I've Tried That - We lose money so you don't have to!

In the comments on Steve’s post about programs he makes money with online, John said,

I would like your advice on this web site. It was on the top 10 list for making money online opportunities. I just reviewed it and need some direction.

http://www.forexenterprise.com

Thanks.

So I took a look. I won’t be signing up, though. Would you trust someone with this as a header image?

I mean, good Lord! That’s tackier than dried orange juice on the floor. If that image says to you, “Legitimate Business Opportunity,” you need new glasses. It shouts, “USED CAR SALESMAN. BLING AND CHEAP COLOGNE.”

All the warning signals
If it looks like a pig (close-set eyes, wide snout), sounds like a pig, and above all, smells like a pig, you can be 99% certain that it’s a pig. Sure, there’s a small chance that it’s actually a valuable Arabian stallion, which, for some reason, its owners dressed as a pig to make it more appealing. But there’s also a small chance that you could win the next Powerball lottery and that the girl on the other end of the “Hot Dates” line looks like her picture.

This obnoxious website is a classic pre-sell page. It has the required pictures of wealth, the length, the testimonials (from “Asdhgasdui Adskfughiau??”) the Guarantee, and on and on. But it also shouts “SCAM” with these red flags:

• He never says what his “system” entails. He asks the question rhetorically, “What does this system involve,” but then launches into another story-based sales pitch. If someone promises to teach you how he made money, but won’t tell you even the basics, he’s a scammer, not a teacher.
• He never says what you get with your paid membership. $50 in exchange for what? A pony? An ebook? A members-only area with super special contents? You don’t know. If someone wants your money in exchange for a mystery surprise, don’t do it!
• He makes ridiculous claims: “You Can Take Part in a Money Making System That Has Never Yet Failed!” That’s bunny socks. Bunny socks, I say! There’s no such thing as a money-making system that has never failed. Actually, I guess that’s not true. Taking money from desperate people by lying to them always works. That and prostitution. If someone wants your money in exchange for something that “never fails,” why do they also offer a money-back guarantee? And why all the fine print?

But what about the proof?
Testimonials are easily faked.
The “newspaper clipping?” Please.
The video of Marks logging into his PayPal and Credit Card Merchant accounts? That’s intriguing. He may very well make the kind of money he claims. But it’s from selling crap “systems” to people like you, not from the magical mystery “system” he claims he’s going to show you. Also remember that he already has distribution channels—websites and email lists that allow him to directly put products in front of customers. You don’t, and it will take a lot of time before you do if Internet marketing is your path to financial freedom.

Learn more
If you would like to learn more about “Nick Marks,” the scammer in this particular scenario, check out Keeping the Bastards Honest. Phil Miranda takes a close look at other sure signs that you’re about to prove the old maxim, “A fool and his money are soon parted” if you’re going to give money to Forexenterprise or any other of Nick’s online scams.

What YOU can do
Scams like this one thrive on ignorance and emotional appeal. You can help put these guys out of business by spreading the word about this post and the dirty tricks of scammers that want to kick you when you’re down. Help us get the word out:

1. Share this post by clicking on the “Share This” link below. We also love Stumbles.
2. Learn more about this and other online scams by reading the Related Posts below
3. Report fraudulent activity at Scam Victims United and to your local police