After reviewing online business opportunities for a while, it surprises me that people still fall for some of the money making scams that I review.
After all the warnings, alerts, reviews and awareness-raising campaigns, you’d have thought that most people would have learned not to trust everything they see on the internet.
We may think we are scam proof but the truth is it can happen to anyone.
Money making scams are everywhere online. The fraudsters are constantly searching for new ways to separate us from our money and the scams are often quite sophisticated.
The scammers know that we can’t rely on just our common sense to protect us. There are other factors such as our emotions that can cloud our judgment and cause us to make the wrong decision.
It’s easy to think the victims are driven by greed, are naive or desperate. However, research has shown the scam victims can come from any age group, any profession, be successful or not and have different educational backgrounds.
People want to believe easy money is possible so they finish up believing in the impossible. Once we have been scammed we shake our heads and wonder how we could have been so stupid.
Here Are 7 Reasons People May Fall For Online Scams
1. Negative Life Events and Loneliness
Experiencing negative events in your personal life such as loss of a job, a change in your financial status, concerns about loneliness, divorce, stress or serious illness or injury can make you more vulnerable.
These negative events may mean your social networks become weaker, you may also become more isolated from your family. Friends and family can provide a great deal of support.
A scammer may encourage you to become part of a network or team. This could sound like something to ease your loneliness.
Dating sites are often used by the fraudsters. Loneliness can make us nonrational.
You don’t need to avoid online dating sites completely, just use your common sense. If someone you’ve never met wants you to pay money for something then it’s probably a scam.
A report from AARP in 2014 said that 66% of scam victims often felt lonely.
2. Debt and Desperation
Being in debt or in a desperate situation will make you ready to try anything. Scam artists can often seem credible because they pose as a legitimate business.
The scammer will offer a get rich quick solution to solve the debt problems.
They may offer false testimonials, worthless guarantees or falsified documentary proof.
If you’re thinking of paying money for some kind of online work or service always do your due diligence before giving any personal details.
3. Pressure
A favorite trick with many online programs is to give you the impression you must act fast to secure your place.
When we’re buying goods we’re familiar with like grocery items it’s easy to decide quickly but when it’s something we don’t know, we need to take our time, check for reviews or ask friends what they think.
Don’t be pressured, they only do this so you don’t think about their offer for too long or search online for complaints.
When you buy something on Amazon, I’m sure you read what customers are saying about a particular product.
You should get into the habit of doing the same thing every time you purchase something you are not familiar with online.
You need to have the confidence to take your time and not be rushed into a decision you may regret.
4. Not Searching For Reviews or Information
Whenever you’re buying something you not accustomed with or using a company that’s new to you it’s a good idea to look for reviews online.
This should help you to form an opinion about the product, service or company.
However, not everyone gives honest reviews, some affiliate marketers are as unscrupulous as the programs they promote.
They are ready to say that that something is great just to make a quick buck.
So if you’ve read a few reviews and you’re still not sure if you should invest, do a search with the name of the program + complaints or scam. Check the Ripoff Report and the Better Business Bureau.
5. Impulsive Behaviour
Victims of online fraud tend to be more impulsive. Although their intuition may tell them something is too good to be true they’re still ready to give it a try.
They are ready to take a chance with their money on the off chance it pays off.
If you think this could be you, whenever you’re about to sign-up for something that promises money for little work, leave your computer or smartphone and try to weigh up the pros and cons before giving your credit card info.
6. Not Being Computer or Internet Literate
I suppose it’s not very surprising but according to the AARP survey (mentioned above), online literacy plays a part in the chances of someone falling for a scam.
The type of actions that are carried out by the most at risk are things that I’m sure many of us do quite often. For example, disclosing too much personal information (some even provide their Social Security numbers), not reading disclosure statements, signing up for a trial offer and clicking on pop-ups.
You need to keep learning and to stay up to date with what’s happening online. The scammers are always changing, you must try and keep up with what they are doing.
7. Not Following Our Gut Instinct
I don’t know about you, but when I’ve fallen for a scam I have done so knowing that it probably sounded too good to be true.
But even so, I continued to purchase the product or service. Why ? I really don’t know, maybe it was greed, a dream, I was emotionally vulnerable or because I didn’t want to feel I would miss out on a great opportunity.
This is where the scammers are very clever, they play with our emotions.
Follow your gut instincts, it’s your first line of defense.
Most People Don’t Report Scams
People who are victims of scams often don’t report it because they feel ashamed or stupid. There is no need to feel like this, the scammers are very clever and convincing and many of us have been scammed.
Reporting a scam and sharing the details will help protect others. If you’re not sure where to report the fraud or scam to which you were a victim this article will help.
How To Protect Yourself
Here are a few tips that will help you to avoid the make money online scams.
- If a program sounds too good to be true then it usually is.
A legitimate program won’t promise quick money for little work. They should tell you will have to work hard and for a certain time. It doesn’t sound as enticing as the get rich scheme but is the reality. - Don’t be pressured into making a decision right away.
A legitimate program will give you the time you need to decide. - Don’t sign up for a program if they don’t tell you exactly what you will be doing.
A legitimate program you should always explain how you will make money. - No free trial. A good product or service won’t be afraid of offering a free trial.
If they have confidence in their product they have nothing to lose. Beware of programs that offer a trial period for a small fee. Often your credit card will be debited as soon as the trail period is over. - Don’t believe every money back guarantee.
Many times there are conditions in the small print that will make getting a refund very difficult or impossible. On other occasions, you will have to fight to get your refund. - The owner should be clearly identified.
This is very common with the online scams. No one wants to own up to being responsible for a scam. Either they don’t disclose the who the real owner is or they make up a fake name and include stock photos.
Final Thoughts
The most important point is not to believe you can make money online quickly and easily. To create an income online takes a lot of time, determination, patience, hard work and know how.
If you come across one of these get rich quick schemes and you’re not sure if it is genuine or not, check the tips above.
Where possible favor products or services that let you try for free. If you have found a product that you think is genuine check for reviews. Carry out an extensive search in the search engines for anything that may point out that the program is not legitimate.
If you’re looking for a proven and legitimate method of making money online, I recommend affiliate marketing. You should understand before starting, to be successful will take time and hard work.
To get started it’s best to follow an online course that will teach you how to set up a website, write content, carry out keyword research and also provide the help and support you need.
Do you have any questions? Have you fallen for any scams? Do you need feedback on a make money online program? Let me know in the comments area below.
Greetings Peter,
Excellent, even priceless information you have here!
Deception is everywhere.
The #1 reason you point out, “Negative Life Events and Loneliness” is a typical every-day aggressive recruiting strategy that, for example…
the oldest, the biggest, the most notorious, global-scale MLM scam company, in my opinion, Amway, is using till this very date.
Oh, they’re perfectly “legal” on paper.
I think they are state-of-art criminals.
On broad daylight, & it’s all happening in front of our eyes. Just like that, no problemo!
Essentially, most “opportunity” scam companies out there are copy-pasted of that specialized manifestation of evil.
A potential victim is preferably grabbed & brought on the board by the system at the very moment when life transition period takes place – It could also be a very positive event – Such as graduation from college.
..a person then obviously must make a decision, what will they do with their lives.
These highly intelligent predators will take advantage of this situation immediately – One of the easiest ways is the “black & white” tactic to deliberately root irrational fears & phobias into prospects:
“Join us & be successful. OR ELSE, out there, in regular world you’re nobody & you’ll never live your dream”
It’s cult-like “them VS us” phenomena to effectively & brutally “wash” people into the system, undermine & corrupt their way of thinking.
They advertise you this “opportunity” in the way, that you won’t make it to the retirement without it, backing it up with precise data & facts they’ve collected. They can even show you a couple of hired “doctors” in white robes to stage their performance to perfection.
Naturally, regular folks who haven’t done extensive research will buy into this false advertising immediately.
It pairs up seamlessly with personal internal pressure, both emotional & fiscal.
It all can & will be used against people immediately.
Like you said Peter, people who join these schemes are not necessarily naive or greedy or desperate – No, they can be & likely are good, very intelligent people – But they also carry some sort of understandable human flaw you can tap into.
AND this is where the dark triad will thrive with burning determination – Narcissism, Machiavellianism & Psychopathy!
Make no mistake, these criminals are incredibly successful on their first impression!
They appear confident, happy & radiant – The embodiment of everything you hope & want to be!
Fortunately, most of them have NO long-term game.
Unfortunately, despite that fact, scammers are not stupid.. in fact, they’re more cunning than ever. There’s a whole science behind this – In a nutshell this is is called SYSTEMATIC BRAINWASHING.
They’re about a dozen, & even more, general scientific-grade psychological tactics, that are being deployed each & every time, to effectively disarm people’s capability to critically think for themselves & damage their integrity as a whole.
Sadly, it’s our reality!
Ultimate desired result: Victims become victimizers.
Or as you please, corrupted.
This is how, for example, MLM’s work – It’s a vicious cycle that keeps repeating itself over & over & over – To save yourself, you have to screw other people over.
“The end result justifies the means”
This leads to my final point.
Like you say: People DON’T report scams.
They feel shame, they feel guilt, they don’t know where to go… some of them don’t even know yet they’re victims!
My advice would be for anyone who feels they’re in trouble or doubt:
There’s a world’s foremost scientist & cult expert, a highly respected psychologist Steve Hassan.
Who has wrote whole books, such as “Combating Cult Mind Control” to fight & recover from destructive cults – an Excellent starting point for anyone who appreciates the information.
..Or contact him personally online, via e-mail right now:
+ his counseling team, via his website, freedomofmind(dot)com, to ask advice for yourself.
OR
..even ask help for your loved one, who you suspect, might be in trouble & under undue influence.
Scams are not a joke.
These commercial-cult organizations are top level terrorists of their own league.
I hope my comment can be a good addition to your site Peter & helpful for some folks out there who want to make an informed decision,
Regards,
Hi Henry,
Many thanks for your comment. These schemes MLM or others are very clever at making you think if you don’t join you will be missing something and normal people hate to miss an opportunity. So you sign up and regret it later. We are all susceptible to the scammers’ tricks and in times of weakness we might sign up to their schemes. Once you’re committed, if you’re in a dire situation you may try to entice other people into the scheme, to earn commission, although you know they will lose their money. Once you do this you are not much better than the scammers, although you are a victim you’ve now lost your ethics.
The only way to avoid the scams is to take your time and think about it rationally, check reviews and complaints. It’s easy for me to say, but when you see something that promises you lots of easy money and you must act in the minutes that follow to take part, you may sign up first and check afterward!
Thanks again,
Peter
Thank you Peter, yes there are still of scams around so people must still be falling for them.
I once fell for a scam big time and now when I look back on it, it’s so stupid, why did I even fall for it? But you’re right, I think when people are in a desperate situation you let your emotions lead you.
The scammers are experts at pressing our emotional buttons, telling us what we want to hear and we so desperately want to believe it, so we’l drown all other doubts out.
Taking a breath, stepping back and spedning just a couple of minutes of research and reading reviews of other people’s experiences have really helped me see sense (and probably saved me a lot of money!)
Great advice! Thanks!
You’re welcome, Simon! I know what you mean when we look back, it’s easy to see they were empty promises but we you’re reading the sales page of a scam they manage to convince you it’s possible. As you say, I suppose it’s because we want to believe it’s possible to make money easily and quickly.
If you do take a moment to check reviews and think about it logically, probably 9 times out of 10 you won’t go any further. The problem is that they pressure you to take action quickly so you don’t think you have the time to check it out. Most people who contact me do so when they check out the get rich quick scheme after paying. They then have to go through the process of claiming their money back, making a chargeback on their credit card or even canceling their credit card. A lot of hassle and stress that could be avoided so easily!
Thanks for your comment,
Peter
Thanks Peter for making a site that is creating awareness about scams online. I myself have lost huge amount of money probably from 2 or 3 reasons you have mentioned in the blog.The main reason why most of us are scammed is because we do not report a scam and we just keep quite and keep crying for loss of money instead.I think we should report our scams and help other people getting scammed.
Hi Amit,
With all the reviews and warnings about online scams, you would have thought that people would be more careful. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case, many are ready to sign up for get rich quick schemes without doing any research. Just human nature I guess, we want to believe it’s possible to make money quickly and with little work.
It’s true most of us don’t go to the trouble of reporting a scam. Maybe the reason is because we don’t think it will do any good, the scams seem to continue reported or not. However, reporting a scam will help others avoid a scam provided they do their research before buying.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Peter,
You cover great reasons why people fall for them. I really feel for those that lose a loved one and go online and are scammed because of their vulnerability. And then they give these people their savings. It blows me away.
You are so right, you have to look up many reviews and then check the places you mentioned if you are not satisfied with those results. These scams are not going away any time soon so you have to be so vigilant if starting something new. So glad what I pay for now is legitimate and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg! Great article.
Hi Sharon,
Yes, there are people that are ready to do anything and hurt anyone just to make money. We all need to check and double check any money making schemes before giving any payment details. The scams, as you say, will be around as long as there are people ready to invest in these schemes. There are some legitimate sites that will teach you how to make money online but you have to search to find the good ones.
Thanks for your visit,
Peter