Navigating the job market can feel like a final boss battle in a video game—thrilling, challenging, and filled with traps. Unfortunately, work-from-home scams are some of the trickiest villains you’ll encounter on this quest. They disguise themselves as legitimate opportunities, preying on jobseekers eager to land their dream roles.

These shady schemes can cost you time, money, and confidence. Let’s level up your scam-spotting skills by exposing nine of the most common work-from-home scams and how to defeat them.

1. The Ponzi: Multi-level marketing (MLM)

Multi-level marketing schemes lure jobseekers with promises of “be your own boss” and “unlimited earnings.” The reality? You're paying to play, often with no real return on investment.

Warning signs:

• Job postings emphasizing recruitment over product sales
• Upfront fees for “starter kits”
• Unrealistic income promises with little work

2. The bad banker: The bounced check

You’re “hired,” receive a check, and are asked to transfer money or buy supplies. A week later, the check bounces, and you’re left covering the loss.

Warning signs:

• Requests to deposit a check and wire funds
• Urgent instructions for quick transactions
• Employers who vanish once money is sent

3. The guru: Pay for training

These scammers promise a dream job after you pay for “mandatory training.” Once you’ve shelled out, the job offer evaporates.

Warning signs:

• Training fees required upfront
• No details about the employer or job specifics
• A too-good-to-be-true guarantee of employment

4. The crypto bro: Cryptocurrency as payment

These jobs lure you in with high earnings, but payment is in crypto—often requiring you to invest in advance. In most cases, your wallet stays empty.

Warning signs:

• Payment offered in investments or crypto instead of cash
• Requests to set up crypto wallets for the job
• Lack of proper documentation or contracts

5. The reckless recruiter: Suspicious cold messaging

Recruiters sliding into your DMs? Be cautious. Many scammers impersonate legitimate companies, offering roles through email or text without an interview.

Warning signs:

• No prior interaction before the job offer
• Generic messages with little personalization
• Communication via unprofessional or personal accounts
• Requests for immediate action without an interview

6. The easy breezy: Too-good-to-be-true offers

“Earn $100/hour, no experience needed!” It may be tempting, but highly unlikely. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Warning signs:

• Extremely high pay for simple tasks
• Vague or no description of job responsibilities
• Pressure to accept the offer quickly

7. The nosy Nancy: Personal information requests

Scammers posing as employers might ask for sensitive details like your SSN or banking info under the guise of “onboarding.”

Warning signs:

• Requests for personal details before hiring
• Unsecured or unofficial communication channels
• Lack of transparency on how your data will be used

8. The super shipper: Reshipping packages

Victims are recruited to receive and resend packages purchased with stolen credit cards, making them unwilling accomplices to fraud.

Warning signs:

• Jobs labeled as “shipping coordinator” to mimic real jobs
• Packages delivered to your home with vague instructions
• Minimal communication from “employers”

9. The clumsy calligrapher: Personal assistant scams

Scammers posing as stressed-out executives might rush jobseekers into positions with sketchy contracts and sloppy communication.

Warning signs:

• Excessive typos and grammatical errors in messages
• Vague instructions or responsibilities
• Communication via personal email or messaging apps
• Odd payment methods

7 defensive moves against work-from-home scams

These tips will help keep you safe from scammers targeting jobseekers like you:

• Do your research. Look up the company online. Legitimate employers will have a clear online presence with reviews and contact information.
• Read company reviews. Use sites like Glassdoor to see what current and former employees say.
• Safeguard your information. Never share sensitive personal details unless you're sure the employer is legitimate.
• Never send payment or goods. A real job will never ask you to pay upfront or purchase anything for them.
• Watch out for odd communication styles. Scammers often use inconsistent messaging, typos, or non-professional platforms.
• Get cybersecurity. Robust cybersecurity software may help flag threats like suspicious messages, acting as armor against scams.
• Report the scammers. Report them on the site or job board you found them and to the FTC.

Defeat the work-from-home scam final boss

Scammers are relentless, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can dodge their traps. Spotting red flags and staying cautious are your best defenses. Armed with these tips, you’re ready to spot scams, sidestep the traps, and focus on finding real opportunities.

FAQs about work-from-home scams

How do you know if a work-from-home job is legitimate?

Look for clear job descriptions, a verifiable company, and no requests for payment upfront.

How can I work from home without being scammed?

Stick to reputable job boards, avoid roles with unrealistic promises, research both the employers and offers thoroughly, and never share sensitive info prematurely.

What are the most common online scams?

Beyond work-from-home scams, watch out for phishing, fake tech support, and online shopping fraud.