Frugal Friends Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Top 6 Make Money Online Scams to Look Out For in 2025
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Eric Sirianni

Introduction

In Episode 475 of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into the increasingly sophisticated landscape of online money-making scams prevalent in 2025. Aimed at listeners striving to control their finances—whether by saving, minimizing expenses, paying off debt, or achieving financial independence—the episode provides crucial insights to help identify and avoid these deceptive practices.

Understanding the Evolving Scam Landscape

Jen and Jill emphasize that scams have become more nuanced and sophisticated, often mimicking legitimate opportunities to lure unsuspecting individuals. They stress that anyone can fall victim, especially when seeking legitimate ways to earn extra income.

Jen noted at [02:58]:
"We listen and we don't judge because everyone is susceptible to scams..."

Jill added at [03:14]:
"They’re getting so much more nuanced and sophisticated... it can be so easy to fall into some sort of trap."

General Tips to Identify Scams

Before diving into specific scams, the hosts share essential strategies to safeguard against fraudulent schemes:

1. Never Pay for a Job: Legitimate employers, including government entities, do not require payment for employment opportunities.

2. Conduct Thorough Research: Always search the company's name alongside terms like "scam," "review," and "complaint" to verify legitimacy.

3. Evaluate Reviews Carefully: Be cautious of overly positive testimonials and check the authenticity of reviewers to avoid misleading feedback.

4. Consult Trusted Individuals: Discuss opportunities with friends or family members to gain unbiased opinions and verify claims.

Jen at [09:14]:
"Don't just take influencers' words for it because it might not really be their words. It could even be AI."

Top 6 Make Money Online Scams

1. Car Wrap Scam

Timestamp: [11:03]

Overview: Scammers offer substantial weekly payments ($600-$700) to individuals willing to wrap their vehicles with advertisements, typically for energy drinks or similar products.

How It Works:

• Victims receive a seemingly legitimate check for a large sum.
• They are then instructed to pay a fee (e.g., $400) to actually get their car wrapped.
• The initial check is fraudulent and later bounces, leaving the individual out of pocket.

Jill shared personal insights:
"Dr. Pepper is a big one they've been trying to get... amounts for $5,000 checks, $3,200, $1,500." [12:55]

2. Appointment Setters Scam

Timestamp: [14:25]

Overview: These scams advertise high-paying remote jobs as appointment setters, claiming significant earnings through commissions.

Red Flags:

• Requesting payment for training or equipment.
• Overinflated income promises not aligned with industry standards.
• Guarantees of employment or earnings, which are unrealistic.

Jen cautioned:
"If somebody approaches you, then it is a scam. Honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job." [15:35]

3. Fake Investment Opportunities

Timestamp: [16:01]

Overview: Scammers present fraudulent investment opportunities, often utilizing AI to impersonate legitimate businesses or individuals.

Key Indicators:

• Investment pitches lacking transparency and verifiable data.
• Use of AI-generated communications to mimic real contacts.
• Requests for upfront payments without legitimate returns.

Jill advised:
"Ask the seller to give you a one-page disclosure document... If they contradict what's written, it's a shady business." [18:10]

4. Task Scams

Timestamp: [28:55]

Overview: These scams promise small earnings for completing simple online tasks like liking videos or rating product images.

Characteristics:

• Promises of easy, passive income for minimal effort.
• No actual commissions or payments are made despite task completion.
• Platforms often require initial investments or dissemination of personal information.

Jen reflected on personal experience:
"Get paid to watch videos... it was not complicated work, but too time-consuming and ultimately fraudulent." [28:55]

5. Post Office Jobs Scam

Timestamp: [30:48]

Overview: Fraudulent job listings mimic USPS positions, enticing applicants with promises of stable employment and benefits.

Red Flags:

• Requests for registration fees or application packages.
• Links directing to fake USPS websites.
• Claims of requiring payments to take postal service exams.

Jill emphasized:
"It's free to apply for jobs. Don’t pay for application fees and always use the official USPS website." [30:48]

6. Mystery Shopping Scam

Timestamp: [31:47]

Overview: While legitimate mystery shopping exists, scammers offer fake opportunities that require upfront payments for supposed business evaluations.

Warning Signs:

• Requests to purchase gift cards or specific products as part of the job.
• Delayed or nonexistent reimbursements for expenses.
• Overly specific task requirements that seem unnecessary.

Jen shared her experience:
"No mystery shop company will ever ask you to buy gift cards to send them numbers. That is a scam." [32:55]

Honorable Mention: Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Schemes

Timestamp: [33:10]

Overview: MLMs often masquerade as legitimate business opportunities but primarily profit through recruitment rather than product sales.

Concerns:

• Mandatory purchases of inventory or ongoing fees.
• Emphasis on building a downline rather than selling products.
• High attrition rates with only the top tier earning significant income.

Jen urged caution:
"Buying from your friend's MLM is perpetuating the problem. You are part of the problem." [33:10]

Conclusion and Final Insights

Jen and Jill wrap up the episode by highlighting the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making when exploring online income opportunities. They advocate for supporting legitimate businesses and leveraging community resources to achieve financial goals without falling prey to scams.

Jill reflected:
"We do see buying from your friends MLM as supporting small business... you are supporting scammers." [35:02]

Jen added:
"We deserve more and can do better. Invest in legitimate businesses and surround yourself with experienced mentors." [37:22]

Lightning Round: Listener Experiences

In a brief segment, both hosts share personal encounters with scams, reinforcing the episode's key messages:

• Jen recounts receiving a fake job offer via WhatsApp, highlighting red flags like suspicious email domains and over-the-top earnings claims. [48:04]

• Jill discusses a scam message about package delivery from a non-US number, emphasizing the importance of verifying unsolicited communications. [49:00]

Key Takeaways

• Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on common scams and evolving tactics.

• Verify Opportunities: Always conduct thorough research before committing to any job or investment.

• Trust Your Instincts: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

• Seek Support: Consult trusted friends or family members when evaluating suspicious opportunities.

Notable Quotes

• Jen:
  "If somebody approaches you, then it is a scam." [15:35]

• Jill:
  "Trust isn’t just earned, it’s demanded." [18:46]

• Jen:
  "We deserve more and can do better." [37:22]

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast serves as a crucial guide for anyone navigating the murky waters of online income opportunities. By outlining the top scams and providing actionable advice, Jen and Jill empower listeners to protect their financial well-being and pursue genuine paths to financial independence.

For more insights and practical financial advice, tune into future episodes of the Frugal Friends Podcast and join the community committed to frugality, simplicity, and financial empowerment.