During my 6 months of WA membership, I have read a number of sorry stories about scams which cost some WA members dearly. Most of scams were related to so-called high-ticket affiliate marketing schemes, which can be defined as tickets exceeding $1000. What surprised me is the frequency of such scams and the number of affected victims. I wanted to understand why people are attacted to such scams, and how to spot and avoid them. After some background checks and research, I noticed the following 3 SIGNS which should be considered as the red flags.

I will list the signs (red flags) below, and will provide some tips how to spot them. Please note that I do not idenitfy or single out any specific scheme. These are general observations only.

Sign Nr 1. - SECRET SYSTEM

A lot of high ticket scams claim to give you access to some sort of secret. It is usually presented as a SECRET METHOD, or a SECRET SYSTEM, that made somebody very rich. For some reason, you can gain access to this secret, but obviously as it is very exclusive, you have to pay to get access to it.

When you think about it, if the secret is so good, why would anybody want to part with it? Why not keep it to yourself and continue making the best use of it?

Well, clearly the secret is just a bait. The reality tends to be much more mundane - there is no system behind. The only system is to make you part with your money and to make the bad actors better off at your expense.

HOW TO SPOT: Watch out for the words SECRET and anything that would make you feel wondering why someone is ready to part with this secret at all.

HOW TO AVOID: Read reviews on BBB, watch YouTube movies.Try to see if the people behind the scheme have been featured (positively) in any press.

SIGN Nr 2. - GUARANTEED RETURNS

Whenever you see a scheme that promises you high returns, especially guaranteed returns, this should be a warning sign.

Let's assume that the alleged scheme works and is produces a certain level of performance. However, many things could have changed in the meantime. There could have been a change to search engine algorythms, or perhaps a change to the affiliate payout structure (as it happened with Amazon Associates earlier this year). Such changes can have dramatic impact on earnings and returns. On top of that, I can assure you that THERE WILL BE CHANGES going forward. They are bound to severely challenge the profitability of any ongoing scheme.

Moreover, most such schemes allege that you don't need to put any effort on your part. They hide behind the passive income mystery. The argument goes along the following lines: this is a passive income strategy. You don't need to do anything, the scheme produces results by itself.

Well, as anyone who has done affiliate marketing will tell you, money does not grow on trees! There is no return to be earned without persistent effort and commitment. STAY AWAY!!!

HOW TO SPOT: Anything that promises you high returns for little or no work.

HOW TO AVOID: Stick to honest schemes.

SIGN Nr 3. - PAY TO ACCESS

The last and biggest flag is the entry requirement to access the scheme. If all that is required on your part is to PAY, usually a significant amount, or make a series of payments that add up to $$$$, then this is likely to be a SCAM.

When you think about it, any reputable company would desire that its affiliate partners have some knowledge and skills to deliver its products and services. This is particularly important for any High Ticket scheme where a lot is at stake. If you can buy your way it, this means that you are no longer a seller, you are a BUYER.

HOW TO SPOT: No skills and prior experience required. All you need to do is make a payment.

HOW TO AVOID: Stick to schemes which use stringent prequalification for high-ticket partners.

I hope you found my post useful. Have you been affected by a scam? Any lessons and tips to add? I would love to hear your views and comments!

🌟

Nellya