What are some ways you can tell whether an e-mail request asking a blogger to mention a product or a site where someone is selling something, etc., are legitimate?

So you’ve gotten an e-mail from Such-And-Such Company, offering to send you a product for review on your blog.  You can’t beat free stuff, right?

Still, it’s very important to use great discernment before giving out your home address (for shipping) to anyone you’ve only met online.  If you receive such an offer, here are a few things you can do:

1. Google is your friend.  Do a Google search of the person’s name, the company’s name, and any other information they send you. 
2. Ask the person (via e-mail) for a phone number so you can verify their offer.  Most likely, someone from a legitimate company would willingly give it to you.  A scammer would likely scram.
3. Ask them for a "reference"–have any other bloggers reviewed their product, and if so, what is the URL of that blogger? 
4. Especially if you plan to do a significant number of reviews, consider setting up a P.O. box or some other sort of non-identifying address for shipment of products.
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY, go with your gut.  In cyber-land, there’s no way to be absolutely sure a person is who he/she claims.  If something feels wrong, just walk away.

Related posts:

1. How to set up a Google Alert (and why it’s a good idea) Google Alerts is one of the most versatile online tools....

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.