How to tell a scam from an authentic business

I say business and scam in the same line very loosely!

They really can’t be lumped together, although I guess scammers are making good money.

I have been prey to a few scammers – I’ll list them in a bit shortly. Luckily I have not yet fallen victim to any – although it has been close! Some scams and scammers are pretty clever and go to exhaustive lengths to make it seem very authentic. When this happens I am spurred on by the fact that the more effort they go to means the more money they are making from it so it’s working and people are falling for it – so when that happens I ask more questions till I trip them up. IT’s quite fun actually.

List of some of the scams my business has been contacted by;

Facebook Allocations – very authentic sounding – a call centre in the UK, they name drop and know the company lingo – see my post on this and warn your downline if you are in a Network Marketing business.
Business Listing Companies – these are companies which contact businesses saying that you have listed with them before and would you like to renew your listing. They are fake. Be sure you know who you have listed your business with – you really should not have to pay to list your business with a Business Directory – they need your listing – so work on getting your own website ranked higher than their business directory listing site and you’ll have less need to list on these type of sites. Bottom line though – free listings are fine but don’t pay for one. There are legitimate ways to get your website ranked higher on Search Engines. If you’d like some fab training on this very thing just take a look at these products.
Anything based in Nigeria is usually a scam – usually by email – with a feigned attempt to make you believe you’ve one a million dollars – or even better yet inherited a fortune from a long lost cousin you have never heard of. Cool! While I don’t like generalising for some reason Nigeria is the home of these types of scammers.
Business Network LIstings – Who’s Who type listings… I thought this was authentic initially as they were advertising on LinkedIn – so I presumed, foolishly, that LinkedIn would surely not let a scam place ads on their website – but again – I was incorrect. So you fill in an application form to be listed on the Who’s Who of Business Directories… and then someone with a US Accent calls up and says congratulations you have been accepted! Now you just need to pay $200. I asked for a website of this so called directory – they couldn’t give it to me until I was a member…. completely suss. What is the point of being in a directory that no one can access unless they are a member – definitely a scam in my eyes.
Anyone claiming to place ads for you on Facebook – Facebook does not operate like this. If you get a call from a company posing to be intergated with Facebook then it will most likley be a scam at best.
Scammers posting on staff matching sites like au pair matching sites – posing as too good to be true families – then they ask fro money via Western Union

Questions to use when determining if you are speaking with a scammer or an authentic business;

What is your email address.
What is your website domain name – the email should be the persons name@ the domain name – otherwise it’s definitely suspicious and most likely a scammer.
Can I contact a current client of yours (don’t let them say this client will contact you – you need the number or email or both to initiate the contact yourself
What is their physical address – look it up on Google Earth – does the address match the company?

Other signs you may be talking to a scammer instead of an authentic business

They request you to pay via Western Union – Western Union’s own website states that it should only be used to pay people you know.

You hear a busy call centre in the background – often scammers are based in large rooms with many phones. Thats their method of operating. While a call centre isn’t a sign of a scam – it can be just one thing to think about while you are wondering “is this a scam or a real business”.

When you say no thanks they get mad. Normal businesses don’t do this. Scammers then try a guilt trip on you – why would I spend do much time talking to you, kind of approach. They get shitty quickly.

Someone on the phone is trying to tell you that you have a virus on your computer. You don’t yet but you will have unless you hang up!

Are MLM and Network Marketing Companies Scams?

Absolutely not – as long as they sell products. A Pyramid type scam scheme is when people just pay money to join the company and they don’t have the opportunity to sell or buy products. This is a scam so beware – think Ponsy Schemes. I am not sure why some people think MLMs and Network Marketing Companies are scams – most are very good business models and have outstanding products. They are a great way to work from home or earn extra cash – but it’s not for everyone. Owning your own business takes a certain kind of person and many join up to a MLM or Network Marketing Company thinking just joining will make them money LOL. Having your own business – and thats what joining a MLM or Network marketing Business is essentially – takes commitment, hard work and motivation. If you don’t have these three things don’t bother. Get a Lotto ticket – and let me know how that works out. :-).

I’m interested in making a list of scammers online – so if you have had any other experiences please comment below and I shall start an online directory of scammers.

by Vicki Kenny

ps – if you’re interested in joining my Team take a look at my site; www.home-business-opportunity.co or just take a closer look at this website you’re actually on now.