Most of us think of hype as exaggerated or extravagant claims,made especially in advertising or promotional material. Sometimesit is deceptive and deliberately misleading. While we havebecome a bit immune to this through constant exposure, it alwaysseems that someone comes up with a fresh approach that is notimmediately recognized.

Con artists have been around since the beginning of time, and arealways willing to take advantage of another “hot prospect”. Butevery scam has “red flags” and a little common sense shouldprevail so you do not fall prey to them. Let’s examine a few weget by email everyday.

“Complimentary Vacation Package” - this one has been around along time, but has now found its way to the web. It starts offwith “Congratulations! You will be our guest in Orlando,Florida, home of Walt Disney World, for 4 days and 3 nights. Allcompliments of major Vacation Resort Developers.” Reading it, youmight feel you have won a contest. In actuality, this is not thecase. It is a high pressure sales campaign designed to sell youa “timeshare” vacation package.

Another variation promises deeply discounted vacation packages.You pay for a package that seems great on the surface, but inreality is either third rate accommodations or doesn’t exist atall.

“Guaranteed Winner” - they state - “You’re going to get one ofthese top five prizes, guaranteed!” In this scam you normallysend some information, and either return it by email or fill outa form on a web site. They require that you supply yourtelephone number to be eligible. You will then be contacted by atelemarketer who confirms that you have been chosen for one ofthe five “valuable” prizes; however, you must pay a processingfee for handling, customs duties or taxes, and you must send acheck or money order to them by overnight mail. The prize usuallywinds up being small trinkets of minimal value, discount couponsor vouchers, worth far less than what you paid.

Or, you might receive an e-mail informing you that your order hasbeen received and processed, and your credit card will be billedfor the charges. The trouble is, you haven’t ordered anything.They contacted you using bulk email, using inactive returnaddresses which prevent you from refuting the orders by email.They do provide a telephone number in the area code 767, which isactually in the West Indies. They try to keep callers on the lineas long as possible, and you are reportedly billed as much as$25 per minute. Be aware that your local telephone company maybill for services provided by other companies, and not be able toprovide you relief.

Another current scam floating about the web offers you a cut ofstolen money from Nigeria that was stolen and they need your helpgetting the money out of the country. They of course want a cutof the money that they claim will be wired to your personal bankaccount. You of course are expected to pay them their shareup front. The money however never arrives in your bank.

One group sends hundreds of thousands of unsolicited emails topeople directing them to web sites promoting the Mega$Nets andMegaResource programs. When you visit one of their web sites youcan download copies of the software program which contains a listof five names and addresses. The software program and web sitesdirect you to send twenty dollars to each of five people listedin the software in order for you to get yourself placed at thetop of the list of names. This is simply a variation of the oldfashioned chain letter. Actually, there are a lot of chainletters floating about the web and all should be avoided.

Another email promises guaranteed Credit Card approval! One groupoffered Visa cards to the credit-challenged “to put you back inthe mainstream of financial life in high style” at an interestrate of only 4.9%. How? Through the magic of using offshore banksin tax haven countries. There is however a $100 processing feeand $25 per month charge regardless of use.

Some people really believe that they have been selected to be inthe Internet Version of “Who’s Who”. This one started years agoand was sent to every company executive in the country - Theywill include your listing at no charge - oh, would you like acopy? “Send $98 to us and it will be delivered to yourdoorstep.”

There is no way to adequately cover all the scams that permeatethe web. Before jumping into any of these “make a million whileyou sleep” plans, use a little “due diligence” and check themout. The money you save will be your own.

Bob publishes the free weekly “Your Business” NewsletterVisit his Web Site at http://adv-marketing.com/business tosubscribe. As a bonus, get 40,000 FREE E-Books fromLarry Dotson, when you visit http://www.ldpublishing.com