Are influencer money courses worth it?

Most influencer money courses are not worth it, because the main thing being sold is the influencer's lifestyle, not a reliable skill that will earn you money. Some contain useful basics, but you can usually find the same material free or cheaply elsewhere, and UK and US regulators have repeatedly warned about exaggerated income claims in this market. The honest test is not "does the seller look rich?" but "can this course show realistic, verifiable results for ordinary buyers?"

Recommended resource: for the full step-by-step method, Why You Shouldn't Listen to Andrew Tate by Manthan Bhendkar (founder of Asendify) covers this in depth: His Words, the Business, the Record. PDF, £304.50, instant download.

What regulators say about money-making courses

You do not have to take anyone's opinion on this. Several official bodies have looked closely at the sector:

• The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). In April 2026 the UK advertising regulator published guidance titled "Money making courses – stick to the facts". It found ads implying buyers could reliably earn high incomes or grow a business "overnight" without adequate evidence, said ads must not suggest exceptional success is typical, and warned that disclaimers do not fix bold headline claims. It also flagged fake "free" offers and false countdown deadlines.
• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA's guidance on financial promotions on social media (FG24/1) says influencers who promote regulated financial products without approval from an authorised firm may be committing a criminal offence. The FCA and ASA also teamed up to warn "finfluencers" about promoting illegal "get rich quick" schemes.
• The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC's consumer advice, "When a Business Offer or Coaching Program Is a Scam", lists warning signs including guaranteed income, made-up student earnings and a cheap starter product that leads to expensive upsells.

None of this means every course is a scam. It does mean the burden of proof sits with the seller.

Why the business model matters more than the content

Before judging a course, ask how the seller actually makes money. In many influencer-led courses, the largest income stream is the course itself, plus affiliate commissions paid to members who recruit new members.

That creates two problems:

1. The seller's wealth is not evidence the method works. If they earn most of their money from selling the course, their success proves they can sell courses.
2. Recruitment-based earnings come from people below you. The FTC notes that a business focused on recruiting rather than selling real products to real customers is a sign of a pyramid scheme. If the main "strategy" taught is to post clips and sign people up, you are part of the marketing.

Red flags to check before paying

Work through this list. Two or three ticks should make you very cautious:

• Income screenshots, cars, watches or villas used as proof.
• Claims like "anyone can do this" or "no experience needed".
• No clear description of what you will learn, module by module.
• A countdown timer, "only 10 spots left" or a price that is about to rise.
• A low entry price that leads to "inner circle" or mentoring upsells.
• Earnings that depend on recruiting others.
• Pressure to keep quiet about doubts, or criticism framed as proof you are a "loser".
• Investment, trading or crypto tips from someone who is not authorised. In the UK, you can check firms on the FCA register.

Questions to ask the seller

The FTC suggests asking specific questions before you pay. Adapted for course buyers:

1. What, exactly, will I be able to do after this course that I cannot do now?
2. What do typical students earn, and how do you know? Can you show data for all buyers, not just success stories?
3. What does the course cost in total, including any upgrades, tools or subscriptions?
4. What is the refund policy, in writing?
5. Can I speak to former students who are not paid affiliates?

If the answers are vague, emotional or evasive, that is your answer.

When a paid course can be worth it

Some paid learning is good value. It tends to share these features:

• It teaches a specific, checkable skill, such as bookkeeping, coding, copywriting or a recognised qualification.
• The teacher has a track record outside of selling courses.
• Claims are modest, and the seller is clear that results vary.
• You can preview material and get a refund.
• The price is in line with comparable courses from colleges, universities or professional bodies.

Before buying anything, check free alternatives. Libraries, MoneyHelper for personal finance, and free online courses from universities often cover the fundamentals that influencer courses repackage.

A simple decision process

If you are still tempted, slow down:

1. Wait 72 hours. Genuine opportunities survive a weekend. False deadlines do not.
2. Write down what you expect to gain, in money and skills, and by when.
3. Search the course name with "review", "complaint" and "refund".
4. Talk it through with someone you trust who has nothing to sell you.
5. Set a limit you could lose without hardship, and never borrow to pay for a course.

Key takeaways

• Most influencer money courses sell lifestyle and hope more than a reliable, earnable skill.
• The ASA, FCA and FTC have all warned about exaggerated income claims, fake urgency and unauthorised financial promotions.
• A seller's wealth often comes from course sales and affiliates, which says little about whether the method works for you.
• Recruitment-based earnings and upsell ladders are major warning signs.
• Good courses teach specific skills, make modest claims and offer clear refunds; check free alternatives first.

If you are trying to help someone who is drawn to a particular online "guru", Why You Shouldn't Listen to Andrew Tate covers how that business model works, how the persuasion works, and a seven-question test you can apply to any guru. More titles are in the wider Asendify library of practical playbooks.

FAQ

Are all online money courses scams?

No. Some teach genuine skills at a fair price. The problem is courses that sell unrealistic income claims, rely on recruitment or hide the real total cost.

Is it illegal for influencers to promote investments?

In the UK, promoting regulated financial products without approval from an FCA-authorised firm may be a criminal offence, according to the FCA's social media guidance.

Can I get my money back from a course I regret?

It depends on the seller's terms and how you paid. Check the refund policy, contact your card provider about a chargeback if appropriate, and seek advice from Citizens Advice in the UK.

More playbooks on other topics: https://www.asendify.co/books/

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