For anyone that frequents our sites, you already know that we are BIG on living ‘la vida internet”…but we also recognize that the internet is a minefield of potential scams for those just starting out!
Whether you have just started your online business or are still looking for ways to get started, you need to know that there are a lot of people in the virtual world just waiting to scam you out of your money.
The difficult part is that if it ever happens - you probably will never be able to catch the ‘thief’ so protecting yourself upfront is the best way to go.
So here we go with 3 warning signs that could signal an online business scam:
It is very easy for a business to close their online shop and vanish without a trace – with your cash in hand.
1. Outrageous Claims: No Experience Needed, No Work, Make Oodles Of Money Overnight!
There are in fact legitimate businesses out there that will enable you to make thousands or dollars in a single day - and honestly, that IS the beauty of a successful online operation - there are marketers that do it every day without breaking a sweat - but not without experience, knowledge and plenty of hard work FIRST.
No matter what anyone says, you are not going to get rich online with no work, and no investment, and overnight. Ain’t happening. Nuff said.
2. Testimonials That You Cannot Cross-Check
Many sites give testimonials of various people or companies praising their products and services, but with no details of those individuals.
I recently read a blog post that said all testimonials should include the contact details and addresses of testimonials…WHOA! I have given a number of online merchants great testimonials because I really loved the product BUT - I do NOT want my home address blasted out there for everyone to see!! In this day and age - I consider that pretty dangerous!
Instead, l look to see if their websites are actually shown - and then check out the site. Does it exist? If there is a contact form (and there should be!) then contact the person and ask if they really liked the product. If a business does not give out contact numbers and addresses of such people, then there is no way for you to cross-check those testimonials, and you should assume that they are fake.
Personally, I buy a lot of marketing products every month and subscribe to a quite a number of different services - and if I like the product, I will give a testimonial. I receive several emails a month asking for verification of my reviews, and I am always happy to respond to anyone that is cautious enough to actually check out a website’s claims.
3. “Limited” Quantity or “Limited” Time Offers
Yes, there are some software programs or memberships (usually the high-end sites like StomperNet or PortalFeeder) that really are limited in the number of ’slots’ available but these situations are very rare. If you are looking at a business opportunity that is so ‘hot’ that you have to make the decision today….and pay for it today - do everything possible to verify the identity of the company or person you are dealing with - and make sure you can get your money back if it doesn’t work out within a certain period of time. There are laws that govern most business opportunities (franchises, MLM etc) to avoid people being forced to make the “buy it now or lose the opportunity” decisions, and it’s for a good reason. If the amount in question is a substantial amount of money - then talk to someone by phone and get everything you can to make an informed decision.
There are very, very few true business opportunities online that really won’t be available in the morning if you don’t buy before you go to bed 
There are, of course, more ‘buyer beware’ checklist items - but these are three of the ‘biggies’ to be on the alert for in your quest for a home-based business!
Stumble it!