The Internet is a vast International Network of people and businesses report scam and a place where people can make a fairly decent living. However, it is also a place where certain unsavory characters can freely roam – to take your dollars and run. Scams – the human mind can be either pure or devious – and it is the devious mind that you have to look out for and be aware of at all time.
The easy marks to a scam are those that are new, inexperienced, or those that are desperately looking for a way to make some money, that the swindler will usually target. Emotional hype and false sincerity are their ticket to a scam. Some are obvious, but others are not. Now, I mean no insult if you have been scammed – Why – been there and done that. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed – be aware– and vow to be ever vigilant in your choices. And remember to reassure yourself, that next time – if, heaven forbid, you should encounter another scam, you will definitely handle it differently.
Well, I can say I haven’t encountered an affiliate scam, however, I’ve been hit with a work-at-home scam. It was my first initial attempt at finding work on the Internet before going into affiliate marketing. Anyway, I remember sending an email asking a question regarding, of all things, being paid. I received no response. So, I sent another email, stating that I could not access the link to their website and I was getting a 404 Error, and I was wondering if they could fix it.
Yes, devious – but wanted to know if they would reply. And yes, they did. I knew then, it was a scam. The Internet may be a vast network of International players, but the word scam travels quickly and people listen. If you think the telephone was a good communication tool, well, the Internet is just as good – and sometimes faster if you know where to go.
If you have been scammed and wish to prevent the scammers from getting richer and any new victims from getting poorer – use the list below – and report it. However, please do not take this responsibility lightly — if you are wronged, or treated badly — but not scammed, do not report it. And remember — a scam occurs when a program or a business misrepresents or makes promises that they do not keep.
