How to spot a get-rich-quick scheme

Overnight Cash Bandit is about the promise of fast, easy money, and how to tell when that promise is the thing stealing yours.

Schemes that promise overnight cash tend to look alike. They promise big money for little work, ask you to pay first, and push you to decide right now.

Be wary of any offer that charges you to start earning: a starter kit, a training fee, or a required purchase. If the money mostly comes from signing up other people, that is a warning sign too.

Take your time. A real opportunity will still be there after you look up the company, read complaints about it, and talk it over with someone you trust.

If you think you have found a scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Guides on common money scams and how to check an offer are on the way.