If you have been looking for a full-time remote job for a while, or you’re hoping to settle into a steady side hustle you can do remotely; it may not always be easy to recognize the signs of remote job scams. And while it may seem hard to believe, the number of fraudsters looking to steal from unsuspecting job seekers has risen steadily in recent years.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported in December that the amount of money lost to job scams exploded in the first half of 2024, spiraling to more than $220 million. Some 20,000 Americans reported these scams in the first six months of last year, according to federal data. By comparison, only about 5,000 people reported falling prey (and losing money) to job scams in 2023.
Unfortunately, those numbers may be much higher than the $220 million reported. Why is that? Federal authorities say most frauds like these go unreported because people who get scammed are often embarrassed and don’t want to admit they were tricked into sending someone money.
10 easy tips to protect yourself from remote job scams
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from criminals looking to make a fast buck from unsuspecting job hunters. Throughout your job search, and even throughout the interview process, make sure to watch out for warning signs and red flags like the ones mentioned below to better identify and avoid work-from-home job scams.
1. They send you unsolicited texts or messages through an app
Just like the IRS will never call and ask you about a tax matter over the phone, legitimate companies won’t text total strangers to add to their employee ranks. You should ignore (and delete) unexpected texts or messages from apps on your smartphone, says the FTC.
Do not share your sensitive information, and if they send a link, do not click on it.
2. They ask you for money or cryptocurrency
Most of us know that the whole point of a job is to earn money. But if you are desperate for work, you may be more willing to give certain opportunities a chance. Know this: If someone requires you to send a fee before or during employment, chances are pretty good that you will never see that money again.
The FBI warns people to be especially skeptical about jobs that may feel like gaming, where you complete a series of tasks to make money. In this type of scam, you may actually be paid for some of the tasks before a request for funds is made by the scammer. Don’t send them money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any other form of payment.
3. They don’t ask for references or a resume
Even in today’s job market, most employers will ask for references, work samples, or a resume to ensure you can do the work you say you can do. If they don’t ask for these items or if the hiring process seems a little too easy, it’s time to be suspicious.
4. They promise a salary that seems excessive for the work required
Some job scams have been around for decades in the form of want ads promising big bucks. While some of those jobs turn out to be sales positions that advertise what a seasoned professional can make after years in the position, many are just bogus ploys by criminals trying to steal your sensitive personal information so they can gain access to your bank account or credit card details and take your money. In this case, it’s important to remember the age-old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. They make it hard to understand your payment structure
Legitimate companies are very clear about how much and when workers get paid. If a potential employer is not straightforward and transparent about your pay, that’s a sign the job is likely a scam or at least something that you don’t want to get involved with.
6. They use words such as optimization in job descriptions
The FBI posted an advisory in June 2024, warning the public about scammers offering victims phony work from home jobs that often involved a simple task, such as rating restaurants or “optimizing” a service by repeatedly clicking a button. In the scam scenario presented by federal investigators, the criminals posed as a real business, such as a staffing or recruiting agency, and were known to contact victims through unsolicited phone calls or by leaving a message. Some even advertised on legitimate job boards and social media platforms, including LinkedIn.
7. They don’t show their face on video calls or only use texts or emails
Companies that hire people for legitimate jobs will be transparent about who they are. They will not hide from cameras or only text, email, or chat with you through an app, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, about a legitimate employment opportunity. People who seem shady probably are.
8. They use poor grammar and misspelled words
There’s a saying that scammers never sleep. Maybe that’s why their communications to potential victims can be filled with run-on sentences, bad grammar, missing words, and abbreviations you would not normally see in a legitimate work email or offer letter. (These errors will also show up in fake job listings.) While not everyone can be a champion speller, you probably don’t want to be employed by a business that doesn’t present a professional image.
9. They use a personal email address not associated with a business
According to the FTC, one way scammers operate is to reach out to unsuspecting job hunters and say they are a recruiter or headhunter. Legitimate recruiters and headhunters almost always have a professional email that includes the name of a business, even if it is their own.
Federal officials say it’s wise to be wary if someone reaches out (again, unsolicited) and uses a personal email address or phone number.
You can make sure someone is on the up-and-up by calling the business the ‘recruiter’ says they are working for and asking for the HR department, where you can then inquire about the potential job opening. When you do this, don’t use the number the person gave you; instead, look up the company’s phone number and contact them that way.
10. They only have a social media account and no official website
While we may be living in the golden age of social media, legitimate employers of any size will almost always have an actual website where you can learn more about their business. While Facebook and Instagram are great for sharing information and seeking qualified candidates, they don’t necessarily mean a company is legitimate.
Here are some tips from the FBI to help protect yourself from remote job scams:
- Never send financial or personally identifiable information such as a social security number, driver’s license number, or checking account number to someone who makes an unsolicited job offer to you.
- Be extremely cautious of unsolicited job offers through text and email messages. Specifically, NEVER click on links, download files, or attempt to open attachments in these communications.
- Do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to a potential employer, recruiter, or hiring manager.
The bottom line on remote job scams
Even when you may be feeling desperate for a remote work position, it’s so important to trust your gut and never give out personal financial information to someone who offered you a job you did not apply for. Before replying to anyone who seems the least bit suspicious in this arena, do your homework. Research the company online and contact them to make sure the recruiter is who they say they are before responding to them. You can also look them up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Glassdoor to see if they are a legitimate employer. That’s where you can also find out if any complaints have been filed against them. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Stay on top of your remote job search with the Work From Home Career Planner, a step-by-step system designed to help you stay organized, spot scams before they happen, and confidently navigate your job search. With tools to research opportunities, track applications, and plan your next steps, this planner will save you time, stress, and potentially thousands of dollars lost to remote job scams.