While reputable genealogy sites are quite prevalent online, there are unfortunately several Web sites on the Internet which make fraudulent claims or take your money in return for no results. Learn how to check out a genealogy Web site before you join or put down any money so that you won’t get taken in by a genealogy scam.

1. What are you Getting for your Money?

Look at the details of what is claimed to be offered. You should expect to be able to see a list of the exact records, databases, and other sources that you’ll be able to access through a paid subscription. Look for exact details. A general claim of “marriage records” means nothing - if the site doesn’t provide details on the location and time period covered by the marriage records, as well as the source, then you should be suspicious. Most reputable sites even allow you to do free searches to see what specific records are available for your name before you subscribe. Be careful of Web sites that won’t provide any type of search results or database list before you join.

By Kimberly Powell, About.com