Whether you’re looking for a new full-time job or want to supplement your income with side work, the internet offers plenty of options. But many of the ways people make money online are questionable, or even illegal. For example, using a fake name and passwords to access someone else’s social media accounts can be a violation of privacy and lead to criminal charges. In addition, scheming or misleading others to earn money can violate laws against fraud and false advertising. And posting a person’s address on the internet without their consent is considered cyberbullying, which can have serious legal consequences.
If you have skills that are in demand online, such as writing, editing, graphic design, IT support, teaching or software development, it’s possible to create an entire business around your expertise and make a living from home. But be wary of any online business opportunity that asks for an upfront fee or requires you to pay to gain certification. And check the Better Business Bureau for profiles on businesses you’re considering working with.
It’s generally legal to sell physical products on websites like Etsy or Amazon, but it’s not always legal to make money from reselling other people’s digital goods or services. For instance, it’s illegal to use data mining to steal personal information or use it for unethical purposes, and pyramid schemes aren’t allowed in most countries.
Selling unwanted items on online marketplaces is a quick way to earn some extra cash. For example, you can sell used clothing on websites such as Poshmark or ThredUp, or furniture you no longer need on sites such as Craigslist or eBay. Flipping furniture can be particularly lucrative, with YouTube channels such as Furniture Flipping Teacher earning more than $420 per episode.
Another option is to rent out your spare room or other space on online vacation rental sites. Be sure to read the fine print, but if you’ve got a place to offer and can meet certain requirements, you can turn your house into an income-generating home away from home.
Finally, you can also get back some of the money you spend on things by using cashback apps. These apps can reclaim the commission that shopping sites typically lose to users.
But it’s important to remember that most of these methods require some sort of time investment, and that’s why NerdWallet has ranked them according to the amount of time it takes for each one to earn you money. You can learn more about each of these methods in our guide to making money from home.