Most scam business offers have five things in common. Before you decide to invest your hard-earned money in an Internet business, be sure to compare offer to this list. The following warning signs might very well help you avoid a financial disaster!

1) No Contact Information or Limited Contact Information - Most scam artists don't want you to be able to locate them easily. After all, if you could find them easily, so could authorities. That's why they often only give an email address (usually from a free provider like Yahoo or Hotmail) and/or a post office box. On other hand, reputable companies DO want you to be able to contact them quickly and easily. They'll offer several ways... telephone, physical address, email, fax, etc.

2) No Verifiable References or Testimonials - Notice I said, "verifiable." Anyone can make up references or testimonials that would make you think a business opportunity is wonderful. But can you verify them? Do they list Web site addresses or email addresses for people who supposedly gave testimonials? Is there a way to contact satisfied customers? If not... if you only see a reference ending with "John D. - California" - beware.