The majority of internet marketers are hard-working, honest people who create and promote valuable products and willingly help those who are just getting started. But, as in any business, there are those who will try to take advantage of others for their own gain.
We've all seen the ads or gotten the emails. "Make $10,000 Overnight - While You Sleep." "No Product, No List, No Website - No Problem!" "We Do All the Work For You - You Make the Money." If you are just starting out online, promises like these can be very exciting! If only it were that easy. But being successful online takes the same work that being successful offline does. Create a detailed business plan and implement it. Offer a high quality product or service at a reasonable price. Provide excellent customer service.
If the internet "guru", product, or opportunity is claiming that you can just put up a Web page (or better yet, use the one they will provide you), sit back, do nothing, and be cashing huge checks in no time, you might as well save your money because this is just not possible. One web page, especially one generic web page used by possibly hundreds of people, is not going to enable you to retire early. Building a quality site filled with original content is still the best way to draw internet traffic - and money.
How can you tell if the person/business/product you are considering is a fraud? Here are some simple rules.
1. Do they make claims that sound too good to be true? If so, they probably are. Don't get scammed.
2. Do they provide contact information? A physical address or a phone number? Call the number to see if it is correct and working. If not, this could be signs of a scam.
3. Is there an active email address provided? Inactive email addresses and emails sent from free accounts such as Hotmail and Yahoo could be signs of a scam.
4. Is there a guarantee? Ask the company what will happen if you want to return the product or stop the service. You might even ask for references of people who have returned the product and received refunds. If the company is not willing to guarantee their product or service, look elsewhere.
5. Do they use high pressure sales tactics? Don't fall for them. Take the time to make an informed decision.
6. Ask! The internet is filled with people who know this business inside and out. Ask your friends. Ask on forums or social networking sites. Look for online reviews/references. Check on ScamBusters. If this is a scam, chances are you are not the first.
The internet is a great tool to use to build a business. It's full of knowledgeable, helpful people that will help you learn the ropes and outstanding products and services designed to make it easier than ever to build your business. You can be successful online. But it won't happen overnight, with no effort, and one Web page. Don't get scammed.
