How to Spot a Scam When Trying to Make Money Online

ByHayley

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Visual representation of a scam concept using toys, dice, and fake money on a white background.

The internet is full of promises: earn money from home, build passive income, make $500 a day with no experience. Sounds amazing, right? Unfortunately, many of these offers are too good to be true — and online money-making scams are everywhere.

So how can you tell the difference between a legit side hustle and a shady scheme? Whether you’re just starting out or have already dipped your toes in the online income world, this guide will show you exactly what red flags to watch out for.

🚨 7 Red Flags That Scream “Scam”

1. Big Promises, Zero Effort

If a website promises thousands of pounds/dollars with no skills, no work, and instant results — that’s your first red flag. Real money takes real effort (even online!).

Watch out for phrases like:

  • “Guaranteed income!”
  • “No experience needed — start earning TODAY”
  • “Just sign up and get rich”

Read more: Can you really make money from home stuffing envelopes? Spoiler alert – not likely!

2. You Have to Pay to Play

Some platforms ask you to pay a “membership fee” or “unlock earnings” before you can even see what’s inside.

💡 Tip: Paying for a course or toolkit is different from paying just to access vague promises. Always know what you’re buying.

3. No Clear Information About Who Runs It

If you can’t find a real name, address, or contact method, that’s a bad sign. Legitimate companies will have some level of transparency.

4. Fake Reviews or Over-the-Top Testimonials

Stock photo headshots, overused buzzwords, or comments like “I made $10,000 in my first month!!” — often fake.

Want real opinions? Check independent sources like:

  • Reddit forums
  • Trustpilot
  • Personal blogs

5. Vague or No Details on How You’ll Earn

If the site just says “earn money online” without explaining what you’ll actually be doing — surveys, freelance work, selling products, affiliate marketing — be cautious.

Legit platforms are clear about what’s involved.

Here’s my review of MakeMoneyOnl.io

6. No Proof of Payouts

A site that doesn’t show any real proof of payment or testimonials from real users is worth questioning. Many scams don’t pay out at all — or vanish when it’s time to cash out.

7. Bad Grammar, Weird URLs, or Pushy Tactics

Scam sites often have typos, strange URLs (like “makemoneyfast-now247.biz”), and a sense of urgency — “Only 3 spots left!” or “Act NOW before you lose your chance!”

Avoid these!

✅ How to Stay Safe When Exploring Online Income Options

  • Google the site + “scam” to see what comes up
  • Read independent blog reviews (not just testimonials on their site)
  • Join Facebook groups or Reddit subs like r/beermoney or r/sidehustle for real experiences
  • Stick with trusted platforms – you can find loads of real ways to make money online, here are a few tried and trusted:

    25 ways to make money on the weekends
    The best GPT sites for making money online

🤝 Not All Platforms Are Scams (But Do Your Homework)

There are genuine ways to make money online — I’ve tested loads of them over the years. In fact, I recently reviewed a platform called MakeMoneyOnl.io, which claims to help you make extra money online.

📌 Curious? Here’s my full take:
👉 Is MakeMoneyOnl.io Legit?

It’s not perfect, but it’s not a scam either!

💬 Final Thoughts

When it comes to online income, the best advice is this: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But don’t let that scare you off — there are safe, legit ways to earn money online.

Start small. Stay smart. Trust your gut.

And if you’re looking for some real, tested options — check out my guide to 10 legit websites like MakeMoneyOnl.io for some beginner-friendly ideas.

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