Spot Online Job Scammers – Here Are 7 Effective Ways

When it comes to online job scams, we’re just as bad at spotting them as inventing them.

I was scammed before, and I found it wasn’t true because I needed to gain the skills and knowledge of an online scammer. There are many ways to spot online job scammers, but these methods have never been combined in one place.

Freelancing is a fast-growing industry today. Millions are working home-based today because of the better benefits it entails. Howbeit, this movement has also attracted online job scammers. They are out to deceive, especially the newbies. It can sometimes take work to distinguish real clients from fake ones.

Top 7 Effective Ways to Spot Online Job Scammers

Here is the guide on how to spot online jobs scammers:

1. Fast Hire

These are the “clients” who hire fast. They appear very interested in hiring you without asking for references or going through the proper hiring process. They usually send an email claiming that they have found your application or resume from a legit online job website. You may not remember this application, but it is true. They either offer you the job immediately or want to interview you fast.

2. Too Good to be True 

Often, scammers promise or pay high even with less work. One of the baits for online job seekers is the pay they will get for a job. Scammers would post a fascinating job promising high income with less work. Examples are sending emails for $400 pay weekly. In the real freelancing setting, you will be paid according to your skills, expertise, and number of hours. Often even less than what’s expected. Thus, if someone comes with effortless work and big pay, think twice.

3. Vague Profiles and Job Descriptions

Scammers would try to pose as real clients and provide lists of requirements for everyone to qualify. The requirements don’t mention educational background nor experience, or field expertise. But if you would look closer, the client’s profile needs to be completed, and the job description often focuses on getting your info rather than sharing the role and responsibilities.

4. Paid

Legit companies don’t ask for money for anything. Scammers bait you for hiring, but there needs to be a purchase for software costs or pay for services first. They sometimes even send a “check” for your office supplies or send items you need to pay for shipping with a promise for refunds later. “Promises are meant to be broken” holds true in this scenario.

5. Look at the Sign

One of the signs a scammer’s job offers has grammatical or spelling errors. It includes capitalization errors, punctuation errors, grammatical errors, and spelling errors. Others would also use legit company information when you research for the website; the team members’ names need to be updated.

6. Email Signature

Real companies always use professional and corporate information in their email signature. Scammers’ emails do not have the company’s address and contact information. They would use excuses such as their corporate email server being down, the system still updating, etc.

7. Identity Theft

Be careful if clients ask for your ID, bank info, and password. Providing IDs is okay, but always cover essential information and never give away passwords.  

The tips I mentioned will help you to spot online scammers. And if you need free freelancing tips and guides, follow Surge’s YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@SurgeMarketplace.