Choosing A Money Opportunity: Judge The Language And Quality Of Advertisements
By cluelle
@cluelle (132)
Canada
November 28, 2012 7:55am CST
One of the ways I've always known to stay clear of offers is by judging the language they use. Like the data entry offers that pop up (not a direct quote): "we work for REAL billionaire companies; most offers are SCAMS; but we really will pay you up to $1000 per week!"
1. You have to say your working, not just for a company, but for a REALLY RICH company, to make sure that idea sinks in.
2. Casting aspersions on other offers, in general. - Frankly, I trust an accusation of a particular company a lot more than an attitude of "Among all those liars, I swear you can trust me".
3. Following up with the same ridiculous offer. No one needs that many generalized workers enough to pay them all that much money. No rich businessperson wants to spend that much on tasks they pay their secretaries $1200 A MONTH to do.
I'm not an expert on this. I do read a lot of marketing books, I plan out business models, I like theory, I pay attention to what small businesses in my community do right and wrong, and many marketing concepts are pretty simple. When you break down the information about who might want to hire someone, what they actually need, how those skills are valued, the answers do not add up. Even BILLIONAIRE companies like to save money... they make so much because they are diligent and invest wisely.
I think we're lulled into believing these scams because it's so easy to create and spread DREAMS. It's like reading a novel and believing it's a historical event... you can not believe everything you read.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@nicanorr (1789)
• Philippines
29 Nov 12
Thanks for this piece, cluelle. This is a good wake up call for innocent users who are on search online for jobs they can earn money.
@bloggeroo (2167)
• Philippines
28 Nov 12
First of all, I'm a skeptic to these wild claims. If it's too good to be true, it is most probably not true. It's against common sense.
I'm particularly amazed at Ponzi schemes and their online versions. It seems that there are still people who are not aware (or chose to be unaware) of the scam.
@cluelle (132)
• Canada
28 Nov 12
The problem's mostly because it's us... or people much worse off than "us" (I'm putting myself in the not desperate enough category) who really need the money... I feel that awareness about these kinds of measures needs to spread just as widely as any other form of education in schools or public information seminars. I think that would be a real service to the public.
As to Ponzi schemes... these really are the smart devils, aren't they? Because they often are well-designed, well written, very appealing, and they can fool businesses and governments into backing them (if these aren't part of the schemes). I know a few older, well-educated professionals who have recently discovered that they were victims of schemes started in the 80's. So much more evaluation and cynicism is needed now to protect ourselves.
@doroffee (4222)
• Hungary
28 Nov 12
You're really right. Sometimes even from the words and language you can tell if it is a scam or not. Ridiculous money offers? Either a scam or you have to create a huuuuuuuge network and be on computer a lot to do that. Begging? (trust us, but I am good etc.) Definitely a scam. Say that you work for a rich company but don't say which it is? Scam, scam, scam! If it was a legit company, they would say which companies they work for... or if not, they at least wouldn't tell that they work for rich companies, because if the certain company (let's suppose a popular company hires them) works with them, and dont want the name to be published, it's illegal... but usually, they are lying. Bad grammar? Scam, as no company in their right mind, let alone the most popular ones, would employ them.
@bloggeroo (2167)
• Philippines
28 Nov 12
I agree about the ridiculous claims, but I must admit that this kind of language actually works. It tickles a need in all of us so we are persuaded to believe.
Hmm. I should remember to start designing my sales literature one of these days. Of course, I don't have to go overboard in the sales pitch, but I know I have to make it really good.
