12 Methods of Avoiding Affiliate Marketing Scams

1. Research the Company: Before partnering with an affiliate program, make sure you do a thorough background check on the company. What is their reputation? Have they been involved in any fraudulent activities in the past?

2. Check for Online Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials by other users. This will give you an idea of whether the company is reliable or not.

3. Beware of Quick Rich Schemes: If a company is promising you high returns in a short period, it's likely a scam. Real affiliate marketing takes time and effort.

4. Check for Transparency: A legitimate affiliate marketing company would be completely transparent about its operations and wouldn't hide any details from its partners.

5. Avoid Programs that Require Payment: In legitimate affiliate programs, it’s the affiliate who gets paid, not the other way around.

6. Check if the Company is Registered: Make sure that the company is registered and has a physical location. You can usually find this information on their website.

7. Review their Product or Service: If the company doesn’t have a quantifiable product or service, it might be a scam.

8. Check For Customer Support: A legitimate program will always provide excellent customer service to assist in any queries or problems.

9. Pay Attention to the Payout: Check the company's commission rates. If they are unrealistic or do not match industry standards, it might be a scam.

10. Understand the Terms and Conditions: Make sure to read the contract carefully before signing up. Don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear.

11. Check Their Privacy Policy: If a company doesn’t have a privacy policy on its website, consider this a red flag.

12. Seek Advice from Professionals: If you are in doubt, seek advice from people who have experience in affiliate marketing. They can guide you on how to choose a safe and profitable affiliate program.