In the last few years, the Internet has provided seemingly endless opportunities for consumers.  Along with these opportunities have come an ever increasing number of fraudulent and abusive internet scams.  One area particularly rife with abuse is the marketing and sale of “business opportunities”.

Here are few scenarios to look out for:

Be your own boss and earn a fortune:  If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.  The only one likely to make a profit in many of these schemes is the outfit marketing the opportunity.  Be particularly wary of businesses aimed at helping non-technologically savvy clients make a “killing” through marketing products or selling ads on the internet.   At a minimum, make sure to talk to others who started businesses through the same company, get all promises in writing in advance, understand all details regarding initial and ongoing costs and other contractual terms before signing up, and research the company and individuals offering the opportunity.   Finally, reputable operations do not engage in high pressure, over-the-phone sales tactics to “close the deal”.  Get into the habit of requiring all offers to be sent to you in writing, and stating that you think over all such decisions for several days before committing.

Make money through the products and services you sell as well as those sold by people you recruit into the program:  Beware illegal pyramid schemes in which products are sold only to distributors like yourself, and there is actually no money to be made.  Avoid plans that require you to recruit distributors, buy expensive inventory, or commit to a minimum sales volume.

Get a free custom-designed website for a trial period:  The catch is that you may receive charges on your telephone bill or separate invoices, even if you never agreed to continue past the trial period.  If you need a website, work with a reputable web designer who has real references.  Although many reputable companies work on projects long distance, you might prefer finding someone local whom you can meet in person, as this can sometimes provide a comfort level missing from “virtual” arrangements.  Protect yourself by carefully reviewing telephone records and don’t hesitate to challenge charges that you don’t recognize.  One good sign that you ought to steer clear:  a business that doesn’t disclose its physical address.