Another current scam floating about web offers you a cut of stolen money from Nigeria that was stolen and they need your help getting money out of country. They of course want a cut of money that they claim will be wired to your personal bank account. You of course are expected to pay them their share up front. The money however never arrives in your bank.

One group sends hundreds of thousands of unsolicited emails to people directing them to web sites promoting Mega$Nets and MegaResource programs. When you visit one of their web sites you can download copies of software program which contains a list of five names and addresses. The software program and web sites direct you to send twenty dollars to each of five people listed in software in order for you to get yourself placed at top of list of names. This is simply a variation of old fashioned chain letter. Actually, there are a lot of chain letters floating about web and all should be avoided.

Another email promises guaranteed Credit Card approval! One group offered Visa cards to credit-challenged "to put you back in mainstream of financial life in high style" at an interest rate of only 4.9%. How? Through magic of using offshore banks in tax haven countries. There is however a $100 processing fee and $25 per month charge regardless of use.

Some people really believe that they have been selected to be in Internet Version of "Who's Who". This one started years ago and was sent to every company executive in country - They will include your listing at no charge - oh, would you like a copy? "Send $98 to us and it will be delivered to your doorstep."

There is no way to adequately cover all scams that permeate web. Before jumping into any of these "make a million while you sleep" plans, use a little "due diligence" and check them out.

If you see any of these "Red Flags", run, don't walk to your nearest delete button . The money you save will be your own.

Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm

Jump ahead to later 90's and Internet is just coming into play as a business medium. I'm personally aware of several companies which made themselves appear much larger than they were. How? Primarily by putting up pictures of their "office" building on their company website. The pictures they put up however, weren't actually their offices. They were in an apartment, or basement in reality. But pictures showed gorgeous, upscale office buildings. They made themselves look much bigger and successful than they actually were.

And today we have thousands of one page websites which tout accomplishments of their owners. These websites make many claims and sometimes those claims are hard to believe.

You see, there really are consultants in this world who make several thousands of dollars for seminar presentations. But those consultants usually have a corporate style, polished website. You can tell as soon as you get there that they've spared no expense in getting site professionally done. You'll find links on site too -- links to corporate and/or consultant information, links to additional resources, links to recent and upcoming seminars. There are links to their books too of course, and sometimes these links lead to Amazon or publisher's site. If book is electronically published, you can even buy it right on site. The point is though: there is detailed information there, not just sales hype. In short, there is supporting evidence that they are who they say they are.

History shows us that people can be fooled into thinking world is coming to an end just from a radio show. History shows us that people will believe a book is wonderful even when they've never actually seen it themselves. History has shown us that what you think you see or hear is not actually what you've seen or heard.

So, when you land on one of those slick, one page sales hype Web sites. Before you spend your hard earned money, stop and think a bit. Is person behind site more likely telling whole truth -- or skewing it in a way that will make you believe what they want you to believe?