Learn how to use social media to make $5K per month with tiny digital products
Are you looking for an easy way to make extra money from home? If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may have seen the viral sensation claiming you can earn $5 for every letter you write and send to online casinos. With just a pen, note card, and envelope, this new side hustle promises to generate passive income. But is it really that simple?
In today’s post, I’ll dive deep into this viral letter-writing scheme and reveal why it’s not the lucrative opportunity it claims to be. From hidden gambling requirements to misleading promises, let’s uncover the truth behind this so-called “business opportunity” and explore better alternatives for making money online.
What Is the $5 Letter Writing Scam?
The premise of this scheme is simple: you’re instructed to write letters and mail them to online casinos. In return, you’re supposed to receive $5 per letter. However, what you’re actually getting is far from $5 in cash—you’re receiving five coins or points, which you’re required to gamble in the casino’s games.
Here’s how the process supposedly works:
- Write a letter using a note card and pen.
- Mail the letter to specific online casinos.
- Receive “5 dollars” (which are actually casino credits) for each letter you send.
- Gamble those credits in the casino in order to potentially win real money.
While it sounds straightforward, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes that they don’t tell you.
The Hidden Problems with This Method
Let’s break down the major issues with the letter-writing scam:
- You’re Not Actually Earning Money: The $5 you receive isn’t cash—it’s coins or points that can only be used to gamble in the casino. You need to gamble and win to convert those coins into real money, and there’s no guarantee you’ll win anything.
- Gambling Addiction Risks: This scheme essentially turns you into a gambler. If you have an addictive personality or a history of gambling issues, this “business opportunity” could be dangerous. Gambling for money to help your family isn’t a viable or safe strategy.
- Desperate Targeting: This scam preys on people who are struggling financially, giving them false hope that they can make quick money by writing letters. In reality, this method is no different from playing the lottery or casino games—it’s gambling, plain and simple.
- Delayed or No Payments: Even if you manage to win some money through gambling, many people report that payouts take months or never come at all. Some users have even said their letters get “lost in the mail,” resulting in even more delays.
- High Minimum Withdrawal Limits: Casinos often set minimum payout thresholds (such as $100). You may need to gamble much more than $5 worth of coins to even be eligible to withdraw your winnings. This leads to a cycle of constantly gambling to meet the threshold, which can become addictive and financially draining.
How People Are Really Making Money with This Scam
Most of the people promoting this scheme aren’t making money by writing letters. Instead, they’re earning income through affiliate marketing. They sell ebooks or courses that teach the letter-writing method or get a commission every time someone signs up for a related membership.
For example, some influencers promote expensive courses priced at $224+ that claim to teach you the secrets of the letter-writing hustle. However, most of the information can be found for free on Reddit or in Facebook groups, making these courses a waste of money.
Additionally, many of these creators are affiliates for platforms like SendItAcademy, earning commissions when people sign up through their links. While affiliate marketing is a legitimate way to make money, these influencers often fail to disclose their affiliate status, making the entire process feel shady.
The Real Way to Make Money Online
Instead of gambling or following a sketchy letter-writing scheme, here are some proven ways to build a sustainable online income:
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services that solve a problem for your audience. You don’t need to create your own product—just recommend things you use and trust. Start by creating helpful content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or a blog and add affiliate links to products you believe in.
- Create and Sell Digital Products: Digital products like ebooks, templates, and online courses are a fantastic way to earn passive income. Create the product once, and you can sell it again and again. You can start with free tools like Canva and sell your digital products on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.
- Online Coaching: Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or group coaching, share your expertise with others to help them achieve their goals. Group coaching can be a great way to maximize your time and create recurring revenue.
- Content Creation with Ad Revenue: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok allow you to monetize your content through ad revenue. Once you build an audience, ads can generate consistent income, and you can expand your reach through affiliate marketing or sponsorships.
Final Thoughts
The $5 letter-writing scheme isn’t the easy, passive income opportunity it’s made out to be. It’s a gambling scheme that preys on financially vulnerable people, leading to more frustration and, potentially, addiction. Instead of falling for the hype, invest your time and energy into real, sustainable ways to build an online income.
Ready to get started on the right path? Check out my latest video where I share legitimate ways to make money online—no gambling required.