Internet Business Scams – 7 Steps to Keep You Safe

Do you know why there are so many internet business scams?  Because they make money for the scammers. Scammers send out millions of fraudulent e-mails and know that a small percentage of the people who get them are going to respond. Times are tough right now.  People are desperately searching for ways to make extra money.  Here’s how to make sure you don’t get taken for a ride:

1. Be realistic.

Are the promises this internet site is making achievable? Do you know anyone who has accomplished what this site advertises? If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

It takes work to make money. If you are being asked to participate in a program that doesn’t require hard work, pass it by. It’s a lie. I’ve been around people and money for 25 years – I never met anyone who didn’t work their tail off in order to make it. If you want to make money, you will have to work hard too.  Don’t search for something that doesn’t exist.

2. Get proof.

Internet business scams are just like debt relief scams….you need to separate the truth from the lies. Don’t fork over any money until you:

a. Speak to five people who have personally achieved the results this internet business advertises. Be careful. Often, the rotten scammers give you fake “happy customers.”  If all the people you speak with seem a bit too excited, trust your intuition and call it a day on this one.

b. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

c. Do a Google search for reviews on the company.

You owe yourself and your family the due diligence.  Don’t skimp here.

3. Know the specifics.

I hear lots of people on the radio and internet talking about results of their programs – but not talking about the work itself. You’ve heard it too:

• Get out of debt. $99 for the first 100 people to order!
• Become a real estate tycoon!  Three Payments of $33.95!
• Be in Business for Yourself.  $37.89 – Special Price…Today Only!
• Get a great credit score.  Only $79.95!

They give you the sizzle but not the steak.

If someone isn’t willing to be 100% upfront about the business and answer all your questions, hit the delete button.

4. Don’t pay upfront.

Never…I repeat never…pay someone for the opportunity to work for them. That includes paying for lists of companies looking for people to work for them.

5. No pressure.

If you are being pressured to make a decision immediately, it’s a good sign that the sellers are just preying on your fear and greed. They want you to make a decision based on your emotions rather than your intellect. They are not reputable, so pass them by.

6. Turn the tables.

Before you fork over any money, tell the company you want your attorney to review the proposal. Watch how they react. If they try to belittle you for bringing your attorney into it, they have something to fear. Not a good sign.

And if they do comply with your request, bring your lawyer into the picture. If your investment is large enough, it might be worth spending a few hundred dollars to have your attorney review everything. It couldn’t hurt and it could save you a pile of dough.

7. Listen.

Get feedback from your spouse, friends and business people you trust.  They’ll come up with questions you should ask but overlooked. Don’t rely on yourself.  This is a big step and mistakes could be costly.  Don’t let your ego get in your way.

Have you been taken by an internet business scam?  How did it work out?  What other signs should we look out for?