However, this kind of virtual-assistant home business is not the same as the “virtual assistant jobs” you may see advertised online. There are some legitimate companies offering virtual assistant jobs similar to what a self-employed virtual assistant does, but many of the jobs advertised in this way are something quite different.
In fact, virtual assistants might do just about anything because--as with any position title that leaves room for interpretation--people interpret it differently. Some of the positions that you may find advertised as virtual assistant jobs are in reality data entry positions, call center work, sales, bookkeepers and/or translation jobs. They may be legitimate work-at-home jobs, but they could be scams.
Other positions, offered on task sites, might be “assistant jobs” but not exactly virtual. For instance, companies such as TaskRabbit or Gigwalk or other micro job sites are an online way to connect people who need small tasks performed with those willing to perform them. However, these jobs are more often done in person--not virtually. So, these are not necessarily work-at-home jobs.
And then there are home business “opportunities” for virtual assistants. These may well be scams so examine them carefully for the signs of a work-at-home scam. Be wary of classes that will certify you as “virtual professionals” or the like. Legitimate virtual assistant home businesses were built by the hard work of their owners--not purchased online.
