How to spot and avoid remote job scams

Scammers love remote jobs because they never have to meet you. The biggest warning sign is any request for money: a "training fee", a "starter kit" or a deposit for equipment. Real employers never charge you to work for them.

Be careful with offers that arrive without an interview, pay far above normal for easy tasks, or ask you to move the chat to a private messaging app. Another common trick is sending you a cheque and asking you to forward part of it.

Check the company before you reply. Look for a real website, a LinkedIn page with employees and a business email address. Be suspicious of free email addresses used for hiring.

Never share your bank login, ID number or passwords before a signed contract. If something feels off, search the company name with the word "scam" and trust what you find.