How to Avoid Getting Scammed by Internet Gurus

Sadly, too many people in the entrepreneur and business world have been scammed at some point—including one of my mentees.

These internet “gurus” can be very calculated. They know exactly how to manipulate folks into giving up their hard-earned money. They use the same playbook of high-pressure and emotional tactics that leave people confused, frustrated, and sometimes even broke.

It’s a nasty feeling when you realize you made a mistake, and you can’t get your money back. I don’t want that happening to you, so let’s walk through the red flags, traps, and how you can protect yourself from making the same expensive mistake I did.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. High-Pressure Sales Calls

   If a sales call makes you feel like you have to commit right now, that’s a giant red flag. A lot of so-called gurus push you to make a huge decision on the spot, without letting you talk to your spouse or colleagues or even giving you time to think. They’ll use urgency—“If you don’t invest in yourself now, you never will!”—to prey on your emotions.

   A legit coach or business owner wants a long-term relationship and a good fit. They’ll give you space to ask questions, do your research, and make an informed decision. If you feel like you’re being cornered, it’s okay to slow down or hang up.

2. Overly Invasive Questions

   It starts off professional, then suddenly they’re prying into your bank account, how much credit you’ve got, or your personal life. This can turn into them making you feel like you’re the problem if you hesitate—like you’re in your own way or you don’t believe in yourself. Yes, entrepreneurs can self-sabotage, but no reputable coach needs to bully you into “leveling up.”

3. Emotional Manipulation and Victim-Blaming

   If you express doubts, they might flip it on you: “You just don’t want it bad enough,” or “My other clients risked it all and found a way—why can’t you?” They’ll make you feel guilty for not buying. A true mentor won’t shame you or pressure you; they’ll empower you and guide you to a logical decision.

4. No Real Refund Policy or Hidden Terms

   If there’s no clear, written refund policy, or they bury it in 27 pages of fine print, be extremely cautious. Some gurus advertise “money-back guarantees,” but when you ask for your money back, they’ll fight you for hours or invent new hoops to jump through. It shouldn’t be that complicated. A straightforward business will have a well-defined contract and payment/invoicing process—not just “Zelle me the money first.”

How to Protect Yourself

1. Do Your Research

   Look up their name and program online. Search for reviews, testimonials, or even negative threads. See if they actually have consistent results. If they boast about how many people they’ve helped, don’t be afraid to DM those folks directly and ask. A real coach should be happy to connect you with past clients or show proof of success.

2. Never Give In to Immediate Pressure

   If it’s a big-ticket purchase and you’re still unsure, give yourself at least 24–48 hours. A good deal should still be there in a couple of days (and if it isn’t, it’s probably a manipulative tactic). Yes, some entrepreneurs do genuinely offer discounts for fast action, but the difference is they’ll be transparent about it.

3. Ask the Right Questions

   • “What happens if I don’t see results?”

   • “Can you show me a high-level overview of your process or framework?”

   • “May I see the contract and terms ahead of time?”

   • “Is there anyone I can talk to who’s been through your program?”

   If they dodge, deflect, or make you feel silly for asking, that’s a clue to run the other way.

4. Trust Your Gut

   If you feel uneasy or pressured into a corner, listen to your instincts. You shouldn’t walk away from a transaction with a pit in your stomach. A reputable business person values their reputation too much to bully you into an invoice.

I felt inspired to share this after seeing my own mentee get taken advantage of. I don’t want you or anybody else to go through that same stress.

If you find yourself on a shady call, remember: you have every right to say, “I need time,” or “No, thank you.” And if the person on the other end can’t respect that? That tells you everything you need to know.

Protect your peace and protect your pockets. You work too hard for your money to hand it over to a manipulator who doesn’t truly care about your success. If you found this helpful, feel free to follow, subscribe, or share. Stay safe out there, and I’ll see you in the next one!