deegee,
That is good advice from the above posters.
I started last month and have been joining companies. I do not search random on line for companies. I do double check with searches. I take companies recommended here at the list on the bottom and mspa
I made a profile at shadowshopper and have received four emails for job offers there. I then double check the company before I signup. BBB also has a verification page. I use that to verify location and things of that nature I also subscribed to mystery shopper magazine from this site where they do monthly reports. Not sure about a company? Use the search engine here to see what has been said. All this helps to insure you sign up with quality companies.
So far the biggest issue I have is taking time to signup only to find no jobs in my area. It is not a waste of time as the situation for them may change at anytime.
Just like any other business or project, taking time to do research is vital to being successful.