Avoid File Sharing Scams

Over the years we have done quite a bit of research regarding music download sites. In doing so it was eye opening to see how many review sites recommend services that are P2P file sharing scams.

Let me walk you through the scam. There are quite a few sites out there that offer "billions of free music and movie downloads". The sites are well designed and draw lots of traffic. Lets say you wonder upon one of the file sharing sites. After seeing a well presented site (normally with an attractive young lady telling you about the service) they will ask you to enter your name and email address. Afterwards you find out that instead of "free downloads" they require a lifetime membership fee. There's the first red flag. Free content that costs money. Even so a lifetime membership in the $30-$40 range is very appealing if it wasn't all a scam.

Moving on you pay the fee and await access to the treasure chest of content. You'll get your prize alright. Peer-to-peer file sharing software. That's all you get. Access to the same file sharing software you could go download and use free. Not to mention that a huge majority of the content is pirated, riddled with viruses, etc.

By now the scam is complete. What do you do? Did they break any laws? While unethical the fine print will show that you are paying for "software recommendations" meaning they can charge to recommend a free P2P client. The fine print will also clear them of any copyright problems by stating that you need to follow any and all copyright laws.

So what just happened? Plain and simple - you got scammed! There's nothing you can do about it. No means of getting your money back and no way of taking action other than letting other people know so they don't make the same mistake.

Beware that most these sites are well designed and look legitimate. They will say that the service has been seen on CNN, NBC, CNET, etc. Don't buy the hype because that's all it is.

There are a number of legal, legitimate music download sites out there and several review sites like ours that cover these services. Unfortunately there are also quite a few that recommend scams.

If your looking for legal music downloads then stay far away from P2P file sharing software. The RIAA has already filed taken action on 30,000+ customers for copyright violations. Visit Wikipedia for more information.

We have compiled a list of sites making money from recommending P2P file sharing sites.

Here is a list of reviews and free trials for some top legal online music sites: