 POTENTIAL
SCAM/FREEBIES
Maggie's BlogDecember 20. 2007 HOME PAGE |
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Internet Freebies 1. Know what the freebies are and know what they are advertising – find out as much as you can before signing up. Read the fine print or ask a question. 2. Totally free is best! When companies and websites start up they tend to offer more of these upfront. Cash in where and while you can as they grow because they tend to decline fast. 3. There is no ‘gray area’ here - really free means no pay per click or income generated for the site at all! This is what you should truly be on the look-out for. 4. Finding creative ways to market, position, get key demographics and even promotional referral rights are all ways that online internet freebies are often used to attract attention and get what these providers need (a kind of mutual exchange value proposition) 5. Advertising often ‘pays’ for or funds these freebies that are offered to the masses. Reaching a global audience and getting a big bang for the marketing buck is what it is all about. A free offer is a way of tapping into that worldwide market in an affordable manner. The advertisers’ marketing dollars work harder and go farther and we benefit from free online offers. 6. Before being ‘hauled’ and reeled in forever, be on the alert for SPAM (disguised, embedded and infiltration, incognito and stealth-like) Guard your personal information and identity – it is worth a lot on the internet! Some of these freebies do nothing more than flood the interested party’s inbox with unwelcome and unsolicited spam, causing annoyance and potentially exposing your computer to harmful viruses and other spyware infestations. 7. High-volume spammers and installation of unwanted software like spyware or viruses is rampant in freebies online. When in doubt, don’t download. 8. Shipping costs, rebates and any other type of free offer that involves money exchange can be potentially problematic and open to abuse if it deals with personal and financial confidential information. Refrain from sharing these online, be diligent and make informed decisions. There are risks and abuses, fraud, scams and identity thefts, or related online crimes that have been exposed. 9. There are lots of different types of freebie offers online: - software (fax, email, burners, word processors etc.) - gifts from purchases made - electronics - music samples - movies and movie programs - quickie items like clothing, household items - wireless phones - satellite dishes They could include free samples, rebates, SAE returns, limited trial offers and more. 10. No one will give away things at no cost for no reason! Beware of hidden spam, pop-ups, spyware, adware, viruses and worms 11. There are definitely some questions you should be asking yourself to protect your online interest and identity and avoid risks and threats inherent accepting an Internet Freebie: Is the freebie worth the price that must be paid? Do I have to buy something to get the freebie? How much personal information do they require? (i.e. SSN, credit card info., bank information etc.) Do I have to enter into a contract first? Is the freebie standing on its own or is there an added cost to pay? What am I willing to do for my freebie? Why is the site giving out freebies? What’s in it for them? 12. There are lots of legitimate internet freebies around that can make your life a lot easier – specifically on the digital download front (zip utilities, browser toolbars, firewalls and more) If you are diligent and read all the agreements, fine-print and reviews online, you can easily take advantage of these and simplify your life. Remember internet freebies can change, empower and enrich your life… there really are real tangible benefits and advantages if they are used appropriately, with caution and discretion… 13. You can increase your work productivity with free software downloads 14. You can communicate in a more efficient way with email, chat and internet phone downloads 15. You can use free samples as a method of learning about new products that may turn into your favorites 16. Sometimes you can get extremely good deals with the freebies 17. You can save a lot of time and money. Of course, the given…you really lose nothing insofar as money is concerned. Stay realistic and remember the risks involved, manage your own expectations… 18. You may not always get what you wanted 19. Freebies may contain viruses, spyware and adware 20. You have to jump through too many hoops to get it 21. Your freebie may actually wind up costing you money in shipping costs and other fees 22. You may never actually receive a freebie at all 23. You may be exposing yourself to identity fraud or spam 24. Freebies are mostly about online marketing! This is the new way the global economy reaches out to prospective clientele worldwide. It is the new way of connecting and transacting. Spreading the word and goods using freebies is a powerful and economical way for providers to operate! It just makes sense. Get what you want, when you want, but be diligent and cautious before signing up or entering your information, download anything. 25. Use reputable, reliable sites with good track record. There are many forums and warnings online to read and sift through. 26. Free sample sites, web-searches and referral networks are popular ways for you to find the best internet freebies online. 27. Four ways to get yourself in trouble with online freebies, might include things that are bad for you, bad quality or worse ‘stolen’, proceeds of crime, expired food samples, overpriced package deals, “bait and switch”, buy a choice item and get another free with loaded prices. Watch out for FREE TRIALS and ADDITIONAL PURCHASES REQUIRED advertising. These are no more than bait on a hook to get you to come back, or spend more money! (the ultimate goal), which means revenue for them, and not necessarily in your best interest. Filling out the sign up form or sheet is really easy, getting off or removed from lists is sometimes difficult. Just fill out the ones that really catch your interest and always use an email address with a good spam filter. When your interest wanes, use the opt out feature located at the bottom of most emails. |
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