Affiliate Scams - How to Avoid Them
Warning Signs and Red Flags for Avoiding Those Who Want to Scam You
Jul 4, 2008
For anyone desiring to enter the affiliate marketing business, caution is recommended to avoid the unscrupulous people ready to scam the unsuspecting. They are prevalent throughout the Internet and they can take your money or lead you down a path to where only they make money quickly.
No matter what endeavor people invest their time and money in, there are scammers trying to separate them from their money. So the old saying which applies to life is applicable in affiliate advertising and marketing as well, “If it is too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Online Affiliate Scams: The is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
There is no such thing as a free lunch in affiliate marketing either. Successful affiliates work for everything they earn; very few affiliates have actually landed in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Even with this, there is money to be made in affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing scammers work by preying on the inexperienced, especially when it involves making money online.
Those entering affiliate marketing do not know who they are dealing with on the other end. Fortunately most people are honest; however there are those who are not honest. It is estimated one in 20 affiliate programs on the Internet are scams. Extensive research is required to avoid becoming a scam statistic.
Affiliate Scams: Warnings Signs
There are typically red flags for affiliate marketing scams, which are merely online money making scams. Here are a few of these typical warning signs:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
- If the products seem to be cheap, they are.
- If you would not buy one of the products on the affiliate website, then probably no else will either.
- If promised a six figure income in the first year – the only one making the money is the scammer.
- If a fee is required to sign up, avoid.
- If payment as an affiliate is vague, even when asked for specifics – avoid.
- If the affiliate banners have lots of motion, flashy lights, and movement to attract attention there is a reason – typically not good.
- If the name of the affiliate program or business followed by the word “scam” is searched on Google – known scams are highlighted and need to be avoided.
- Be aware scammers constantly change their colors like chameleons, so never let the guard down.
Marketing Networks: Avoiding Scammers
The best way to avoid affiliate marketing scams is to join an affiliate network. They have done the research and screened out the scammers. However, homework is still required to make sure that the affiliate network is legitimate. Some of the recognized affiliate network companies which are reputable include:
- Clickbooth
- Rocket Pocket
- Affiliate Fuel
- PepperJam
- Rextopia
- CPA Storm
- And many others
Do not get caught up in an affiliate marketing scam. It is easy to do and even the experienced sometimes fall prey to scammers. A cautious guard should be maintained at all times until reliable relationships are established with legitimate companies. Then be prepared to make some money, as long as an affiliate works hard and keeps on top of the latest affiliate marketing techniques.
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