Anyone can reach tens of thousands of people through the World Wide Web easily, cheaply and anonymously. Because the Internet allows scam artists to create very credible looking messages, it is harder than ever for consumers to separate fact from fiction. Don't assume that people on-line are who they claim they are.
Some salesmen hide their true identity with a pseudonym.
Look for other promotions by the same person. No financial investment is risk free and a high rate of return means greater risk. Watch out for off-shore scams and investment opportunities in other countries. When you send your money abroad and something goes wrong, it's more difficult to find out what happened and track down your money. Download and print a hard copy of any on-line solicitation you are considering.