The internet is, for the most part, a pretty lawless place. Sure, there are rules and guidelines which the big players (tend to) abide by, but there’s little penalty when smaller companies or individuals break promises or run off into the sunset without paying what they ought to. Anyone who’s setting out to make Internet money should be aware of a few common shady types out there, and it pays to know how to avoid being their next victim.

The Con Artist
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The Internet is packed full of get-rich-quick gurus and suspicious schemes which will more than likely bleed you dry if you let them. Look out for excessively enthusiastic language, flashy websites or emails, and pay rates which vastly exceed expectations (like being offered hundreds of dollars to, say, fill in surveys). The best way to stay safe of these scammers is to use a little common sense and never give out your personal or banking details. Instead, use a secure payment gateway like Paypal.

The Runner
Whether you’re selling goods or offering your services online – one of the main ways through which people amass Internet money – your greatest fear will be the guy who doesn’t pay. It’s almost impossible to chase these people down and extract your hard-earned cash, so caution and prevention are the keys to success here. When selling goods, always demand payment first or negotiate some sort of half-now, half-later deal. Don’t be afraid to state your terms upfront or refuse a customer who you think won’t (or can’t) pay. If you’re a freelancer or a service provider, do a little detective work on the client first: a quick Google search and a couple of emails to past employees can give you a good idea of a client’s trustworthiness. Legitimate buyers and clients won’t be offended if you check up on them or ask them questions: they’re probably doing the same to you, too.

The Flamer
Your reputation is key to making Internet money, and sometimes people will go out of their way to tarnish it. Regardless of whether they genuinely feel aggrieved or just want to yank your chain, don’t fan the flames: reply to incendiary comments with civility and wit, and address genuine concerns with professionalism and an open mind. The Internet may be a lawless place, but that just gives politeness a greater value when it’s used. And you may even get some decent feedback along the way.