RED FLAGS
to Look for in Online Earning Programs/Systems

After one year of intensive research into affiliate marketing programs, I have become aware of many red flags to look for.  Yet even now, it sometimes takes a friend to help me see red flags.  I strongly suggest before you jump into any online earning program, talk it over with someone you can trust because they might see red flags you have missed.  If you don’t have someone you can talk to, take a step back and give yourself time, at least 48 hours, to consider everything about that program and its immediate impact on your finances before making a decision. 

It is never a good idea to make costly decisions while your emotions are heightened, and online earning “gurus” are quite skilled at heightening your emotions.  The idea is to get you to act (PAY) before you consider other possibilities or consider how it might impact your immediate financial situation.

Those “gurus” could not care less if you cannot pay your bills, feed your kids, or end up living on the streets; they just want your money.  There are countless stories from many people who have given thousands and tens of thousands of dollars to online “gurus” and have made nothing, zero, zip, nada, zilch. 

Do not let them scare you into giving them your hard-earned cash. And, if they, in any way, make you feel as though you are lazy, unmotivated, uncaring, or simply not destined for success if you don’t take their opportunity, don’t work with them.  Those are really sleazy marketing tactics, and in my opinion, those are sleazy marketers.  Regardless of what those online earning “gurus” tell you, chances are you have plenty of time to make that costly decision. If that opportunity actually does end, there are at least fifty more just like it that you can jump into.  That is not your only opportunity.

You have plenty of time

If you have sat through even one online earning webinar or training, there is a good chance you have seen a countdown timer at the bottom of the screen, telling you that your time is running out to get a reduced price. Yet, months later, you may stumble across the same program, with the same ticker, the same price, and the same high-pressure sales tactics. These high-pressure tactics used to be illegal, as they were meant to protect people from making costly decisions while under heightened emotions.

Don’t let them push you around

If a representative is pushing you to make a decision RIGHT NOW without giving you time to think, that is a major red flag. Granted, there are times when a price may be going up, but if the representative cares more about people than money, they will inform you well in advance so you have time to make an informed decision. They won’t tell you, “The price is going up at the end of this webinar or in the next 24 hours, so you need to get in NOW!” That kind of pressure is a huge red flag. For example, Authority Site/Authority Hacker, one of the highest-ranking online earning educational systems, gives you over five days to decide. They trust the quality of their system and don’t rely on high-pressure sales tactics. Their price is also significantly lower than many high-pressure sales programs I have researched. Yet, even with their system, months later you will find the same ticker, same price.

Make a list of the red flags

High-pressure sales tactics are just one of many red flags to watch for. DO NOT ignore red flags. Often, we see red flags but because everything else seems legitimate, or we want it to be, we push them aside. The more red flags we ignore or overlook, the more likely we are to miss many other red flags. Instead of dismissing them, make a note of each red flag, no matter how minor. When the webinar or presentation is over, take time to reflect on those red flags and do some research on the program, the company, and its founders. This due diligence will help you make a more informed decision.

For more information on how to research programs, companies, and founders click HERE.

Detailed Red Flags to Look For

Unclear or Unrealistic Promises:

• Too Good to Be True:
  • Promises of huge earnings with little to no effort should be approached with skepticism. Legitimate opportunities usually require time, effort, and skill.
• Lack of Details:
  • Programs that do not clearly explain how the money is made or how the system works should be avoided. Transparency is key in legitimate businesses.

Upfront Fees:

• Upfront Payments:
  • Be cautious of programs requiring significant upfront fees for training, materials, or memberships. While some legitimate opportunities may have fees, they should be reasonable and clearly justified.
• High Pressure Tactics:
  • High-pressure sales tactics to pay immediately or claims that the offer is limited-time only can be a red flag.

Lack of Verifiable Information:

• No Contact Information:
  • Legitimate businesses provide clear contact information, including a physical address and customer service phone number.
• No Online Presence:
  • If the program has little to no online presence or reviews, or if it’s difficult to find information about the company and its founders, be cautious.

Poor Reviews and Complaints:

• Negative Reviews:
  • Check for reviews and complaints on websites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and online forums. Be wary if there is consistent negative feedback or complaints about not receiving payments.
• Reviews for the Purpose of Marketing:
  • Be wary of pages that post their review of a program and then try to lead you to their favorite trusted program. Their review was for the sole purpose of getting you to buy something from them, and therefore not trustworthy.
• Fake Reviews:
  • Be cautious of programs with overly positive reviews that seem fake or scripted. Look for detailed, balanced reviews from real users. I have often found TrustPilot to be less than trustworthy when it comes to reviews. Do not use TrustPilot as your only source for reviews or research.

Unclear Business Model:

• Lack of Product or Service:
  • Programs that do not sell a tangible product or service but focus on recruiting new members to earn money can be pyramid schemes.
• Complex Commission Structures:
  • Overly complex commission structures and earning methods can be designed to confuse and deceive. Legitimate businesses usually have straightforward compensation plans.

Misleading or High-Pressure Marketing:

• Overhyped Marketing:
  • Beware of websites and advertisements that use hype, flashy graphics, and exaggerated claims to lure you in.
• Unsolicited Offers:
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited job offers or opportunities that come through email or social media, especially if they promise high earnings with minimal work.

Legal and Ethical Concerns:

• No Legal Disclosures:
  • Legitimate businesses usually have clear terms and conditions, privacy policies, and disclaimers. Lack of these legal documents is a red flag.
• Ethical Concerns:
  • Programs promoting unethical practices, such as spamming, misleading advertising, or exploiting others, should be avoided.

Affiliate and MLM Schemes:

• Recruitment Focused:
  • Be wary of programs that emphasize recruiting others over selling a product or service. This is a hallmark of pyramid schemes and certain MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing schemes).
• Unsustainable Model:
  • Schemes that require continuous recruitment of new members to sustain earnings are often unsustainable and can collapse, leaving you with losses.

Payment Issues:

• Delayed or Missed Payments:
  • Consistent issues with receiving payments or changing payout terms can be a sign of a problematic program.
• Unverifiable Payment Methods:
  • Be cautious of programs that use obscure or unverifiable payment methods. Reputable programs typically use standard payment methods like direct deposit, PayPal, or checks.

Other Red Flags:

• Sales Pitch Focused Training:
  • How much time is spent teaching you how to earn versus the time spent convincing you to join (pay) for their system, membership, or upgrades/upsells?
• Testimonials from Unknown Sources:
  • Testimonials that cannot be verified or come from individuals with no online presence are suspicious.
• No Refund Policy:
  • A lack of a clear refund policy, especially for upfront fees or purchases, is a red flag.

Examples of Legitimate Indicators

• Clear Business Model:
  • The program clearly explains how money is made and provides detailed information about the product or service being sold.
• Verifiable Success Stories:
  • Success stories and testimonials from individuals who can be contacted or verified independently.
• Transparent and Fair Fees:
  • Any and all fees are reasonable, justified, and clearly explained upfront.