Get Rich Quick schemes sadly are more common today than ever with the ever growing popularity of the Internet and economic downturn.  If you're like me and trying to make money online, you may be tempted by opportunities that offer quick payouts and enormous profits.  A Get Rich Quick Scheme is a plan to acquire high rates of return for a small investment.  The Internet has become a haven for online scammers looking to take away your hard earned cash.  Here are thirteen ways to prevent you from becoming yet another victim of a Get Rich Quick Scam.

1. If something sounds too good to be true it very well is.

2. Prior to investing in a business opportunity ask yourself the following - "Just how often do you or people you know purchase the product or service you will be potentially selling?"

3. Get Rich Quick schemes offer a high rate of return for a low investment. While there are people that do make money from these schemes(ie. gambling, day trading) they are few and far between.

4. While there are legitimate work at home jobs, they generally require a lot of work, time, and some financial investment. If an opportunity is too easy be sceptical of it.

5. Prior to investing in a business opportunity check out the company on the Better Business Bureau website.

6. Don't be rushed or pressured to invest. Remember that if you are given a limited time offer, there is usually a reason why.

7. Be extra careful with investments over the Internet.

8. Be super careful with investments on TV primarily in the form of infomercial or on the telephone.

9. Never reply to spam. As SpamBusters.org says, "if it's spam, it's a scam.

10. Be careful of any business opportunity that is not in writing. That said and done, be sure to get everything in writing prior to investing your hard earned cash in any investment.

11. Even if you are up a creek and without a paddle financially, you don't have to share that with the world. It is not a good idea to post messages in forums saying you are in dire financial straits, or desperate to find work. This is a sure way to bring all the scammers out and be overwhelmed with phony offers.

12. Be sure to ask for details, in writing, of the refund policy before you invest in the business opportunity.

13. Ask present owners or employees about their experiences with the company.