Business Opportunity Scam
Business opportunity scams are wide spread, either online or offline. Examples are pyramid schemes, investment schemes, the Nigerian scam, job scams, stuffing envelope scams, and so on. Like in everything else, whatever is “too good to be true” has to raise questions, in your mind, before deciding if risking finances and personal safety is anything worthy.
The scammer may have gotten rich from the business he introduces you to but always, at innocent people's expense. Convincing methods are, get-rich-quick, catchy ads, testimonials, proves of earnings or long, descriptive websites, infomercials or brochures. In the end, they tell you everything other than why you should pay to join. They make you so curious, that you are able to spend, with or without money back guarantee, only to find out a very “successful” guy's secret. Once you pay, you realize that there is no secret, that it's something like you tried many times, before and took you to failure. You want your money back but either you find no contact information or you get such a run around, that you give up. There's always an earning potential disclaimer, in fine print, included in the advertisement and the scammer will blame you, for not paying attention, to it. Your lack of confidence is shaken, once more and you go, further, trying to find the miracle recipe to financial success. Eventually, you fall into the trap of a scammer from the same circle. This is a pattern repeating, over and over, in the business world and most often, online. It is a common practice among “marketing gurus” to unite themselves, and to exaggeratedly promote one another, in order to get fame, credibility and ultimately, your money.
Everybody who wants you to join their business will try to convince you that it takes money, to make money. The more illegitimate their business is, the more they will trey to pressure you and try to make you feel bad, for not opening your wallet. Learn to say “no” and get a thick skin, to bare the insults.
There are ways to prevent and fight back this scam. Always check if a business provides clear information, about itself. Continue your detective job by checking it against lists of scams. You will find objective testimonials from people who tried the businesses. These are also good places to report any “opportunity”you may have fallen victim to. Also report any scam you fall upon, to the Better Business Bureau and law enforcement agencies.
Shut your eyes and years to any promotional materials that flash opulence, to your senses and leave you with a painful desire for wealth. Do not go for success coming as easy “as pushing a button” or “while you sleep”.There is no such thing! Any business, either online or offline, takes time and a lot of dedication, to gain traffic, credibility and sales. This, if you are honest, if not, you don't really need to read the article. You already know what it is all about!
