Begin Main Content Area

 Content Editor

 Blog Post

Work-from-Home Scams Want to Recruit You. Don’t Let Them!

May 20, 2022 12:00 AM

Blog Header Image

Ads on social media, websites, and text messages may promise big salaries or an easy way to make money at home. They might ask you to pay a small fee to get started or request a copy of your driver's license, bank account numbers, or other personally identifiable information.

Like many scams, these work-from-home schemes attempt to prey on your vulnerability or emotions with the promise of something that's too good to be true.  

Here are five things to remember when considering an opportunity:

  • Red Flags. Promising significant earnings with little time commitment, requiring "no experience necessary," and a feeling that the job is too good to be true, are all red flags that the posting is fraudulent.

  • Research the Company. Type the name of the company and the words "review" or "scam" into a web search engine to see if others have reported problems. Check with the Better Business Bureau for information about the company and its history.

  • Up-front Expenses. You should never have to pay an employer to earn money.
     
  • Equipment Purchases. If you are sent funds for the purchase of equipment and instructed to send back leftover funds, or you are asked to send cash or valuable items to different addresses, this could be a version of a money mule scam.

  • Safeguard Personal Information. You should not have to supply personal information early in the job seeking process. Requesting your driver's license, bank information, or other personally identifying information is a sign it's a scam.  

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact local law enforcement. Anyone can contact DoBS at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-722-2657 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products.



Share This