What is phishing?

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How To Make Money Online Without Getting Scammed

By Frank Caparso

The Internet has made it possible for just about anybody to make money online, but it's also made it all too easy for people to fall victim to various scams. In this article we are going to talk about how to make money online without getting scammed. This is coming from my personal experience having been scammed several times in the past before I actually starting making money.

There are several real, legitimate ways to make money online, some of them being blogging, taking surveys, affiliate marketing, Google Adsense, selling on eBay, writing, etc... These are very real, and very legitimate. It's important to know that each one of the methods I just mentioned, will require you to put forth some time and effort.

The biggest scams people get caught up in when they start looking for ways to make money online is the over hyped, false promises to overnight riches. What do I mean? I know from experience that making money online and building a successful online business takes work, and does not happen overnight. For someone who is new and in-experienced, coming across a website that says "New push button software makes $25,378.00 every month with 1 click" can be appealing to them.

It's not their fault because they have no experience. I was no different when I first started. I fell for and bought every "money making" program I came across that promised to make me thousands of dollars. Of course they never did, so I just went searching for a new one and kept spending money. So I can tell you from experience, that making money online does not, and never will happen overnight. If you come across any opportunity or program that says it does, run the other way.

It is very easy to fall for the hype, false sales pitches, and flashy websites. The sad truth is, the majority of people who are looking to make money online are looking for "push button" easy programs and are not willing to put forth any hard work. If you want to know how to make money online without getting scammed, it's important to know that you will be required to put forth time and effort to succeed.

I know it's hard to turn down those fancy websites and big claims, but if any program or opportunity tells you that you can start making money overnight with little or not effort, it's a scam. Instead of spending money on these programs, you can choose one of the legitimate methods I mentioned at the beginning of this article, roll up your sleeves and do a little work.

If you want to learn more about how to make money online, visit FrankCaparso.com and sign up for my free getting started guide. You will be provided with helpful training and information on Internet marketing, affiliate marketing, and many other subjects that will help you build a successful online business. Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.

Phishing Scams in Plain English

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.

Confessions of an Internet Marketing Scammer

Recently my friend Paul Counts was duped by a scammer who is targeting Internet marketers.

In case you don’t know Paul, he’s proven himself to be one of the “good guys” in our industry, who upholds integrity and treats his customers right. It seems like it’s often the good people who fall prey to scammers, because they tend to trust people.

There are always plenty of scams happening online, and I’ve been scammed a few times myself. It’s NOT fun, and to be a victim is one of the worst feelings you can experience. Most people can probably relate to this at some point in their life.

What makes this story unique from the millions is that the scammer actually CONFESSED his scam and told Paul some of the details of his scamming methods.

In spite of confessing to one of his victims, I do not believe the scammer has been caught, and I DO believe he’s still perpetuating his scams. I’d like to share the details with you, so that you can be aware of this particular scam, as well as gain insight that may help you avoid other scams in the future.

DETAILS OF THE SCAM

The scammer posted an ad in a popular Internet marketing forum, advertising an “ad swap”. He claimed to have an opt-in list of 35k subscribers, whom he would email for his side of the swap. The other marketer participating in the swap would email his/her list on behalf of the scammer first.

Unfortunately, the scammer did not have a list. He was duping Internet marketers into sending out his promotions, in exchange for nothing.

VARIATION OF THE SCAM:

An ad was posted in the Warrior Forum advertising a “solo ad” to a 50k opt-in list, for $287. Several Internet marketers bought this offer, but received nothing in return.

One victim was Socrates Socratous, a well-known Internet marketer who paid $500 in a deal with the above scammer, and $450 to another (or maybe the same) scammer the same day.

Due to the nature of the scam, I think it is very possible that Paul’s scammer is the same guy.

PAUL’S PLEA TO THE SCAMMER:

After the scammer failed to fulfill his end of the deal, Paul sent him this email:


Hello Andy,

I really wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt here, but the longer it is taking you to respond to me really tells me that you probably didn’t intend to hold up your end of the deal and promote for me. I hope I am wrong here, but your screen shot showed my offer qued up and it should have taken you just a few minutes to check on what happened. Instead it is terribly apparent that you deleted my ad after you sent me the screen shot. Again, correct me if I am wrong here about this situation.

My main point is that we setup a solo ad as something that is mutually beneficial for both of us. I ended up just promoting your squeeze page and building your list with my valued subscribers, and in return I got nothing from you. My goal with ad swaps is to also build up mutually beneficial JV relationships where I promoted your products in the future and such.

I like to work with people and recommend people and offer that I can trust myself. Please forgive me for the harsh tone here, but Andy I am sure you can understand my position here.

I really hope that I am wrong and that we can resolve this issue soon.

Thanks,

Paul

THE SCAMMER’S CONFESSION

Here is his reply to Paul’s email. I have highighted certain portions to draw attention to them…


From: Andrew Tudor
Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Subject: Re: Ad Swap - From Warrior Forum
To: Paul Counts

Hi Paul,

You are entirely correct! The reason I did this is because I don’t possess a list of 35,000 subscribers. I also understand exactly what you are saying about building a mutually beneficial JV relationship and I do apologize if I have caused you any inconvenience, I completely understand your position and you have every right to take a harsh tone, I should say that I am surprised that you consider your tone to be currently harsh because I know that many would be quite pissed off in this situation, I respect your reasonable attitude and yes initially I had no intention to hold my end of the deal, simply because it wasn’t possible for me and if I could have, then of course I would have, hey… at least I am being honest here and not continuing to provide you with BS as I am sure many others would.

You are obviously an intelligent man and everything you said was entirely correct. I have been scamming people on the Warrior Forum with solo ads, which they paid for, in your case I think you have lost less, or at least I really hope so because I understand what you say about trust and providing me with opt-ins, but I am still happy to send your ad out for you as it’s already evident to you that I am trying to build a list here. The guys who have been scammed were sent emails to confirm, however most were actually reasonable and as I made sense of the situation and explained that PayPal disputes would not work and that they could open them and I explained that I would just win and walk away, however I did request that those who wanted another option could avoid this by instead being reasonable with me about it and understanding my situation.

My name is not Andy Tudor, I have actually been in IM a very long time but have only just at this point started trying to aquire a list. Now, I really hate scamming or dishonest business, but recently hit a very hard financial time stuck deep in debt and having my family to provide for which is my 4 year old daughter Jasmine and partner Annie, I have gone down the dishonest route which has not been pleasant, but it provided me with what I required in the current circumstances.

So yeah, the solo ads would have done that alone but I wanted swaps because I wanted to get started with a list and then possibly start working my way up, the problem is with solo ads that many of my customers have complained that they can’t find good solo ads anywhere, so even though I considered this option for starting my list, this put me off.

Now I am not going to lie to you, as talking any more BS won’t get me any further so I might as well be honest here, I have never had to actually reply to any emails regarding swaps yet but I am sure I will have even more soon. The problem here is it’s indeed true that I have been unfair here, and I don’t know exactly what to say because on solo ads if I am to simply leave with a customers money then they have that to lose and by considering the fact they have nothing to lose by hearing me out and waiting for me to build my list so that I can eventually send out their ads is beneficial to them, and I do indeed intend to send out every one of them ads, for the customers that decided to not take what I said into consideration, they opened the disputes and soon after realized that I won them because it was a virtual good, I even explained this to them before but it’s their own fault for not listening on that.

I work through many different identities and own a VERY large amount of websites, this includes forums, membership sites, squeeze pages, product sales pages and quite a bit more. So the point I am trying to make is, that I could just return under a different identity anyway Paul, and I currently have another 58 swaps this week using many different identities. I have revealed my real name to many of the solo ad buyers and shown them my work.

So what exactly do I want? - Ideally, being beneficial to both of us here, I would like to at least offer to send out your ad when I have established an adequate sized list instead of running off with your subscribers, I don’t see the harm in you taking up this offer? - Also, I feel that contacts are far better to have with internet marketing and although I have been slightly influenced by other scammers and my situation, I really dislike working in this dishonest way.

So here you have the full truth, I can’t really explain much further and of course if you find it unacceptable, well that’s up to you really isn’t it? - However, consider my offer because I ask nothing in return, you have provided your side of the deal and when I can, I would feel better if I could return what you have offered rather than running away. Considering, either way will not really bother me too much, I think you are a good person and you certainly don’t deserve this, I am sorry.

I have many skills that lead to me becoming involved in internet marketing, I also am quite knowledgable on the subject and offer any advice. I understand my wrong-doing here, but theres no need to treat me like I don’t understand exactly what I am doing, this is all well planned and I know exactly what I am doing here, So now in regards to my last statement marked in “bold” font: What exactly do you want? - By all means let me know, as I wish to provide whatever I can on my end and remember Paul that this doesn’t mean you should go thinking you are better than myself for example, sure you carry out business in a more honest way but what I mean is, before you go refusing my offer and complaining, the solution here is to simply be reasonable with me because maybe I have something of benefit to you - I hope so anyway.

Best,
Andy

After Paul replied to the above email (the reply is not included here, as I don’t feel it’s necessary), “Andy” the scammer decided to add to his confession in another email to Paul, which is excerpted below…


Hi Paul,

I do have a list, it’s just not 35,000 subscribers at all, I have done lot’s of work in photoshop, website design and sony vegas, basically for the AWeber screenshot I simply used firebug in Firefox to modify the code and took the screenshot, of course if I wanted to I could have managed with photoshop fine but it just pointlessly takes that little bit longer and of course when I modify code, I don’t usually have to worry about anything being out of place even by 1 pixel, unless I make a mistake but that’s never happend so far. It’s like the ClickBank login videos that you see, some may appear very realistic but it’s a simple job of matching the frames between 2 different clips, I do understand that theres a safe-swaps site if you want to find swaps more safely but I had even questioned that immediately to the fact I could program a bot to enter email addresses into a form and then verfiy that I have a large list, I have never done so because I see it as a waste of time and I would be paying increased AWeber charges for fake/bot generated email addresses…

(Andy)

(UPDATE: Added 03/18/11, 1:35PM)
After posting this to my blog, I received another of Andy’s confessionals, which was received by Internet marketer Socrates Socratous. Socrates was scammed by Andy Tudor, and by Dave Rivera (aka Monta on the Warrior Forum), who may or may not be the same person.

Socrates submitted PayPal disputes, which were ruled in favor of the scammers by PayPal (due to the digital goods loophole). After Andy won the dispute, he sent this email to Socrates:


Well, it appears I have won that dispute… so I have changed my mind. The NO REFUNDZ policy now applies.

I look forward working with you again in the future, I will spend the more wisely, don’t worry!

I am going to enjoy a nice cigar, which might seem a waste of money but it’s just to celebrate your failure, the sweet and smokey taste of success..

It’s only $450 man, it’s not much at all, but I guess with all the others out there that I clearly SCAMMED, it all adds up at the end of each and every day!

You are indeed the idiot that fell into the scamtrap. How’s that for disrespect? - You think your money was enough? No, please… it’s the pure enjoyment of scamming you that makes it worthwhile.

I suggest you get onto your credit card company Socrates, it’s obviously a bad sign if you had to use a CREDIT card to purchase a solo ad, what’s wrong? Out of money? I hope you starve.

Best Regards,
Andy

Subsequently, Socrates did file a complaint with his credit card company, and DID receive his money back through a chargeback.
(End of updated section)

CONCLUSION

I could give a lot of my own commentary here about…

…how the scammer justifies his actions by his circumstances, and his “good conscience”…

…how he arrogantly talks of winning Paypal disputes, and has the guts to blame his victims for not listening to him…

…how he is STILL trying to scam Paul and CONTROL the situation in his emails, and even goes so far as to compare himself to Paul…

…the fact that he “feels bad” about it, yet has another 58 VICTIMS lined up already in the next week under his various scammer aliases…

But I’ll leave the bulk of the commentary to you. Please post your comments below.

And most importantly, beware of scammers like “Andy”. As the scammer himself confessed: Anything on your computer screen could be fake. Just because something looks real, that doesn’t mean it’s real.

At the same time, not everything is fake. There are plenty of legitimate opportunities, and there’s plenty of money to be made online. So take this knowledge and apply it to your personal “filter”, as you determine what’s real and what’s not.

Have a great day!

(UPDATE: Added 03/21/11, 2:40PM)

Just a quick update to let everyone know that Mike Filsaime has contacted his rep at PayPal to notify them about the scammer, and PayPal has confirmed that their risk department is taking care of the scammer’s accounts. Thanks Mike. The guys at AWeber have also been notified, and I was told that their security department is handling it as well. Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.

The truth about Paypal Reverse Scams JOIN THE FIGHT!

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Stay Away From These Products…

by Jason Fladlien
http://48hourreport.com/myblog/stayawa/

I bet you got burned. It’s partially your fault, too.

There is a disturbing trend going on right now, especially with ClickBank launches. The main model is this:

Traffic Loophole Hook -> Blind offer for $77 -> 3-7 upsells -> Atrocious customer product and customer support.

I have seen a lot of people in the Warrior Forum review thread complaining because they got burned… I don’t want you to get burned.

So let me give you some good rules of thumb for investing in your business with Internet marketing products.

Rule #1 – If it’s blind, don’t buy it

A copywriting technique that’s incredibly effective is what’s called a “blind offer”. A blind offer is this – you don’t know exactly what you get until after you purchase.

If the sales letter spends more time telling you what it’s NOT than what it is… it’s a blind offer.

If the sales letter explains you’ll exploit a loophole… but doesn’t give you the slightest hint of what that loophole is… It’s a blind offer.

If you have no idea exactly what you’re getting, in terms of the training content… It’s a blind offer.

Compare that to my copy – I meticulously break down the major sections of my training. If it’s a way to get traffic through Facebook, I TELL you that. Be careful of copy like this:”It has nothing to do with Google, Yahoo, Pay Per Click, Ezine Articles, YouTube, etc.”.

Blind copy on a $37 or $77 price point will sell the living daylights out of your product. It will also bastardize your customer list you just built, send refunds through the roof and create support nightmares.

I never teach this tactic to my copywriting students, I never personally use it, and I NEVER… NEVER buy from it. Blind copy sucks!

Rule #2 – If it promises a “loophole” or “automation” be very careful.

The ClickBank trend right now is “traffic loophole”. I have seen 4 launches in the last two months that have put that exact phrase in the headline.

Product #1 - the “traffic loophole” that was teased was actually not a loophole – but an illegal violation of terms of service from Facebook. The copy for this product was “blind”. Hmmm!? Wonder why they didn’t tell you that you’d be doing something illegal in the sales letter? … :)

Product #2 - the “traffic loophole” was an obscure pay per view advertising network that is actually a nice place to get traffic really cheap and make some decent money with it. Problem – you have to put a $1,000 deposit down to get accepted into that network. The copy didn’t mention that little fact. Hmmm!? Wonder why they didn’t… :)

Product #3 - the “traffic loophole” WASN’T a loophole at all. It was forum marketing, Ezine article marketing and a few social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. See why the copy had to be blind? If they told you that these were the “secret traffic sources”, you would’ve realized there was no loophole. Dare I say it was a lie!? Gasp! Who would’ve thought? :)

Product #4 – the “traffic loophole” was a genuine loophole. Problem – right before he launched it, that secret traffic source was purchased and acquired by Google – who quickly fixed the loophole. Well, gee – can’t call off the launch when you got all the JV partners and everything in place, right? So just launch it even though the loophole doesn’t exist anymore. That’s a great idea, isn’t? That’s what they DID!

The TRUTH about traffic loopholes – if I find a genuine, powerful traffic loophole (and I do every so often) I do NOT sell it in a $77 product. I mean I’m a nice guy, but that would be a really dumb business move. It’s usually $297 or $497.

What about automation?

Don’t believe them… UNLESS they show you a demonstration. Automation is a power word that can absolutely get you to want to buy! That’s why you have seen a lot of these ClickBank launches USE that word in the headline.

The problem – nothing is automated! So don’t believe that something is automated JUST because the headline says it is. ONLY believe it MAY be automated if they show a demonstration of the automation on the sales page.

But you really can’t do that with blind copy can you?

Rule #3 – The Upsell Tidal Wave

A very profitable strategy for these launches is to promise you the whole world (and more!) for $37 or $77 – and after you purchase – take you to an upsell that says “well, if you really want to do it right, then you need to buy…”.

Oops! Instant disconnect. Doesn’t that piss you off? Let me school you two ways.

First, if you do upsells (and you absolutely should!), don’t do them like these ClickBank guys are doing them.

An upsell should be one of the following…

1. COMPLEMENTARY to the original product without invalidating the promises of the original product. (Example – if we teach a traffic program, we might upsell “mind state stuff” to help them more effectively implement it… Or if we sell product creation… We upsell copywriting – because you need to write the sales letter for the product, right?)

2. A Higher LEVEL version that doesn’t invalidate the promises on the original product. (Example – your front end shows a “down and dirty” way to do something… It’s good enough and made for people on a budget… But you extend the more thorough, more in depth version on the upsell for the people who want it… But you never claim on the sales letter for the front end product that it’s the end all, be all!)

3. A really damn good deal rewarding the customer for making the first purchase with you. (Example – we do the buy 1 for 50% off, get 3 more free offer which is a TRUE special offer only on the upsell and can’t be gotten anywhere else.)

4. A more in depth modality. (I can offer a product writing copy on the front end, upsell a 30 minute sales critique for those who want one on one in addition to standalone…)

Now let me school you the second way – EXPECT the upsell on a $37 or $77 product. These guys don’t DO giant launches unless big bucks are involved… And you can’t get big bucks on a $37 product without a stack of upsells, downsells and continuity thrown in somewhere.

So when considering purchasing the front end, ask yourself – “what kind of upsell should I be expecting to get? Will it be a bait and switch? Will it be something intentionally left out of the front end?”

After asking that question, THEN decide if you’re comfortable purchasing something on the front end that you think is either incomplete, or just “part of the puzzle” even though it’s presented as the whole puzzle.

Final word on upsells – I’m a HUGE believer in them… When done right, they are win-win. But from a consumer point of view, anticipate them and calculate them into your purchasing decision.

And you should use them in your business as well. Just use them the RIGHT way as I’ve outlined above.

Rule #4 – Support! (Or Lack Thereof!)

Here’s something fun to do during a product launch. Put in a simple support ticket before you purchase. See how long it takes to get a response.

Be prepared to be shocked! :)

I have no idea how this happens, but it happens more often than not. People buy product – don’t get download. 4 days or longer go by and they still don’t even get their product.

Okay, I’m not perfect. I run a small operation with just myself and my wonderful assistant Mary Jo. Yet we are on pace to do about a million dollars in gross this year. And we take support seriously. It’s very rare that something slips through the cracks. It happens, but not a whole lot. And when it does, it gets fixed.

Now I admit, I’m not the quickest to respond to personal requests that Mary Jo forwards me – but SHE usually responds and tells them she’s forwarded it to me.

And if it’s a simple download request, she handles that almost always within 24 hours or less.

The TRUTH about Internet marketing – there is no front end money in customer support. So when doing a launch, you don’t really need it to do big numbers. More important is the sales copy, the launch process, managing the affiliates and joint venture partners, email copy and so forth.

Customer support is not very profitable, so it’s not likely to get much attention or focus during the launch.

The only people who do customer support well, do it simply because they know it’s the right thing to do. Not because it’s very profitable. Those people have integrity.

But how much integrity do you think these launch guys with blind copy, false “loopholes” and bait and switch upsells have..?

So do you expect great customer service or support? Hmmm!?

Let’s bring this home..

What I have just done is probably pissed off a lot of my so-called peers. Lost a lot of potential joint venture partners. Alienated alliances that could bring me in big bucks.

Yeah, so be it. These ClickBank style launches are built around affiliates and joint venture partners – NOT around the customer. I build my business the other way – I attract great customers who eventually become long term affiliates and joint venture partners for me.

So if I have to be the only one with enough guts to stick my head out there and let you know the real deal with these things… While everyone who is in the “know” remains tight lipped about it… So be it.

But I wanted to give you some clarity on this so you don’t make a really dumb purchase in the future that you immediately regret. And when you save that money on dumb purchases remember me. Then come over and invest that in some of my stuff instead

Meet An Honest Marketer:
Click Here To Watch It Now.

Don't Get Ripped Off

John C Vincent's Scam Report

For the most part, affiliate programs are a nice, easy way to
make money online. However, like many other online
opportunities, you need to be on the lookout for scams.
Internet scams are all over the place, as they are increasing in
popularity. Unfortunately, there are also scammers who are
using affiliate programs as fronts. Although it is hard to
associate good news with internet scams, there is good news.
That good news is that there are ways to make sure that you join
an affiliate program, make sales, and actually get paid for
those sales.

As previously mentioned, a large number of scammers are starting
to use affiliate programs as fronts for their scams. These scams
can take on a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles.
One of the most popular affiliate program scams involves
affiliate programs that do not pay. These programs are selling
real, legitimate products. The only problem is that many of
these affiliate programs do not pay. Essentially, you end up
doing a bunch of work for nothing. Another common affiliate
program scam involves selling a product that doesn't even exist.
Not only will you not get paid for your hard work, but you will
also be participating in a scam that involves ripping off
consumers, by taking their money without giving them what they
paid for.

As it was mentioned above, there are a number of different ways
that you can prevent yourself from joining an affiliate program
that doesn't pay. One of those ways involves choosing a
well-known affiliate program. If you need assistance choosing
an affiliate program, you can seek it online. There are a large
number of online websites that give accurate and updated
information on a wide variety of affiliate programs. There are
also programs, which are regularly referred to as affiliate
directories. These directories are actually in charge of
running a company's affiliate program. Many of these programs,
which include LinkShare, come highly rated and recommend, as do
the affiliate programs they have listed in their directories.

In conjunction with researching an affiliate program, you can
also research the product that is being sold. A large number of
customers write product reviews. Many of these product reviews,
which can be both positive and negative, can be found online.
You will also want to check out websites that are known as scam
websites. Scam websites allow internet users, just like you, to
post ways that they have been scammed and by whom. You can find
information on poor quality products, individuals, companies,
and even affiliate programs that are not considered legitimate.
When researching an affiliate program or even a product, it is
important to remember that nothing and no one is perfect. While
it isn't uncommon to find one or two negative reviews, you need
to be cautious of numerous negative reviews.

Since it is relatively easy to avoid an affiliate program scam,
you are advised to do so. If anything appears out of the
ordinary or if you suspicions are raised, you are advised to use
your common sense. In the long run, you will be glad with your
decision to do so. Not only can avoiding an affiliate program
scam ensure that you get paid, but it will also help you save
your own reputation. The last thing you want to be associated
with is an affiliate program that doesn't deliver the products
that they promise. In fact, your name or your company's name
could literally be drudged through the mud. While you may think
that this wont have a long lasting impact, it might just,
especially if you plan on selling your own products in the near
future. Even if your products are quality products, many
consumers might remember you as the person who scammed them
before.

Although it is relatively easy to spot an affiliate program
scam, there are a few that might fall through the cracks. If
you later determine that you are involved in an affiliate
program scam, or even just a program that is selling poor
quality products, you are advised to get out as soon as
possible. Severing your ties will help to ensure you get paid,
as well as build a good name for yourself.

To your success,

Roy Wright
admin@teamrj.com
TeamRJ
http://teamrj.com

John C Vincent's Scam Report

Meet An Honest Marketer:
Click Here To Watch It Now.

Scammers get scammed by Scambaiters www.IDTheftSecurity.com

John C Vincent's Scam Report

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.

MLM Scams | Network Marketing Company Scams

What is a scam? Are all mlm's scam's? Have you fallen for a network marketing scam? Are there some network marketing companies that are controversial and you should avoid?

Wikipidia calls a scam a confidence trick. It even lists modern day con men or tricksters who have cheated people out of a great deal of money. It doesn't specifically connect scams to mlm's but it does to pyramid schemes.

I personally have been victim of some mlm frauds and mlm scam's. It's no fun to be duped and fooled especially when you try to get other people involved in the program. I was a victim to a couple of these scams:

They were: Prosperity Automated System - Shut down by the FTC in 2006. Our Power Forced Matrix by Thomas Thompson - He just ran off with everyones money and as far as i know hasn't been heard from since. And then there was More Than Traffic - Not an MLM but a Scam designed to get MLM'ers to promote their business through MTT. Also, Ad Surf Daily had people so worked up about unusually great profits until the Government shut it down leaving thousands taken and without refunds.

At the time, because I was new to the Internet, I wasn't aware of how easily it was to be fooled by these scam artists. But unless you're given some kind of help or guidance, you too can become a victim. So are there any other concerns, problem companies or scams out there you should be aware of?

Before you get involved with these companies, you might want to do some research on them. Companies like YTB (Your Travel Biz), Lifewave, My Shopping Genie and Monitium have had somes serious questions raised about their companies. Click on the links to get started.

There have also been a number of MLM Companies that have gone out of business. Some because they made false claims about their products, others because they didn't deliver on what they promised and others because they didn't have good experienced leadership or financial backing. Companies like ITV Ventures, Efusjon, WoW Mobile, Synaura and Fortune Hi Tech Marketing fit this situation. So get to know what to look for in an income opportunity.

Just keep in mind that many marketers say an opportunity is a scam or ask the question, "Is it a Scam?" just to get you to read the information they've posted and hiopefully to get you to join the opportunity with them. Here's a case in point. Notice he didn't even answer the direct question of someone who asked him, Is it a scam? in the comment section.

In other cases, some people report a company as a scam because it's a network marketing company or an mlm or their partner "didn't make any money" or was "taken to the cleaners" because they put up some money to join or for products. These are people's opinions. They feel because most people fail to make any money in an mlm it is a scam. Other's are just very negative about mlm's and network marketing because the greater number give up or don't put in the work needed to build a business.

There are also a number of mlms who have had deceptive trade practices and it's good to know what the legal requirements are for an mlm so you know if the opportunity your looking at measures up. Just be assured that there are many legitimate mlms out there.

We also decided to include controversial mlm's here. Some people don't know to do research before they join an income opportunity and some companies are steaped in problems, whether it be its owners, its members or leaders or its products or product claims and testiomonials.

A couple of good websites to have in your radar for mlm happenings are Rod Cook's mlm watchdog and Troy Dooly's mlm help desk. You should also know that any complaints you have about mlms can be given to the FTC Sentinel. To learn more about the variety and current worldwide scams to help protect yourself, view the listings at Consumer Fraud Reporting and The FTC Consumer Alert websites.
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How To Avoid Online Scams

Safety Measures to Avoid Online Scams

Here are some thoughtful suggestions to prevent being scammed online and to determine the legitimate online business. Resources are limited these days so we need to spend it on things that are worth our time and money.

The Advantages And Risks Involved in Online Marketing
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.

Advantages and disadvantages of online marketingGreat profits involved great risk. This has been an underlying principle to most of the individuals who are engaging in online marketing. It has been a common knowledge that internet could really make you a fortune. I have read success stories as I browse through the web of how people with humble beginnings became rich because of online marketing. I am also aware of the risk involved in pursuing internet marketing wealth.

Indeed, internet marketing offers a lot of promises. It enables you to work from home and at your own pace. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous online marketers who are lurking just around the corner waiting for the next victim.

You and the scammers have something in common-the unquenchable desire for profits. However, they don't live by the rules. They want to get their hands on your hard earned money without providing the services that you are yearning for.
The question remains the same. How can you protect yourself from online scammers?

1. Identify the Entities involved in the Program.
Know Your Seller

identify the sellerThere are shady group of people out there who don't identity themselves because of the fear that authorities will come after them. If you know your products and services don't work or have a low quality, do you bother to identify yourself? Of course not! It is imperative to identify the people you are having business with because if you have some complains; you know who you can contact. In some cases, you can have a refund.

Joining Forums and reading reviews about certain programs will prove beneficial.

2. Determine If They Can Deliver.
Promises Are Meant to be Broken But Not This Time!

online marketing promiseAs the cliché goes, "promises are meant to be broken". Unfortunately, you can't afford to lose top dollars just because the merchants failed to deliver their promised bounties. This can be prevented by determining whether the business plan of the merchant is feasible. You can ask yourself, "is it really possible?". We can use our common sense during this process.

3. Don't Reveal Your Personal Information Unnecessarily.
Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid.

online marketing privacyMany of the online businesses we have encountered involve revealing our valued personal information such as our social security number, credit card number, our middle name and address. This usually happens during the signing up process or during purchasing. Fortunately, there are online services that are trusted in protecting your personal information by not revealing your credit card number to the merchants. These include paypal and alertpay. When you encounter an amazing program, you are more reassured in availing their service if the merchants are using paypal or alertpay in their payment method.

4. Don't let the Merchants Threaten You with Limited Supplies.
There Are Still a Lot Of Fish in the Sea!

plenty of online opportunitiesClever merchants often times provide a onetime offer or prompt you to get this product now else it will be out in the market soon. However, you will soon realize that the product they are selling is still available a year after. Now, where is this one time offer? If you think their product is good but you don't really need it or you don't have enough cash, you can just leave it. Rests assure that there are still other legitimate online businesses that offer the same product.

Conclusion:
The internet was introduced to the public not too long ago but it has changed peoples' lives when it comes to information sharing, making friends and marketing. However, this phenomenon is subject to abuse by some unwanted entities. It is imperative that we employ safe and effective methods to protect ourselves from getting scammed so that our online experience will be more meaningful and enjoyable.
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