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Getting a job offer online may be exciting, but not all are genuine. Some are scams designed to trick you. I’ve been there, and now I know how to spot fake ones.
1Emails from Sketchy Domains
The first thing I look at in an online job offer is the email address. If it’s from a sketchy domain, chances are it’s a scam. Scammers often use free email services like Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail to send fake job offers. These services do not require verification, making it easy for scammers to create multiple fake email accounts and send mass job offers.
To stay safe, always cross-check the email address with the official website of the company offering the job. Legitimate companies usually have their own domain tied to their names. For example, if the company name is XYZ, their email might look like “careers@xyz.com.” If the email doesn’t match the company’s official domain or uses a completely different one, it’s better to report it.
2Vague Job Descriptions
A job post describes a position’s role, responsibilities, and requirements. However, not all of them are genuine. Scammers sometimes create fake listings to trick people and collect their personal information for fraudulent purposes. Therefore, I always verify the legitimacy of job offers before applying. I look for certainred flags to determine whether a job posting is genuine.
First off, scammers often use buzzwords and technical jargon in their job postings to sound professional. Phrases like “work from home and earn thousands” or “no experience needed - instant hiring” create a false sense of urgency and scarcity to lure unsuspecting applicants.
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Legitimate companies, on the other hand, usually avoid this kind of exaggerated wording. Instead, they clarify duties, responsibilities, and expectations carefully and concisely. They also provide details about their company, such as an address, website, or contact information.
Another thing I always notice is the quality of writing. Sure, mistakes happen, but sloppy or poorly written descriptions are usually a dead giveaway. Scammers use automated tools to pump out job postings, which result in typos, bad grammar, and weird punctuation. Since they are usually created quickly and in bulk, they lack the detail and attention you’d expect from legitimate postings.
3Requests for Upfront Payments or Fees
Legitimate companies won’t ask you to pay upfront fees or deposits as part of the hiring process. However, scammers often use this tactic to defraud job applicants. They might claim the fees are for training materials, background checks, or other admin stuff—but that’s not how legit hiring works. Real employers cover all hiring and onboarding costs—it’s their responsibility, not yours.
I actually fell for a scam like this once. They asked for a “training fee,” and I paid, thinking it was just part of the process. It seemed like a small price for such a promising opportunity. But then they kept asking for more money for different expenses. They even asked me to recruit more people and promised a percentage of their payments as a commission. Basically, it turned out to be a pyramid scheme disguised as a legitimate job offer.
Of course, I never got my money back, but it was a harsh lesson learned. So, if something feels off, walk away and report it as a scam. To find legit companies hiring for remote jobs, stick with trusted sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. You can also ask your network for recommendations, or join online communities for remote workers to get tips from people who’ve been through it.
4Immediate Hiring or Pressure Tactics
A real hiring process is like a journey with multiple steps. You need to showcase your skills, impress the interviewer, and provide references during the interview. It takes time and effort. Scammers, however, use pressure tactics like immediate hiring to trick job seekers. They create a false sense of urgency, claiming the opportunity is limited or that others are waiting for the same offer.
So, how do I spot such scams? Even platforms like LinkedIn aren’t 100% scam-proof. Scammers usually send direct messages pretending to be recruiters with fake job postings or unsolicited offers. To begin with, I research the company.
I check official sources like Companies House or the FCA to verify their legitimacy. Similarly, Glassdoor helps me understand company culture and employee reviews. I also use Crunchbase and WHOIS to look into the company’s history and ownership.
5Unrealistic Salary or Promises
Legitimate companies are transparent about salaries and don’t make unrealistic promises. So, what does unrealistic mean here? Think of it like this—if a job claims you’ll get rich in a few weeks with zero effort, it’s like someone saying you can drop 20 pounds overnight with a magic pill. Pretty sketchy, right? That’s because it probably is. The same applies to jobs offering huge salaries with little to no qualifications.
7 Mistakes to Avoid While Researching a Company for a Job Role
Researching a company for jobs you’re applying for is a good idea. However, you should ensure that you don’t make these common mistakes.
But how do I know if the salary is realistic? Research industry standards for your role and experience in that location. Sites like Glassdoor and Payscale can give you a ballpark figure. Even better, talk to people in similar roles or connect on LinkedIn for insider insights. Compare the salary offered to these standards; if it’s too high, it could be a red flag.
Beyond salary, don’t fall for unrealistic promises. If they promise quick promotions or an easy, luxurious lifestyle, chances are it’s a scam. Success comes from dedication and hard work, not scammers feeding you empty promises to exploit your dreams.
These are my usual checks when reviewing a job post, but you can dig deeper. Look for official contact info—real companies have verified phone numbers, office addresses, and websites. You can even call them using the number on their official site or cross-check the address on Google Maps.
Better yet, ask the recruiter to set up a video call or in-person meeting before accepting the offer. Scammers usually avoid face-to-face interactions, which can help you spot red flags.
