LESSON #5: How to Avoid Scams
In the previous lesson we talked about a bunch of different ways of making money online. If you go out looking for those money making opportunities, you’ll find that there are literally thousands of them.
The question now is… How do I separate the real opportunities from the scams? Because we all know that the internet is full of scams, right? So lets talk about it…
(Watch this video…)
Main points:
Action steps:
1)If you ARE knowledgeable about scams, don’t let down your guard.
2) If you don’t know about the most common Internet scams, do some research and become an educated consumer
3) Put your wallet away
Soon it will be time to choose one business model and focus on it, but before we can do that, we need to talk about two different pathways… and only you can decide which one is best for you. We’ll talk about those two pathways in the next lesson.
As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.
Have a great day!
Kia ora Eric and others…. Ive been battling online for awhile now and it’s good to see that we agree on so many points,it’s great to see that i started on the right track, so far my only problem is your great lessons dont come fast enough 4me
lol look 4ward to your insight ……All the way from Wee NZ ….L8r
Great to see another fellow kiwi!!! Often feels that since we are not in the States/UK that we a re a long way from the action.
Eric - wonderful tips. Agree with Chris that the lessons don’t seem to be coming fast enough - but wait till next week when I’m back at work and will have heaps to catch up. Loving this all Eric. Thanks all the way from New Zealand!!!
Hi Sonya, i Know how it is to do business in Kiwiland as i live here now for 4 years.
It’s like david versus Goliath.
Keep your hopes up and i keep an eye on other Kwi’s and dutchmen. (I’m Dutch)
HiSonya & Eric. Hey guys dont feel lonely over there in NZ.Im in UK and 60% of all my Business (software)is done in NZ.So hey were watching you guys over there.
Yahoo, some more kiwis. I’m living in Australia and feel the same way.
I’m loving Eric’s information.
Be great to catch up. You can find me on Facebook
https://register.facebook.com/gee.hollings
Eric is creating high quality very detailed training videos…there is a lot of work that goes into these type of things so please be patient. Once the videos are complete you will be able to go forwards or backwards as much as you like at your own speed. Best of luck to you..I agree that his teachings are wonderful!
We Give You 120 Individual Turnkey Websites With Your Paypal ID On Each
http://www.Instant-Paysites.com
Hi Eric and everyone
I’m an RN and until a few days ago had never considered doing anything on the internet except buying, chatting, and etc. A few weeks ago I paid a very minimal amount of money to be an authorized Rep for a cosmetics company. Most just to get the cosmetics for a cheaper price. Well low and behold, I found out through surfing and my friends/colleages just how easy it was to sell. I woke up this morning to find emails online about people interested in the products I had available. Within 15 minutes of waking up, I was overwhelmed. I started calling friends/ex’s lol, anyone I could think of who might know how to create my web based idea. I posted a question in yahoo answers and someone referred “Eric’s Tips” and I can honestly these first 5 videos have been more informative and to the point than I could have ever imagined. Thank you so much. I’m putting everything on hold until I finish the tutorials and I’m sure my decisions on what I will do will be based on tried/true knowledge. Thanks again.
Thank God. New Zealanders! I live on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand and am an absolute Newbie. Loving the course going from scratch (thankyou so much Eric) and am presently wading my way through the Dictionary for Newbies. Woppuls love some regular contact with Kiwis doing this.
Awesome to see some more kiwis in here. Erics Tips is a good place to start with good advice that the other gurus wont tell you unless you buy something from them. So take Erics advice and put your wallet away. I did learn the hard way. All good though!!
I came across a good Squidoo Lens a couple of weeks back that has a list of some of the scams that are out there at the moment and is being added to all the time. So, if you have been scammed add the name to the list so they can our hard earned money. Here is the link: http://www.squidoo.com/typeathomescams
Hope it helped. Ka kite ano.
Shane.
Hi KiwiChris, Sonya,all the other Kiwis and everyone subscribing to Eric. I too am a Kiwi. A Dutch born Kiwi. Born in Holland, spent 6 years in Western Samoa and became a naturalised Kiwi in 1956. So, I am a Dutch Kiwi who has just returned from the “land of the jumping dogs” (Australia) after living there for the last 11 years.
Hi Eric, Thankyou for your great training packages. It is always good to keep learning, if not, you are going backwards. This applies to Internet businesses as well.
Keep up the good work and all the very best to everyone with their business opportunities.
Hey Eric! Happy Father’s Day, although it looks like you worked right through it. Great job BTW in producing such quality content:)
Hey Folks..The underground support forum is growing, or if you would just like to read a detailed text summary and review of each one of Eric’s lessons click on my name above to link to the forum… BUT FIRST LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS FOR ERIC HERE at ERIC’S TIPS!
Thanks Again Eric for your continued mentoring:) Peace y Pura Vida! Nico
Take it from someone who has lost THOUSANDS jumping from one “opportunity” to the next. Either put your wallet away (as Eric suggestes), OR RESEARCH an opportunity before you put money into it. Often you’ll find reviews on the search engines that will help you make the decision not to get your wallet out at all, easy!
Thanks Eric, as always you are giving what we need.
Happy Father’s Day and God Bless!
Thanks Eric,
Your no nonsense way of reviewing information (even if it is already known) is refreshing and establishes that level of trust that brings people back again and again… I should know. I just watched Lesson 5 after consuming the last 4 lessons in just one sitting!
I can’t wait for the rest…
Thank you for laying the ground work for a brighter future (not only for myself but for everyone watching these videos).
Kay
the Marriage Mistress
http://www.MarriageMistress.com
I’ve been looking at internet businesses for about 6 month and came to conclusions that are exactly what you are talking about in the lessons so far. I particularly like how you explained the difference between a website, online job and online business. I have always had the business view which is why I am at the paralysis analysis stage. When I analyze what I’ve bought from a cost/benefit perspective, most just don’t make sense. I’ve spent some money and have about $50 to show for it, however, the education I’ve received from a few programs (including yours) has been well worth the money. Unfortunately I spent money on about 6 others that were pretty worthless or incomplete. I am so glad I started receiving Eric’s Tips emails. They took me to this site and lessons which will accelerate the learning and the price is right.:) I have no problem waiting until we get further down the road on the lessons before kicking things off. Thanks for your generosity and knowledge. It is greatly appreciated and I believe you will be rewarded significantly for your honesty and integrity. Keep up the good work!
hey Buddy, First lesson is that it’s preferable to keep receipts from stuff you buy of the net. If you got the feeling that they are useless for your purpose you may ask for a full refund. Most sites do that within 30 days, the better ones do it for 3 months or 90 days. I’ve even seen some marketeers they offer a full year money back.
I know it’s hard to follow up on some of these sites, but it might save you at least a coupple of bucks.
Hello to all fellow kiwis on Erics site. My comment- Geert is that some of these refund guarantees are scams too! In some cases they will not honour their word to give you a refund. I asked for a refund From Plimus.com because they wanted me to sign and apply for- an American Tax form.
Take note all Kiwis- you do not have to do this you are NZ citizens and exempt! this is for US Citizens only and people who are US based- and US based companies, registered in the US and actually operating in America.
I told them that It was taking to long to resolve also the product was not what I expected. This tax glitch also meant I could not work online filling out Google
Adwords ads for big companies as a job.
After 4 - 5 approaches for a refund from Plimus.com They replied that because I had not contacted them for a long time they had resolved the issue for me- no refund. I wrote countless tickets and I noticed that there refund ticket system was not operational (or down) I managed to get a message through to them. (6 in total) and their claims I did not reply to them is BS.
Here is the last email I sent (no 6) I was annoyed to say the least.
to support@digitaldevelopmentllc.com
date Mon, Apr 21, 2008 at 11:31 PM
subject Your refund Comments forms are faulty.
from Philip Randall
to support@digitaldevelopmentllc.com
date Mon, Apr 21, 2008 at 11:31 PM
subject Your refund Comments forms are faulty
They replied and gave me a scathing rebuke for using their support@digitaldevelopmentllc.com ticket/refund system? (I replied to that even)
Reply
Philip Randall ORDER REFERENCE # 29346138 Plimus Account ID:16855798 Unfortunately I am forced to use this forum rather than the proper channels for refunds because the system is down. I have sent numerous emails to Plimus and they were never actioned. It is in need of repair. And for the record I still want my money refunded. Philip Randall
As I pointed out earlier they said I did not reply so they resolved the problem for me- no refund! Complete and utter rubbish. They kept side stepping the issue. I promised them I would make it public.
Funnily enough, it was after I sent them this email that their ticket refund system went faulty on me ha! So be warned, DO NOT deal with Plimus.com and or digitaldevelopmentllc.com
Stratplayer1
Thanks Geert. I always print out my receipts and I did get one refund, after requesting it 3x and threatening to report them to Paypal. My problem with some of these things is I just cannot bring myself to knowingly rip anyone off. If I don’t see value in a product or service, I am not going to sell it. Even though I am in techical sales support (for hardware) I will not recommend something I do not feel will at the very least meet the minimum needs of my customers, if not provide for future needs. I will not compromise on that for my online business. As such, I am grateful Eric seems straight up and has the same ethics I have. To everyone who reads this, we don’t need any more scam artists to sully the online business reputation. Be honest and do your best to provide a great product or service and we’ll all profit from it. Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions
Hi Eric,
I love your delivery again and your honesty with how you see things within the mine fields that can pop up in the IM arena.
Thanks
Rich Muir
http://www.companiesnow.com.au
making registering your company easy
Your Lessons emails become my 1st thing to read in my email inbox.
Thanks
Thanks for one important things you are doing: the major points and notes beneath the video. I am not an auditory learner and really don’t like videos in most cases.
Second point is that since I live in rural USA, I have to rely on satellite for high speed internet access. And, believe it or not, we have limited access.
Videos are greedy little things and tend to eat up my bandwidth. Thanks for letting your subscriber have an alternative way to gain the knowledge.
Carol Smith
Web sites that deal with making money online are some of the most risky on all the Internet. Not that every web site is fraudulent, but you’ll find a very high concentration in this arena, because greed makes people do foolish things.
One very important piece of advice is to be *very* careful about who you give your email address to. I’ve seen many, many email addresses of mine abused and misused, including being sold or stolen, unsubscribe requests ignored, sharing without my permission, etc.
I’ve been able to spot and stop such abuses by using domain-specific email addresses, meaning that I provide a unique email address that is specific to the web site that I’m registering at. This has allowed me to sign up without worry, because I then have the ability to stop any unethical emailing myself, without having to hope that the web site owner or the spam filters will do the right thing.
Normally, it would be impractical to create a new email account for each web site at which you register. However, I use a system called Maileable, which makes it very easy to manage countless email addresses without having to jump through hoops.
Another informative lesson. Just kicking back and waiting for what is to come. I guess I have been doing this way too long. I guess that we just need to remember that there is a real business out there for some of us.
Hi Erics,
Your lesson’s today is the core of the Internet Business marketing that we need to be aware of. I’m very afraid to here that, and I hope there will no more scammers around anymore, just to steal somebody’s wealth from the wallet.
Common on,apply Erics tip wisely,equip youself
with fruitful knowledge especially about scams activities.
I think after this I’ve to go to forum to study about the fraudulent scammers. Get some hints to avoid scammers. Thank Erics, for giving tips about scammers.
Naturally goods are supposed to be good through regenerations.
Fauzi, Unfortunately the scammers will not go away anythime soon. It would be so nice if there was a way to get rid of them but there isn’t. The only way to fight back against scammers is for more people to become educated about what to look for etc.
Eric, you are doing a great job. Keep it up. Even though you are covering subjects I already know I still enjoy watching your videos.
Heidi
hey eric, your lessons are great. This is the first thing I look for in my inbox. I have unsubcribed all others, now i realize i just used to waste my time reading them.
Thanks you so much.
Yes. I do agree that there are scammers as I too encountered them before. After that, I am more careful to select what I am investing. Your tips are indeed good for everyone to open their eyes and be alert.
Edward Han
http://www.yaintech.com
We need to be “inteligence” and “smart” internet savvy user. Don’t rush to “quick rich scheme”. Internet business is not “get rich scheme”. You need to put a lot of effort to be financial freedom from the internet business.
It’s sound to be true for internet business opportunities that saying you can get rich overnight by doing nothing!
Become an educated consumer you should do some research in forum, search engine and blogs before make any decision to buy any stuff in the internet.
The advice :
Don’t “Greedy” to avoid falling into the “Trap” of the “bait” that trying to scam you.
To your success
Bryan Hee
Secrets of Work From Home Opportunities
http://workfromhomereport.pinurl.com
Good points… I’ve found that my own hastiness and greed typically play a role whenever I get scammed or make a purchase I regret.
Hope that after watching your video,the internet user will become more educated and savvy.
And of course the Online Scam Rate will be “drop” drastically!
Anna
Free Website Software-It’s not Scam :))
http://webbuildesoftware.pinurl.com
great advice…keep it coming
Hi Eric thanks for your lessons, I know they will be a lot usefull for most people. I can’t wait for the real deal. Id being doing some promo as an affilliate for others products in order to harvest some comissions. Im learning that this is hard to master, just input “work from home” in a search engine and I got back 5 billion sites ???I figure out how somebody will se my add with such a saturated market. saturated.
as long as there are humans, there are always scammers. To avoid, probably you have to research and research before you buy any business opportunities or look into it.
What do you think about program of Data imput on the internet for difference company.
Most of the ones you see are not really “data input jobs”. They make it look like a work from home job, but they are just selling information about how to do PPC affiliate marketing… usually with the overused clickbank/Adwords combo.
Hi Eric:
Hope you are having a good day. I am about to read lesson #5. You are truely an inspiration. Your tips really help weed out the good from the bad and I Thank you for that.I am looking forward to your tips.
Have a great day Eric,
Gus
So true, Eric, many of the so called SCAMS aren’t really scams, but are presented with too much hyped testimonies and promises that they are sure to disappoint.
Marketers should be honest about their offers, but so many OVERPROMISE.
It’s SAD how many people fall for an offer to to “get rich quick online working a few hours a day” - but that is part of too many sales pitches. And that’s the real shame.
Hi Eric,
Nice one.
So many scams out there,the online lottery winner,asking for money from poor countires,surveys,asking for personal info from banks,etc.
Thanks for giving tips about the negative side too.
Best Wishes,
Kannan Viswagandhi
http://www.growing-self.blogspot.com
Thanks for the info. There are so many scams out there. I wished you would have named some of the business opportunities that scammed you.
Mary
http://www.deceptiontothenthdegree.com
I have no problem throwing a name out there…..Russell Brunson! Talk about WAY overpromising. As an affiliate, maybe. But DO NOT buy any type of coaching program through dotcomsecrets.com. I’m not being hateful or trying to get revenge. I just don’t want other people making the same $2000 mistake I made. Besides, Eric is providing the same information, in a much more personal way…for free!!!
My reference for SCAMS: “IF I do not get what I am told - is it possible to contact the people that make the promise”?
If the answer is no, I do not deal with the service. If they give me an E-mail or phone number and it does not get back to them before I buy, most likely it is a scam.
If it gets back to them, I ask for information so I can check through BBB or other Orgaizations.
Its always wise to make smart decisions beforehand if at all possible. Unfortunately a lot of the “to good to be true offers” are not members of the BBB. If you were to file a complaint with the BBB they probably wouldn’t even respond. Sometimes we learn things the hard way but education like this is a good starting point
This is awsome Eric. I love your straight-forward style. Unfortunately old habits are hard to break. After being scammed so many times (thousands of dollars times) I keep looking for the let-down. I will continue until you prove me wrong.
Being a “newbie” to making money on the intetnet, I’ve only spent about $600 so far on different.
As Eric mentioned in lesson five, none of them seemed to offer all the information I needed to get a business up and running. And although I haven’t purchased anything too pricey yet, some of the internet offers I looked at were $1000 - $3000 per product.
I am so relieved to hear Eric say - put your wallet away! I’ll gladly do that!
Thank you, Eric, for helping out us newbies!
Kathleen
hey eric, thanks alot for the tips and everything to make an online business..been struggling for some time to get a business started but getting stuck here and there…your work here has given me inspiration in the right direction and i salute you for that…learning as we move along i can’t wait for the next lesson…lol …cheers …thanx for helping us newbies,
eric
Hello Eric!
This is great information! I am loving it! Can you send more lessons in a day? Some of us may want to go faster. Thanks!
Thanks! Actually I’m releasing the lessons as I make them. So you’re getting them as fast as I can…
Eric, can you send me all the lessons by tomorrow ?…..NO, I AM JUST JOKING !
For quality content, I am prepared to wait.Take your time. Thanks !
From: Timothy Hansen [mailto:concepts4u@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 6:02 PM
To: Eric’s Tips
Subject: RE: 18 ways to make money online! (LESSON #4)
Hi Eric,
I have to say lesson 4 is definetly a great one! However since you’ve been down this path I was wondering if you
could elaborate on some of the methods you mentioned.
Not to long ago I was downsized out of a tech job(blessing in disguise) and am looking to develop a Internet Marketing&Advertising
biz to the brick and mortar community..see my blog site http://www.timothyhansen.com look under pages where it says ebiz consulting.
Going well so far and I’ve actually signed 3 clients within a one month period, however here is my question to you
Since I’m a single dad with two kids fulltime and need to control my time what I’m trying to accomplish is keeping some of the basic bills paid as a freelancer while building up my clientele
My plan is to work as a Freelancer or paid blogger on a project basis and my skill set focuses more on “Monetizing a company website or blog so owners can develop other income streams.. From what I’ve seen on most Freelance sites,,jobs there typically seem to focus more on either Technical or Writing projects.. I really haven’t seen to many that cater to Sales&Marketing or Advertising. Do you know of any Freelance sites that have more of a focus in this skill set.
From what I’ve seen on the paid blogging sites, it seems the income is very small for the work involved and I’ve actually contacted some pay for review blog sites and never heard back from them, so I’m not very confident in this income stream.
I’ve bought products from you before (affiliate video brander) and both your advice and Michael Nicohlas’s have never steered me wrong in the past and you both seem very geniune and down to earth.
Any thoughts are respected and appreciated
Sincererly
Tim Hansen
Tim- I’m not too familiar with which freelancer sites are best for that particular type of work, but the one that comes to mind is http://www.guru.com They have a business consulting category.
If you are using your current site as the main “store front” of your consulting and paid blogger business, I would consider removing all the Adsense ads. When I visited it, it felt a bit like a “typical” made-for-adsense blog. Because you have to think about what your main objective of the site is. Is it to make money from Adsense, or is it to portray a good image to help you get jobs? The two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, but it doesn’t seem to be giving the best impression in its current state.
Based on what you’re doing, you may also do well to consider offline marketing. There are plenty of brick and mortar businesses wherever you live, who could use help getting online and/or imporving their online marketing efforts. The key there is to become confident as an internet marketing EXPERT, and then you can approach local businesses and easily close deals by demonstrating how you can improve their bottom line.
Also–as you know– the real money is going to be in your consulting/marketing business, NOT from freelance jobs. So as much as possible I would recommend focusing your energy to get more clients so you can get there faster and not worry about needing extra $$ from freelancing.
And I’m sure no one has bought a product because the price is going up or won’t be available tomorrow or after a certain number sells!
Or can’t really use it now, but will get it for later because it sounds soooo good.
Ted
Hi Ted….LOL! I think we have all done that!
That’s true, we called them ‘ROBNET’ Online. Business. Your points is good to be cautious.
Ths, regards.
Mohd
Hey Eric thanks again for a great lesson. I have had my fair share of being scammed in the past. I look forward to the many more lessons from you. Keep up the great work!
Dude, you’re pushing the “free line” off the cliff!
Thanks for the excellent content!
Regards,
Howard
Haha thanks man
My husband bought a course on trial from a well known marketer. He said he would not take any money out of his bank for 30 days. My husband decided it was not for him. I cancelled it after 3 weeks. He had taken $97 out and 2 days after I had cancelled took another $108.95 out of my account and then another $97 5 days later. After 3 letters he refunded 2x$97 but not the other $108.95. I have written to him through his support at least a dozen times and he has never replied to any of my letters nor has he refunded or explained the amount taken. Has anyone any ideas what I should do or is it a total loss. His name is Charles Ryder.
Im so sorry that this has happened to you! You can file a complaint with the online BBB. Also if you paid with a credit card I would suggest calling them and having the charge reversed(explain to them what happened)
We Give You 120 Individual Turnkey Websites With Your Paypal ID On Each
http://www.Instant-Paysites.com
Hi Eric,lesson #5 is really true I have been scammed and now I am very skeptic in what I buy.please continue to send these lessons.Thanks Eric.
P.S. I have sent you a mail have you received It?
Great post. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. I’ve always enjoyed getting posts from you, because they have so much useful information. Now, they will contain even more.
Gary
Sorry to say but I have neen cheated by one I thought was the greatest. Rich Sheflen charged my credit card $397 after I cancelled. I really don’t think I will ever get my money back even tho He said in one of his blogs that he would refund money.I am trusting God to make it right.
Mary
Hi Eric
I just wanted to thank you for your articles. I have been involved in computers for a long time and there are a lot of Phishing, Spyware, Malware and other pest in the Internet.
One of the services I really like for Phishing is OpenDNS. You use their DNS servers instead of your providers. You can even protect your children from certain bad websites.
Remember in the end it is still the Internet user that has to be on guard because no service seems to be 100% affective.
Darcy
Hi Darcy,
Could you please explain what you meant by open DNS and DNS servers. Thanks!
Thanks Eric for the info.
Eric is right.There ARE a lot of scammers out there though. There is no limit to how far a con artist will go to take your money. So you need to be on your guard. I 100% agree with him. So, people out there think first before you take an action.
If you want to start your own easy arts and crafts business online, visit http://www.easyartscraftstips.com.Use Eric’s tips to start your own online business.
Hi,
Thanks for your lessons and tips. I feel like an ‘insider’. I always read your emails. I started looking at IM a year ago and have amassed many free reports, ebooks, etc., and you can see why I get 175 emails a week from Marketers, but I do like to look through some of them…curiosity. My Bookmarks list is a mile long with IM products I could buy. Gees I didn’t know I could go to Clickbank for alot of them. I signed up for one guru’s program for which I paid a monthly fee of 39.95. I learned little from him because he wanted additional $$$ for every marketing ’sharpshooter’s video his Partners’ put out; then after 2 months all he did was, as an affiliate, promote other people’s products (some of which were already on my list!). I swiftly unsubscribed!
The IM products I don’t buy into are the sales pages where testimonials are given from the Marketer’s Affiliates or Partners where the Affiliates/Partners test/review the product then say the Marketer is crazy for selling you this at this price, or you’re crazy if you don’t buy it…but these people never say if or what their earnings are…because they don’t have any yet. Each review lists their website link; another marketing site. I’ve clicked through many of those links to see what’s going on; observing. Of course I understand it’s business to business selling but I’m looking for their stats, their critique, not their dream, not their gladhanding. Mind you, there are many many times I wanted to buy but my credit card would be maxed out. Since I have a cc balance and because you can use your cc or PayPal etc. for paying PPC and SEO etc., I wonder if there’s a sales pitch out there to “let your credit card pay off your credit card”. I might go for that…maybe:) Best.
Hi there…I couldn’t agree with you more that you need to be very careful when deciding which products to purchase or which ones will work best for you. Unfortunately the road you went down is very similar to the road most of us go down before we understand or know what works or doesn’t work. The good thing though is that we learn from past mistakes and it looks like you have learned from yours. I’ve personally learned the hard way also and I’m sure you will run accross a lot of people here that will state the same. Congratulations for moving on and best of luck with your business ventures
Great Eric!
I think scams are one of the roadblocks on the way and a big test we should pass to get there.
So, you did put this lesson in its right place.
One thing only i want to add for my fellows is:
“learn how to make money and avoid all the ideas of winning money; cause usually the winners end up being the losers”.
Braveheart
[…] LESSON #5: How to Avoid Scams […]
Aloha, Eric!
Thanks for the heads up on scams. Awareness is Power!
Aloha and Mahalo from Maui,
Melina
http://www.seminarswagbag.com
Yes, I know the feeling, spent money, attended seminars, bought ready made website, How can you really tell??? what’s real or what’s regurgitated crap… I mean you buy the products, but once you downloaded them or take them home from the seminar Where>>>>>>>>>>>is the support or who to call first. It made sense before you bought the product.. I have learned..I believe support with a real person is by far the most important thing and a legitimate way of doing business. Get you customer to understand…Do you agree???
Eric, I have spent lots of money on business opportunities online, some scams, some just hype. I really feel that you care about people and I know that I am going to really enjoy and benefit from your free videos. Thank you very much.
[…] Video Lesson #5 in Eric’s Tips blog is the source of this wisdom to which every beginner in internet marketing should heed; if only for their own good. Eric’s tips also has in store other very helpful and inspiring video tutorial lessons, 23 in all as of this writing. All of them are entirely free to watch! And many more valuable video tutorials will be found in Eric’s site soon. […]
Eric,
Buyer beware is right. I got scammed early even though I knew in gut that it was too good to be true. However it gave me the incentive to continue and make my money back with a legit online business. I learned a lot and know that I can be successful. My main site is up and more niche sites will follow.
Thanks again
I really appreciate your course. I have been on the Internet for may years. So many of the things you cover are not new to me; yet it is appreciated. I have not been successful on the Internet, except for selling a few items on E bay. Success on the Internet to me seems like a far away land, and impossible journey to the center on the earth. Yet I keep on trying; but spending less. Your course have peeked my interest.
Keep going
Hi, Eric and thanks for all these useful tips which can’t be found elsewhere. After watching lesson 5, I thought it’ll be a good idea to become an affiliate of your programs if you don’t mind. Pls let me know how to go about this if it’s possible. Thanks, Victoria
I’m sorry, I mistakingly typed in my old email address. victoria
Eric,thanks for lesson#5…some I have experienced unfortunately…but have learned not to believe everything that comes across…God bless u for sharing…signed up for your market tips this week…does it take awhile to process to get the info to me?…Carolina
yes, it is a good information. I not get lesson nr.4
Eric, thanks for alerting me about the scams.
Nilufer
I kept listening and thinking, where is the punch line? When is he going to say exactly how you can get scammed on the internet. We’ve all heard about the Nigerian scam, the Russian bridal scam, but people who get scammed by trying to make money online?? How?? By purchasing a clickbank product that doesn’t live up to expectations? Return it. E-Bay? What can you really buy on the Internet that’s risky? How can you lose money? Sorry my patience ran out and I stopped listening.
I am interested in getting into the internet business. But I am confronted, not with a product sale or such but with a fairly expensive mentoring offer. it’s expensive but they take you step by step over a 2 month period to lead you into structuring a lucrative internet business.
They called me from the US, I live in Belgium, they talked to me for an hour without real pressure to get in right away. one is Money Montage, the other one is power cash secrets. they seem legitimate in their layout, but how can you be sure, they are talking about €1500.00 ?
Hi Michael, I did buy both Money Montague and Power Cash secrets basic packages and i have been pressurised by them to get the mentoring so I was trying to pull out. i asked for money back from Money Montague and i have not got it yet. Not even a reply
Once again, thanks for the insightful video. I personally don’t feel I have ever been scammed, and quite frankly, I think many people cry scam to often when really they just wanted a free ride. However, I do know they are out there. I think most programs are legitimate. Sometimes it’s not the program that scammed you, but the person that brought you into the program. For example, a sponsor of an mlm program who mislead you. Or an affiliate marketer who used deceptive advertising to get you to click on his or her pay per click ad.
Hi Eric. My name is Lugui and I am from Mexico. Some day ago I discovered your website by an accident and suscribed to your newsletter because I want to start my own online business. The information that you share is worth. As the time went by I have learned that if one uses their common sense, will never be scammed (I’m saying this because I have been scammed).
Yes, Eric is right, use always your common sense. All you have a great day and thanks Eric for sharing your knowledge.
An excellent subject to plug in at this stage of the training. I was scammed by a leading computer manufacturer. The offer was buy a computer interest free for a year. They charged the purchase to my credit card (they needed the card number to prove my good payment history). It sounded too good to be true? A business friend suggested checking with the credit card company. I found out the truth and filed a complaint. The credit card company called the computer company and the charges were reversed the next day. You can never be too careful.
It is not fun to be scambed. Thank you for putting this out in the open for all to see. To keep yourself from being taken, to the best of your ability.
Dan and Deanna “Marketing Unscrambled”
Been scamed a few times also. Sometimes we get in too big of a hurry trying to make things happen. Good information!
JM
Being in a dire need of an income (as I am) is a perfect target for “scammers” specially if your a nubbie even in the simple opperation of a PC like (I am). So take Eric’s ADVICE very seriously on this subject, and make yourself a TARGET.
Thanks again Eric!
I watch your videos late at night and sometimes it’s like a warm cocoa after a hard day.
For example, today I got a reality check from a number of free ad companies who denied approval for my blog because of ‘not enough content’. I know it’s because I probably don’t know what I’m doing yet (with writing good blogs or marketing lol) but I am confident that soon I’ll be able to follow your model/s and highlight a few major gaps in my information field.
I think you’ve really hit the nail on the head by pointing out that a lack of integration of information is holding back many of us would-be online business owners.
Also, my faith in you as a good, spiritual person is a big reassurance.
Thanks again, Eric, for helping us avoid commom pitfalls. Like you, I’ve been scammed too. I’m at the point now, where I really don’t need to buy anything else.
Thanks for the timely remimder. I do know I shouldn’t, but somehow keep buyig stuff I don’t really need.
PS I’m glad I’m still on the list. I never saw items 1 or 4 (and they aren’t in my spam filter either.
Guy
Hi Eric!
Just want to thank you for your honest and so easy to understand lessons! You are deffenetly blessing for all of us out there with our hopes and dreams…I think that you are very honest man with a very good heart! Thank you again! I cant wait to get into my own internet marketing,so hopefully one day i can show my middle finger:) to my boss:)! Guys-never give up on your dreams,coz people without dreams-are dead…! Thank you Eric again,looking forward for the rest of the lessons…
Hi Eric,
I am really enjoying your tips which I hope can start turning me some profits. Anyway I have a question, prior to lesson 5 you sent an email that linked to a list building site, dollar monitor, well I checked the site out and even got my free website. My question is, “Is this a test to see if some of us pull out our wallets or see if they fall for a scam or is this a site you would personally promote”? I am a little gun shy since I have been scammed myself and I am trying to learn from my mistakes.
thanks,
ssgoldfactor,Skip
I never promoted dollar monitor… you must be thinking of an email from someone else?
Hey, Eric I know all to well about scams, i even had that gut feeling and still pulled my card out. Will I guess we all have to learn the hard way some times. Thanks, James
Hi Eric,
Heh. Heh. This lesson struck a chord with me.
So far I have avoided being scammed by online business opportunities, but I have to share an experience that made me feel I had been scammed — whether the perpetrator intended it or not.
Sharp marketing techniques by the seller led me to invest about $30 for an ebook (plus a BONUS ebook) on creating a job for myself writing articles for websites.
Unfortunately, the books were full of grammatical errors and obvious indications of hasty writing.
The only useful thing in either of them was a list of links to legitimate sites.
It was worth the the pain of losing 30 bucks to be educated against “investing” larger amounts in such schemes in the future.
Thanks,
Jack
As usual you are on the money. Thanks for the help. I need to make money NOW, and out of desperation I purchased some knowledge from Shawn Casey. He has a lot to say that involves further investment but it is sound advice. The problem is there is no investment capitol to be had these days and my credit is shot! The next thing is since I have no J.O.B. I need to make money somehow. What would you suggest?
i would suggest trying to save up some capital to help you start an online business. You don’t need much, but at least a couple hundred dollars. This is needed mainly for your website, possibly for a few tools, and to start getting traffic.
If you can’t come up with any funds to start your website, you can start by doing some free article marketing. Sign up for some affiliate programs, such as clickbank. Then write some articles related to the products you are promoting and submit them to free article directories. you can then earn commissions when people click your affiliate link in the article and buy the product. You can also find other free methods of driving traffic to your affiliate links.
I do not consider that to be a foundational way of building an online business, but it could be a good way to earn some commissions to get started. Some people earn $200/day using that method.
And keep following my lessons, which are free.
Thanks again, Eric, for helping us avoid commom pitfalls. next lesson please?
Being online for a while I know that most are scams. You have made some great points to keep people protected from throwing money away! Keep up the good work and thanks for the terrific tips.
Hey Eric, Thoroughly enjoy your tips. You’ve got my attention big time. Is there anyway to acquire an accelerated time frame of the tips? I’m on pins and needles waiting to get a copy of Butterfly Marketing through your link today. Thanks for the bonuses.
Ron Mettler
Hi Ron
you can get the current lessons here, but I’m still making them:
http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/
Due to the server crashing, Mike announced that everyone who is waiting will be able to order a copy of BM tonight or tomorrow, so don’t stress about it
Eric -
Mike’s BFM2 order page is showing an announcement that everyone will get a copy even if they exceed 5,000 orders.
could you teel me if you have an opinion about gdi, and what it is?
It’s not a scam per se, but their marketing tactics are annoying, and it is not worth your time. Better to invest your time building your business rather than theirs.
Hi Eric, I like your style, also would you like to direct our marketing, if so gather all of your marketing Buddies, and we will work it out through you. we can begin with global internet center.com you guys build it and i will point or DNS it to ya.
Ivan DelValle
World & LocalsuperCenter.com
any way of getting more lessons a day thanks doug
You can find the more current ones here on my site. I’m planning on releasing them all in a package on CD/DVD once I’m done making them.
Eric -
Love your honesty and perspectives on this industry. Looking forward to future postings.
Keep up the good work!
Peter
I have several sites I’m trying to make money at, just wish I’d have discovered you before wasting Thousands of Dollars. Thanks, I’ll be Blogging about you on Blogger.com. It’s mlrhodes-scamsuncovered.blogspot.com. Dont’ worry it’ll be a Good Blog.
Hi, Eric:
Like you said, be an educated consumer first.
I am new in this online business stuffs. I have to admit that there are really a lot of “opportunities” or “information on how to…” kind of stuffs out there, that really overwhelmed and overloaded people like me, don’t really know where to start from. But since I found your site, and after listened for 5 video lessons, I think what you told us make sense and really useful to people like me. So, now here is what I will do as a starting point for my online business stuffs. First, learn how to build a good content website by learning the step by step guide from “SiteBuildIt”. Second, I will watch your videos everyday. I think that should be enough for a beginner, am I right? Of course, I will keep my wallet away for now.
Thanks & regards,
Rick Ng
From Penang, Malaysia
Glad to hear this one on scams. Tryed to download your free e-books but can’t read them. Why is that?
Hmm… what error are you getting? They are PDF’s so you should be able to read it with Adobe Reader, which you can download for free.
Hi Eric.
To reiterate, I was able to download eBay Cash and the 2nd bonus ebook (have not looked at them yet). I posted the error message I received in the Week #4 blog area.
I have received emails from eBay and PayPal that were phishing emails. When I first got ones from eBay, I would frantically search my selling area looking for the item number they to which they were referring. Of course, it was not there. After a search through the Help area, I discovered an answer to the scams.
For eBay, forward the message with No changes to spoof@ebay.com.
For PayPal, forward the message, again with NO changes, to spoof@paypal.com.
Both of these companies take spam very seriously and work to find who sent them and give them their just rewards or at least shut them down.
If you get an email asking for private information from a bank or other entity with which you have an account, call them to see if they sent the email. Ask them if they have an email where you can forward the email you received.
I received an email from a furniture store in either Great Britain or Italy (Italian name) offering me an accounts receivable position here in the U.S. It sounded legit at first, but then I figured it was a copy-cat of the other foreign money laundering (for lack of any other way of saying it) and deleted the messages.
One more tip: I send all money-making emails, except AWeber, HomeCash and Eric’s to my scam folder. I do not unsubscribe because I do not want the scammers to know they reached a real email address. One computer “geek” I know said that when you send one unsubscribe email, you get at least 10 to replace it. Who needs that?!
While Lesson #5 did not provide any really new information for me, it was a great reminder that my personal worth does not lie in filling other people’s pockets. I have even stopped studying the lessons for HomeCash because it seems like everywhere you turn there is something more to buy. I am getting some other lessons from Web Traffic Machines, but I think I will put that off for a while too. I need to drive traffic to Bonanzle, eBay and my online pharmacy, but I do not want to have to invest in the full program for each store. That has to be a better way!!! Do you have any advice, Eric?
I am looking forward to moving forward. Great lessons. I love that they are so short and to the point. I study each lesson almost the minute it hits my inbox. There are advantages to being on the computer almost all the time.
I replied to your lesson 4 comment now.
I will be covering traffic gneration in depth later on in the lessons, so my best advice for now is to keep taking it one step at a time.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for another good report. I receive a lot of phishing e-mails, but they are easier to spot than the scams for making money online.
I have learned my lesson and it did cost. I look forward to the next report.
Hi Eric,
I’m really taking notice of your tutorials i like the way you are sending them to me Cheers.
Francis Brown New Zealand
Eric,
Thank you for the no B.S. good sound information you have sent me via email. I’m always looking for more traffic to my site. But your sound practices have earned you a spot in the trustworthy column. Thanks
More free traffic…
Rick
Hi Eric,
I wish I had this information last year when I was desperate enough to be scammed out of a great deal of money. I am still looking for an internet business but I’m not as desperate, broke but not desperate. I am looking forward to more of your lessons and really learning something. You are easy to follow. Thanks and God Bless.
Ok guy’s…I took the leap..have my own web site..un-published as of yet but I did it! I’m still working on exactly what I’m going to sell and I really consider it more of a “test” site due to the fact that is all free.
Thanks guy’s…YOU ALL ROCK!
Darla
P.S. Eric I am waiting with baited breath for the next lesson!
Thanks for this great lesson.I have been a victim of scams also but feel that this is part of the process. A lot of successful entrepreneurs admit to being victims at some point. Anyway thanks again.
hi Erick!
how can I create a folder for eric`s tips emails using Yahoo mail?
here’s instructions:
http://help.yahoo.com/tutorials/mmail/mmail/mm_manage2.html
eric this is my second read thru i’m currently on lesson eight i went back to the beiging after i finished leson eight and i left a post there don’t know how this works but i figure if you are publishing these tips(which i enjoy)you must have a way of getting new post to old lessons or else these comments wouldn’t be here.how could someone post a comment on lesson one and you answer while working on lesson eight or eighty?i don’t know how it works but after reaching lesson eight.i decided to go back and read the post,something i havn’t been doing.i been leaving random post to see if i can figure out how its done? my most serious question is posted on lesson one.until i get an answer to that i’m dead in the water.ilove your tips and do try to do as you say even if i have to go back and reread them from time to time.i’m going to jump ahead to another lesson to see if i get any answers i don’t expect any until at least lesson ten.
i have to much time on my hands and i’m so eager to get started i can’t stand it.but i already know i got ahead of myself so now i’m on hold awaitng a reply.keep up the good work. to other newbies these are the best lessons you will ever learn.don’t give up on eric’s tips he is always there for you.i learned not to get ahead of myself to late so i’m going back over everything.good luck to you all the iceman.
Many Thanks Eric for this free service to help people to understand how the internet works for online business. I am glad that you touched on the subject of scams and I will be looking at my credit card statement carefully this month. I have unsubscribed to many Marketers already filling up my inbox with outragous claims for income online.
Everything that I have been doing is put on hold so that I can absorb your materials.My small brick and morter business is in progress and I feel confident that your experience in marketing will help me alot to market my Eco Friendly Tropical Resort Style Living services.
I am new to your site and look forward to receiving your Knowledge Eric. Thank You
Regards Barry C Anderson
Islandmountaintropics@hotmail.com
I like the tutorials very much so far Eric. Keep them coming.
Hi Eric:
I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate what you are doing for me. I kind of jumped into the web business thinking this would be an overnite success. Of course, I found out that it is much harder to do than I expected. I feel like I was led to your site to become involved in your lessons. You have already taught me a valuable lesson - Put the wallet away and learn about what you are doing first!
Eric!!!!!!!! Sees your video and thanks.
The money learns the method which earns well. I at once am appear impression the thing to become the rich man.
All blessing …….. joyful weekend….
Hi Eric,
Thanks for this good work you are doing. I have been wasting to much time trying to figure out how to start making money online,i hope this would just be the gateway.
best regards
Hey Eric, thanks for all the imput so far, wish I had started with you earlier,could have stopped me being scammed !! Keep up the good work, listening intently!!
Cheers.
Hi Eric, thanks for the information. I learned a few new things.
thanks,
dyuane
Hi Eric you are doing a great job may God reward you accordingly,please you mentioned FTC on tips to avoid scams.I clicked on it but the url could not find the server.pls kindly send me cogent tips to identify internet scams
Hello Olarinde,
Thanks for letting us know. This link should work for you:
http://www.ftc.gov/
You may also want to view this link to help you identify and avoid internet scams:
http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/internetschemes.htm
Eric,
You have been the FIRST person who really gets down with to the nitty gritty. You provide insights that makes me really look indepth about internet marketing. I have found a trust factor in what you say. I have been bombarded by other internet “gurus” about getting this and getting that because they say it will make you a ton of money. I view these as just selling out and not really caring about the student. Thanks for being a down to earth guy. I look forward to your other lessons and will be viewing your archives to see what I missed. I would trust your recommendations. Keep ‘um coming! Aloha
Eric, can you step in the production of these lessons, like maybe ten a day,LOL.
Dan Atkins.
Yep. I’ve been scammed too. And I’ve bought a ton of info products that aren’t worth all that much, but, some of them are. Lately I’ve only been buying software programs that do specific things for me.
Hi Eric,
I nearly found my way on a plane to London to collect lottery winnings once. The warning bells clanged when I was asked to send a fee to them to help me collect my winnings.
Regards Butch
Hi Eric,
Your FTC link to http://www.ftc.gov/bizopps/ looks to be broken; i get a 404 not found link. Although the FTC is still there
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Mark
Thanks for the heads up. How nice of them to not have a friendly 404 page
I found the new link:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/bizopps/index.html
hello eric. pls i want to thank you for the good work you are doing. I have personnally fell for one ddubious marketer i.e online-dataentry.com which i paid tbe registration fee for but they refused to send the login instruction and password. Pls, i am interested in data entry for companies. can you pls tell me anyone that is legitimate and the people working there are not dubious.
Most of the “data entry” products marketed are actually bait and switch marketing pitches for ebooks that teach about affiliate marketing.
However it is possible to find legitimate data entry jobs. I would suggest trying to find some freelance work on a site such as Elance.com or Rentacoder and then see if you can turn it into a long-term gig.
What about web traffic machines? Is it a scam site ? I installed some of them and I suspect its spyware
No it is not a scam, or spyware. Some anti-spyware software may detect it because it does connect to the internet to check for updates.
Eric, I wish I had met you before sept!
Eric, whats the possibility of stepping up your tutorials? I would be very interested indeed!!! Please advise.
Many thanks
If you want to work ahead you can view the current lessons here:
http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/
I just really recommend NOT skipping any lessons.
Hi Eric
I would also like to move a bit faster and would like to know if I can access the lessons on my own without have to receive them one at a time Thanks John
Yes you can also access them at the link above, just be sure to go in order.
Thanks eric, though i have spend quality time trying 2 differiate bw real biz and spam. i think u have made it much simpler.
Want to know if something is a scam? In GOOGLE, type the product/service name plus the word “scam”. You’ll immediately see what negative things others have had to say about the same product. Try “free internet tv scam” for starters!
Hi Eric,It’s nice of you to give us a lesson about How To Avoid Scams.At least we should be very carefulof joining HomeBased Business opportunies .Instead to earn money you loss lots of money!We have to be smart now. You are right, investigate the company first’ Thanks for your feedback ! God Bless!
Hi Eric
Thanks for the lessons, I think they are God sent. I have always wanted these things explained in plain english. I am in Botswana do the FTC regulations apply to me?
Yes and no. If you’re selling to people in the US then I believe they do have some jurisdiction, so I’d play it safe and stick with their rules.
Great info! Eric even though it’s just couple of days ago that i subscribe to your list, i am beginning to like you. Thanks a great deal for being whom you are.
Thanks Eric,
I’m glad you are informing people about all this stuff. I agree if it seems too good to be true it definitely is.
I don’t feel that I have been scammed. I have burned myself though. Mainly with Google Adwords. I’m fairly cautious, but chasing an idea can end up costing a few hundred bucks. It’s can be very easy to get sidetracked and start chasing ideas. It may be easier to pay for traffic or advertising, but if your new to this then you have no solid idea of how to create the sales funnel or follow up. It’s much easier, to stand back, take the longer and more free route and learn along the way.
Hi, Just started learning you’re lessons and they are all (so far)great and easy to understand. You teach without being pushy.Really makes us, your students, want to keep learning these lessons. But I must say that, the intro music makes me laugh. For some strange reason, it reminds me of old intro porn music? Not that i’ve seen old porn movies or anything. Maybe that’s just what I imagine old porn music to be? I don’t know? I thought I could make some people laugh with my thougts? Um…main point is…Keep up the great tutoring! Jo (AU)
Hello Eric… I consider myself to be quite Internet savvy, but I also was almost scamed by the Nigeria Connections. That was at a time when I was selling orgenic fertilizer. They told me that they want to make a big order on my fertilizer, but I was supposed to buy some documents of the Benin Government first. They have sent me many documnents which were looking absolutely real. Lucky me, I have made a lot of research, and figured out that this was a big scam.
You never can be too careful…!!!
Thanks fot the tip,
Arne
Thank You Mr Eric, i m from Malaysia, and i met a lot of scams thru the internet as bcoz i m a newbie, thank you for your lessons, its so great,
Hi Eric,
Lesson 5 says not to buy any businesses. I clicked on a link on your page to mytrafficbusiness.com are you saying to stay away from buying that business????
Good point. But remember my caveat… don’t buy business opportunities, UNLESS you know what you’re going to do with it.
Hi Eric
Iam enjoying your lessons i have a question for you iam new in online business and iam very excited to start if i open an ebay store can you recomand a dropshipper that i can use to get my product and sell it on my store on ebay
Thanks look froward to hear from you
Here are some resources to learn more about selling on Ebay:
Silent Sales Machine
Tom Barnes
Salehoo Wholesale directory
Only yesterday I bought your Trading Pro-System, and I thank you for the opportunity and especially for these tips and lessons, they sound very rewarding. I do hope I succeed in the Business… at the moment I feel overwhelmed by it all and ready to learn.
I am somewhat confused though. In this lesson you just mentioned not to buy any business, nor spend any money especially if it all sounds too good to be true!! Not being sarcastic here, but you’re making me feel somewhat guilty, especially after my newest investment. Please reply on this, need to hear it will be ok.
Again remember my caveat… “unless you know what you’re going to do with it.”
I personally buy reseller and PLR products all the time because I know how to use them.
If you don’t yet know how to use them, don’t feel bad or guilty. Just learn how to use it before buying more of the same kind of thing
Dear Eric can you send more lessons in one day so I can learn faster? It will take 3 months sending one lesson at day.
I truly enjoyed it all and so ready to learn and become successful. Thanks Barbara
Hi Barbara!
If you notice on the right side of the page, close to the bottom, there is a link that says “LESSONS” if you click it, it will show all the lessons posted so far.
Regards
lei en uno de los comentario que todo va paso a paso y es una realidad, pues a medida que uno va viendo las cosas paso a paso asi se llega, dios les ebndiga a todos.
hey these are very useful tips , i hope i would have known it little before
Hi Eric. I signed up this cauple months ago: http://www.scambusters.org/
Thanks for the information,
Kari
hi Eric
thanks a lot about this informations
and i am asking if there is software against scamers
The only software I can think of would be antivirus and anti-malware software to protect against trojans and other attacks. But those won’t protect you from various online scams.
and there is another qustion if i have free website can i use it for making money or i have to have my own site
Sure you can use free websites to make money as a tactic. It’s a good way to use free resources. However, your sites could disappear overnight because you don’t own that web space, and you don’t have full control over it. It’s best to have your main website on your own domain. Then you can use free stuff for additional marketing/SEO purposes.
I explain this in lesson #23 and 24.
Bonjour Eric, it must be a day for Kiwis. I am a kiwi living in Mauritius and would like to thank you for the difference that you are making in so many lives around the world! Thanks
Avoid Scamssss lol
Thanks, Eric; Yes! I’ve been burnt too with scams - I didn’t know about searching on-line for “scams”. Still - I know now!
Thanks
Murray J Greene
Cairns, Australia
Hello Eric, So far so good… When will the work start? Looking forward to it!
The “work” doesn’t start until about lesson 19. We have to put in some mental work to build a preliminary foundation first
Been scammed before, but I’m much more vigilant now!! That’s for sure!!
I find it interesting for you to tell me not to buy anything but yet you were sure willing to take my $134.00 for the program you sold me interesting huh?
I never said not to ever buy anything. I said stop buying stuff you don’t need. I also said not to buy “business opportunities” unless you know what you’re doing. I also said that there are a few things you do need to buy, and some other things that might be helpful for your business.
The reasons I said those things in this lesson and lesson #3 are…
1) Many newbies get into the habit of buying one product after another. They are chasing after false hope without going through the real steps of building a business. They need to start building their business the right way, THEN they can choose to buy products that may have a good ROI.
2) A high percentage of products sold as “business opportunities” are scams. Therefore you should be particularly leary of such products.
I do sell various products which I believe are helpful to the people they are intended for. And YES, if you attempt to buy one of my products I will accept your money! Selling products is a major part of my business. It’s also the business model that I’m TEACHING. So it should not come as a surprise that I practice what I teach.
thank you
Why isn´t anything being done about scamming on-line? Is it just because it´s about money? It´s still stealing. I was scammed by Mary Gersten and her Global Cash Flow network. A nice young man called me in October 2009 and said I could earn money on line and that they would set up 2 internet sites for me for a one time cost of 300 dollars. He was a mormon so I said “One mormon to another is this a good deal?” He said “Yes, you´ll earn your money back before christmas, and if you don´t succeed you have a 12 month refund gaurantee.” So I paid the money. A couple of weeks later my stuff arrived and then I got a call from my level 1 tutor who told me it would cost a further 1000 dollars to get the sites working. I didn´t have a 1000dollars. After that I never heard from them again. When I sent an e-mail it was returned, NOT ABLE TO DELIVER!
What I find most amusing is that all these gurus say they will not share your information but the day after you sign up for anything you will suddenly find you mail box full of other gurus wanting to sell you stuff. So when they say they are protecting your information they are lying, if they lie about that then they will lie about anything!
Hi
I agree with you, the internet is full of liars. I look out for PayPal and Clickbank myself. I think paydot.com and Amazon are OK but I have never used them. I really like Erics approach…
Congress needs to pass and enforce laws to
put an end to internet scams.
These scammers just waste peoples time and
money.
Providing diclosure of earnings should be mandatory and should be easily accessable to
the public on an FTC website. Promoting any money making opputunity without submitting the
earnings or providing bogus earnings
to the FTC website should be a federal offense
with a year in prision.
Eric,
I recieve vast amounts of spam scam as i like to refer to it from many senders daily telling me i won a large amount of money or that some millionaire has deceased and left me his fortune.
And i got hacked in my paypal just three days before X-mas this past year. I got caught of guard by an email the hack was for aprox $13,000.00 but fouratanetly all funds were recovered . SO i suggest that the readers of Eric”S Tips pay close attention to their emails so as not to go though the paypal hack
Some anti virus software will warn you that a website is suspicious,I have recently started using an anti virus program that was designed in New Zealand is where you can find them.As I have been down the road that Eric is describing,namely jumping from one opportunity to another, you not only wast lots of money but you end up with hundreds of Emails cluttering you inbox. Have you tried to unsubscibe to some of them, almost impossible.
Hi Eric . Really enjoying the course and the open way you are dealing with it . On requesting your niche market report , the offer comes up for the PLR package . Is this something I should get now , is there any downside to it at this stage , and do you use this as material to sell or use as a freebie?
Mike
I’m a big believer in PLR, as I’ve been both a buyer and seller of it for many years. I don’t see any downside of buying it, other than it’s pointless to buy something if it’s going to sit on your hard drive and not get used. PLR can be good for selling AND as a freebie to build your list (In lesson #60-62 I talk about freebies for your opt-in page). So as a rule of thumb, buy it if you have a plan to monetize it. Don’t buy it if you don’t yet know what you’re going to do with it.
Eric, while I enjoy your lessons, I do believe that spreading them out for a 100 days is not very productive. I would like to get on with building my online business, and waiting 100 days is a bit too long. Can you send out at least 2 lessons per day, which would cut the waiting time to 50 days (much more reasonable).
Thanks for all you’re are doing.
I WANTED TO PASS ON SOME WISDOM HERE BUT I’M NOT SURE I HAVE ANY TO SHARE.I DON’T KNOW ERIC BUT EVEN I AT AGE 75 CAN SEE THAT HE HAS THE WISDOM TO NOT FEED YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN DIGEST AT ANY ONE TIME.
Hi Eric. I’ve recently started watching your videos, and I admire your way of conveying your message of making successful online business. I find your lessons quite interesting, informative, and useful.
i would like your opinion on good article directories which I can use to promote my products.
Hi Eric
Good topic I was recently catch up in a scam on skype. I realized after he asked for money but he impersonate this person so well he had for fooled for quit few weeks.
Take Care
Hi Eric
I live in Ireland,and I find your lessons quite interesting, informative, and useful.
Thanks for all you’re are doing.
Thanks Erick
Hello Eric,
Love Your Videos ,Very true in the internet world I Personally guaranteed most of us came across scams a time or two. its a very taunting aggrevating feeling, Awesome Videos Eric Keep up the ‘FANTASTIC WORK’.
http://www.digiproductsmarketing.net/digistore
hi eric
you are very onest & man with positive energy..
thank you for all…
best regards
nazanin
Hi Eric
You hit the bullseye on target, every time. Your lesson 5 confirms my thinking completely.
Many thanks and God Bless
Thank you for the info on scams because I have been scammed many times. Where you get 10% of…Now I say why can’t the company work it out themsleves they don’t need me if you understand…….JAD
Hello Eric. Thank you for sharing your expertise about scams. I found a website that I consider reliable in weaning out the scammers from legitimate opportunities. I’d like to share the link for everybody’s benefit. Here it is! http://www.ripoffreport.com
I hope everyone finds it useful
Sincerely,
Claude
Eric
I am what you would call a NEWBE. I have already spent over 300 dollars trying to start making money on the internet and have gotten no where. What you’re saying makes total sense. I’m excited and looking forward to the next 95 TIPS.
Thanx, Al
Dear Eric
Yes I want to share my experience because I just been scam as well, and it happens the same day I join your Eric’s tip. They promise me to return the amoount of $599.00 but again I still been charage for another amount of $699.00. I had been sending them emails and hopefully they will do what they do what is right.
By the way I had already alert my bank and if they will not return the money they will submit a dispute.
The information you just told us is a very helpful tips and much appreciated.
Thank you so much and I will keep posted this organization. I cannot say the name because I am hoping they will return the money as they promise.
Yours sincererely
Leticia Morgan
hi eric
really I am enjoying the course and the tips of
youras
thank have A GREAT DAY
THNAKS FOR THE EXCELLENT CONTENT..YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING GREAT
OK, I am floored. When you said about not to buy anything my jaw just dropped. Usually, when I go to something like this tip page they try to push you to buy something. Well, you have my attention.
And thanks, what you been saying does make sense.
Hello Eric
Lesson-5 was good. Like many people, we have been scammed a few times. On one scam we even took the idea to a financial advisor before taking the buy-in any further. The advisor told us that it was impossible to guarantee the amount of traffic we we’re being promised for the web-site that was part of the online business they wanted us to buy into.
Another situation was a kind-of-high monthly payment plan for a series of internet business lessons from a supposedly well known financial wizard. After checking out the man, and his business, through the better business bureau–we found that he mostly had, with a few exceptions, reports on him that were mostly in the toilet.
The bottom line, we discovered–like your lessons teach us–is do our research, when and where possible, before putting any serious money into anything that usually sounds to good to be true.
The fact is, for every real online business opportunity there is out there–there is probably about a hundred or more scams to match.
As far as your Eric’s Tips are concerned, I have found that you are a rare breed, sir. It is not often when a professional is willing to teach for little or no payment.
I applaud you, Eric
Thank You
Good advice!! I look forward to lesson #6.
but how we decide that this scam or not.
hello eric
Again I would like to thank you for your tips.
I am writing this without prejudice, or intent of threat. Mearly freedom of speech. Lesson Learned. I feel I have contracted “Mad-Blog Disease” symptoms seeming to be “Where oh Where has my little Blog Gone” possibly contracted from The Masters Of Confussion. For being told that my websites are on line for life, but seems they can only be reach with my PC. Further results of “Mad-Blog Disease” are: Webste Lost for life With No Perscription For Cure. Written by authentic author of “Blog Onit Any-How $400 a Day from the most comfortable chair in my home”. Best of luck to all, in hopes that they protect their endevourse to Success right from the start. the start being before the very frst push of that buttonFor a person should not suffer when only trying to cure their suffering.
I would like to thank you for all the honest information. I know that you are a man of GOD! Because your actions prove that! There is a lot I would like to say but I want for now. PS I have already made a lot of mistakes that you mention in your first five lesson. That has changed because of your GOD sent message! THANK YOU!!
wow Eric. Thanks soo much.. Your very valueable.
Hi Eric, I truly appreciate all that you teach. Thank you!! I’ve been getting email from different names and when I open them, they all are the same products claining enormous amounts of money to be earned. I don’t know which is a scam and which is not. And the price of the product/s being offered goes from $97 and as you click away, it goes to as low as $7. I even got burned once because I bought a digital product several times (stupid of me) because the sender of the email had different sales pitches daily– just to find out that the money I paid was for 2 ebooks which I received 3 times. Need your advice. And what about the PLR with source code being sold for $1? Attractive, but doubtful. I am new in this and I wanna get into the biz but please guide me. Thanks Eric. God bless
You should be able to get a refund if you bought something twice from someone. Regarding PLR… it can be a good opportunity IF you know what to do with it. I do like using PLR from time to time, and I regularly buy and sell it. However, if you’re a newbie, the first thing you need to do is get your business going. That could involve using PLR to create your own product, but you can cross that bridge when we get there… around lesson #45.
Thank you, Eric. I will definitely stay for the long haul. I will follow your example. Thank you for being a blessing to us. By the way you’re getting this from Manila, Philippines!!
ARSI BALTAZAR
Hi Eric, Thanks for a great lesson and the content was very good. Happy to hear from you that you were scammed also. I have been taken a couple of times and it is a terrible feeling. I started to laugh and actually rreplayed the lesson a 2nd time because I had to hear this another time - “Don’t buy any business opportunities” I just purchased a business opportunity from a young man. I did not and do not “know” the man but I did a little research on him and the information I gathered was unbelievable. If I did not know the site I was on I would have thought he had written the story himself. I came to respect him immencely after the reading I did But I did not do the research until after I had invested. I had a “GUT” feeling about the man from the verbage in his sales letter and what the sale proceeds were to be used for sold me more thatn the business opportunity. But I think that also should be noted as an exception to the rule. Not all young men on the Internet are the quality of man this man is. Well I will again say that this was an invaluable leswson and I sincerely hope everybody that has the pleasure to take this course heeds those guide lines you have put forth.
Take Care Bob
I completely agree with you. But, it is quite difficult to detect the scammers and the new people are being trapped easily. So, Thanx again for your very helpful lesson.
thankyou for helping me without asking for a bunch of cash first, as a newbie I am enjoying what I have heard so far.
Thank you for another great lrsson. I look forward to more. I mentioned this in another comment for your lessons: internetreportcard.com is a good sight to get input about the different IM programs for sale out there. Real people will tell you real info about which ones work, which ones don’t, which ones are scams and which ones are for real.
It does seem to be a good “consumer review” type of site. If anyone goes there, be sure to give me a good rating!
Hi Eric,
As someone residing outside the US ( Greece ), when to I have to think about that I must comply with the rules of FDC? If my server is based in the US or has it got to do with the TLD?
While the FTC doesn’t technically have jurisdiction outside the U.S., it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Eric I’m mentioning a site here, can u tell whether they are scammers or not?
[Url Edited]
Hello Pansy,
We didn’t have time to watch the entire video, but you might want to hold out for something a little more solid. It appeared to rely on spammy methods of marketing, in lieu of a real business!
Hi! Eric,
Thank you for wonderful tips.
I am a newbie but very willing to learn. Is it wise to include a freelancing business with a blog site and also sell stuff from the site? Need to know what’s best. Thanks again for the great tips Eric.
Hello Prue,
Many successful freelancers have no problems selling items at the same site or blog where they promote themselves!
Information has been enlighteng
I keep my personal cell number for my use. I filter my other incoming phone calls through my Skype number that I purchased. This eliminates the need to get engaged in a high pressure sales pitch. I just figure if they don’t leave a message I’m not missing anything important. It also helps me to feel more in control of my time and office.
Hi Eric, you’re right! I have ever fell victim to scam products like you said; especially for the first time I tried to be an internet marketer. It’s really so trod on toes…
Hi Eric,
I bought this system called Profit JackPot. When I bought it for somewhere around $45 I had no clue I was going to have drop another $200 - $300 into it to make it “More Secure”. I’ve been told I could do the system alone and make money but take the risk of getting slapped on hand by google for not following the rules (and maybe banned) because that’s not covered in the version I bought. In order to get the “Better Protection” and “Make More Money” I would need to spend more money. To top it off I can’t understand the instructor that’s teaching the course. Can you give me some advice on this please. By the way.. I really like your course and am taking notes. I’m ready to walk away from everything else and that I’ve lost money on and learn start over. Thanks for all you have to offer. Mo
I regret Posting this. I should have used better judgement before spending my money. This product “Profit Jackpot” may or may not work. It’s not their fault I can’t understand the instructor. I’m out the money… live and learn.
Good advice. BEWARE the UPSELL !
Great advice again Eric. Especially about not buying stuff!!! I’ve had an offer today that sounded fantastic but was gonna cost me £5000!
There’s no way I can afford to pay that kind of money. Also, many of these ads about systems & business offers etc…they only talk about what they are ‘not’..Not what they actually ‘are’!
If I buy anything, I want to know what I’m purchasing so I can make an informed decision
So,I think I’ll just sit tight and listen to more of your lessons first…Thanks Eric!
Max UK
Good advice Eric. i am full a wear of scams here and i get Re in my emails and i never open it just del them all…
Hello Eric,
I’m glad I came across your products and now this tip blog. I’m a begginer and I need all the help I can get. You are a pro and I know that I can learn from yout tips. Thanks for being honest!
Again you hit the nail on the head Eric. Google Panda will start to weed out all the rotten spun contents out there and if you think you can continue doing quick sites in auto pilot…. think again. Remember that if you are looking for a product or article on a particular subject… you want to read good value content and not spun crap. Those days are going to be over. Biggest scams are the ones playing on your emotions… depending on your personal desires, aspirations, needs, hardship etc.
Thanks again for your insights.
Shane
Hi Eric, I am following your videos every day, they are great! I received Lesson # 5 Oct 13 and today Oct 16 I received Lesson # 8. I am missing lessons #6 & #7, please send again.
Thank you,
Eduardo
Hello Eduardo,
You can visit EricsTips.com to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/
Here is the direct link to lessons 6 and 7:
http://www.ericstips.com/tips/lesson6/
http://www.ericstips.com/tips/lesson7/
If your email happens to block some of the lessons, we recommend that you view this tip on whitelisting an email address:
http://www.ericstips.com/whitelist/
I agree with the one who said the lessons aren’t coming as soon as I would like. This is a long-awaited goldmine of information. Thank you, Eric. Pastor and author Robert
Is there a source where one can find out whether some set-ups and the products they promote are scams? I am thinking of sites like “DayJobKiller”, etc
Hello Barbara,
Here is a site with over 4,200 reviews and user discussions, that you might want to check your potential purchases against:
http://www.imreportcard.com/
Here is a popular forum for internet marketers:
http://www.warriorforum.com/
You might want to do a search for discussions about products there, or start your own topic if there isn’t any information about a product you are interested in.