Have you ever scrolled through social media or thoughts? Wow, this person makes numbers for six people a month, how can I get in? same. Social media is flooded with people who claim to have cracked their codes until overnight success, passive income, or early retirement. But here is the truth. Many of these so-called experts sell their dreams, not real opportunities. And unfortunately, their business models often depend on taking your money. Let’s talk about these influencer scams to avoid it in greater depth!
As a financial educator, I have seen too many people fall into scams that seem legal on the surface, but in the end it becomes nothing more than smoke and mirrors. That’s why we’re breaking seven influencer scams that you need to avoid if you want to protect your time, money and peace of mind.
This is not to call on entrepreneurs who are doing real work, but to find the red flag and help protect yourself from manipulative marketing tactics that don’t provide. Let’s get into it.
1. Fake leading expert pyramid scheme
This is everywhere. “Experts” promise to teach you how to make money. But the only real way to get it is to have others sign up under you.
scam: They sell expensive courses, mentorship, or access to private communities. But the program “works” only if it continues to recruit more people. This is a classic pyramid scam.
Red flag: If the success ceremony only works when others are constantly participating, it is a scam, not a business.
2. Six-figure income lies
You saw it: “I made $100,000 this month, show me the way!” Does it sound amazing? However, there is often no evidence of how they made that money.
scam: Their income does not come from thriving businesses. It comes from selling the system to you. They often sell high-value coaching and courses, with no clear skills or strategies behind them.
Red flag: If they never show what the actual business is (other than selling courses), then they are skeptical.
3. Passive Income DM Scam
Have you ever received the message “Hey, I can coach you to earn a passive income!”? If someone you don’t know is slipping into DMS as a “business opportunity”, do it.
scam: Often these are encryption or forex recruitment schemes, and the only way to get it is to bring in more people.
Red flag: If mentorship starts with seeking money and ends with access to an ambiguous “community,” it’s not mentorship, it’s an operation.
4. Dropshipping and Amazon FBA Get Rich-Quick Course
Dropshipping and Amazon FBA can become legal businesses, but not if influencers promise quick wealth without work.
scam: They sell “staged blueprints” that rule out how complex, competitive and expensive these ventures are.
Red flag: If someone makes all the money teaching all the dropshipping, rather than making it successful on their own, be careful.
5. Completed an automated business scheme
This scam is surrounded by convenience. Someone offers to build a fully automated business for you. Sit with Airbnb rentals, crypto bots, vending machines, Amazon Stores, Investments.
scam: You pay a large set up fee, but the business is never launched or run poorly. On the other hand, the scammers will disappear with your money.
Red flag: There’s no such thing as a completely handoff business that prints money while you’re sleeping. If you’re looking for something to explore, check out our list of passive income ideas.
6. Fake Investment and Crypto Flip Fraud
Fake investors are all over social media. In my opinion, this should be the largest list of influencer scams to avoid. They promise to “tip” your money through crypto or forex with guaranteed returns.
scam: You send them money, they show you fake screenshots of success, and they ghost you.
Red flag: A legitimate investment does not guarantee a profit. If that seems too good, then that is.
Reminders: Smart girl finances don’t send DMs asking for money or investment. We do not exchange crypto or foreign exchange. Always check.
7. An expensive coaching program that teaches nothing
High ticket coaching is not always a scam, but many influencers charge thousands of general advice you can find online for free. (Clever Girl Finance offers over 30 completely free courses!)
scam: They use pressure tactics such as “If you don’t invest in yourself, you don’t want success.” But once you pay, there is little practical strategy or practical support.
Red flag: If you can’t explain exactly what they’ll get for your money, leave.
8. Guaranteed simple money
You’ve probably seen a video of people who claim that signing up for jobs that anyone can easily make will earn $500 in a day.
scam: You are said to be able to sign up for a company that pays you a lot for a simple but very strange job. Alternatively, they say all you have to do is learn new skills and find a client who will pay $200 an hour for your services. The problem is that companies that pay large amounts of money have a very stringent application process. Similarly, clients who pay more than $100 per hour need high levels of marketing and sales skills that they don’t teach.
Red flag: Don’t believe in the hype if they promise a big buck in a short amount of time.
9. Brand new side hustles you’ve never heard of
You will probably come across an influencer who says you’ll make money with this new side hustle you’ve never heard of before. If it sounds strange, that’s because.
scam: They try to convince you that other aspects are old ways to earn extra income, such as selling on Etsy or affiliate marketing. Then they present you with some “hidden gems” of side hustles. Next, we present a course to teach you about this “new” and undiscovered method. In reality, they aren’t teaching you anything new.
Red flag: If you have never heard of Side Hustle, or if you have little information about it, it is likely that it is configured.
10. Fake programs related to large companies
This scam involves telling you that a well-known company will pay you to do simple tasks such as reviewing your products.
scam: They tell companies like Spotify, Netflix, Amazon that they have programs that allow them to rate their products, stream music, perform simple tasks, and pay large pay. The truth is that these programs do not usually exist or require much more effort than they imply.
Red flag: If some large companies insist on paying you to do a certain type of work, always go straight to the company’s website to see if the program is legitimate and read all the details.
Expert Tips: Do a Reliability Check
Do a reliability check before investing in influencer-driven courses, mentorships, or business opportunities. Look for confirmed reviews, transparent income reports, and clear explanations of what you receive. If you can’t find an independent success story, or if everything comes back to making money from course sales, it’s time to leave.
How to avoid influencer scams
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from fraudulent inspiration:
- Follow the money: Ask: How do they actually make money? Be careful if their only business is selling courses or recruiting others.
- Please check for transparency: Legal entrepreneurs show not only gorgeous lifestyle content and vague testimony, but also actual results, case studies and receipts.
- Avoid ambiguous promises: If you can’t clearly explain how the system works, don’t hand over your money.
- Trust your instincts: If something is turned off, it’s probably true. Scammers rely on emotional manipulation and urgency to push you into quick decisions.
- Educate yourself: The more financially you can read and write, the more difficult it will be for someone to take advantage of you.
Related content
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Be knowledgeable and empower yourself and avoid fraud!
There are always people trying to sell you the shortcut to wealth. But true financial success isn’t because you slip into expensive courses or people’s DMs. It comes from learning real skills, making wise decisions, and building over time.
At Clever Girl Finance, we’re here to help you do just that, without any gimmicks or pressure. There are no tricks, hype, or scams. Real advice from women who build wealth in an honest way!