Make money

Red flags and scams to avoid

How to spot get-rich-quick schemes, fake investments and dodgy courses.

• Guaranteed or "passive" income claims.
• Pressure to buy now: countdowns, "last places".
• Lifestyle images instead of explaining the work.
• Paying to "join" before you can earn (a hallmark of pyramid-style schemes).
• Crypto or trading "mentors" contacting you on social media.
• Upsells: a cheap course leading to an expensive one.

Check firms and report scams via FCA ScamSmart and Action Fraud.