LOOK OUT FOR SCAMS · Hustlenoobs Skool

8h • Tips

LOOK OUT FOR SCAMS

Here’s a practical checklist you can use to spot “get rich” scams quickly.

Classic Red Flags

1. “Guaranteed” high returns, fast

Phrases like: “Double your money in 30 days” “Guaranteed 5% daily” “No risk, all reward”
Reality: Any real investment has risk. No one can guarantee high returns, especially quickly.

Rule of thumb:If the promised return sounds way better than a bank, the stock market, or real estate with no risk, assume it’s a scam.

2. Pressure to act immediately

“Limited spots only!”
“Offer expires tonight!”
“If you don’t invest now, you’ll miss out forever.”
Pressure, deadlines, and urgency are used so you don’t have time to think, research, or talk to others.

Safe behavior:Say, “If it’s that good, it’ll still be good tomorrow.” Legitimate opportunities can wait.

3. Vague or confusing explanation

Ask: “How exactly does this make money?”

If the answer:

Is full of buzzwords: “AI arbitrage”, “secret algorithm”, “complex proprietary system”
Never clearly explains: What is being bought/sold Who is paying you and why Where profits really come from

…then it’s probably a scam or a pyramid/Ponzi scheme.

Test:Explain the opportunity in one or two simple sentences to a non‑expert. If you can’t, or it doesn’t make sense, walk away.

4. Income depends mostly on recruiting others

If you earn the big money by:

Bringing in new people
Getting a “downline”
Earning “bonuses” from others joining rather than from real product sales

…this is usually a pyramid scheme, even if there’s some token product.

Key signs of a pyramid scheme:

The product is overpriced or almost irrelevant.
You’re pushed hard to “build a team.”
Most training is about recruiting, not selling a legitimate product or service.

5. “Too good to be true” lifestyle marketing

Be suspicious if:

They constantly show: Lamborghinis, private jets, luxury apartments Huge stacks of cash, “I made $50,000 while I slept”
They say: “All I do is use this system” or “This one trick changed my life.”

These are often fake:

Rented cars and houses
Borrowed or staged cash
Stock images

Remember: Real wealthy people rarely spend their time recruiting random strangers online.

6. Secret methods or “insider” tricks

Signals:

“Banks don’t want you to know this.”
“The government is hiding this loophole.”
“Only 1% know this secret.”

Real opportunities:

Are regulated, documented, and explainable.
Don’t rely on hidden “loopholes” that you get for $997 in a webinar.

7. They avoid third‑party verification

Red flags:

No company registration or unclear business address.
No verifiable track record, just testimonials.
You can’t find objective info about them from trustworthy sources (news, regulators, established sites).

Check:

Reviews (and watch for fake-looking 5-star reviews).
Company registration in your country.
Warnings from consumer protection agencies or financial regulators.

2. Online “Get Rich” Traps to Watch For

1. Crypto and trading scams

Common scams:

“I’ll trade for you, just send me your crypto.”
Fake trading platforms showing fake profits.
“Signal groups” or “AI bots” that guarantee profit.

Safety tips:

Never send crypto to a stranger promising to manage it.
Use only well-known, regulated exchanges.
If you must invest, keep full control of your account and funds.

2. Fake “coaches” and “courses”

Warnings:

$500–$5,000+ for a “business/side hustle course” with: No clear curriculum No refund policy Only screenshots of “students” making huge money

Look for:

Specific, practical skills taught (e.g., copywriting, web dev, design).
Transparent pricing and refund policy.
Real reviews from neutral places, not just their website.

3. Work-from-home & job scams

Red flags:

“Jobs” where you: Pay upfront for “starter kits” Pay to apply or interview Are asked to accept checks and “forward” money (money-muling, often criminal)
Overly simple work with huge pay: “$500/day for liking posts”.

Rule:Real jobs pay you; you don’t pay them to work.

4. Investment “clubs” or “private groups”

Be careful with:

WhatsApp/Telegram/Discord groups promising: Copy trading Exclusive deals Guaranteed returns
They may show fake screenshots of profits and use group pressure.

If everyone in the group is hyping it nonstop and no one raises skeptical questions, that’s a bad sign.

3. Psychological Tactics Scammers Use

Recognizing the psychology helps you resist:

Greed / Hope
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Authority & social proof
Flattery

4. Quick Practical Checks Before Sending Money

Use this mini-checklist:

Is it regulated?
Can you clearly explain it?
What’s the worst-case scenario?
Talk to a skeptical friend
Search: “[Name] scam / reviews / complaints”

5. What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

Do not send money or crypto.
Do not share ID documents, bank details, or passwords.
Block and stop engaging—many scammers are skilled at slowly breaking down your resistance.
Report it to: Your local consumer protection agency or financial regulator The platform where you found it (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, etc.).
If you already paid: Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. For crypto, contact the exchange you used. Save all screenshots, chats, receipts.

6. Safer Ways to Actually Build Wealth

Real ways to improve your finances are usually: