It’s easy to spot a scam website, once you know how.
These are critical things to look for in spotting a scam online. While most online businesses no longer put their email address on their websites because spammers will dump them with huge loads of email (trust me I learned this the hard way) – they will provide you with the following:
Contact information
Credible websites will provide you with a means for you to contact them AND will respond to your request.
Does the site publish a legal statement of some kind?
A credible site will provide you with information as to using their site, how they store your information, the terms and conditions of using their site, any guarantees they offer and further information. These might be known as Privacy Policy, Terms, Notices, Earnings Disclaimer, Disclaimer, or Legal information.
If you want to know more
Go out to http://www.GoDaddy.com and do a domain name search. When it says it’s “already taken” click on the “click here for info link” and it will take you to another page where you can scroll down the page (after you enter an access code to the right in some cases) and you should find all the legitimate contact information, email, phone, address.
A company that doesn’t hide their information, has nothing to hide. They’re more than likely legitimate. If they’ve got a proxy address you’ll be able to tell. There’s no humanity to it. If the email contact is “admin” well then you have a problem Houston, bail and forget about it.
What else can I do?
Google the owners name or the business name and read what comes up. I’ve done that a lot to find out about a company. If you are thinking about becoming an affiliate marketer, this is a good way to check on the integrity of the company you want to be affiliated with. Bottom line, sound business practices, honesty and integrity go a long way. And on the net so do bad ones. Most people will blog about the scammer.
It’s like pointing out the “bad” kid on the block.
If It sounds too good to be true
Then more than likely it is. Any sound program teaching YOU how to work online, will take YOU some adaptation time (the learning curve) – and I’ve yet to see a program that will make a newbie rich overnight.
Yes, there are many true stories of people having phenomenal success with the internet — but what you don’t see is the countless months (maybe years) that go into the production of such a product and/or launch.
There’s also a “scammy” feel and look to the site. It feels slick – you know the feeling when you get there.
Most quality websites will refund your money if you’re not happy with the product. Read their Terms and Conditions, Read the Privacy and/or Earnings Disclaimer or Legal pages.
Contact them.
If you’re concerned about their product email them and ask them some questions. If they’re honest they’ll answer, maybe not right away (depending on the popularity of their site), but most honest business folks will respond. It’s common courtesy.
If you’re spamming them, forget it.
All in all, the practices pretty much apply online as they do off. If a guys selling you products off the tailgate of his truck (unless it’s a swap meet) you’ll get the feel of that.
Selling used watches on the corner is still the same online or off.
Comments