How to Recognize a Scam or Over Hyped Online Money Scheme

First off you should know that most of the online opportunities are scams, or at least over hyped. One of the first signs that should ring a bell is when you see an advertisement like “Make $10,000 a month working only a few hours a week!” It is a catchy phrase, and I mean, who wouldn’t want to make $10,000 a month? However, the reality of this scheme is quit the opposite.

There are several different types of businesses that offer this type of promise; a lot of them are Data Entry jobs. With Data Entry jobs you will pay for access to a site that provides a list of companies which give you affiliate links to their site. You then go and post ads trying to convince people to purchase things off of your affiliate link. If they do you will get a certain percentage of whatever that individual buys. While this type of business is not a scam, it is definitely over hyped. A lot of companies have you pay to get access to the website with the list of companies, but in all reality if you go directly to the company list site you can become a member for FREE! The reason you pay is because they also give you steps on how to post ads and what to type in those ads. However, they also spam you with e-mails and other money making opportunities to try and get you to buy! With all that said here is my take on the data entry jobs. You will not make a lot of money, and most of the information they provide is not worth the cost spent to pay for it!! The reason is because there are a lot of people who have bought into these schemes, which makes it hard to get someone to purchase anything from your affiliated links without putting a lot of money into Google, Yahoo, etc.

This was just one example of the many different types of online opportunities that do nothing more than waste your time and money. Other opportunities to watch out for include; envelope stuffing, toy building, medication selling, etc. The list goes on and on. So, I am sure you are now wondering if there is even a possibility of making money online. Well, there is!! But first let me give you some information on spotting possible scam/over hyped business opportunities. I have compiled a list to help:

1) Do plenty of research. Do not just read an ad and purchase right away.

2) Do a Who IS search on the website. The reason is that a lot of these sites are new and only register their domain for a year, which usually means they are not in this for the long haul, but rather to try and con people into purchasing a useless scheme. Also, check the person registered along with the address and phone number. Make sure you see nothing suspicious. However, a lot of people put in false information, so if you check an address or phone number and you can’t find it, more than likely the person put in false information.

3) Do Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the business is registered and what reputation it shows. Note: Not all websites will have a BBB record.

4) Do Find forums like scam.com to talk to others who might have already tried the program you are looking at.
Note: Be cautious of opportunities sent by e-mail, as most of them are scams!! Also, I recommend not doing anything that requires you to give out your personal information or requires you to transfer/accept money from a Wire Transfer!!

Hopefully this information will help you in determining which programs are real or not. Usually if a site promises to make you tons of money for just a little amount of your time they are just trying to get your money. Also, in my opinion, you shouldn’t have to pay someone to work for them!!! I know that if you start your own business you will have to fork out some cash to get it started, but if you are about to work for someone you shouldn’t have to pay them, because they should be paying you!! Also, a good saying to hold on too when searching for an online job is, “If it seems too good to be true then it probably is!”
Here is a list of jobs that I have known people to make money with. They are not rich but if you are looking to make a little extra money then, if done right, these will work.

1) Paid Surveys (However, do not PAY to complete the surveys, because there are plenty of free survey sites out there)

2) Writing Articles (Again, do not pay a site to write for them, because since you are working for them they should pay you)

3) Start a website or blog (If there is something you love to talk about then start up a website on it and then use Google ad sense to help bring money to your site)

These are just a few of the legit opportunities out there. Again, I highly recommend going to forums and talking to people who have already been in your shoes. Just be very cautious when looking to make money online, because unfortunately there are a lot of people on the internet that just want your money. Good Luck!!


make money online, make money online, make money online
earn money online, work at home,