Many of us are upset and frustrated with our current jobs.  Many of us dream of our own business due to low wages and not being able to work wisely.  However, combining cost with risk factors stops most of us in our tracks.  Affiliate marketing is a way for people to work without risking themselves.  There is no cost to you and you have paid on performance.  However, today one has to be careful.  There are many scammers and thief artists out there who are happy to take you away with money and hard work. 

    When you join an affiliate marketing plan, you are going to sell the product or service.  With products, you usually have an option and range to sell.  How you decide it depends largely on you.  You can also sell a service.  Web page design as well as increased sales and Internet traffic are all examples of services offered by affiliate marketing programs.

    How many times have you promised huge revenue in the form of advertising on the Internet?  Things like "Earn $ 1000 a day" or join our program now and become a millionaire.  If your ad watches these advertisements closely, they are not really selling anything.  Any company that is selling only money making opportunities is likely to be a scam.  True, some affiliate marketing companies may have attracted attention like the ones mentioned above.  However, if you go to read the advertisement and the information, you will probably have a detailed description of what the company is selling.  They will also have a disclaimer and terms and conditions.

    The pyramid schemes offered by these companies are opportunities to make money.  Only those with money are really connecting.  There is no income, just money is being paid from one person to another.  Not only are these scams and any investment you make is lax, they are also illegal and you can face prosecution.

    Another thing to watch for is no free participation.  If you have to pay to join it then you are known as a scam or a multilevel marketing program.  Multi-level marketing programs are completely legal and some people live well among them.  However, if you are not successful, you can buy a set of products that you cannot sell.

    True affiliate programs are free.  This is part of his charm.  There is no cost to you and they should also be risk free.  Any affiliate marketing program that asks for your money is not an affiliate program.  You should ask yourself if they are legitimate then why are they misrepresenting themselves in this way.

    Many of us dream of being our own boss.  We would love to take control of our lives and careers.  Just the attraction of answering combined with setting your working hours and bringing loads of people to the affiliate marketing plans you choose.  Affiliate marketing can be a great way for a motivated, creative person to lead a fabulous life.  There are some amazing programs waiting to join.  However, there is a possibility for every great program that is a hoax.  Con artists work in many fields and unfortunate affiliate marketing is not immune.

    Before joining, check to see what the company is selling.  If they are not selling goods or services, they are likely an illegal pyramid scheme.  If they require your own funds to get started, they are what are known as a multi-tiered marketing program.  Affiliate marketing can be a great opportunity but you need to do your homework.