International Law

How To Spot Fraudulent Business Opportunities And Money Making Schemes?

Serge Dandelin writes about fraud and due diligence:

"Fraud. You find it everywhere. There is so much of it in today's world that you would think this is the rule and not the exception.

The fact is that many people find it easier to make money by cheating others than working hard. Sad but true.

Where does that leave you?

You need to be very circumspect when you buy something on the Net so you could spot the signs that point to fraud and protect yourself."

Mr. Dandelin, who is apparently a "Search Engine Optimization specialist and consultant" who has written over 300 articles in print and 5 published ebooks, proceeds to demonstrate that he knows very little about business opportunity laws.

Don't follow his advice.

At present, there is only one sure fire way to avoid a business opportunity fraud.

First, locate the regulator responsible for overseeing the sale of business opportunities in your state.

There are 26 such regulators.

Second, phone them up, or email them and ask if the seller is registered in your state.

Third, if they are not registered- pass on the opportunity. If they are registered, get a copy of their registration and start your due diligence - preferably by finding other people interested in the opportunity.

Here is an example, from the State of Washington. Coastal Vacations is a fraudulent business opportunity seller of work at home scams. In 2001, the State of Washington cracked down on them, and again in 2007.

But if you don't know where to look, then all the regulator's hard work goes out the window.

So why did Serge write up his silly article on fraud - when he had nothing of value to add?

Because he wants you to think that he is a trusted authority, which will make it easier for him to sell you some scammy SEO services.

Full post as published by Misleading Advertising Law on April 08, 2008 (boomark / email).