How to spot a scam online

12 replies
I have a few theories on what constitutes a money making scam. Here are a few signs that lead me to believe the site could be a scam:

Unrealistic claims. Like they say if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

They don't tell you upfront what they are about. Not a 100 percent tip off but it's usually not a good sign.

Lot's of pop ups. You go to close the screen and you get the "wait, don't leave yet thing." Also, the price keeps reducing every time you leave because they really want the sale. If they were legit they wouldn't care so much.

They say things like "only one left." I know it's an accepted marketing technique but it just seems scammy to me. How could there only be one left when it's a digital and not a physical product. They are just trying to get inside your head.

They won't give their phone number or contact information. This is a big red flag. I think it's safe to say that if you can talk to real liver person then 99 percent of the time it's legitimate.

They don't have testimonials or give proof of sales or screenshots. It is possible to fake these things but I think most scammers are focusing more on the hype and trying to get you excited that they won't bother with this.

What are some other signs you are dealing with a scam online?
#online #scam #spot
  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    I agree with most of what you are saying but Lot's of pop ups. You go to close the screen and you get the "wait, don't leave yet thing." Also, the price keeps reducing every time you leave because they really want the sale. If they were legit they wouldn't care so much.

    "This technique is far from a scam marketers do it because it results in far more sales" Why would you leave money on the table? Your starting a business to make money not a red cross or Goodwill agency.

    Question: They won't give their phone number or contact information. This is a big red flag. I think it's safe to say that if you can talk to real liver person then 99 percent of the time it's legitimate.

    Answer: Why would you give your phone number unless the business deals directly with talking to your potential customer like MLM opportunities.

    Let me ask you this do you have time to be answering phone calls for free all hours of the night? If you do you must be a charity because its not very smart, and is a complete waste of time unless it results in a sale directly.

    Sure you can put your contact information on your blog, or website and if someone has a question I will reply by email and happily answer any questions that he or she may have.

    Sometimes I will even talk by phone but rarely because I can answer questions by email 99% of the time.

    Remember time is money

    Unless it is MLM like I said and then the phone convo is and should be required
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    • Profile picture of the author psavola
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      • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
        Originally Posted by psavola View Post

        Yes, this is an advertising tactic for the marketing industry or MLM. Just had a long discussion with a friend tonight about the industry, and problem is everyone does not to put in the work.. Then, call it a scam after a few week of putting in the work, and then ask how many hours did you put in a week.

        Most of them will tel 1 hour of work, would your job pay you that type of working ability of course not. Then, they get all mad cuz they never made no money. Crazy stuff.! [link deleted]

        Paul Savola
        Semper Fi-always faithful
        Save your website links for your signature they are not allowed in the content of your posts thats a good way to be banned.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eugen Prodan
    Originally Posted by Mikej413 View Post

    What are some other signs you are dealing with a scam online?
    Here's a whole website that deals with scams

    Ethan Vanderbuilt | Avoid These Internet Money Making Scams

    Hope you find it helpful,
    Eugen
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  • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
    Originally Posted by Mikej413 View Post


    They won't give their phone number .
    I'm not always sure about this one. Most online marketers don't do it. Including most Guru's.

    But of course most scammers don't either.

    That's why you have to judge that along with other factors and get a total picture.

    I've always given my phone number in marketing materials and websites,etc. Simply because it helps me stand out from the competition. Period.

    Sure, I get phone calls but it's not like I'm bothered by them. In fact, I've made extra sales, even avoided refunds because of talking to prospects and customers on the phone instead of email. But that's just my experience.

    Others have had different experiences I guess.

    But to assume the business is a scam because they don't leave a phone number is not always accurate, because most online marketers don't. That's the norm.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      It's amazing the lengths people go to in order to justify making a bad decision.

      "It sounds too good to be true" is followed a "but, what if it is true" in the marketer's mind and he's pushing on the buy button. Another common thought is "it probably doesn't work, but...".

      Any time you have to add the word "but" as a justification, you lose.

      "Only one left" - it's digital, dumbo.

      If they don't tell you what it's about or (my personal fave) give you a long list of "what this is NOT"....why are you still interested? Would you go into restaurant and order "food" without specific what kind of food you want???

      If you are worried about not finding a seller's phone number - you've gone too far already. You are looking for rescue plans to reassure yourself that you aren't making a bad decision....as you make a bad decision.

      Testimonials from people you don't know are worth squat.

      The real problem for most newer marketers is not the "scams" but their willingness to fall for anything that promises fast, easy money. Get rid of that mindset and you'll be much safer online.

      kay
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  • Profile picture of the author florbags
    I agree with being "too good to be true".. One more I want to add... If they promise a quick rich system it is definitely a scam.

    Searching for reviews in Google is also a good way to spot scammers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sara Evans
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    • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
      Originally Posted by Sara Evans View Post

      Try using a re Captcha tool for your site if you are concerned about spammers and bots.
      Well there's your answer.

      If they were legit they wouldn't care so much.
      This is my favorite. Only scamers care. Legit business people...meh.
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    It's fairly simple, first do your research on the product and see what other buyers are saying about it. With all the review sites around it shouldn't ba too much of a problem to find legitimate reviews. (and no i'm taking about hose that offer bonuses fo you buy through their link).
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    #1 it is selling for seven dollars -yes seven.
    Not sure why, but every single report I bought for $7 was a scam. What is it with seven.

    #2 FREE E-BOOK that is a list of links to $7 reports, and those are very poor.
    In fact, they read like a promo. Mostly, it is to promo a $277 course.

    #3 The person sends you an email every seven minutes after you sign up.
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    • Profile picture of the author Highway55
      Originally Posted by seobro View Post

      #1 it is selling for seven dollars -yes seven.
      Not sure why, but every single report I bought for $7 was a scam. What is it with seven.

      #2 FREE E-BOOK that is a list of links to $7 reports, and those are very poor.
      In fact, they read like a promo. Mostly, it is to promo a $277 course.

      #3 The person sends you an email every seven minutes after you sign up.
      Anything online can be construed as a scam, if you think it is. These 3 things do not immediately jump out to me as "scam" certainties.

      Just my opinion, but if you're always looking for easy, or free, or cheap things then you will never learn the value of digging in and getting past the noise of what's happening around you, and creating your own system for producing value and getting paid.

      The above 3 things could provide significant clues - if only by investigating them - for how to get to that place of financial security "if" you view them from a different marketing angle.
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  • Profile picture of the author franergy
    I get tickled when I see the word SCAM. And I hafta laugh out loud when people who have NEVER taken action after making a purchase accuse folks of scamming them. But I digress...

    It's so simple just to ask around b4 you buy something - even if the so-called COUNTDOWN timer is telling you it's about to go up .10 if you don't buy right then. LOL.

    Reviews are good but social proof - which can be lots of things including but not limited to testimonials, endorsements from trusted folks, 100s - 1000s of sales, etc.

    Try not to buy "services" via PayPal though - from sellers you don't know. I did this one time about 6 mos ago and soon found out that this dude was not honorable. I didn't have any issues getting my cash back from PayPal but I read that some people did.
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