If you have spent some time online lately you have probably been “approached” by
some “internet gurus” claiming to have some “super-program” or “secret” that will make you rich as soon as you join them.
They are often very good at talking and “convincing” so it can be difficult to know if they tell the truth or not, especially if you don´t know what to “look out for”.
So, how do we find out if something is a scam or not? How can we see that? Really it is actually very easy to spot a scam if you know what to “look for”.
First Of All
The good old saying “If something sounds too good to be true it probably is” is always something you should react to when it comes to “opportunities” online.
These scammers online pretty much always promise you that you will get rich fast, and you do not have to “work” to get the money either… It will only come to you automatically, with their help :o) Sounds like a Dream right? It actually is, eventually, it turns into a nightmare.
Really, if you stop and think about this for a second…
Maby you know what is going on?
Does the World we live in work like that? Have you ever got a lot of money for doing nothing?
Probably not, the world doesn´t work like that unless you are a hot Insta female celebrity of some kind 😉
Important to understand – Professional video sales scams
Am not saying that all of the “20-30 min sales promos” that you see out there are scams because all are certainly not, it is just marketing done in a very professional way as it very logically, increase sales, if done right, of course.
but ONE thing is for sure.
You will more likely purchase a scam much easier, or more correct, the scammer will have a lot easier to trick you to buy if he or she got a “video sales script” in place. A video that is presented to you in a 20 -30 min “psychologically pointed towards your brain video speech” type of way if you know what I mean. It doesn´t have to be a person (real or actor) that is talking, it can just be a screen with words, illustrations and other “dream selling” performed in a professional way. There are rules for that stuff and if you follow them, yes then you will also be very successful in selling ANYTHING you want.
That is also the thing when you know a bit about making online sales, or maby more correct, internet marketing… You can choose it for either good or for bad…
..Exactly like with money in other words.
Know The Techniques Scammers Use to Avoid Them
One very common technique that scammers use to fool you is that they show you fake video testimonials of people who have made it with this “super-program” (or something like that)
Those videos are usually bought on websites like Fiverr for example, where you will get a fake testimonial for as little as $5.
Another very common technique they use to make you want to join them is that they will give you some kind of “entry test” to see if you are “qualified” to join their “super-privileged” group of people who will get rich fast.
TRUST ME you will ALWAYS pass those “tests” because they are all FAKE!
They only want you to feel “lucky” and like you have an “opportunity that not many people have the chance to get”.
Some simple marketing tactics it´s all that is…
Watch Out For This
If you get an e-mail invitation from someone you don´t know and they tell you something like: “Congratulations you have won!” or “you have been chosen for this opportunity” or something like that…
Do not even read it! it is most likely a scam!
Biggest Warning Sign!
This is a sure sign of a scam: If a website (or program) spend more time on telling you how much money you will make, than showing you how to make it.
Then it is really time to do some more scam research before making any decision.
P.S. They often show you this in the form of fake income statements and fake testimonials.
If you still are not sure if it is a scam or not
Do some research on the “Product” you want to know is real or fake. Go to Google, Bing or Yahoo and search for them. Do research on the owners, have they performed “questionable product/service launches” previously? Do they get a good reputation? do they have a bad reputation?
Do they even exist?
Go and look on some of the most well-known review and rating sites have rated the particular company you are looking for.
If you find many negative Reviews about what you search for it usually is a good indicator for a scam site… Just use your common sense here, for example, if you find more than 3-5 VERY negative reviews, then I strongly suggest you stay far away!
P.S. Some of the trusted review/rating sites are for example Trustlink, Trustpilot, Pissed Consumer, etc.
To Make A Long Story Short
Almost every time you are approached by someone online that you do not know.
Who claims to have something “new” and (or) “time-limited offer” that is going to “change your life” if you only paid a “small” amount of money before you can get access to it… Then it is probably 99.9 % chance it is a scam!
How to Really Make Money Online (No Scams)
There is, of course, many ways to make money online, after all, it is by far the biggest market in the world, but nothing comes without you having to spend some time and work on learning first. You also have to avoid all the scam sites telling you that they will teach you when they in reality not gonna teach you anything of value.
Most importantly is that you start with the basics before you run into advanced stuff. Just like in anything in life really.
So where can you learn how to make money online then?
The good news is that you can actually start for free!! If you want to know how? Take a look below!
You can learn how to make money online yourself – A Great Start
If you look for a legit way to make a passive income online you need to know that before it will happen you have to learn exactly how to do it first, it will take some time but I promise you that it is worth to learn it. Simply Click the link below if you are interested to understand more how:
Click this link: ==> Wealthy Affiliate Review
Hope that helps!
If you have any questions about something or some other good “indicator” tips on how to stay away from scams please share them in the comment section below!
John
Founder of: Start Make Stop Waste
Hey John,
I’m in internet business for years now and what you just said is absolutely true.These days are full of scammers and for the beginner it’s very hard to see if it’s a scam or not.
Thank you for sharing this information with people, in my time it would have saved me so much effort 🙂
Thanks for your comment Paulius! Yes I made this post mostly for begginers so they can save time and money :o)
Hey John,
I have been a victim of numerous ‘get rich quick’ schemes, and I have to say you have a refreshing perspective on all of this and I am happy that I came across your website.
I also think that you are right; most honest people who post good content and want to help out their readers (people such as yourself) put honest reviews up, that you can feel you can trust. After all, nothing is perfect, right? 🙂
Cheers again,
Olie.
We all have man :o) It is easy to fall in the “trap” and getting scamed. You are right about that :o)
Cheers!
Yes. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. Also, if you can make lots of money doing next to nothing why are they trying to get you to sign up. Shouldn’t they be on a beach somewhere enjoying themselves while the money comes in for them?
In their videos they use professional actors to read a script and act for the camera. This so fake.
Even if you search online for information on the product or service you come across so many positive reviews which are also fake. You have to be very careful these days.
Hey Christine! you are absolutely right on that why would they NEED you to sign up for their “secret” program?
Yes there is alot of fake reviews out there but if you search for a while the REAL ones usually comes up :o)
HeyJohn great article!
After trying to make money online for longer than I want to admit, I’m convinced that 99% of the so-called “opportunities” are scams.
You did a terrific job pointing out what to look for, but I’d like to add one more thing. That’s the OTO or the One-Time-Offer.
You know when you buy into an offer for $5 or maybe $10, some relatively low price, and then get hit with an offer you have to “buy right now because you’ll never see such a good deal again in your life,” blah, blah, blah…and that OTO is like $50 or more.
It’s fake and it unethical. It’s like the salesperson plays nice until you open your wallet and then they start grabbing for all your cash. Don’t fall for that nonsense.
John, I can testify to the integrity of your recommended way to make a passive income online. It’s the only thing I’ve come across that really teaches you how to make money online and it’s free to join. You can’t beat that.
Thank you! Yep you are right about the OTO that is also a technique they use to scam us. Me to am also convinced that 99% of ALL the “opportunities online are scams.
You are absolutely right about my recommended way ;o)
Thanks for your comment!
/John
I like that your post does not try to sell me another “get rich quick” scheme. Almost everyone that has ever tried to make it online has at some point fell for a scam. I know I have several times. Scammers use all kind of techniques now. I even tried a program that didn’t promise that I would be a millionaire. The catch wasn’t in signing up, they started asking for money subtlety here and there for other programs that you “had to have” to continue. Great article, thanks for the advice.
Me to man have also been scammed both online and offline :o) Yeah they (the scammers) really use all kind of techniques. If you can try something for free and see for yourself if something works then I suggest you go for it… Check out my nr1 recommendation if you want to try something that works for real.
Thanks for your comment/ John
I hate the ones that have the ‘formal’ news report on the “Local mother makes thousands at home with this system.” And it’s the super rare few that actually do well while the millions of others are hung out to dry. It amazing what they can come up with. It’s the worst when our dear old grandparents fall for them, sending away their retirement money all because they’re just the wrong generation for technology.
Yes I hate those ones two, I don´t even think that “local mother” exists
Good points, John, and good site. I joined Wealthy Affiliate, but not without trial and error. I remember the sad days of listening to two hour presentations to hear I could have it all, for $4000! Good for me, I couldn’t afford that. Who can, I’m not sure. Seems if you could, you wouldn’t need any help anyway! Wealthy Affiliate however is no scam. Anyone who questions, check it out! No promises to become a billionaire over night, just a sound platform for people interested in starting an online business. Good site!
Thank you Sam! You are absolutely right! /John
Hi John,
I just joined Project Breakthrough to find out about this review.You saved me some time and money ,
Thanky you
Sam
Glad to hear that Sam, Thank you for your comment.
/John
Hi John,
Well you learn by your mistakes, which can be a positive. I hav just been hit by Amazing5, and the worst part is , the money the people have lost that you know. I will have to work hard to pay them back. In this life , what goes around, comes around. I want them to have the confidence that online business can be profitable and , yes the world is full of evil and wicked people, but there are some good people out there, who wants everyone to benefit from their ideas.
I wish I had come across your sight. Well I’m doing my homework and I will take notice of what you have stated.
Thank you
Good evening John,
In real life I did fall for a scam or one could also say a money fraud, I nearly lost everything and the crook is being chased by Interpol. In the meantime, I am waiting for a court case since 2011 to solve this situation. I started with a computer in end 2013 and only used it for emails and photos. I was approached by many ‘scam’ people but luckily did not fall for it. It is very good indeed that you warn people of the dangers lurking on the internet.
Regards, Taetske
Thank you, happy you liked this post, am sorry to hear that and really hope that the court decision will be in your favour.
Many thanks for your comment 🙂
/Sincerely