by Mel Bergen

Created on: January 20, 2008

Scams do not lurk behind all free on-line offers . Not all websites that offer free products are waiting, rubbing their virtual hands together, to fleece you. You can find ways to obtain free products and programs legally, if you do your research and exercise some caution.

Your first clue that an offer of expensive items, for free, hides a scam is its presentation. Huge banners, usually with blinking lights, bad celebrity photos, or a "click the aardvark" game should raise red flags in your mind. The offer of a "free" item worth hundreds of dollars if you can click the answer to a pointless question should at least raise an eyebrow.

The sites that use animated banner ads offering free iPods and or X-Boxes have hidden agendas. They may or may not be required to actually supply the goods advertised, depending on the relevant laws, but they will undoubtedly have terms and conditions that require you to spend as much or more than you would have by buying one at the nearest Best Buy or Sears.

If you want free products, keep your expectations reasonable. Corporations that make hair care, skin care, and food products are far more likely to offer free samples of new products, on a secure site. Companies may offer free samples to generate word of mouth about a new product. Reputable survey companies will send you free products before they arrive on the market in exchange for feedback. Again, your personal information remains secure.

Should you decide to click on a banner offering you a $500 gas card, make caution your buzzword. Is that fabulous product really free? Read the requirements for receiving the card, and the description of what you'll receive, from start to finish. Run a search for mentions of the web site and read reviews, if you can find any.

Do not supply any personal information until you have satisfied yourself that the site offering you a fantastic free product is legitimate and secure. At the best, you open yourself up to telemarketers, junk mail, and spam when you click accept these offers. At worst, you could be giving away the keys to your bank account and identity.

You can find free products through a variety of legitimate, trustworthy sources. Just act with caution and take your time. Visit bulletin boards and blogs about finding free, and scam-free, products on the web. Dig into the wealth of available information before you act. You may not get a free iPhone every week, but at least you'll still have your bank account and credit cards.

Learn more about this author, Mel Bergen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.