How To Spot And Avoid Online Earning Scams
When looking for online work you may come across genuine opportunities however there are also people who will try to take your money or personal information. A few simple checks can help you spot the red flags.
Red flags
- You have to pay. If you’re asked to pay to register, pay for training or pay a deposit for equipment be cautious. Do your own research on the employer and why you are being asked to pay.
- Guaranteed income. Any real work will require effort and there will always be some risk involved. If someone is promising you guaranteed income each day stop and think.
- Urgent. Using phrases such as last chance can be used to trick you into not checking the details.
- Difficult to verify. Be very cautious if the job offer is vague and you can only contact via a chat app. There is no clear business information.
- They ask for personal information too soon. Never give away your passwords, one-time codes or card details to a stranger. If they are genuinely hiring you they should explain why they need your information and how they will use it.
Common scams
- Fake job offers – Someone pretending to be an employer asking for money or personal documents.
- Easy tasks – You’re paid or shown fake earnings for easy tasks. You’re then asked to pay to receive more work or withdraw your balance.
- Fake investment – The seller promises unrealistic profits. They may use fake reviews or screenshots.
- Overpayment – A fake client pays you too much and asks you to return the excess. The first payment may fail or be discovered to be fraudulent.
- Pyramid schemes – The main way to earn is by getting others to join. There isn’t a real product/service to sell.
How to check
- Search for the company name with words such as scam or reviews. Remember reviews can be fake.
- Find the official website for the company and do your own research on the contact details.
- Ask clear questions about the responsibilities, pay, contract and hiring process.
- Use official websites and payment methods. Learn the rules.
- Talk to someone you trust before sending any money or documents.
- Never pay your own money to unlock your pay.
What to do if you have been scammed
- Stop communicating with them. Save any messages, screenshots, usernames, receipts and payment details.
- Contact your bank/payment as soon as possible.
- Change any passwords you gave them and secure your other accounts.
- Report the account to the website and cybercrime office in your country.
Act quickly. However, if someone contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee be cautious as this can also be a scam.
Remember
If something sounds like it will pay you a lot more than the work or risk involved take your time and carefully check. Real online income will come from real work, product or service. You shouldn’t pay a stranger to promise you income.
