Avoiding Online Scams

[hariharan]

Here are a few subject lines from emails that almost always represent easy money scams - that are easily as common as fleas on a dog:

* Data entry jobs

* Make money processing rebates

* Train as a rebate processor

* Make money typing online

* Get paid for your opinion

* Want a free laptop?

* How I made $32,000 my first month in business!

Are these familiar? The first four would have you think they are employment opportunities. But that's not what is generally offered by these deceptive emails.

For instance, the rebate processor "jobs" often ask you to set up your own business online. Your ads will offer a rebate, and when someone buys from you, you send them a rebate out of your own pocket. Since the jobs aren't really jobs at all, these qualify as easy money scams.

The next two generally require you to sign up for online "trial offers" that you agree to pay for - and if you sign up for enough of them they will give you a rebate of sorts for doing so. These companies pay you a share of their commissions - for agreeing to buy what their corporate customers are selling. Clearly an easy money scam.

The last email above is more common - and more dangerous. Typically, a link on the email takes you to a lengthy sales pitch that shows pictures of someone in an expensive setting - replete with upscale house, expensive car, beachside villa, etc. For a very small sum of money, you are told, you too can enjoy the "good life" that is depicted.

Invariably, the sender tells how he was broke and suffering - just as you may be - and how he discovered a wonderful (secret) way to turn his life around and prosper. You decide you want to know his secret, so you buy the deal for $29. Immediately, you are shown another offer. For just $159 (or $259... or $359...or a lot more) he will take you into his "inner circle", and personally help you to accomplish what he has done - so you can enjoy the good life together.

In the end it boils down to this: you will, at best, find yourself with a website that sells exactly the same hype you just experienced.

TEST: Does the information shown include real contact information? If the website includes a phone number or an email link, contact the person who sent the email and ask for the phone number of a satisfied customer or two.

While the sales pitch always includes various testimonials - their contact information is never included if the pitch is a scam. Just remember, never buy a "pig in a poke". If you cannot verify every feature of the offer - RUN AWAY! It's a scam!