| Everyone's seen them - the websites that promise | | | | disclaimer saying so. They'll also have a money-back |
| they'll make you money. All you have to do is give | | | | guarantee. Of course, the words 'money-back |
| them your money first! Some of these sites are | | | | guarantee' are no guarantee of anything - typing |
| genuine, and really can help you earn money from the | | | | something doesn't make it true, and the words alone |
| internet. But many - maybe even most - are scams. | | | | don't mean you'll get your money back. But they're a |
| Pretty much everyone hates scammers. You might | | | | step in the right direction. |
| have a reason yourself - have you ever lost money to | | | | Third, have a quick exploration of the site. What other |
| one? Legitimate affiliate marketers hate them because | | | | websites does it link to? Reputable sites won't be |
| of the suspicion and mistrust they cause, therefore | | | | happy about scammers linking to them - and |
| making it more difficult for affilate marketers to sell | | | | scammers probably won't want to let reputable sites |
| their products as no one believes what they say! The | | | | know they exist. After all, if the wrong person finds out |
| only way to stamp them out is to starve them of | | | | the scammer could find themselves in court - much of |
| what they want: your money. | | | | what they do is against the law. Scam websites tend |
| But how do you spot a scam? It can be very difficult. | | | | to be small - often just one page. Genuine websites |
| The best scammers have websites that look | | | | have more content, and therefore more pages. A |
| completely genuine, identical to legitimate sellers. But | | | | small website isn't proof that you're being scammed - |
| most aren't that good. Most can't be bothered. | | | | but it should make you wary. |
| Scammers, after all, are lazy. They can't be bothered | | | | A final thing to check, and this is one of the main things |
| to make a living honestly, so they do it by cheating | | | | that gives scam sites away, is the testimonials. They're |
| instead. | | | | supposed to reassure you, convince you that the |
| And while it's probably impossible to stay completely | | | | product is worth buying. You can use them you work |
| safe (there is always an element of risk when you buy | | | | out whether you're being scammed or not. Read them |
| something, after all, online or off), there are some things | | | | carefully. Do they sound natural, like something you |
| you should look for when visiting a website. It will take | | | | might write? Or do they sound like a continuation of |
| a little extra time, but it might well save you money. | | | | the sales pitch? The second is a sign they're probably |
| The first thing to always, always check is contact | | | | trying to scam you. Also look at their photographs - |
| information. Is there any? If not, run! A genuine seller will | | | | and this goes for all the photographs on a site. Do they |
| want you to be able to contact them - after all, you | | | | look professional, like they could belong in a catalogue? |
| might want to offer them more money! Or you might | | | | Or do they look like ordinary snapshots? The more |
| have a question that you want answered before you | | | | professional they look, the more likely they are to be |
| buy. Genuine sellers will be happy to answer - | | | | fake. |
| scammers just want to hide. | | | | It is possible to avoid the vast majority of scammers. |
| If there is contact information, look at the e-mail | | | | You have to be careful, take your time when reading |
| address. Is it free? There's nothing wrong with that by | | | | a website, and not rush into anything. Don't get carried |
| itself, but remember how easy Yahoo and Hotmail | | | | away by a sales pitch! If they're genuine, they'll still be |
| accounts are to set up. They're also more likely to be | | | | there tomorrow - and still at the same price, whatever |
| blocked by spam filters. A paid-for e-mail address | | | | they might say! |
| means a higher chance this person is legitimate. | | | | The only way to defeat scammers is by preventing |
| Second, check the small print. Is there a disclaimer? | | | | them from making a profit. So, when you next visit a |
| Genuine sellers realise that their product will not be able | | | | site that promises to make you money, be careful - |
| to help everybody - no product can - and that there is | | | | don't pay them unless you're sure! |
| a chance you'll be disappointed. As such, they'll add a | | | | |