How to protect yourself from being scammed
10 things you should know when applying for a legit home based job
I came across one of the Virtual Assistant Groups on Facebook and there is one particular post that is obviously a scam. However, some members failed to read the post and check the comments section and kept on asking "how" without realizing that they can be in so much trouble.
So I am writing this blog to educate some of our fellow freelancers on knowing the difference between a scam online work and a legit job posting.
1. Thoroughly look at the graphics/photos used by the employer/recruitment. This paraphernalia should be done professionally, although some may use stock photos, that you can find on the internet, the text content must be error-free in terms of spelling and grammar. If it doesn't sound right, then it is wrong.
2. If you found the job via Facebook or any other social media platforms, go through the comments sections and read the comments as much as possible. The comments of the tenure freelancers should already give you an idea if the job posting is real or not.
3. Online platforms like Upwork, onlinejobsph, goLance don't ask for fees directly from the freelancers. Fees are paid by the employer and not the freelancer. However, certain fees apply once you get hired, this is deducted from your pay at a certain amount.
4. Employers don't ask for account numbers or documents that contain private information. Payouts are usually done using Payoneer and Paypal which you need to set-up. These payment platforms will ask for some information, but they will never disclose to your employers. Although some employers might use money transfer services and such, your employers need not to have your information. Your name and contact number should suffice.
5. Always record your conversations with your clients, take screenshots and when you are in doubt, consult a tenure freelancer to enlighten you. There are several legit groups on Facebook with very helpful members that can assist you with your questions.
6. Ask for a contract, with clear guidelines, terms and other information. One of the most common mistakes some rookies make is they get too excited to get the job that they forget to ask for a contract. All businesses provide this, and you have to make sure that you read all the terms and conditions that come with the job offer. Never start a job without a contract. NEVER start working for a client without a contract.
7. Join groups that can provide you answers to your questions, most often than not, they will be able to provide you with the right information and help you validate whether a job offer is legit or scam.
8. Do your research, the thing about these online jobs platforms is they have a section that contains freelancer reviews and even payment verification, which means that the employer has funds to pay their employees. The reviews will already give you an idea if you are dealing with a bad employer.
9. Employers will not require you to do things that you are not comfortable doing such as sending naked photos of yourself or engaging yourself in intimate conversations. You are not a sex worker.
10. And lastly, if it's too good to be true, then it isn't. Remember, opportunist will say what you want to hear. They will lure you with offers and rates that are almost unimaginable. If that is the case, go back to the beginning of the list and contemplate.
There are other ways that you can look out for to check the legitimacy of a certain job offer, our profession is sadly not yet covered by any laws and there is no way for us to protect ourselves, but you can always do your part to avoid bad things to happen.