A brand collaboration is a win-win situation for both the brand and the influencer. Brands can reach a wider audience, while influencers can earn money from promoting products or establishments they love—like their favorite gua sha face tool or Cookie casino for entertainment. But, as with any online business, there are scammers who are waiting to take advantage of the trend. To avoid falling into their trap, here are 10 ways to identify a brand collaboration scam and what to do instead.
1. Unsolicited Offers
If you receive an unsolicited offer from a brand that you’ve never heard of, it’s probably a scam. Scammers often send out mass emails or messages to influencers, trying to get them to promote their products. If you’ve never heard of the brand before, do your research before accepting any offers.
2. No Contract
A legitimate brand collaboration should always come with a contract. This contract should outline the terms and conditions of the collaboration, including payment and deliverables. If the brand doesn’t provide a contract, it’s a red flag.
3. Payment Upfront
A legitimate brand will never ask for payment upfront. In fact, it’s the other way around. Brands typically pay influencers after the collaboration has been completed. If a brand asks for payment upfront, it’s a scam.
4. No Products To Review
A legitimate brand collaboration should always come with products to review. If the brand doesn’t provide any products, it’s a scam. They may say they’ll send the products later, but in reality, they never will.
5. Poor Quality Products
If the products are of poor quality, it’s a sign that the brand is a scam. Scammers often send out low-quality products to influencers, hoping they’ll promote them anyway. If you receive low-quality products, don’t promote them.
6. No Contact Information
If the brand doesn’t provide any contact information, it’s a red flag. Legitimate brands will always provide a way for influencers to contact them. If the brand doesn’t provide any contact information, it’s a scam.
7. No Social Media Presence
If the brand doesn’t have any social media presence, it’s a red flag. Legitimate brands will always have a social media presence, including a website and social media accounts. If the brand doesn’t have any social media presence, it’s a scam.
8. No Company Information
If the brand doesn’t provide any company information, it’s a red flag. Legitimate brands will always provide information about the company, including their history and mission statement. If the brand doesn’t provide any company information, it’s a scam.
9. Strange Requests
If the brand makes strange requests, it’s a red flag. For example, if the brand asks for personal information such as your home address or bank account information, it’s a scam.
10. No Payment After Completion
If the brand doesn’t pay after the collaboration has been completed, it’s a scam. Legitimate brands will always pay influencers after the collaboration has been completed. If the brand doesn’t pay, don’t work with them again.
So, what should you do instead?
Do Your Research
Before accepting any offers, do your research. Look up the brand on social media and Google. Read reviews and check if they’ve worked.
Stay Alert for Red Flags
Look for red flags, such as a company that is not responsive to your inquiries, or a company that is not willing to provide any information about their business. These are signs that the company may not be legitimate and may be a brand collaboration scam.
Get a Second Opinion
Before entering into a collaboration, get a second opinion from someone who is familiar with the industry. This can be a trusted business partner, friend, or even a lawyer.
Trust Your Instincts
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubts or concerns about the company or the collaboration, trust your instincts and do not enter into the collaboration.
