For every legitimate remote job posting, there are about a dozen scams trying to steal your money, your identity, or both. The bad news: scammers have gotten sophisticated. The good news: they still make predictable mistakes. Here's how to spot them.
The "Too Good to Be True" Salary
If a remote job posting offers an entry-level position with a six-figure salary and no experience required, it's a scam. Real entry-level remote jobs pay market rates. Ridiculous salaries are bait — they're counting on your excitement overriding your skepticism.
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The Check Deposit Scam
This is the most common one: they "hire" you, send you a check to buy equipment, and ask you to wire back the difference. The check is fake. It will bounce in 5-7 days. By then, you've already sent them real money. Never accept a check from an employer to buy your own equipment.
Remote Work Reality Check
The Interview Red Flags
Text-only interviews. Interviews conducted entirely over messaging apps. Offers made after a 10-minute chat. Companies that can't tell you what the job actually involves. All of these are warning signs. Legitimate companies do real interviews — video calls, multiple rounds, specific questions about your skills.
The Data Harvesting Trap
Some "job postings" aren't scams in the traditional sense — they're just collecting your personal information. They ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or a copy of your driver's license before you've even had an interview. Don't give sensitive personal information to strangers on the internet.
Kelley's Take
