Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest and arguably, easiest way to get yourself promoting a product and/or service online. The "key" is finding the 'right' affiliate program(s) to promote. The other problem is inadvertently being involved with a company whose sole purpose is to bilk you for as much money as they can...namely scam artists- online scammers in particular.

How to avoid scams:

The best way to avoid these scams is to... do your research long and well. Consider these points before joining any affiliate or actually, any offer in general:

1. Does the company have a good support network? Do they answer emails and have valid contact information?

2. Do they have a valid offline address, telephone number, contact email address, etc. etc.?

3. What % of commission do they pay out; 30%-50% is the best.

4. Program Tracking system - this should be in 'real time' and accurate.

5. Product or service should be well targeted for the market you propose to market to. Product/service should be of good to high quality.

Where to research:

1. Join Forums related to your niche industry. Many smart marketers use these 'help' or affiliate member forums for reference. You can ask questions, advice, whatever, from others based on the programs they use or promote.

2. Discussion lists. These could be social networks like FaceBook, MySpace or the like. Search and locate members who have related interests to your industry.

3. Look into the program carefully. If it looks too good to be true- it probably is. Let common sense be one of your 'indicators'. Listen, if someone tells you their system can make you $100,000 in one week, the warning sirens should be going off in your head telling you to 'bail'.

4. Put the company name, plus the word scam, into the search engines and see what comes up. Use your own judgment, as sometimes these reviews may not be 100% true. Research. Due dillengence. These will guide you on the 'right' path more often than naught.

GOLDEN RULE: "Look before you leap" when considering signing up to any program, especially when you have to shell out $$$, to prevent being victimized with any potential scams. Go over the above tips and it is advisable if you ask other people's opinions. Do not rush, choose good reliable programs wisely that will give you the profits you want for many years to come.