Between long commutes and restricting hours, it’s no surprise many people consider finding ways to make money online. We've all seen the comments on a Facebook post or YouTube video advertising how so-and-so made millions of dollars working from home.

These comments seem too good to be true and raise some immediate red flags. Still, there is a part of us that secretly wonders if we are just a click away from changing our lives. Learning a little bit about what these comments are, and how people make money online, can save you from scams down the line.

Can I Trust These Comments?

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You should take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt. The internet offers the perfect platform for people to lie and scam users. In most cases, these comments are complete scams.

There are many remote freelancing positions, where people can make a living writing online, or by doing things like customer service. While these are certainly real professions, they are a far cry from the miracles that these commenters claim.

Most employers don't scout for workers on random comment threads in unrelated videos. Additionally, most online jobs aren't going to make you thousands of dollars a day (let alone a millionaire) overnight. These "get rich quick" schemes are often completely fake and involve taking advantage of other people online.

What Are the Risks of Responding?

You are probably wondering—what's the worst that could happen? It surprises many to learn the different types of harm that come from contacting these comments.

Depending on the intent of the poster, you may find yourself dealing with some of the following problems.

1. Viruses

NEVER click on the links these people send you unless you recognize them. You may become a victim of a computer virus. Malicious software can wreak a lot of havoc on your life.

Some viruses aim to steal your personal information or hack your accounts. Others destroy your hardware and break your devices.

2. Phishing

People don't need to download a virus on your computer to get their hands on your sensitive information. Phishing scams are a common problem in this age of social media.

Scammers trick their targets into handing their information over to them. Sometimes, they send fake log-in screens that trick you into submitting your bank or social media information. They may also just ask you for that information directly, promising an alluring job opportunity before subsequently ghosting you and using your information.

3. Catfishing

The internet makes it easier than ever to trick people with false promises. Instead of stealing your information, they may decide to create a false identity to take advantage of you.

Although catfishing is notorious for online dating scams, you don't need romance involved for an online persona to get exploitive. Sometimes people pretend to be successful businessmen or bigshot investors and convince strangers to send them money online to become part of the business.

They may even impersonate you or your close friends! Ask your friends in person about suspicious proposals before you trust them.

4. Money Laundering

In some cases, participating in these scams may result in "free money," but that doesn't mean you are in the clear. Sometimes, these schemes are fronts for money laundering and can land you in a lot of hot water.

If a random person sends you hundreds of dollars out of nowhere and asks you to move things through accounts for them, this is a crime; do not do this. Sometimes, they may even send stolen money to you.

Always investigate where mysterious checks are coming from. Sometimes, scammers insist that you need to pay for certain training or equipment and send you a check to cover the cost. Be sure that you actually receive the check from the company hiring you, and not from some random person they want to rob.

 

5. Spam

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Many of the comments you see are simple bots meant to spam comment sections and lure people into their trap. If you respond, poorly-made bots may start spamming your messages until you block or report them.

While they're not necessarily dangerous, spamming bots get annoying very quickly.

6. Pyramid Schemes

There are tons of people online boasting about how they "became their own boss" through the wonders of multilevel marketing (MLM) companies. Although these are technically legal, unlike literal pyramid schemes, they are not the most prosperous enterprise.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that over 99% of people participating in MLM schemes lost money. Although enticing, they don't offer the working freedom that they advertise. Many people end up in debt, desperately trying to dump all their effort and resources into these schemes.

It's not uncommon for MLM representatives to scour the comment section of posts to recruit new members. It's how they make their money, address their debt, and "go up" in level to receive more benefits. Don't be lured in by false promises and misleading posts.

7. Free Work

Photo of person working remotely on desktop

Even if you don't technically lose any money, losing time isn't particularly great either. Sometimes, these fake offers consist of doing trial work, such as writing articles or completing some web design projects. Be careful who you help out because they may not have any intentions of paying you for your time.

Signs of a Sketchy Comment

How do you separate a sketchy comment from a genuine opportunity? There are several different red flags that indicate you are in contact with a scammer.

1. Unrealistic Earnings

There is a lot to be said about things that are too good to be true. There aren't many genuine ways to become a millionaire overnight (and you certainly aren't finding them under an Instagram photo).

When making money online, through freelancing or other means, you might need to work for months—if not years—before you generate a high level of income.

Never click on unknown links from strangers online. At the very least, you'll probably get pranked. In more serious cases, you can damage your computer or compromise your identity.

3. Comment Sections

It cannot be stressed enough that real job recruiters don't look for employees in the comments sections of random, unrelated videos. Take to the likes of LinkedIn and verified job boards to look for remote work instead.

Related: These LinkedIn Mistakes Might Be Harming Your Job Search

Should I Ignore Online Job Offers?

There are plenty of completely legitimate places to find online work. However, the comments section is not the right place to start. Many scammers make these posts in order to lure desperate people into their traps.

Always be wary about online opportunities and steer clear of sketchy situations that are too good to be true. If you're just getting started as a freelancer or remote worker, consider beginning your search with job boards and by asking your network.