How to Spot Advertising Scams

1

Watch out for anyone who wants to act as your agent to promote your business or service or sell any rights you own. The scam artist will charge an upfront fee without guaranteeing results. Even if the fee is low, don't pay any agent in advance.

2

Check references. If you're considering signing with someone to manage your advertising, ask for references. Have thorough conversations with these people so you can make sure the person you're thinking about working with is on the up and up.

3 Watch out for advertising guarantees. No legitimate advertiser can guarantee results. If you're signing up with an advertising company, they might tell you how many businesses or households your ad will reach or what the expected results will be. But be cautious about any advertising company that guarantees success.

4

Don't buy products or services that tout what they're selling as "hot" or as an incredible investment opportunity. If you're in the market to purchase a business or service, investigate the industry yourself to determine the deal's chances for success. Use common sense. Don't just fall for every quick advertising cliche.

5

Watch out for exotic investments. Promotions that tout investments as an exotic way to make money, such as investing in satellites, gold mines or ostrich farms, are typically fake and are just after your money.