How to avoid work-from-home scams

For many people, the prospect of working from home is alluring. While it’s easy to find opportunities online, you should be aware that some job offers are created by people with dishonest intentions.

Detecting scams
Scams on job boards and social media are increasingly common. However, fraudsters tend to use similar tactics that can make it easier for you to identify an illegitimate offer. For example, if the supposed employer doesn’t use a corporate email or offers you the position without an in-person or video interview, the job is probably a scam.

Another red flag is the promise of quick, easy money with little to no professional experience. This is often emphasized with flashy graphics and a job description that contains plenty of exclamation marks but few details about the business. Always research a company before you pursue an employment opportunity to ensure the offer is legitimate. If you can’t find an address or phone number for a business’ head office, for example, it’s likely the company doesn’t exist.

Finally, any request for money should be an immediate red flag, whether it’s for a training program or application fee. To learn more about fraudulent job offers, or to report a work-from-home scam, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.