Remote Jobs: How to Search Safely and Spot Scams

Remote jobs can be a great fit for many families. They may cut commuting time, offer more flexible schedules, and open up opportunities that are not available locally. But scammers know that remote roles are popular, and they use fake job ads to steal money and personal information. This guide explains how to search for legitimate remote roles and how to spot the warning signs.

Where to look for legitimate remote roles

Start your search in places with a track record:

• Company career pages. If you know an employer that hires remote staff, go straight to its official website.
• Established job boards. Many well-known job boards let you filter for remote roles.
• Your state job bank. Most states run a free job board, often linked from CareerOneStop.
• American Job Centers. Staff can help you find local and remote opportunities and review postings with you.
• Professional associations. Many fields have job boards for members or the public.
• Your network. Former coworkers and friends may know of remote openings at their companies.

When you find a posting on a job board, it is a good idea to also confirm it on the company’s own website.

Common types of remote roles

Remote roles show up in many fields, including:

• Customer service and support
• Administrative and virtual assistant work
• Data entry and records management
• Writing, editing, and translation
• Information technology and software
• Tutoring and online teaching
• Sales and account management
• Medical billing and coding (often requires training)

Many remote roles require the same skills, experience, and interviews as in-person jobs. Be wary of postings that promise high pay for very little work or experience.

Warning signs of job scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has shared common signs of job scams. Watch for these red flags:

You are asked to pay

Never pay to get hired. Be cautious if a “job” asks you to pay for:

• Training or certification
• A starter kit or equipment
• Background checks before an offer
• Access to job listings

Legitimate employers generally cover the cost of what you need to do the job.

The check scam

A common scam involves an “employer” sending you a check, asking you to deposit it, and then asking you to send part of the money to someone else, often for “equipment” or “supplies.” The check may later bounce, and you could be responsible for the full amount. Never send money back from a check you received from an employer you have not verified.

Other red flags

• An offer with no interview, or an interview held only through text or chat apps
• Vague job descriptions that don’t explain what you will actually do
• Pressure to accept or respond right away
• Requests for personal information early, such as your Social Security number or bank details, before you have verified the company
• Email addresses that don’t match the company’s website domain
• Promises of high pay for easy, part-time work
• Spelling and grammar errors in official-looking messages
• Requests to reship packages or handle money transfers

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and take a step back.

How to research an employer

Before you share personal information, spend a few minutes checking the company:

1. Look up the company’s official website. Does the job appear on its careers page?
2. Search the company name along with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
3. Check that the recruiter’s email address matches the company’s domain.
4. Call the company using a phone number from its official website, not one from the job ad.
5. Ask for details in writing, including job duties, pay, and schedule.

A legitimate employer should be comfortable answering your questions.

Things to consider

Remote work is not right for every person or every family. Before you accept a remote role, think about:

• Your workspace. Do you have a quiet place to focus and take calls?
• Technology. Will you need your own computer, headset, or internet speed? Ask whether the employer provides equipment.
• Schedule. Some remote roles have fixed hours, and some customer service roles require evening or weekend shifts.
• Pay structure. Is it hourly, salaried, or based on tasks completed? Make sure you understand how and when you will be paid.
• Employee or contractor. Contractors usually handle their own taxes and may not receive benefits. Ask which you will be.
• Benefits. Ask about health coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans.

If you think you have been scammed

Act quickly:

• Stop all contact with the scammer.
• Contact your bank or payment service right away if you sent money or shared account details.
• If you shared your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps to protect yourself.
• Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reports help the FTC and law enforcement track scams.
• Report the fake posting to the job board where you found it.

Being targeted by a scam is not your fault. Scammers are skilled at making their offers look real.

Where to go from here

Many people find good remote roles every day. With some careful research, you can protect yourself while you search. Stick with trusted job sources, never pay to get hired, and verify every employer before sharing personal information. If you want extra support, your local American Job Center can help you review postings and plan your search.