In 2020, a fake design company called Madbird “jobfished” more than 50 people, causing them to work for up to six months with no pay. The scammers exploited the rise of remote working due to Covid, using it as an excuse to communicate only via Zoom and email, which allowed the fraud to continue for so long.
Remote working has become an ideal alternative to the traditional 9-to-5 due to the flexibility it offers. Many employers now use remote job offers as an additional incentive to attract talent. However, while working from home can be convenient and rewarding, it has also created new opportunities for scammers looking to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting job seekers. In fact, it has become easier to land a fake job online than a real one. Here are ten essential tips to help you avoid falling victim to work-from-home job scams.
1. If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
A legitimate job is still work, whether it’s remote or in an office. No employer should claim you can earn huge sums of money for minimal effort. Many scam job listings promise high pay for simple tasks such as mystery shopping, stuffing envelopes, data entry, or content creation.
Remember, no company makes money out of thin air—every employer has costs to consider. If someone offers you an easy, flexible job without a clear job description or structured role, be wary. Scammers often show little interest in your qualifications or work experience, so if they don’t ask for references or request to verify your background, consider it a red flag.
2. Ask Questions
Even the most remote-friendly companies must serve real clients and have a proper organisational structure. A legitimate employer should provide a physical address, and you should be interacting with real people. Make sure the person offering you the job is willing to have a video call and share company details with you.
Verify their information independently—check the organisation’s website, look up its address, and research its employees on LinkedIn. If you find yourself working with “ghost” colleagues and no clear company presence, it’s time to reconsider the job offer.
3. Don’t Accept Cheques with “Extra Funds”
A common scam involves fraudulent cheques. Scammers may claim to be sending you a cheque to cover home office setup costs or even your first salary. Some will even send a cheque with “extra funds,” claiming it was a mistake and asking you to wire back the difference.
Most of these cheques are fake. If you deposit one, your bank will eventually flag it as fraudulent, and you will be liable for the lost money. A genuine employer will pay you through secure banking methods or well-known international payment platforms.
4. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a global organisation that helps verify the legitimacy of businesses. If a seemingly reputable company offers you a job, check the BBB website to see if the employer has a history of complaints or scams.
BBB also tracks fraudulent job postings, so any scam employers will likely be listed there.
5. Research Company Reviews
Every legitimate business leaves a digital footprint. If a company provides goods or services, there will be customer reviews available somewhere. Google the company’s name followed by the word “scam” to see if any warnings appear.
Glassdoor and similar platforms allow employees to review their workplace experiences, which can provide valuable insights into the company’s legitimacy.
6. Keep Track of Your Job Applications
A reputable employer won’t contact you about a job you never applied for. Platforms like Indeed, Upwork, and Remotasks allow employers to reach out to candidates, but most legitimate job offers still require you to apply first.
If you receive an unsolicited job offer, verify whether you actually applied to the company. Keeping a record of your applications helps prevent falling for scams from fraudsters claiming to offer jobs you never applied for.
7. Never Pay to Get a Job
You are seeking employment to earn money, not to spend it. No legitimate employer should require upfront payments for office equipment, training, or any other job-related expenses.
If a company asks you to pay for anything before starting work, it’s a major red flag. Genuine employers provide the necessary tools for their employees and deduct work-related costs from salaries, if applicable.
8. Verify Job Offers on the Company’s Official Website
Most reputable companies have an official website with a careers section listing open positions. Scammers often create fake job offers by impersonating well-known organisations.
Always cross-check the job posting with the company’s official website. Additionally, ensure that any email correspondence is from the company’s official domain rather than a generic email provider like Gmail or Yahoo.
9. Beware of Vague Job Descriptions
Scammers don’t care about your qualifications—they’re only interested in your personal information or getting you to perform fraudulent tasks. Because of this, fake job postings often have vague descriptions with little detail on day-to-day responsibilities.
A legitimate employer will clearly outline job requirements, responsibilities, and expectations. If a job description seems too generic or unclear, proceed with caution.
10. Don’t Fall for “Easy” Interviews
A proper job interview should be conducted via video call or in person. Most employers have a structured interview process involving multiple people. Scammers, on the other hand, may conduct interviews via text or email, only asking basic “yes” or “no” questions.
If an interview feels too casual or lacks any in-depth questioning, it’s likely not a genuine hiring process.
Work-from-home opportunities can be fantastic, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant against scams. Fraudulent job postings can cost you time, money, and even expose your personal data to cybercriminals. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and find legitimate remote job opportunities.
Have you or someone you know ever been scammed while looking for a remote job? Share your experience in the comments below—your story might help someone else avoid falling into the same trap!