If you do an internet search for "how to make money online" or "make money online easy" you are likely to see millions of results. It can be a bit overwhelming to try to figure out which of the results are worthwhile. After all, it is common knowledge that there are many scams on the internet--and no one wants to become the victim of a scammer. So how can you know which programs or websites for easy money online are actually legitimate?

There is one hard and fast rule that you need to remember when choosing programs through which to try to earn money online--stay away from any program that asks you for money. You shouldn't have to pay for an e-book or a manual or any type of instructions in order to get started earning money online. If you simply avoid programs that ask for this, you should have no problems selecting legitimate earning opportunities.

Types of Easy Money Online Opportunities

Let's face it--you aren't likely to get rich through any of the make money online opportunities. You can, however, earn a rather nice amount of pocket money, depending upon the programs you choose. Here are some of the easiest ways in which you can try to earn some money online:

Freelance writing

As long as you can write reasonably well and you understand the basics of grammar and punctuation, you can earn some easy money as a freelance writer. Many websites these days pay people to write articles on a wide variety of subjects. Other websites pay people to write blog posts or short stories. Your writing doesn't have to be on the level of an English professor, either; most websites prefer writers who can write in an easy-to-read style.

Online auctions

You can sell items that you no longer need or want and earn some cash through EBay or other online auction websites. Or, you can earn money by selling items for other students and taking a commission for managing the sale. In either case, the money is easy to earn because placing an auction ad takes only a few moments once you get the hang of how to do it.

Online tutoring

There are several companies through which you can become a paid online tutor. Because online learning is becoming more popular than ever, online tutors are often in great demand. You may need to apply for this type of position, just as you would for other jobs, however. If working for a company isn't your style, you could offer your own eLessons through Craigslist or another forum. You might be an expert user of, say, MS Word or Photoshop; offering eLessons in one of those programs could help you pocket some extra cash quickly.

Completing surveys

Dozens of survey companies exist on the internet, and each typically offers some type of payment for completing the surveys. Check out the payment options before signing up at a survey site, though--a few sites pay in points that can take years to build up to a cash-in level.