Essex Trading Standards has taken part in a major international law enforcement project to stamp out on-line get rich quick scams.
The initiative has been dubbed getrichquick.con and brought together 143 organisations from 27 countries.
They swept the internet targeting bogus business opportunities.
Richard Webb, who conducted the research in Essex, said: "Bogus business schemes typically offer unrealistically high earning opportunities, demand up-front payment, give guarantees and glowing testimonials."
A dozen suspect sites around the world were identified by Essex Trading Standards and sent warning e-mails.
"Internet criminals do not work within national borders and a co-ordinated transnational approach is essential to protect consumers," added Mr Webb.
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