The Update

Want to work from home? Spot the scams first.

Remote work has become commonplace. More companies are coming around to employees working from home or a hybrid work model. Unfortunately, scammers have figured out ways to steal money or your personal information with work from home scams. 

If you are on the job market, or if you are looking for a change, be on the lookout for work from home scams. The FTC has put together some guidelines to keep you safe.  

How the Scams Plays Out

It starts with an imposter scam. While there are a handful of varieties, it boils down to a scammer pretending to be a person or company that you can trust. Once they have built rapport, then they will typically ask you for money, gift cards, or personal information so they can steal your identity. 

Scammers will promise you a job, but will ask you for something first. 

How to Spot a Work from Home Scam

Unfortunately, if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you suspect you may be falling for a work from home scam, the FTC recommends you do this before you accept a job offer: 

• Do a search online. Look up the company’s name, email address, and phone number, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or complaint.”
• Start with sources you’re sure are legit. Try visiting sites like your state’s Career OneStop.
• Never bank on a “cleared” check. No legit employer will send you a check, tell you to buy stuff with it, and then ask you to send money to cover the balance. The check will bounce, and you’ll have lost the money you sent them.

Learn more about job scams, and report them to the FTC.