5 Warning Signs of a Scam Business

For years now the rush has been on to mine the Internet and find
"gold." Just like miners in the old U.S. west, people flock to
the Web hoping to strike it rich. Is it possible? Sure it is!
However, those miners of old had to watch out for "fool's gold."
You - in the days of the Internet - have to watch out for scam
businesses.

Most scam business offers have five things in common. Before you
decide to invest your hard-earned money in an Internet business,
be sure to compare the offer to this list. The following warning
signs might very well help you avoid a financial disaster!

1) No Contact Information or Limited Contact Information - Most
scam artists don't want you to be able to locate them easily.
After all, if you could find them easily, so could the
authorities. That's why they often only give an email address
(usually from a free provider like Yahoo or Hotmail) and/or a
post office box. On the other hand, reputable companies DO want
you to be able to contact them quickly and easily. They'll offer
several ways... telephone, physical address, email, fax, etc.

2) No Verifiable References or Testimonials - Notice I said,
"verifiable." Anyone can make up references or testimonials that
would make you think a business opportunity is wonderful. But
can you verify them? Do they list Web site addresses or email
addresses for the people who supposedly gave the testimonials?
Is there a way to contact the satisfied customers? If not... if
you only see a reference ending with "John D. - California" -
beware.

3) Phony Association Information - Many times, we take for
granted the fact that someone offering a business opportunity is
a legitimate company just because a Better Business Bureau or
iCop logo is posted on the company's Web site. Not true! These
logos can be simply copied and pasted onto the scam artist's
site. There is a way to verify whether the company is a
legitimate member. Click the logo. If it goes to a profile of
the company (on the BBB or iCop site), you'll know this company
is an authentic member of the association.

4) "Make Thousands With No Work On Your Part" - This is the
biggest lie on the Internet today. Everyone loves the idea of
making thousands of dollars while they sleep. Is it possible?
Yes! That part isn't a lie. The statement that it will take no
work on your part is the lie. Even if the company gives you a
free Web site, free products to sell for 100% profit, and a free
shopping cart, you still have to work - and work hard! How will
people find your new Web site? You'll have to market it. That
takes a LOT of work in and of itself. Beware when people tell
you that their business opportunities take no effort from you.

5) Rushing You To Make A Decision - I'm not talking about the
product sites that offer special discounts if you buy before a
specific date. I'm talking about the business opportunity
companies that - instead of answering your questions - pressure
you to go ahead and buy in. I advise you not to trust anyone who
is unwilling to give you the information you need to make a
qualified decision. I can almost promise a scam is involved if
that is the case.

The bottom line is this: Any company offering legitimate business
opportunities will want to talk with you, will want to give you
all the information you need, will not give a false appearance of
credibility, will help you work through the financial aspects of
joining the company, and will have verifiable references that you
can contact. Beware of anyone who does not offer these things.
By keeping your eyes open for the five warning signs listed
above, you can save a lot of trouble and money.