LESSON #5: How to Avoid Scams

By | June 16, 2008

In the previous lesson we talked about a bunch of different ways of making money online. If you go out looking for those money making opportunities, you’ll find that there are literally thousands of them.

The question now is… How do I separate the real opportunities from the scams? Because we all know that the internet is full of scams, right? So lets talk about it…

(Watch this video…)

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Main points:

  • I believe that most business opportunities are not scams. But just because something isn’t illegal, that doesn’t mean its something you want to get into.

  • There ARE a lot of scammers out there though. There is no limit to how far a con artist will go to take your money. So you need to be on your guard.

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

  • Be an educated consumer. (here is a place to start: the FTC)

  • Don’t buy ANY business opportunities. (unless you honestly know what you’re doing)

    Action steps:

    1)If you ARE knowledgeable about scams, don’t let down your guard.

    2) If you don’t know about the most common Internet scams, do some research and become an educated consumer

    3) Put your wallet away

    Soon it will be time to choose one business model and focus on it, but before we can do that, we need to talk about two different pathways… and only you can decide which one is best for you. We’ll talk about those two pathways in the next lesson.

    As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.

    Have a great day!

  • 365 thoughts on “LESSON #5: How to Avoid Scams

    1. Claude

      Hello Eric. Thank you for sharing your expertise about scams. I found a website that I consider reliable in weaning out the scammers from legitimate opportunities. I’d like to share the link for everybody’s benefit. Here it is! http://www.ripoffreport.com

      I hope everyone finds it useful

      Sincerely,

      Claude

      Reply
    2. Albin

      Eric
      I am what you would call a NEWBE. I have already spent over 300 dollars trying to start making money on the internet and have gotten no where. What you’re saying makes total sense. I’m excited and looking forward to the next 95 TIPS.
      Thanx, Al

      Reply
    3. Leticia M Morgan

      Dear Eric
      Yes I want to share my experience because I just been scam as well, and it happens the same day I join your Eric’s tip. They promise me to return the amoount of $599.00 but again I still been charage for another amount of $699.00. I had been sending them emails and hopefully they will do what they do what is right.

      By the way I had already alert my bank and if they will not return the money they will submit a dispute.

      The information you just told us is a very helpful tips and much appreciated.

      Thank you so much and I will keep posted this organization. I cannot say the name because I am hoping they will return the money as they promise.

      Yours sincererely

      Leticia Morgan

      Reply
    4. elias

      hi eric
      really I am enjoying the course and the tips of
      youras
      thank have A GREAT DAY

      Reply
    5. E.J.

      OK, I am floored. When you said about not to buy anything my jaw just dropped. Usually, when I go to something like this tip page they try to push you to buy something. Well, you have my attention.

      And thanks, what you been saying does make sense.

      Reply
    6. Billy

      Hello Eric

      Lesson-5 was good. Like many people, we have been scammed a few times. On one scam we even took the idea to a financial advisor before taking the buy-in any further. The advisor told us that it was impossible to guarantee the amount of traffic we we’re being promised for the web-site that was part of the online business they wanted us to buy into.

      Another situation was a kind-of-high monthly payment plan for a series of internet business lessons from a supposedly well known financial wizard. After checking out the man, and his business, through the better business bureau–we found that he mostly had, with a few exceptions, reports on him that were mostly in the toilet.

      The bottom line, we discovered–like your lessons teach us–is do our research, when and where possible, before putting any serious money into anything that usually sounds to good to be true.
      The fact is, for every real online business opportunity there is out there–there is probably about a hundred or more scams to match.

      As far as your Eric’s Tips are concerned, I have found that you are a rare breed, sir. It is not often when a professional is willing to teach for little or no payment.

      I applaud you, Eric
      Thank You

      Reply
    7. dennis

      hello eric
      Again I would like to thank you for your tips.
      I am writing this without prejudice, or intent of threat. Mearly freedom of speech. Lesson Learned. I feel I have contracted “Mad-Blog Disease” symptoms seeming to be “Where oh Where has my little Blog Gone” possibly contracted from The Masters Of Confussion. For being told that my websites are on line for life, but seems they can only be reach with my PC. Further results of “Mad-Blog Disease” are: Webste Lost for life With No Perscription For Cure. Written by authentic author of “Blog Onit Any-How $400 a Day from the most comfortable chair in my home”. Best of luck to all, in hopes that they protect their endevourse to Success right from the start. the start being before the very frst push of that buttonFor a person should not suffer when only trying to cure their suffering.

      Reply
    8. Marvin Curtis

      I would like to thank you for all the honest information. I know that you are a man of GOD! Because your actions prove that! There is a lot I would like to say but I want for now. PS I have already made a lot of mistakes that you mention in your first five lesson. That has changed because of your GOD sent message! THANK YOU!!

      Reply
    9. Anonymous

      Hi Eric, I truly appreciate all that you teach. Thank you!! I’ve been getting email from different names and when I open them, they all are the same products claining enormous amounts of money to be earned. I don’t know which is a scam and which is not. And the price of the product/s being offered goes from $97 and as you click away, it goes to as low as $7. I even got burned once because I bought a digital product several times (stupid of me) because the sender of the email had different sales pitches daily– just to find out that the money I paid was for 2 ebooks which I received 3 times. Need your advice. And what about the PLR with source code being sold for $1? Attractive, but doubtful. I am new in this and I wanna get into the biz but please guide me. Thanks Eric. God bless

      Reply
    10. Eric Post author

      You should be able to get a refund if you bought something twice from someone. Regarding PLR… it can be a good opportunity IF you know what to do with it. I do like using PLR from time to time, and I regularly buy and sell it. However, if you’re a newbie, the first thing you need to do is get your business going. That could involve using PLR to create your own product, but you can cross that bridge when we get there… around lesson #45.

      Reply
    11. Arsi Baltazar

      Thank you, Eric. I will definitely stay for the long haul. I will follow your example. Thank you for being a blessing to us. By the way you’re getting this from Manila, Philippines!!
      ARSI BALTAZAR

      Reply
    12. Bob McCormack

      Hi Eric, Thanks for a great lesson and the content was very good. Happy to hear from you that you were scammed also. I have been taken a couple of times and it is a terrible feeling. I started to laugh and actually rreplayed the lesson a 2nd time because I had to hear this another time – “Don’t buy any business opportunities” I just purchased a business opportunity from a young man. I did not and do not “know” the man but I did a little research on him and the information I gathered was unbelievable. If I did not know the site I was on I would have thought he had written the story himself. I came to respect him immencely after the reading I did But I did not do the research until after I had invested. I had a “GUT” feeling about the man from the verbage in his sales letter and what the sale proceeds were to be used for sold me more thatn the business opportunity. But I think that also should be noted as an exception to the rule. Not all young men on the Internet are the quality of man this man is. Well I will again say that this was an invaluable leswson and I sincerely hope everybody that has the pleasure to take this course heeds those guide lines you have put forth.
      Take Care Bob

      Reply
    13. Om Prakash

      I completely agree with you. But, it is quite difficult to detect the scammers and the new people are being trapped easily. So, Thanx again for your very helpful lesson.

      Reply
    14. leland

      thankyou for helping me without asking for a bunch of cash first, as a newbie I am enjoying what I have heard so far.

      Reply
    15. Ron

      Hi KiwiChris, Sonya,all the other Kiwis and everyone subscribing to Eric. I too am a Kiwi. A Dutch born Kiwi. Born in Holland, spent 6 years in Western Samoa and became a naturalised Kiwi in 1956. So, I am a Dutch Kiwi who has just returned from the “land of the jumping dogs” (Australia) after living there for the last 11 years.

      Hi Eric, Thankyou for your great training packages. It is always good to keep learning, if not, you are going backwards. This applies to Internet businesses as well.
      Keep up the good work and all the very best to everyone with their business opportunities.

      Reply
    16. Michael McCallum

      Thank you for another great lrsson. I look forward to more. I mentioned this in another comment for your lessons: internetreportcard.com is a good sight to get input about the different IM programs for sale out there. Real people will tell you real info about which ones work, which ones don’t, which ones are scams and which ones are for real.

      Reply
    17. Eric Post author

      It does seem to be a good “consumer review” type of site. If anyone goes there, be sure to give me a good rating! 😉

      Reply
    18. Charlotte

      Hi Eric,
      As someone residing outside the US ( Greece ), when to I have to think about that I must comply with the rules of FDC? If my server is based in the US or has it got to do with the TLD?

      Reply
    19. Micah

      While the FTC doesn’t technically have jurisdiction outside the U.S., it’s better to be safe than sorry.

      Reply
    20. Pansy

      Eric I’m mentioning a site here, can u tell whether they are scammers or not?

      [Url Edited]

      Reply
    21. Micah

      Hello Pansy,

      We didn’t have time to watch the entire video, but you might want to hold out for something a little more solid. It appeared to rely on spammy methods of marketing, in lieu of a real business!

      Reply
    22. Prue

      I am a newbie but very willing to learn. Is it wise to include a freelancing business with a blog site and also sell stuff from the site? Need to know what’s best. Thanks again for the great tips Eric.

      Reply
    23. Chris H

      I keep my personal cell number for my use. I filter my other incoming phone calls through my Skype number that I purchased. This eliminates the need to get engaged in a high pressure sales pitch. I just figure if they don’t leave a message I’m not missing anything important. It also helps me to feel more in control of my time and office.

      Reply
    24. Micah

      Hello Prue,

      Many successful freelancers have no problems selling items at the same site or blog where they promote themselves!

      Reply
    25. Darminto

      Hi Eric, you’re right! I have ever fell victim to scam products like you said; especially for the first time I tried to be an internet marketer. It’s really so trod on toes…

      Reply
    26. MoniqueSuzzette

      Hi Eric,
      I bought this system called Profit JackPot. When I bought it for somewhere around $45 I had no clue I was going to have drop another $200 – $300 into it to make it “More Secure”. I’ve been told I could do the system alone and make money but take the risk of getting slapped on hand by google for not following the rules (and maybe banned) because that’s not covered in the version I bought. In order to get the “Better Protection” and “Make More Money” I would need to spend more money. To top it off I can’t understand the instructor that’s teaching the course. Can you give me some advice on this please. By the way.. I really like your course and am taking notes. I’m ready to walk away from everything else and that I’ve lost money on and learn start over. Thanks for all you have to offer. Mo

      Reply
    27. MoniqueSuzzette

      I regret Posting this. I should have used better judgement before spending my money. This product “Profit Jackpot” may or may not work. It’s not their fault I can’t understand the instructor. I’m out the money… live and learn.

      Reply
    28. Max

      Great advice again Eric. Especially about not buying stuff!!! I’ve had an offer today that sounded fantastic but was gonna cost me £5000!
      There’s no way I can afford to pay that kind of money. Also, many of these ads about systems & business offers etc…they only talk about what they are ‘not’..Not what they actually ‘are’!
      If I buy anything, I want to know what I’m purchasing so I can make an informed decision
      So,I think I’ll just sit tight and listen to more of your lessons first…Thanks Eric!
      Max UK

      Reply
    29. David

      Good advice Eric. i am full a wear of scams here and i get Re in my emails and i never open it just del them all…

      Reply
    30. Juan sanchez

      Hello Eric,

      I’m glad I came across your products and now this tip blog. I’m a begginer and I need all the help I can get. You are a pro and I know that I can learn from yout tips. Thanks for being honest!

      Reply
    31. Shane

      Again you hit the nail on the head Eric. Google Panda will start to weed out all the rotten spun contents out there and if you think you can continue doing quick sites in auto pilot…. think again. Remember that if you are looking for a product or article on a particular subject… you want to read good value content and not spun crap. Those days are going to be over. Biggest scams are the ones playing on your emotions… depending on your personal desires, aspirations, needs, hardship etc.
      Thanks again for your insights.
      Shane

      Reply
    32. Eduardo Alvarez

      Hi Eric, I am following your videos every day, they are great! I received Lesson # 5 Oct 13 and today Oct 16 I received Lesson # 8. I am missing lessons #6 & #7, please send again.
      Thank you,
      Eduardo

      Reply
    33. Micah

      Hello Eduardo,

      You can visit EricsTips.com to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
      http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/

      Here is the direct link to lessons 6 and 7:

      LESSON #6: Self Employed or Business Owner?

      LESSON #7: What kind of online business will we build?

      If your email happens to block some of the lessons, we recommend that you view this tip on whitelisting an email address:

      How To Add a Sender to Your Whitelist (Safelist)

      Reply
    34. Robert

      I agree with the one who said the lessons aren’t coming as soon as I would like. This is a long-awaited goldmine of information. Thank you, Eric. Pastor and author Robert

      Reply
    35. Barbara

      Is there a source where one can find out whether some set-ups and the products they promote are scams? I am thinking of sites like “DayJobKiller”, etc

      Reply
    36. Micah

      Hello Barbara,

      Here is a site with over 4,200 reviews and user discussions, that you might want to check your potential purchases against:
      http://www.imreportcard.com/

      Here is a popular forum for internet marketers:
      http://www.warriorforum.com/

      You might want to do a search for discussions about products there, or start your own topic if there isn’t any information about a product you are interested in.

      Reply
    37. Perry Bird

      Each lesson I learn tips on not spending money on things I’ve already bought. Wish I had found this a year ago.

      Reply
    38. Marija

      Hi Eric,
      Excellent lesson.I will remember”Be educated consumer.” What I never know if there really exist some kind “money making machines” for online business? I am bombed with e-mails by different also known gurus or companies.How does it work that? Thank you! Best regards Marija

      Reply
    39. Wilma

      Aloha Eric,

      Last year I signed up with the so called internet guru that will teach me how to sell my own product via internet,own website I paid him a lot of money and did not learn aything and when I sent email to him no reply.

      Reply
    40. Theresa

      Hi Phillip,
      Did you contact your credit card company? If you have copies of those emails I would submit everything to your credit card company and see what they say. Sorry you had to go through all that.

      Reply
    41. Anonymous

      Hi Eric! Your tips are realy an eye opener to most of the things you’re talking about including how to check scamers as well.We always puting money on the online not benefiting from them maybe we are feeding scams nobody knows are moneys are gone already.Thanks for your tips.

      Reply

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