If you know the real thing, you will not fall for the fake. This is a simple principle that bankers use to fish out fake notes. It will help us here. When a bank teller is oriented into their role, they are exposed to numerous authentic notes. That way, they develop a sense of what the real thing looks and feels like.
One way to stay safe online is to learn to learn to identify a genuine online work site. This is one avenue that scammers have used to target unsuspecting job seekers.
While most work scams are aimed at those who want to work fully remotely, some still target regular job seekers. Genuine work sites have clearly defined systems and processes of operation from setting up your account to bidding for jobs to getting paid. They also have measures that protect site users from defrauding one another.
Upwork, for example, offers mediation in case of a dispute. It also requires that an intermediary holds the funds for any work contract created, in trust, till the job is done. That intermediary is usually an escrow service. Such small actions send the right signals to potential freelancers that they can trust the site.
Requires your profile to be fully filled before an account becomes operational.
Verifies personal details for accuracy.
Does not demand payment at registration but charges a clearly defined percentage after working and earning.
Never asks you to give your payment information until you want to withdraw your earnings.
Has rigorous verification procedures for payment information.
Has built-in mechanisms to ensure both clients and workers get fair treatment in cases of dispute.
Have a privacy policy that keeps your personal data confidential.
These freelance sites have a good reputation for securing the interests of both the freelance worker as well as the company / employer.
How to detect an Online Work Scam
Contact emails that are not in a professional convention employeename@companyname.com.
Asks you to pay a fee for the processing of your job application documents, training, registration or use other excuses to get you to pay a fee.
Request to give your credit card or bank account details before offering a legally binding work contract.
Always use the scamadviser.com search link to your advantage by checking the trust score of a website that looks suspicious to you.
These are cleverly presented scams that exploit genuine job seekers by promising an income through clicking at numerous advertisements. Or in some instances, clicking at the same adverts severally. The goal is to generate traffic to certain sites and create the impression of true organic traffic.
Scamadviser has a full article that breaks down paid to click work scams for you. Also, there is a related article on more employment scams.
Sharpen your scam sniffing skills with us here!
