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. Micah

      Hello Rodney,

      Typically, they will be posted just below yours, and indented slightly to the right.

      Reply
    2. Micah

      Hello Rupert,

      Who are you addressing? Eric does not sell pirated material, or have any items at available at that price.

      Reply
    3. Anil

      GoDaddy.com says this domain name expired on 05/03/2013
      and is waiting for renewal or deletion.

      Reply
    4. Harold

      Hi Eric,

      I am a retired 77 yr old male.
      Farmed to 30 yrs + oilfield.

      Since I had to change my way of making money I have tried the internet.

      To be frank I have barely made enough money to pay for my internet service..
      I’m not a quitter been at this for almost l6 yrs since my liver transplant & pace maker implant.

      What I am looking for is some one who will tell me if the site I am trying to promote is a good one & how to make
      $200 to $400 per day with this program.
      I know it take time to build up to this kind of income and am willing to put in the time/effort.

      Living on SS does not leave me with much extra money to spend on ads. So is there a way to do what I want that does not cost an arm and leg?

      Man your material (what I have read) is so good. Live in OK. so have not had power since I got your program.

      Tks,
      Harold

      Reply
      1. Carole

        Hi Eric,
        Thanks for your great info, and especially for this subject matter. I was super scammed by a guy whom
        people think is full of integrity. I thought I was safe to pay him three increments of $5000 for a author program
        in 2009. He said we had 3 years to take advantage of the program (before eBooks were so popular) and I
        fulfilled everything he required. 2 years later he informed me the program had expired after 1 year, and said I hadn’t
        fulfilled my end. There were clues..no real receipt except the charges to his company, no real correspondence,
        and the online posts about the offer disappeared completely…I googled and googled 🙂 He refused to make any restitution or substitution for my investment. This from a guy who tried to start a program for integrity within the internet marketing community. He was the last person I would ever dream would do this, but he sure did. I didn’t find any recourse with no real receipts. Lesson learned: Get the receipt or cancel the payment.

        Reply
    5. Heather

      If I don’t initiate the sign in, I don’t click on any links. I learned this a long long time ago.

      Reply
    6. Don Karp

      How does your offer jive with Eric’s “spend no money” philosophy?

      Reply
    7. Noel Warren

      I believe this information to be quite reasonable and yes there are plenty of scammers who will also waste your valuable time by putting a virus on your pc and cause you nothing but grief chasing your tail trying to remove the viruses even getting around your antivirus software.So in my personal experience be very careful what links you click on.

      Reply
    8. Benn Whistler

      Hi Eric / Hi Micah,
      This is an aside – I have just joined your special real training club after buying the nocostincomstream thing.
      This is so exciting I am finding apprehension as to whether I should be going there now rather than doing my 100 lessons.
      Can you please advise me as to my best path forward from here –
      Complete the 100 first I assume????
      Blessings
      Benn

      Reply
    9. Benn Whistler

      Gday Joseph,
      Yeah its a schemozzle out there – I was recently scamed for almost a grand. I am sure these guys are the a really strong bet though – this is our big chance to make it now…
      Stand strong mate!
      Over N out

      Reply
    10. alex

      thanks Eric, really helpful. when it seem too good to be true just runned out.

      Reply
    11. C Fountain

      Eric- Bloody brilliant, but as a veteran it makes me nervous. Hell, there are s…. out there.
      Beware brother, but keep going, watch your tail, it’ll come, The money they waste making these video’s, the web page production, the lies.
      Enough, but battle on.
      Your delivery with clarity, thank you. No bull, no use of “purple school prose” go well mate.

      Reply
    12. Micah

      Hello Benn,

      You don’t have to complete all of the lessons, before putting what you are learning into action.

      We recommend that you focus on your purchase, to get your feet wet. You may then continue these lessons at your own pace.

      Reply
    13. Andre Hibbert

      Eric, I cannot thank you enough, this is what I have been looking for over the past 18 months and thousands of $$$$’s or so. I am a 50 year old unemployed South African who only wants to make ends meet. To be quite honest, if something does not happen over the next 2 months or so, there’s a good chance I am going to loose my house that me and my wife have been working hard to buy about 10 years ago. I am quite computer literate having enough practise sitting at home. JUST ONE QUESTION: I have asked this question to quite a few “internet guru’s” from whom I have bought products before, no answers. Are there any or do you now of any South Africans that have been making money online. All I need is an honest answer!! Thanks again for your product. Desperate – South Africa

      Reply
      1. Carola

        Hi Andre,

        I’ve found it quite tricky working from South Africa, not least because of the high cost of converting money (income) from other currencies. I”m not sure whether Paypal works here now – it only worked for outgoing funds when I was last in internet business, and that was problematic. Like you, I’ve spent a lot of money and made little.

        But I’ve very recently started distributing a great product that launched only last year in SA and is set to take the country by storm. It seems I’m allowed to name the website here ( if not, please just delete it, Micah): I’m at http://www.seesa.ws and also have a business page on Facebook. This isn’t purely an internet business but I’ll be doing a lot of my marketing via internet, as I work during the day. Check it out and get in touch if you’re willing to work hard for very good money. I’m very excited about both the product and the business plan!

        Reply
    14. Micah

      Hello Andre,

      We’ve heard success stories from nearly every country, but I don’t know any marketers from South Africa personally. That’s a long way to travel to come to the internet marketing seminars in the U.S.

      But, I do hear from South African marketers at the helpdesk from time to time, who are doing well in their online businesses.

      Reply
    15. Lindy

      Though I’ve followed other’s tips such as Connie Green, I find you are much more clear, concise and forward. I am so glad I purchased your products to start getting these tips.

      Reply
    16. Per Deshayes

      Hi Eric,
      Yes there is a lot of scams out there and this lesson that put down your wallet. Thank you!! I have a great example and you probably know these marketers. Ill bought something called FreeCommission and that was just a mess. Ill got my money back do. But ill also bought something called MobileMoneyCode by Greg Anderson. same there a total mess witch was actually taking me out on the streets as a sales person selling MobileFriendly websites!!! well no problem there do i had 90 days to get my funds back and i did, except for one cost. I was as a member getting a free website that they would create for you in the niche i wanted. The only thing was i have to get hosting and they suggested 2years to get better ranking on Google. Ill got it and the company was CoolHandle Hoosting. Ill got my site and it was a mess. wellness site with real estate content. I tried several times to cancel this and also talked to support that told me i have to talk to the MobileMoneyCode support for this issue and also told its the same company!! So mobileMoneyCode and Coolhandle is the same. This keep on going and after a while i sad fix my site and make it right and i will stay. Ok another few days went by and i got my new site. Now there is empty sites saying missing plugins, no plugins etc…. total mess. I send a support ticket again and tell them i do not have the time for this and i am not a technical webdesigner so i don’t know how to fix this, so please refund my money i dont want this site. Now ill get back from support that unfortunately i have to read their policy that i have agreed on. They say its only 30 days or no refund at all. Ill wright them back and tell them that they been the one stalling me for getting my refunds back by ceating new website . The thing is when i got that email it was about 35 days after i first purchased the product!!! so all this back and fort with support just to make my days more then 30!! That ill thought was fore sure 90 sense that what Greg Anderson was promoting in his selling video. One thing that i have find out and i am new. If the products your buying goes thru a company called Clicksure, ill think this is just products that Clickbank want promote and the ones that have their products there are more or less scammers. This got to be a long letter. Excuse my spelling and writing. I am a Swede 🙂 I am really glad that i got into to follow you tips and i am looking forward to a successful online business

      Reply
    17. Per Deshayes

      Hi again,

      Forgot to post my webaddress to the site that they provided me. Please take a look at this and leave me some comment what to do our how to fix this.
      http://www.lifeclout.com

      Reply
    18. Eric Post author

      Looks to me like you’re off to a good start as far as getting your site set up. I do notice that the content does not seem very user friendly, as the articles seem scraped and/or spun and not very readable. While this *might* work to trick Google, there’s also a good chance that it won’t, and it’s not my recommended business model. For an in-depth review of your site and steps that you can take to improve it, I would recommend my coaching club, where we can review it on our 2X/month webinars and give you action steps to improve it each time.

      Reply
    19. Per Deshayes

      Hi Micah,

      Do you know where i see the answers to my posts?

      Reply
    20. Roger

      Eric, good information. Hey I was wondering what you thought of local business marketing business and if you know a good resource to recommend. think your tips are awesome. I am 55yr and been learning for 2yr and am on ssi disability and it does not pay worth a !@#$ I really want to make some money. Yes ,I got scammed several times. Thanks Roger
      Hey! I would like to know what you think of this, This guy is phenominal
      https://lifesuccess.infusionsoft.com/go/bpscr/a838/

      Reply
    21. Eric Post author

      You can see them here on the blog, it just takes us awhile to respond sometimes. Thanks

      Reply
    22. Eric Post author

      In general, local business marketing is a legitimate opportunity. By nature it’s best suited for someone who likes to get out into the community and talk to business owners face to face. In most locations, there are plenty of small businesses who need help with their online marketing. But since this opportunity has been pitched as a bizop for the past few years, I’m sure it has become much more competitive also.

      I don’t know much about Bob Proctor other than he was in the Secret. But his “Streaming” club sounds a bit gimmicky to me, and targeted toward a non-techie generation who might think that streaming online is actually a novelty of sorts.

      Reply
    23. Johann

      To all and everyone!
      Eric’s tips give sound advice in each lesson and I really appreciate it!
      So far, with all the programs I bought and found not to be what is said or claimed, I have only been scammed once! and that is 1 time to much!

      The only programs I bought lately, is Eric’s own program on WP and the Simulator program!

      Thank you Eric, I know I am on the correct path now!

      Johann

      Have a day full of WONDERS!!!

      Reply
    24. Jorge

      Hi Eric tanks alot for your tips I apreciate it
      I know Im in the correct direction with your program best wishes good bless you Jorge from Cabo
      Mexico

      Reply
    25. Hariata

      Hi Eric. Thank you for another down-to-Earth lesson. I think your style of presentation really appeals to Kiwis, as there seem to be so many of us in this thread! (I am in Wellington). Hahaaa, looking forward to the next lesson. I wish you a wonderful day.

      Reply
    26. Bill

      Thank you for the tip on scams and where to go for more information.I got a late start on your lessons,I have been going through some of my mail to see which ones need to be spamed but I finally made it to your site.You might let Jeff Walker know that I’m not ignoring his mail,but I want to be a lot farther with your lessons before I start trying to learn something else. From Texas

      Reply
    27. John Dawson

      Thanks Eric,
      I have been struggling for 4 years on the internet to find a way to improve my lifestyle, I finally learned how to build a website but now what ? I have been scammed so many times and I am a 68 year old Australian pensioner surviving on $ 320 per week….You have now given me genuine hope,
      I have always known that I would find someone with integrity, keep up the good work the internet world needs you.

      Reply
    28. Dan Merryday

      Hi Eric,

      It’s true that finding the right information from the right person is key to internet marketing success.

      Often, one person can turn a fortune with one information, while another person doesn’t (even though it’s the same information). In other words: choosing a mentor that fits your learning style and personality is what you have to find for yourself.

      I believe this is where most of people spend their money: not necessarily to find the right information, but to find the right person.

      Cheers,

      Reply
    29. Steve

      Thank you Erick for your refreshing, ethical and down to earth guidance. I’m sorry that I didn’t stick to your teaching long ago. You remind me about basic principles to remain focused. A necessary and needed approach from a mentor. Thank you for being a beacon.

      Reply
    30. Brian

      This is a great article, Eric. I too, have a website at http://websitedomainsreviewed.com. I welcome any posts or comments on my blog page if you have been scammed on the internet and somebody has taken some of your hard earned money. Go and see the different posts and replies that have been posted, you may be surprised at just what you will read. Nothing to sell you here but there are a number of top e-book reviews that you can go to and see.
      If there is one thing that upsets me the most is marketers here saying you can make thousands per day. If this is true, why are they trying to sell it to everyone? Hmmmmm……..

      Reply
    31. Nur Wijaya Asmara

      Hi Eric…
      Thanks for your advices in the Lesson #5. I appreciated and looking forward the next lesson.

      Best regards,
      Nur

      Reply
    32. Richard

      Thank you once again for the nice and informative video covering this topic. In the past, I’ve been disappointed by a purchase or two. It was for ‘fresh’ PLR ebooks, which were ‘spun’ and re-spun’ so poorly that it was pure torture yet humorous to try to make it through the first two pages (then I stopped and deleted the package. I’m very grateful that I have not paid money for many things. I am in a position to spend a bit more these days, yet not doing so. Hoping to finally put my experience to work in a few products of my own. Thank you again, I needed this!

      Reply
    33. bernard nketsiah

      We are sorry for the delay and this is the first time we are using computer and we are not fast on the internet marketing. The vidoe message is not clear to us,or if you can send us the ebooks . We thank you for your patience.

      Reply
    34. Sunganani

      I think one of the ways people get scammed is because they do not want to be educated consumers. I should know, I was one for over three years before I stopped my madness. These days, I can almost smell as scam from miles away.

      This course if really good. Thanks Eric and team.

      Reply
    35. Terral

      I did not read all the comments, so I don’t know if this thought has been addressed…
      I have received hundreds of ‘buy this’ emails with MY NAME as sender and entrepreneur….
      hmmm….

      Reply
    36. prsam

      I have been through lesson5. I have not received or missed lesson 6 & 7. Can you please mail them to me.

      Reply
      1. Micah

        Hello Prsam,

        The next lesson will be sent to you soon. You can also visit the following link to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
        http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/

        Here is the direct link to lesson 6 & 7:

        LESSON #6: Self Employed or Business Owner?

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

        You may also simply change the number at the end of the link, to go to a different lesson number (example: /lesson1, /lesson2, /lesson3, etc…).

        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
    37. Ayelet

      I think I made a mistake and investment in a scams!
      Is there a way to get my money back?
      Or ensure the exposure of my credit?
      🙁

      Reply
    38. Leslie Denning

      I’ve been pretty successful at avoiding scams. The only company that has gone down was Zeek Rewards, and I’m not convinced it was a scam.

      Reply
    39. George Kerr

      Thanks again for your internet education, too many of us want success so badly we want it at all cost and sometimes although our intellengence is saying otherwise because we are so desparate for success we ignore the warnings. Thanks for reminding us our fellow marketers to be vigilant.

      Reply
    40. Muriel Morris

      Thanks for these tips especially that on phishing. I have found the material so far to be quite good.

      Reply
    41. Evie

      Hello Eric,
      Yes there is a lot of scams out there. I have fallen into that trap a few time and lost a lot of money almost $10,000. I have tried and tried to make money online and I have not been successful instead losing more and more money and getting nowhere. I eventually had given up hope of ever making money online.
      Thank you for being our Online Business Teacher and helping us to for fill our dreams!
      I am so looking forward for our next Lesson 6.
      Thank you!

      Warm regards,
      Evie

      Reply
    42. Frank Sambay

      Hi Eric
      But where were you all this time?
      I’m looking the way to succeed online since 2011 and all this time, I found so many scams.
      Please don’t leave me without information about online business; I really need that.
      Frank

      Reply
    43. MOLIMAU TUPAI

      I must be doing something wrong, i write comments and ask questions and receive not respond and or a feed backs. All I get is lessons. I paid the 37 dollars program and still nothing comes of it except the lessons. These are good lessons. I needed. I stop buying stuff. I’ve research into a niches that I like to get involved with. I thought to wait it out to learn a little bit more of how to started an online business. I have never owe an online business. I am or shall I tried to get started and that is all or far I have gotten, getting started. These lessons gives sme a fresh start and a better foundation for me to create a business. With your direction… I should not go wrong here.

      Reply
    44. Fred

      Thank you Eric, I really like the way you deliver your content. This seems to be what I’ve been looking for for a while now. I’m looking forward to the rest of the lessons.

      Reply
    45. Dr Bruce Rae

      I recently bought Live PLR Firesale and the Upgrade.
      Can you help me with the instructions to start setting this up?

      Reply
    46. Leslie Courcha

      Good advice but personally I believe (forgetting the money side for a moment ) if you don’t have the confidence or ability to start a brick and mortar business don’t even think about an online business. too many people think they can make there money in an online business but do not have a business head. and if you don’t have a better than average understanding of computers , the internet and marketing skills don’t wast your money.

      Reply

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