Title: How to Spot a Fake Guru Before They Say a Word
If you’ve read my last article, The Hidden Dangers of Online Gurus, you already know this. These self-proclaimed experts build empires selling dreams. But what if you could spot them before even listening to their pitch?
This post is about awareness. It’s not just theory — it’s based on what I’ve seen, studied, and personally experienced. Because while most fake gurus aren’t dangerous in the traditional sense, they are excellent at selling something dangerous: false hope.
Red Flag #1: The Lifestyle Flex Comes First
Before they talk about value or skills, they show you a car. A beach. A watch. A penthouse. The goal? Hook you emotionally. Be cautious if a video begins with “Look where I live.” It should start with “Here’s what I can help you with.”
Red Flag #2: “Anyone Can Do It” (Especially If You’re Desperate)
They love telling you that it’s “easy,” “beginner-friendly,” and “perfect if you’re broke.” That’s because they know you’re tired of your job, your bills, and the grind. They’re not targeting your ambition — they’re targeting your frustration.
Red Flag #3: No Transparency, Only “Results”
Fake gurus don’t show their process — they show their screenshots. You’ll rarely see failures, numbers, or unfinished projects. Just testimonials and vague claims: “My student made €10,000 in 2 weeks.” But how? Selling what? To whom? Silence.
Red Flag #4: The Business Is… Teaching You to Teach This Business
This is the most ironic part. Many fake gurus don’t sell a skill. They sell a process for selling the system. It’s a cycle. They make money teaching others how to make money by teaching others how to… you get it.
Red Flag #5: “It’s Not for Everyone…”
When all else fails, they use reverse psychology. “This isn’t for everyone. Only action takers.” So when you feel skeptical, you’ll think: maybe the problem is me. Maybe I just need to take a leap. That’s the trap.
But Why Are They So Convincing?
Because many of them are excellent at one thing: selling themselves.
Take Andrew Tate, for example. Regardless of what you think about him, he’s built a business empire on visibility, confidence, and emotional triggers. He polarizes on purpose — so people talk. Then he monetizes attention. He doesn’t sell information. He sells an identity.
And here’s the real danger: The only genuine lesson from some of these gurus is imitating them.
That’s Not What We Want
This blog isn’t here to teach you how to fake success, manipulate others, or resell dreams. It exists for the exact opposite reason.
I want to help you see the traps. I want to help you make smarter decisions. I want to help you build something real — even if it takes time.
Quick Checklist: Spot a Fake Guru Instantly
- Starts with luxury, not value
- Promises results “even if you’re broke”
- Never shares their failures or real numbers
- Only makes money teaching how to make money
- Says “It’s not for everyone” as a sales trick
Memorize those. They’ll save you time, money, and regret.
Want to Keep Learning (Without the BS)?
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Or go back and read: The Hidden Dangers of Online Gurus
Earn Online the Real Way – with Matteo Guerini 
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