Lately, there is a lot of confusion on “online investment”, “online business”, “online get-rich-quick scheme”, “online marketing”, “online-advertising”, “share investment through online brokerage company”, “affiliate-program, “pay-per-click program” and all those online stuffs.
You may ask, is it illegal or not? I don’t want to answer it here. But please be remember, either you’re online or not, the people doesn’t change. There are conman, liars everywhere. And of course, stupid & greedy people too.
It is hard to distinguish between good and bad. The only cure is KNOWLEDGE. That’s exactly has been said by Muhammad b Abdullah:
There is that which is evidently lawful (halal bayyin) and that which is evidently unlawful (haram bayyin), and between these there are things which are doubtful and suspect (shubuhat). One who abstains from doubtful things is saved from falling into unlawful things, and one who takes recourse in doubtful things falls in unlawful things and perishes without knowing it.” (Refer to the following link for little explanation about the hadith [ 6 ] )
For example, the issue of forex trading which lead many confusion for Muslim people. Well, you must understand economy, finance, monetary system, investment, banking & syariah principles involving riba’ vs business. It is not only the matter of long or short the currency.
Congratulations to shuth for his project on: Hakikat Sebenar Buat Duit di Internet
If you want to know further, please read his writing from the link given above.
Other resources: Get-rich-quick scheme (Wikipedia)