How to Spot an Online Scam? 7 Tips on How to Avoid Online Scams

Fridays with Vicky 97

The internet is filled with online scams. Promises like…

Make $10.000 within the next 24 hours…

are not uncommon statements for some of these scam sites.

I get “offers” or rather scams, send to me daily via social media and email, I must admit some of them sound pretty good until you scratch the surface.

Some of these are pretty obvious like the one mentioned above, but there is still part of us that want to believe that there is a quick fix to making money online.

Believe me, I’ve to purchased my fair share of shiny objects throughout the years.

The one thing I’ve learned is – making money online is very possible BUT it will take time and dedication to do it,  there are no quick fix programs.

There are programs though that can help you reach your goals and dreams. How can you pick out the good ones from the bad ones? How do you spot an online scam and how to avoid online scams? That’s our topic for today’s post.

 

How to Spot an Online Scam? 7 Tips on How to Avoid Online Scams

1. Follow Your Gut

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you get that funny feeling that this sounds really good but can it really be true? Trust your instinct.

If there are empty promises, of making thousands of dollars within the next month, or getting thousands of visitors to your site within two days, or getting 15 leads daily by the push of a button… none of these are very likely to happen in that time frame if it’s an honest way of creating an income.

If your gut tells you that the program you look into, might be a great solution for you. Then go ahead and research the program further, so that you can make an informed decision. Don’t buy it because of an emotional decision, buy it because you know it will take you and your business to where you need to go.

 

2. The Sales Page

Take a close look at the sales page, is it filled with hype and empty promises? If it is then move on, it is not worth your time.

Here’s an example of a site that I would not trust, and move on from pretty quickly.

A good sales page will explain what the product actually does. Not only outline what it doesn’t do.

The list goes on, but you get the idea. Still, couldn’t figure out what that sales page was about…

The sales page should be professional and hype-free. Not to say that they can’t outline benefits and results made by others, but statements like “Make 4K in a Week”… NO, not a good sign.

 

3. The Product

Is it clear on the sales page, what it is that you are actually purchasing and getting?

Does the sales page actually explain what it is that you need to do, to make an income? Does it explain what the product really is?

This really drives me crazy. Some sites will not even explain what it is you have to do to make an income, like the above example. Or worse you sit through a 45-minute sales video and you still have no idea what the “opportunity” is. Don’t buy into that!

Instead look for:

A professional looking sales page that clearly explains what it is they offer. Here’s an example:

This program outline exactly what they can help with when it comes to starting an affiliate business.

If you scroll down, it also explains:

• Build your niche website
• Attract visitors
• Earn revenue
• Potential products you can promote as an affiliate

Now if this is for you or not does not really matter, it’s just an example of a good sales page that explains what the product can help with.

 

4. Customer Feedback and Reviews

Another thing to look at is if others are using the product. Here’s a good example, of a community with lots of members.

 

Is there feedback and reviews about the program?

Now you have to see through the “bull” on some of these reviews being published online. If somebody is writing a review they might get paid for it.

I’m going to be completely honest with you. The program that I suggest in this article as a legit program, I’ve been a member for 9 years. Yup, if you would happen to click the link and become a member and I’m the one that referred you to it, I will make a commission.

But listen, I would not be part of a community or program for 9 years if I didn’t think it was helpful and worth it. I’ve seen first hand how it has changed peoples lives!

My point is, even if a review is good, look at the overall picture. Do you trust the person writing the review or are they just out to make a quick buck?

 

5. Testimonials

Obviously, nobody will put up a bad testimonial on their own site. So the testimonials on the product page, if there are any will be good.

What you can check and see though is if the people leaving the testimonials are influencers in the industry. If they are, that’s a good sign. People with a good reputation and influence in a niche would not want to damage that, recommending a bad product.

 

6. Support

Is there support for the program or are you left to figure it all out by yourself? This should be a great sales point and displayed on the sales page. Many legit programs offer Facebook groups or support through the actual program.

Legit version:

 

7. Free Trial

If there is a free trial, YOU can be sure that the owners are confident in their product. You have nothing to lose, other than a few hours to figure out if the product is for you or not. The owners of the product take on the whole risk, by allowing you to get a peek inside because they truly believe in their product.

Money back guarantee is another good way of showing potential customers that they are so confident in their product that they will promise you, your money back if you are not happy with the product.

If money back is offered make sure you research it so that the process is working properly. Read about others that decided to return the product and how their experience was. I’ve read too many bad reviews about promised “money back guarantee”, that fell through for some reason.

If you have come to the conclusion that the program you are researching is a good, reliable, trustworthy product, now what?

 

IF All Looks Good, Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

 

1. Can you afford the product and Do you see the potential of return?

There are legit and good programs out there. Some of them come with a hefty price tag though. You want to make sure that you see the potential of return.

If you would start a new college education, it would be pricey but you see the long term benefit, right. The same could be for an educational program online IF you have done your research and decided that’s the program/education you need.

Never choose between food on the table and an online program, but on the other hand, don’t give excuses either. It might be worth eating in, instead of going to a restaurant a few times a week and being able to afford the wanted program that could potentially change your future.

2. Will the product move you closer to your goal that you have?

What’s your goal, what do you want to accomplish? If you are looking to set up a website and make money with affiliate marketing, then investing in a product that can help you with that will be worth it. If you want to become the master of Pinterest, then investing in a product that can help you with that will be worth it.

KNOW where you are going and what you NEED to get there.

 

3. Will you use, complete and IMPLEMENT what you learn?

This might be a silly question but so many purchase items, shiny objects, read the content, agree with what’s being said… but never implement what is taught. Will you implement what is taught in the program?

I hope your answer is YES.

 

There we have it How to Spot an Online Scam? 7 Tips on How to Avoid Online Scams.

You are now well equipped to decide if an online program is legit or a scam. You can now spot an online scam, miles away and know how to avoid one.

If you are looking for a legit program on how to set up a website and make money with it, I recommend the program I’ve been a member of for the last 9 years. You can read my review here!

Now it’s your turn. How do you spot an online scam? Did I leave out any tips that should have been included, please share with me in the comment section below,

 

Have a productive day,

Vicky