🚨12 COMMON SCAMS THAT TARGET YOUNG PEOPLE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

Image
🧠 INTRO: YOU’RE A TARGET, NOT A FOOL Young people are smart, tech-savvy—and unfortunately, prime targets for online scammers. From flashy job offers to fake scholarships and “easy money” investments, the digital world is filled with traps that look tempting, especially if you're hustling to earn. This post isn’t here to scare you. It’s here to equip you. We’ll break down the most common online scams that target students, jobseekers, and young professionals—and how to spot them before it’s too late. 🚫 12 COMMON SCAMS THAT TARGET YOUNG PEOPLE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM) 1. Fake Online Jobs Promising “Work From Home” Riches 👀 What It Looks Like: “Earn KSh 50,000/week working 2 hours a day from home!” These often appear in social media ads or shady Telegram groups. 📌 Real Example: Esther, a university student in Eldoret, paid KSh 1,000 for a “training manual” only to discover the company disappeared after that. ✔️ How to Avoid It: Legit jobs don’t ask for upfront payments. Cross-check...

10 PASSIVE INCOME IDEAS YOU CAN START WITH ZERO INVESTMENT( 2025 EDITION)



Young people earning passive income online using phones and laptops

🌟 Introduction:

Can you really make money without investing any capital?

The answer is yes — if you're willing to invest your time, creativity, and consistency.

In 2025, opportunities to earn passive income online (and even offline) are more accessible than ever. You don’t need fancy equipment, a degree in tech, or a fat wallet. All you need is a smartphone, internet, and a little hustle.

Whether you’re a student looking for extra cash, a parent wanting more time with your kids, or a professional stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, these zero-investment passive income ideas will get you started.

💸 1. Blogging with AdSense & Affiliate Marketing

Best for: Writers, students, teachers

Initial investment: Zero (free platforms available)

Time to start earning: 1–3 months

Start a free blog on platforms like Blogger or WordPress.com. Write helpful articles about a topic you know (student hacks, saving tips beauty tips, parenting, personal finance, etc.).

Once your blog grows, you can apply for:

Google AdSense to earn from ads

Affiliate programs like Amazon or Jumia

Real-life example:

Grace, a university student, started a blog on “Budget Beauty” using Blogger. She now earns KSh 5,000 monthly through affiliate links.

🎬 2. Start a YouTube Channel

Best for: Talkers, entertainers, teachers

Initial investment: $0 (use your phone)

Monetization time: 3–6 months

YouTube offers ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate link placement.

Ideas that work:

Tutorials (e.g., study hacks)

Budgeting tips

Local cooking

Life vlogs

Catoon animation with ai for kids ( best)

Real-life example:

Kevin shares budgeting tips from his dorm room using his phone camera. After 6 months, he earns KSh 10,000/month.

📱 3. Social Media Affiliate Marketing

Best for: Anyone on Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp

Initial investment: None

Time to earn: 1–2 weeks

Promote products/services using affiliate links.

Earn a commission for every click or purchase.

Post:

On WhatsApp status

Reels on Instagram

Short-form TikToks with links in bio


📘 4. Write & Sell eBooks or Notes

Best for: Writers, students, teachers

Initial investment: None (use Google Docs or Canva)

Time to earn: 1–4 weeks

Write a short guide (e.g., "How to Budget on KSh 500") or compile your notes into a digital study guide. Sell them via WhatsApp, email, or Gumroad.

Realistic example:

James from Kisumu sold “KCSE Revision Notes” for KSh 100 each. He sold 150 copies via class WhatsApp groups = KSh 15,000.

🎨 5. Create Printables & Sell Online

Best for: Creatives, planners

Initial investment: None

Time to earn: 2–6 weeks

Use Canva to design:

Meal planners

Daily goals templates

Digital affirmations

Sell them via:

WhatsApp groups

Instagram shops

Gumroad

Etsy

Amazon kdp


📷 6. Sell Smartphone Photos to Stock Sites

Best for: Travelers, creatives, nature lovers

Initial investment: $0

Time to earn: 1–3 months

If you love taking photos, upload them to stock websites and earn royalties every time someone downloads your photo.

Sell them on:

Shutterstock 

Unsplash

For more tips check our guide on simple side hustle you can start today 


📧 7. Start an Email Newsletter

Best for: Writers, niche experts

Initial investment: $0

Time to earn: 2–4 months

Build a free newsletter using Substack or Mailchimp. Share useful content weekly.

Once you build a following, monetize through:

Sponsored mentions

Affiliate links

Paid subscriptions


🔁 8. Repurpose Old Content on Medium or LinkedIn

Best for: Bloggers, students

Initial investment: None

Time to earn: 1–2 months

If you’ve written assignments, essays, or previous blog posts, edit and republish them on Medium or LinkedIn. Some platforms pay per view or allow monetization once you grow.


🎮 9. Play-to-Earn or Learn-to-Earn Apps

Best for: Gamers, learners

Initial investment: None

Time to earn: 1–4 weeks

Some apps reward users with small earnings for learning new skills or gaming.

Try:

Swagbucks (earn through quizzes, surveys)

Brainly (earn while tutoring)


🛠️ 10. Create a Free Tool, Template or App

Best for: Coders, designers, planners

Initial investment: None

Time to earn: 1–3 months

Use free tools like Google Sheets, Glide Apps, or Notion to create:

Budget calculators

Study planners

Expense trackers

Monetize with:

Ads on a free landing page

Collecting email leads

Donations (PayPal, M-PESA tips)

🔁 Recap: 10 Passive Income Ideas with Zero Investment

Idea |Best For |Start Cost| Time to Earn

Blogging Writers $0 1–3 months

YouTube Channel Creators $0 3–6 months

Affiliate Marketing Social Media Users $0 1–2 weeks

Write & Sell eBooks Students $0 1–4 weeks

Printables & Digital Products -Designers -$0- 2–6 weeks

Stock Photography- Phone Users -$0 -1–3 months

Email Newsletter- Writers -$0 -2–4 months

Medium & LinkedIn Content- Students/Bloggers- $0- 1–2 months

Earn Apps Gamers/Learners- $0 /1–4 weeks

Free Tools & Templates -Techies/Planners $0 1–3 months


🌱 Final Thoughts

Passive income isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme — but it is real and accessible in 2025. If you're willing to put in effort now, the long-term reward is financial freedom, even if you're starting with nothing.

Start with one method, stay consistent, and watch your income slowly grow while you sleep, study, or travel.




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

10 SIMPLE BUDGETING HACKS EVERY STUDENT SHOULD KNOW

DAILY MONEY HABITS THAT LEAD TO LONG-TERM WEALTH

HOW TO START SAVING MONEY ON A TIGHT BUDGET (A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS)