How to Spot Money-Making Scams (and Avoid Them)
We’ve all seen the adverts online promising a “life-changing opportunity” or the chance to make thousands in just a few hours a week. I’ve noticed a worrying increase in Bitcoin trading scams on Facebook, but these schemes come in many forms. The big question is: how do you spot a money-making scam before it costs you?
The Dream
Scammers know most of us would love to escape the 9–5, earn more money, and live a more comfortable life. So, the first step in their pitch is to sell you the dream. You’ll be told to imagine driving a sports car, working from the beach, or earning a six-figure income. Once you start picturing a better lifestyle, they’ll flatter you to make you feel like you’re the perfect candidate.
Copycat News Sites
A common trick is to disguise the scam as a genuine news story. The site might look like a BBC or Guardian article, but when you look closer, there are no other articles on the page. By law, paid promotions should be labelled as “advertisements”, but these scams rarely follow the rules.
Often, the scam website will disguise itself as a genuine news site. However, you’ll have a job finding any other “articles”. By law, they should say that it’s an advertisement, but they rarely do.
“Only for a Select Few”
To make you feel special, scammers pretend that the opportunity is exclusive. They’ll say things like:
- “You must be highly motivated.”
- “You need access to a computer.”
- “We only accept a limited number of people.”
In reality, everyone qualifies. The only thing they want is your money or your personal details.
Also worth reading
Take a look at how to avoid the parcel delivery scam.
Fake Endorsements
One of the most convincing tactics is using the names of celebrities or trusted figures. You’ll see Richard Branson, Lord Sugar, Martin Lewis, or even TV shows like This Morning linked to these schemes. There will be quotes and photos suggesting they support the scam, but none of it is real. If you look for the original source, you’ll find nothing.
Pressure Tactics
Legitimate businesses let you take time to decide. Scammers, on the other hand, will say things like “This offer expires in 2 hours” or “Only 10 spots left.” The goal is to stop you from thinking too much or asking for advice. Once they have your email or phone number, expect to be bombarded with calls and messages.
Fake Reviews and Comments
Many scam sites display glowing reviews that look like Facebook posts or TrustPilot ratings. The catch? They’re all fake. Look closer and you’ll often notice the same names, stock images, or suspiciously similar wording.
Vague Promises, No Details
If you’ve read through a page and you still don’t understand how the scheme actually works, that’s a red flag. They’ll tell you how much you can earn and how easy it is, but never explain what you’re signing up for.
Never Send Money Upfront
One golden rule: if a scheme promises you £10,000 per month, why would they need £250 from you first? Every genuine money-making method I’ve tested has never asked for upfront fees. If something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Trust Your Gut
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t be embarrassed to ask a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion before signing up.
It’s Not Just Online
Although this post focuses on internet scams, remember they happen in real life too. Door-to-door salespeople and cold callers can also use high-pressure tactics to get your money. Always ask: who benefits most from this deal—you or them?
👉 For more tips, check out my post on telephone scams and how to protect yourself.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Even the most cautious people get caught out. If you suspect you’ve been scammed:
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze your account.
- Change your passwords.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud (in the UK).
Don’t feel ashamed—it happens to the best of us. Acting quickly can limit the damage.
Further reading
Find out why I think most MLM opportunities are scams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Money-Making Scams
How do I know if a money-making opportunity is a scam?
There are usually warning signs:
• Guaranteed income with little effort
• Pressure to act immediately
• Upfront fees to “unlock” earnings
• Fake celebrity endorsements
• Vague explanations of how the money is actually made
If you can’t clearly explain how the business works after reading about it, that’s a major red flag.
Are Bitcoin trading ads on Facebook legit?
Most of the “Bitcoin trading” adverts you see on Facebook are scams.
They often use fake endorsements from people like Martin Lewis or Richard Branson and link to copycat news articles designed to look like BBC or The Guardian.
Real investments don’t promise guaranteed daily profits, and they don’t cold-message you on social media.
Why do scammers use celebrity names?
Because it works.
We’re more likely to trust something if we recognise the name attached to it. Scammers know that dropping a familiar face lowers your guard. If a celebrity had genuinely endorsed a platform, it would be widely reported across multiple reputable outlets — not just one random website.
What should I do if I’ve already paid money?
Act quickly:
• Contact your bank immediately
• Ask about chargebacks or fraud recovery
• Change all related passwords
• Report the scam to Action Fraud
The faster you move, the better your chances of limiting the damage.
Can I get my money back after a scam?
Sometimes, but not always.
If you paid by debit or credit card, your bank may be able to reverse the transaction. Bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments are much harder to recover. This is why scammers often push victims toward crypto payments.
Are all online money-making opportunities scams?
No, but most “get rich quick” ones are.
I’ve tested plenty of genuine ways to earn extra money online (surveys, cashback, user testing), and the key difference is this: they’re transparent, realistic, and never promise life-changing income overnight.
If someone is promising you £10,000 a month for minimal effort, that’s not a side hustle — that’s bait.
Why do scams always say “limited spaces available”?
Scarcity creates urgency.
If you believe there are only 10 spots left, you’re less likely to stop and research. Real opportunities don’t disappear in two hours because you took time to think.
Is it safe to give my phone number to these sites?
No.
Once scammers have your phone number, you may be added to call lists and targeted repeatedly. Many victims report being contacted by multiple “investment managers” after signing up once.
If you’ve already entered your details, consider blocking unknown numbers and being extra cautious with future calls.
Some very useful tips here, so important to avoid these scams!