These days, networking has been made easier with social media, where you can easily make a referral, and people on your contact list take it seriously based on the level of trust and reliability that they have for you.
First of all, when you want to become an influencer, you need to consider moral principles. Think about it by yourself, and think of positive as well as negative effects you can bring to your followers.
By that deep consideration, you will have to think more carefully before you shill any project, in any program such as a referral program. Because it's simple if what you share brings benefit to others but it's not easy if your sharing causes negative effects to your followers. You can not say you're not responsible for your activities.
At the end, it's up to each person to decide doing or not doing something but as an influencer, you have your responsibility too and it's undeniable.