The first key to avoiding scams is to understand the methods scammers use and how they work. Always remember that scammers are out to do one thing and one thing only: take your money. This is what separates them from legitimate sellers, who have a product that can help you in some way.
Scammers generally start with a sales pitch. A top copy-writer can earn $2000 writing one website: and they earn their money. The text draws you in, eliminating your doubts one by one. You might have started out sure you wouldn’t give in – by the end, you’re desperate to sign up.
Scammers know that if you took the time to think about it, you’d likely realise you were being scammed. So they don’t give you that time. They tell you that in an hour the price will rise, or that there are only so many more people they will sell to. Lies! Go back a week later, and it will say exactly the same thing. Don’t be fooled.
Unlike legitimate sellers, scammers have no real product. They might have cobbled together a cheap e-book with no real information in it. But they don’t be able to tell you about it in detail. Read their website carefully. Are they vague about what they’re offering? A little vagueness is fine – after all, they’re not going to give away their secrets for free! But if you’ve got no idea what you’re going to get after reading, don’t buy!
Testimonials are no proof the site is genuine – they can be easily faked. Read the testimonials carefully. Do they sound like an e-mail someone might write? Or do they sound like a continuation of the sales pitch? A good clue can also be looking at the photographs. The more professional they look, the more likely they are to be fake. Real testimonials are sent in with ordinary snapshots or family photographs, and the people in them aren’t airbrushed models.
Even apparent certifications from anti-scam or good business websites are no guarantee. You don’t need much skill with photoshop to knock up a little rosette with the word ‘certified’ underneath.
Finally, check the small print. Is there a way to contact them? A disclaimer? A privacy policy? Information on how to get a refund? Legitimate sites are serious businesses – they know the law and make sure all these things are included on their site. A scammer won’t bother. Always do a thorough search of the website before buying – you never know what you might find!
(It’s important to remember that legitimate sites use convincing sales pitches and try to rush you into making your decision too. These are just good tactics! But try re-visiting the next day and re-reading with a cooler head. If it’s still convincing, it could be genuine. But you could also feel shocked at how close you came to throwing your money away!)
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Anita is a full-time affiliate marketer who now wants to help others become a success. For genuine affiliate marketing opportunities and free resources visit http://www.don’t-get-scammed.biz
