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Hey there and welcome back!
Online money-making scams in 2025 are more common than ever, so if you’re trying to earn online, you’ve probably seen some sketchy offers that can waste your time and money. I’m a former nail technician and stay-at-home mom who’s been exploring online earning.
Through my experiences, I’ve seen plenty of red flags. In this post, I’ll show you how to spot online money-making scams in 2025. For example, I’ll share examples of legit platforms versus scams and give you a simple checklist to stay safe. Let’s keep your wallet secure while you chase your online income dreams!
Why Online Money-Making Scams Are a Big Deal in 2025
The online world is booming. E-commerce is expected to be worth over $4 trillion globally. This means more opportunities to earn money online than ever before. However, with that growth comes a downside: more scams. With so many online money-making scams in 2025, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
You might also feel unsure about who to trust. I almost fell for a “get rich quick” scheme. They promised $1,000 a week for just “liking posts.” It sounded too good to be true, and it was. Falling for a scam doesn’t just cost you money. It can also waste your time and shake your confidence. As a result, it makes it harder to keep going.
5 Red Flags of Online Money-Making Scams in 2025
Here are five warning signs to watch for. These can help you spot online money-making scams in 2025 before they cost you:
1. Promises of Overnight Riches: If someone says you’ll “earn $10,000 in your first month” with no effort, run. Legit opportunities take time.
2. Upfront Fees: Real programs don’t ask for payment to join. So, beware of “starter kits” or “training fees.”
3. Lack of Clear Contact Info: If there’s no real company address, phone number, or email, it’s a red flag.
4. Pressure Tactics: Scams often push you to “act now” or “miss out forever.” They do this to stop you from thinking it through.
5. Vague Details: If they can’t explain exactly what you’ll be doing to earn money, walk away.
I learned to Google the company name plus “scam” to check for warnings. For instance, this trick has saved me from a few online earning scams in 2025. Want to learn more about scam tactics?
Now that you know what to avoid, you can start earning safely. Grab my free guide, “5 Simple Steps to Start Earning Online Without Overthinking,” to begin your journey the right way. Click here to get it now!
Legit Platforms vs. Common Scam Tactics
Let’s compare trustworthy platforms with common scam tactics so you can spot the difference and stay safe online.
Trustworthy Platforms to Try:
– ClickBank for High-Paying Offers: ClickBank is a solid choice for affiliate marketers, offering a huge range of digital products like eBooks and courses with generous commissions. It’s perfect for beginners building SEO-friendly blogs or niche sites. You can sign up for free and start promoting products that match your audience. Click here to check it out.
– CJ Affiliate for Premium Brands: Meanwhile, CJ Affiliate connects you with big-name merchants, making it ideal if you want to promote trusted products on a professional site. Additionally, its detailed reporting tools help you track clicks and conversions, so you can optimize your efforts with confidence. Click here to get started.
– Amazon Associates for Affiliate Marketing: Amazon Associates is a go-to because it’s transparent and backed by a reliable brand. For example, I use it to share products I love, and since it’s easy to integrate into blog posts, it’s perfect for beginners looking to earn through affiliate links. Click here to become an Amazon Associate.
Common Scam Tactics to Avoid:
– Fake Affiliate Networks: A “platform” might ask for a $50 “membership fee” to access “exclusive offers.” That’s a red flag, legit affiliate programs don’t charge you to join.
– Pyramid Schemes: A “marketing program” might promise big earnings but push you to recruit others instead of selling products. That’s a pyramid scheme, steer clear.
Don’t fall for internet money-making scams in 2025. Stick to proven platforms like these instead. If you’re launching a blog to promote affiliate links, Bluehost is a great hosting option.
It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and SEO-ready. Click here to get started with Bluehost. It’s a stress-free way to build a site that supports your affiliate goals.
5 Questions to Ask Before Joining Any Online Money-Making Program
Here’s a checklist to help you stay safe before joining any program:
1. Does the company have a real website and contact info?
2. Are they asking for money upfront to join?
3. Can they clearly explain what you’ll be doing to earn money?
4. Are there realistic earnings claims, or do they sound too good to be true?
5. What do online reviews say about them?
I keep this checklist on my phone. In fact, it’s helped me avoid online side hustle scams in 2025. Asking these questions is a great way to protect against online earning scams.
Once you find a legit program, an email list can help you grow. ConvertKit is a tool that’s great to use to stay in touch with your audience.
Growing your email list is so important in this business. It is crucial because it builds a direct connection with your audience, fostering trust and loyalty.
It also lets you promote offers consistently without relying on algorithms. Click here to get Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit) to start growing your email list.
You’re now ready to take action with confidence! Get my free guide, “5 Simple Steps to Start Earning Online Without Overthinking,” and start your scam-free journey today.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve fallen for online money-making scams in 2025, here’s how to bounce back:
– First, stop all communication with the scammer immediately.
– Next, report the scam to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or your country’s equivalent.
– Finally, warn others by sharing your experience in online communities, like Facebook groups.
I got scammed once, but I didn’t let it stop me. There are still legit ways to earn online. Therefore, don’t give up. Just be smarter about your next steps.
Online money-making scams in 2025 can be tricky. However, with the right knowledge, you can stay safe while building your online income. Use these red flags, compare platforms, and keep my checklist handy.
Want to start earning online without the stress? Grab my free PDF Guide, “5 Simple Steps to Start Earning Online Without Overthinking It.” Take your first step today, scam-free! Click here for the link.
So, what’s stopping you? Feel free to drop a comment below if you’re thinking about taking that first step, I’d love to hear from you. If you’ve got any worries holding you back, I’ve been there too and know it can feel daunting.
I’m happy to help if you need a hand. Check out the resources below when you’ve got a minute, they’re great for starting to earn online or growing your business. If you want to connect on social media, you can find me on all my platforms here, let’s grow together! Thanks for swinging by, hope to catch you again soon!
To Our Success,
🔍 Essential Resources to Elevate Your Business:
📖 The Iceberg Effect – Get your free copy (just cover shipping)! This book transformed my approach to affiliate marketing and can do the same for you.
📘 Affiliate Marketing Free Guide – Grab my free, step-by-step guide designed to help you kickstart your affiliate marketing success with ease.
📜 Legal Templates for Entrepreneurs – Protect your business with expert-crafted, attorney-approved legal documents tailored for online business owners.
💡 Kit – Your Email Marketing Solution – ConvertKit simplifies lead generation and automates email marketing to boost engagement. Build high-converting funnels and grow your audience with ease.
🌐 Bluehost – Reliable Web Hosting – Power your business with Bluehost’s fast and secure hosting solutions, perfect for building and scaling your website.
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*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you! 😊
It’s been so overwhelming worrying about scams. I didn’t know where to start. Thank you for giving me this much needed information.
Hi Judith,
I totally understand, it can feel really overwhelming at first. I’m so glad this info helped you and gave you a place to start. You’re not alone in this, and just taking that first step is a big deal. Thanks for coming by and have a nice day!
Meredith
Seems like when it comes to making money online not just those of us wanting to improve our situation financially are constantly competing against other marketers, but against these scammers as well. Which then puts more pressure on us to differentiate ourselves from the others. Whenever when we can get tools like your list it helps bring that pressure down. Thanks for your input and work in making this helpful tool.
Hi Ken,
Thank you so much! You’re absolutely right, it’s not just about standing out from other marketers, but also proving we’re not like the scammers out there. That pressure can be a lot. I’m really glad the list helped take some of that weight off. Tools like that make it easier to stay focused and build something honest. Thanks again for your kind words, they really mean a lot!
Meredith
Hi Meredith – This topic, not this post, really hit a nerve. Scammers are everywhere and they make legitimate business owners and people who are looking for solutions and value targets. This really angers me as I know that so many people have fallen for traps that have hurt them financially which leads to other issues. Thank you for your practical advice on what to look for and even as a bonus, you included some reputable solutions. I truly appreciate this post!
Hi Ernie,
I totally get what you mean, this topic hits a nerve for me too. It’s so upsetting how scammers take advantage of people who are just trying to build something real or find help. You’re right, it can hurt more than just your wallet. That’s why I wanted to share some clear signs to watch out for and offer a few trusted options to help people move forward safely. Thanks for coming by and have a nice day!
Meredith
It’s honestly wild how many “too good to be true” offers pop up. Your red flags list is gold—especially the pressure tactics one (been there, almost clicked 😅). Love how you break everything down without the fluff, and your journey from nail tech to online earner is super inspiring!
Hi Sarah,
I know, right? Those “too good to be true” offers are everywhere! I’ve almost clicked on a few myself That’s why I really wanted to share the red flags, especially the pressure tactics. I’m so glad you found it helpful, and it means a lot that you liked hearing about my journey. If it helps even one person stay safe and keep going, it’s all worth it!
Meredith
We are most vulnerable when we step outside the box and try new things, like starting our businesses, and people see vulnerability as an opportunity to take advantage. This is such an important post, Meredith! Love the simple checklist — so many people jump in without asking those key questions. Been there, learned the hard way too. Thanks for keeping it real and looking out for the rest of us!
Hi Alison,
Thank you so much! You said it perfectly, we really are the most vulnerable when we’re just starting out and trying something new. Sadly, that’s when scammers try to take advantage. I’m so glad the checklist helped! I’ve learned a lot the hard way too, and I just want to help others avoid those same mistakes. Thanks for your support,it truly means a lot!
Meredith
What a good idea you have had to write about scam. Scammers are everywhere but particularly noticeable online. What is more insulting than being a victim of a scammer? It’s so present that people must be aware and prepared to identify scam. Your post does that very well. I like you included a section about what to do if you have been scammed. It is a plague in our business and we must know how to report them efficiently.
Martin
Hi Martin,
Thank you, Martin! You’re so right, scams are everywhere online, and it’s such a frustrating and hurtful thing to go through. That’s why I felt it was important to talk about it and help people know what to watch out for. I’m glad the part about what to do if you’ve been scammed stood out to you—that info can really help someone in a tough spot. The more we talk about it, the more we can protect each other. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment!
Meredith
Meredith, Thanks for sharing this — I’ve been building my affiliate business while juggling family life and a full-time job, and I’ve definitely come across a few sketchy offers. One program promised big daily payouts just for sharing links, but when they asked for an upfront “training fee,” I backed out. I’ve since stuck to platforms like Warrior + and Amazon Associates, and they’ve been solid. Your checklist is a great reminder — I keep a similar one saved on my phone to stay sharp. Scams can shake your confidence, but with the right tools and real info, it’s still possible to build something genuine online.
Hi Atif,
Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounds like you’ve been through a lot while building your business, and I’m really glad you trusted your gut and walked away from that sketchy offer. That training fee red flag gets so many people. Warrior+ and Amazon Associates are smart choices—they’re solid and reliable. I use Amazon Associates but not Warrior+, I’ll have to check it out. Staying sharp and informed really makes a difference. You’re absolutely right—scams can be discouraging, but with the right tools and real support, we can build something real and lasting online. Keep going, you’re doing great!
Meredith