Outside sources I’d point a reader to, grouped by the job they do: learn the basics, avoid scams, and understand the rules of the platforms you sell on. Everything here is an official, government or university source, not a directory of tools that happen to rank well.
Curated by Tom Morgan. Last reviewed: October 2026.
How I choose what goes on this page
- Primary sources first. Universities, regulators, and the platforms’ own published policies come before commentary about them.
- Nothing here is an income promise. These links help you learn, check claims, and stay out of trouble. They don’t tell you what you’ll earn.
- Links get rechecked. Platform terms and course availability change. If something here is outdated, tell me through the Contact page with the subject “Correction — Resources”.
- Suggestions are welcome. Send a source with a line on why it belongs, using the subject “Tip — [resource]”.
1. Learn the basics
Elements of AI
A series of free online courses created by the University of Helsinki and MinnaLearn. An Introduction to AI needs no complicated math or programming and covers what AI is, what is and isn’t possible with it, and how it affects our lives. The follow-up, Building AI, goes into the algorithms behind AI methods, and some basic Python is recommended.
Use it for: understanding what AI can and can’t do before you build a business around it. It’s also useful for judging the claims in sales pages.
On this site
- Free AI courses with certificate
- AI for beginners
- Free AI guide for beginners
- Best AI tools for work and study
2. Check an offer before you pay
FTC consumer guidance on AI and earnings claims
consumer.ftc.gov
The US Federal Trade Commission’s plain-language warning about AI-branded business opportunities. It notes that a seller making an earnings claim must also give you an earnings claim statement, and that a seller contradicting its own disclosure documents is a warning sign.
FTC Operation AI Comply
FTC press release, September 2024
The announcement of a set of enforcement actions against AI-related deception, including businesses accused of making unsubstantiated earnings claims for AI-powered e-commerce opportunities. Useful for seeing what a deceptive pitch looks like in practice.
FTC Business Opportunity Rule
ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/business-opportunity-rule
The rule itself. Read it if someone is asking you to pay for the right to sell products or use a system with the promise of income.
Report suspected fraud
Use these for: deciding whether a program is legitimate, and knowing what to ask for before you pay.
Outside the US, your own consumer-protection authority is the equivalent. Look it up before you buy anything with an income promise attached.
On this site
- FAQ: How do I spot an AI money-making scam?
- AI Side Hustles No One Talks About
3. Know the platform’s rules on AI
Upwork on generative AI
Upwork Community: Trust and Safety AI Update (April 2023)
Upwork’s announcement says freelancers can use any tools, including generative AI, unless the client expressly restricts them. It adds that the decision is for clients and freelancers to settle in their contract terms, and it describes transparency between them as essential.
This is a 2023 post, and platform terms have been updated since. Read Upwork’s current User Agreement before you rely on it. The same principle applies to every platform you sell on, including Fiverr, LinkedIn, and any marketplace for your skill: find the current terms, and when in doubt, disclose.
On this site
- FAQ: Do I need to disclose AI use?
- Freelancing with AI
- Best remote AI freelance jobs
4. Taxes and money
Income is generally taxable regardless of the tools used to earn it, and it’s worth tracking from the first dollar. The rules differ sharply by country, so I don’t link a single source here. Start with your national tax authority’s page for self-employed or freelance income, and talk to a local accountant about your own case.
Where to go next
- Test a method: the 30-Day AI Earning Challenge
- Check a tool before paying: Reviews
- Quick answers on realism, costs and risk: FAQ
- Who writes this and how: About