Work from Home? Not So Fast. How to Spot a Job Scam Before It Hurts You

We’re living in a time when more people than ever are looking for flexible work, remote jobs, and extra income.

And scammers know it.

All too often, I hear about someone being offered a “perfect” position—only to find out it was fake. What started as hope ended in stress, lost money, or stolen identity.

Just this morning, I received a scam message myself. It read:

“Hello, I'm Lucy, a recruiter from Glassdoor. We came across your profile... We currently have a flexible part-time opportunity assisting TEMU sellers with product reviews... $200 to $500 per day, commissions paid same day... Contact us via WhatsApp…”

At first glance, it seems polite and professional. Maybe even helpful. But a few quick checks tell the real story. It’s a scam—and a dangerous one.

Let’s walk through how these scams work, what they’re after, and how you can protect yourself or someone you love from being the next victim.

Why Job Scams Work

Job scams don’t succeed because people are gullible. They succeed because they’re crafted to sound reasonable. They show up when someone is already feeling financial pressure or hoping for something better. They promise simplicity, flexibility, and fast money—and they often show up looking like an answer to prayer.

Whether it arrives by text, email, job board, or even a flyer on a telephone pole, most job scams share one goal: to get something valuable from you before you realize it’s not real.

What Job Scammers Are Really After

Job scams typically fall into four categories.

First, some aim for identity theft. These scammers gather personal details—your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, or banking information—and use them to open accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns, or resell your data on the dark web.

Second, many are after direct financial theft. They might ask you to pay upfront for “training” or “equipment,” or request payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. Others send fake checks and ask you to wire money back after “accidentally” overpaying you. In these cases, the check bounces after you’ve already sent real money out the door.

Third, some scams focus on gaining access to your devices. They’ll ask you to install “time tracking” or “communication” software that allows them to spy on your screen, record your keystrokes, or steal your login credentials.

And finally, a growing number involve unwitting victims in money laundering. These scammers hire you to “process payments” or “receive packages,” turning you into a money mule. The scammer disappears, but the paper trail leads straight to you—and in some cases, criminal charges can follow.

How Job Scams Show Up

Scammers are clever, and they tailor their tactics to wherever people are already looking for work or extra income.

Sometimes they send text messages or DMs that appear to come from recruiters, like the one I received. These messages are short, professional-sounding, and urgent. They rarely include a job title or clear employer, but they emphasize high pay for low effort.

Other times, the scams appear as listings on major job boards like LinkedIn, Facebook, Craigslist, Indeed, or ZipRecruiter. These fake listings often use stolen company logos, mimic real job descriptions, and link to fake application pages. The goal is to get you to submit your information, download software, or respond to a recruiter with no real identity.

Some scammers stick to old-school methods, using telephone poles, yard signs, and grocery store bulletin boards. If you’ve ever seen a flier offering “$1,200 a week working from home—no experience needed,” it’s almost certainly bait.

And then there are the scam emails. These often claim to come from real companies and say you've been selected for a position you never applied for. You're invited to respond quickly, usually by clicking a link or submitting sensitive information.

But What About LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed?

It’s a fair question. Aren’t those trusted platforms?

Yes—and that’s part of what makes them a target.
Scammers know that people let their guard down when they believe they’re on a reputable site.

If you see a job on a trusted platform, the first step is to verify that listing on the company’s official careers page. If the job isn’t posted there, it’s likely fake. Even if it is, compare the title, job number, and contact email—scammers sometimes make small changes to mislead you.

If you’re contacted by a recruiter through LinkedIn, check their profile. Do they have a real photo, meaningful work history, and shared connections with others at the company? Or does the profile seem new, empty, or vague? Fake recruiters often use generic job titles, no network, and copy-pasted bios.

And pay attention to the job description itself. Scammers rely on vague roles and inflated benefits. If a posting promises fast cash, no experience, and no interview, it’s likely too good to be true.

How to Respond Instead

If you're actively job hunting—or helping someone who is—there are simple steps you can take.

First: Always look for job postings on the company’s official website.
Don't trust texts or emails from strangers offering high pay with no interview. Avoid any job that asks for money, gift cards, or banking information before you’ve gone through a legitimate hiring process.

Second: If someone asks you to install software or use WhatsApp for onboarding, stop and research. Contact the company through their main switchboard—not a number or email someone else gave you.

Finally: If you see something suspicious, report it to the FTC and to the platform where the listing appeared. That one report may protect someone else.

Practical Next Steps

Start by writing your own personal “I Never” list—simple statements that protect you in moments of pressure:

"I never send money to get a job."
"I never share sensitive info before verifying the company."
"I never click links in unexpected job messages."

Then, bookmark a few trusted company careers pages. If there are places you’d like to work, go straight to them—don’t wait for a mystery recruiter to find you.

And if someone you care about is in transition—a teen looking for summer work, a retiree looking for side income, or a parent trying to make ends meet—share this post. One wise conversation now can save heartache later.

Final Thought

You’re not being rude by asking questions. You’re being wise.
Scammers impersonate opportunity. But they can’t withstand scrutiny.

When you take a moment to pause, verify, and speak up, you’re doing more than protecting yourself. You’re helping build a community of people who live ready.

We're in this together - prepared, not paranoid.

Stay safe. Be ready. Online and off.

Kevin

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this material. However, Labbe Media, LLC does not assume liability for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Viewers are encouraged to verify any information before making decisions or taking actions based on it.