you know ... Many people live within easy drive of attractions they never find time to visit.


Cityguide.aol.com has an event finder feature ... You punch in the dates you're looking to do something and it shoots back a list of what's going on – from concerts and comedy shows to festivals and fireworks displays, museum attractions, sporting events ... what's happening at the local zoo ... on and on. Also on CityGuide, reviews for the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs etc., in your local area. Key tip: Pretend you're a tourist;)

GOOGLESIGHTSEEING.COM
If you're really planning to stay put and don't want to spend a cent, you can take a virtual trip just about anywhere. For a totally free staycation," checkout www.GoogleSightSeeing.com. Produced by two Scottish brothers, the site uses Google Earth to yield a compilation of virtual visits – from lesser known National Parks to the famed Tellytubbyland – and it's worth every click.

The first wave of IRS economic stimulus refund checks were released and are scheduled to arrive in mailboxes or to be direct deposited into accounts of over 130 million American taxpayers. Meanwhile, fraudsters are busy devising ways to swipe the checks via online "phishing" scams or bogus telephone calls.


According to a recent AP article, "phishing" currently tops the IRS list of taxpayer scams. AOL's Mail Team which blocks 1.5 Billion (yes, B vs. M) pieces of SPAM everyday tells us they're seeing a similar pattern.

These scams trick people into sharing confidential information such as bank account, social security and credit card numbers ... The end goal being identity theft and the draining of your accounts.

Don't take the bait! Don't fall for a phishing hoax designed to scam you out of a much-needed economic stimulus payment and a whole lot more. Follow the tips below to help keep your personal information safe and secure.

Be wary of emails claiming your IRS tax rebate is ready.
These emails may ask recipients to click on a link and enter personal information like their name, bank account or social security numbers to claim their rebates. The email may look official and even include the IRS logo and come from an official-looking IRS email address like irs.gov. However, consumers should know the IRS is NOT sending out emails regarding the rebates ... and they're not contacting taxpayers by telephone either.

Taxpayers do not have to provide additional information or fill out a separate form to get a stimulus payment or have it direct deposited; all they had to do was file a 2007 tax return and provide direct deposit information on the return.

Five Ways to Spot a Phishing Scam Email:

1) False Sense of Urgency.
It's estimated for out of five "phishing" scams are financial in nature and they tend to have a false sense of urgency (e.g., "Your Mortgage is being Foreclosed," "Your Tax Rebate is Ready"). Recipients tend to have a knee-jerk reaction and reply quickly.

2) Devil is in the Details.
You'll almost always be asked to hand over sensitive, personal information. This kind of data should never be communicated via email, instant message or a pop-up window. If it's from an source you use regularly -- mortgage company, bank, etc. -- go to the site directly (by typing in the web address on your own) and go through the log in process as you normally would. Enhanced security is the reason log-in procedures are increasingly elaborate (read: harder to fake).

3) An Extra Letter or Number.
Scammers are clever. They're great at mocking up websites. Often they'll copy real logos and create a fake email account. This is where spelling can be a real giveaway. Look at the URL -- does it have an extra letter or number? Also, typos and poor grammar in the email message is usually a giveaway.

4) Good Looking Logos & Links.
An email may look legitimate, but never click on the links to visit a website for more details. Scammers can disguise links to make them seem as if they're sending you to legitimate sites, when -- in fact -- they're routing you to a forged version. Sometimes you can hover over the fake links with your mouse to reveal the disguised scam links.

5) You Get an EMail from the IRS.
Bottomline: The IRS will never send you an email. They just don't. Period. End of story. To lower the odds, consider maxing out your SPAM control levels or "settings."

Want to check the status of your stimulus check?
Follow this link to the official IRS website to view the stimulus payment schedule. You can also click the Where's My Stimulus Payment link to track your check.

Related Post: More tips for avoiding tax scams

Related Resources: Easy Steps to Control SPAM -- Click to customize your SPAM filters

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "haggle" as "to annoy or exhaust with wrangling." Makes it sounds a little harsh, but hey if it nets you a bargain ... game on.

Wedding season is fast-approaching and brides- and grooms-to-be are working feverishly to button up details on everything from flower arrangements and honeymoon plans, to bachelor parties and bridesmaid dresses. For those feeling a little lost in the fray, there's help online from people who've been there, done that. #1 piece of personal advice: Enjoy every second.

The writers at Wedding blog AisleDash, serve up daily doses of advice, helpful info. and picture galleries to help ease the stress of planning for the big day. The site covers weddings from just about every angle – etiquette (never under-estimate), gifts & registries, cakes & catering, invites, rings, fashion, bridal bloopers and more.


With today's average wedding costing nearly $30,000 (that's not including the honeymoon!), you'll want to check out AisleDash's regular posts on "budget advice," like these tips for buying bridesmaids dresses online: Shopping Online for Bridesmaids Gowns: 4 Rules to Follow. And there's no shortage of DIY wedding advice, including: Virtual Scrapbooking, DIY Wedding Program Fans, An Eco-friendly Wedding without Breaking the Bank.

Going green is a huge trend & can't watch TV, listen to the radio or get through an interview on either without it coming up. Not to date self, but remember when Nickelodeon launched ground-breaking Earth Day efforts. To their credit, seems they were ahead of their time. Now, everyone & everything is well represented online.

See: Earth Day 2008.


Browse over to GreenDaily.com for tips like: Five ways to start going green if you already haven't: Bring your own bag to the grocery store, unplug appliances when you're not using them and lots more.

There are also a regular features on Celebrity "ecoists" like Ted Danson: