How to Spot an Online Scam

So you often hear me say that the word scam gets thrown around a lot. We literally label anything we don’t trust a scam. To the point that we have been desensitized to what a real scam is. So let’s look into it. How to Spot a Scam.

For example, if you feel you got wronged by a legitimate company. Or you didn’t put in the time to make the education work you easily resort to calling it a scam.

Today’s topic is about actually spotting real scams. Before I get into the content I wanted to start the lesson off by asking you a question.

What is your definition of a scam?

I thought this was going to be an easy subject but shiiiiit…

That was that a mistake on my part. It took me down a rabbit hole I was in not ready to enter.

The origin of the scam is basically unknown.

Looking up the Merriam Webster definition
Scam (noun): a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation.

So this is where it got interesting. It appears the word popped up in the 1960s as a slang term. But nonetheless, there isn’t much on it. Like no origin to a Latin word no origin of why it was created. There is a bunch of hearsay on the interwebs but nothing with concrete evidence.

I decided to look into the word fraudulent since it was in the definition. Here the path is much clearer.

Fraudulent we know its an adjective for Fraud. Which we actually do know the origin for. The fraud was Latin for fraus which meant deceit, injury.

The modern definition of fraud – wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

So with that in mind how can we increase our chances of spotting a scam.
There are dozens of ways to spot one. But I wanted to give you a list. Which would only take you a few minutes and help you avoid those landmines in Internet Marketing.

outrageous claims

These tactics are used for the sole purpose to draw your attention. Who doesn’t want to increase their income overnight?

They usually follow these claims with no experience necessary. Like I said anything is possible but highly unlikely.

If you being honest with yourself. How many opportunities can have you making hundreds in a couple hrs.

Besides hitting the slots lol.

fake identities

If the product, service or Internet marketing course is legit. You would assume the creator or instructor would be proud to share their story or face.

But oftentimes you find that the name and story are fake. And for good measure, the picture or person in a promo video is too.

To spot this look up their name with whatever they selling. You will see instantly if this person is real or not.

Also in some cases, paid actors are hired to be a spokesman or a character in a video. I have no issue with this as long as somewhere they acknowledge this is a paid actor.

fomo – fear of missing out

I am talking about scarcity. When they claim there are only 10 spots left or it is only available for a limited time.

You see we humans suffer from FOMO.

These marketers know we all suffer from it. So the goal is to make you feel that this is something so exclusive you would be crazy not to do it or buy it.

As soon as we see this we immediately start thinking oh man I can’t miss out on this. I gotta jump on this bandwagon before its gone.

The issue is its complete bullshit. Especially when it comes to anything digital.

Like online videos, ebooks, and online programs. All of this is easily duplicated. And to top it off if it wasn’t they wouldn’t be able to sustain a business model.

testimonials

You can’t be taken seriously if your product or program doesn’t have testimonials. It the primary way to build trust and show authority to potential customers.

However, 9 out of 10 times these are fake. The fastest way to spot fake. Is performing a reverse image search on Google with the accompanying photo. You will be surprised how often they are using stock images.

I am not saying they are all fake but just keep in mind that this kind of proof can be made up. They may not be totally true.​

im reviews

You knew I was gonna go there right?

If you land on something you aren’t too sure about. Head over to the site and search it.

If I haven’t reviewed the said product or program. Send me any suggestions over to info@imreviews.co. I read every single email.

I will let you know if I will decide to write it up or its already down the pipeline.

There you have it.
5 steps to help you quickly decide if it might be a scam. Let me know what you think.

Leave a Comment

I get it...

pop-ups are as exciting as well...
touching a cactus.

But I stumbled on to a simple 4-step process that changed my life. Wanna see how I did it?

Thursday
Nuggets

I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Here's my privacy policy.
Already subscribed? Submit anyway. You won't be added to my list twice, don't worry..