You’ve seen the headlines that say, “Make money while you sleep” or “Make money with your pajamas on the kitchen table.” They often promise overnight success and a lifestyle filled with expensive sports cars, fabulous homes in exotic locations, and even yacht photos.

Let’s make sure of one thing while we investigate the issues. Not all “money making schemes” are “money making scams”. Obviously, there are many thousands of companies and millions of people from all walks of life who in some way depend on the Internet to make money. The eBay, Amazon, and Google of the online world are compelling proof of the possibilities and testimony to the facts.

Yes, it is true that some of us may be lucky enough to work virtually anywhere in the world and use the Internet and the World Wide Web to earn money. And yes, it is true that you do not necessarily have to be a computer expert, or even have a website to generate income online.

At the time of writing this article, we can also recognize that when the economy takes a turn for the worse, almost anyone looking for a job or a way to improve their lot in life will at least consider the various options for how to make money online. This article, however, focuses on the somewhat dubious area of ​​online business known as the niche of making money online. We will also consider the persistent questions of: at whose expense, at what cost, and what is the true measure of success?

Scammers of yesterday, today and tomorrow

History has shown that there have always been scammers and hapless victims. They are the masters of deception and most of the time we are their suspects, prospects, and willing customers. It is part of human nature to want to get something for nothing, win the lottery, inherit a fortune, or benefit from some other form of financial windfall.

This, then, is fertile ground for the trust game. These scams are also known as bunko, scam, flim flam, gaffle, grift, hustle, scam, plan, and hoax. They are very successful attempts to defraud someone by earning their trust. Victims in the trade are known as the mark. The cheater is the con man or con man, and accomplices are known as accomplices. In the same way, Internet gurus exploit the human characteristics of despair, fear, and greed to victimize people from all walks of life.

It would appear that both perpetrators and victims are still enjoying a good scam. The con man (or woman) of the day is cut from the same cloth as the snake oil salesman of old. There have always been scams, and there probably always will be. The rules of the game are almost always the same, it’s just that the players and the modus operandi change from time to time. Not only do we tolerate being scammed, scammers are sometimes held in high regard and often advertised as experts.

Today, these launchers are also known as the “Internet gurus”. These self-styled street vendors have an iron grip on the newest elements of e-commerce. However, they are by no means limited to pages indexed by a search engine. They often combine the tried and true techniques of direct mail, email marketing, classified ads, and advertisements found in periodicals, newspapers, and the back of magazines, along with polished radio ads and infomercials that are found on television.

Don’t be fooled by money making schemes

The dream of working online is possible. Just beware of online scam gambling. Many successful online entrepreneurs will find their way through trial and error. Are you a mother who works from home? Anyone just looking to earn some extra money? Of course, do your research on the potential for generating income online.

Many people now enjoy passive income from promoting affiliate networks like ClickBank and other legitimate online income schemes like pay-per-click and pay-per-action models, along with more traditional forms of advertising. You can even create and sell your own product or service online.

Internet marketing and online income opportunities are always in a state of flux and the internet is still in its infancy. Popular programs like Google AdSense didn’t even exist a few years ago. So get started, take action, and learn something new every day on your quest to get started online.

Working online is possible for most people, but it’s not about getting rich quick, and it’s not about pressing a few buttons on your computer to see the cash arrive. Like any worthwhile activity, it requires new practical knowledge and new skills. These are all things that can be learned. As you can see … “money making plans” don’t have to be shady and a “plan” can simply be a proven method of implementing an online action plan.

In fact, once you find the money-generating plan that suits your needs and work style, chances are you’ll find the online success you’ve been dreaming of.