How to spot get-rich-quick and “passive income” scams
Updated: 2026-10-21A money opportunity is likely a scam if it promises guaranteed or very high returns, asks you to pay before you earn, rewards you mainly for recruiting others, pressures you with urgency or secrecy, or cannot explain where the money really comes from. Real earning comes from selling something people need; real investing comes with clearly stated risks.
Warning signs
- “Guaranteed”, “risk-free”, “X% per day” or income without work.
- You must pay a fee, buy a starter pack or deposit money to begin earning.
- Most income comes from bringing new people who also pay.
- Pressure: “only today”, “limited spots”, “don’t tell anyone”.
- Withdrawal is unclear, delayed or needs another payment.
- Testimonials with luxury lifestyles instead of verifiable facts.
What to do instead
- Earn by selling a service or product to real customers.
- If you invest, use licensed providers and read the risks.
- Ask a trusted person before paying anyone you met online.
- Report suspected scams to your local consumer protection authority.
Where Open Abundance stands
Open Abundance does not promise income and is not an investment. Joining is free; rewards for useful actions are paid only for verified results and are not random; withdrawals are limited by the reserve and the rules are published in advance. If any page or person describes it as guaranteed income, that description is wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Is every referral program a scam?
No. A referral reward for bringing a real customer to a real product is normal. It becomes a red flag when you must pay to join and income comes mostly from recruiting.
I already paid. What now?
Stop paying more, keep all records, contact your bank or payment provider, and report it to the police or consumer protection. Be careful with “recovery services”, which are often a second scam.
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