Here's a response that I received from a prospect regarding one of my ads.

--------------- Response Begins ------------
James, I have researched home based businesses for a while now and haven't found a legit won that doesn't take hard work to do. Required by the FCC & FTC I have the right to obtain the last 10 purchasers' names, addresses, and telephone numbers to contact them. I also want the comparison of how many have worked and haven't. As you and I know there are many scam artists on the web. Before I make an intelligent decision I need all the facts.
--------------- Response Ends ------------

Initially, I had very mixed emotions regarding how to respond to it. At first I was very upset about such an outlandish request. My thoughts were, "Who does this guy think he is? He must be crazy! Does he really think that I'm going to do all this work just to make a few bucks off a single sale?"

First of all... I don't know who he is. Why would I give him such confidential information regarding my customers? In my privacy statement, I made a commitment to you that I would not give your information out to third parties.

Secondly, how do I know how successful customers have been with this program, other than those who send me their feedback? Success, in my experience, is very much dependent upon how well one applies what has been imparted to them. One person can fail using the same information that another person experiences astronomical success with.

Once I did regain my faculties, here are a few things to look for when trying to spot a possible online scamster.

1. Is there a privacy statement on the Web site? The contents of a good privacy statement can tell you a lot about how the Web site owner behaves as a business person. If there is one, read it carefully. If there isn't one, tread carefully.
   
   
2. Can you spot a bona fide email address - avoid freebie email addresses. Many scamsters who make offers through an email message will use a freebie email address. Not all people using freebie email addresses are scamsters, but it does give a negative impression about the sender.
   
   
3. How about a street address - many scamster would not dare leave a trail for you to find them.
   
   
4. Any sign of a "working" phone number at the Web site - a scamster is not interested in having a casual chat with you.
   
   
5. What the heck are they selling - scamsters can come up with some of the most stealth products you can imagine. They can leave you puzzled regarding exactly what you're buying. Don't go for it!
   
   
6. If they do have contact information, will anyone answer your calls or emails?
   
   
7. Do they have credible testimonies? Using a person's initials only rather than providing contact information, leaves a lot of doubt about the credibility of the testimonials.
   
   
8. Have you used the services or products of this person or company before? This is by far the most reliable indicator of all. If you've had a positive experience before with the merchant, there is a near 100% chance that their offers are legitimate. Why? Because repeat business is where the GOLD is in Internet marketing.
   
   

Closing Comments

The items above are not all-inclusive of things to look for in determining if an offer is a scam or not. But they are some of the more fundamental things that you should be able to find at a credible merchant's Web site. Key point, just because the offer looks great, it's not reason enough to fall for its hook, line and sinker.

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Jim Turner, Publisher
admin@WebProfitSource.com
http://www.WebProfitSource.com