Want to improve your chances of getting hired or promoted? Earning a degree or certificate might be the answer, but not all programs are reputable. Some dishonest companies may charge you for worthless degrees or phony scholarships.

If you’re looking for a job, you may see ads for firms that promise results. Unfortunately, some job placement firms misrepresent their services, promote nonexistent vacancies, or charge high fees in advance for services that don’t guarantee placement.

There are all kinds of home-based businesses, including ones that are set up to fail. Scammers make appealing — but not always truthful — pitches for medical billing businesses, envelope stuffing schemes, and craft and assembly projects, knowing that many people must find ways to work from home.

If you’re considering putting money into a business opportunity, do some research first. By law, business opportunity promoters must give you certain information before you hand over any money.

Do your research before you commit to an alternative investment or money-making opportunity. Promises of “free money,” mysterious financial models, and outsize returns most likely are scams.