The Rise of Remote Job Scams
January 1, 2026.
Read this in less than 5 minutes to save you money, peace of mind and possible heartache.
I worked remotely before COVID-19 started, so I knew a little about online job scams. But nothing quite like the ones I’ve seen since the onset of COVID-19. There’s no doubt that online job scams increased dramatically after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The massive shift to remote work created fertile ground for scammers, making fake remote job postings seem more legitimate. Scammers quickly adapted, using sophisticated fake websites, virtual interviews, and requests for personal information or upfront payments for “equipment” or “training.”
While the initial massive spike might have levelled off slightly in more recent years (2023-2024), the overall volume of remote job scams remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
As you can imagine, this situation is a problem, especially with the constant increase in remote jobs.
Off the top of my head, there are quite a few drawbacks to take from these increasing attempts to con:
- Financial Losses: Victims of these scams experience monetary losses, sometimes tremendous amounts.
- Emotional Toll: Scams cause disappointment, frustration, and an immense loss of trust.
- Undermines Legitimacy: Genuine remote job opportunities are sometimes avoided since job seekers are wary of these scams.
- Increased Volume: The overall number of remote job scams is significantly higher than before the pandemic.
As we ride through this technological era, surely this increase can’t be good.
So, how can you protect yourself from remote job scams?
There is always one thing you can expect a scammer to be, and that is careless. Which means they will never be as thorough as they believe they are. But you need to be.
Typically, if something sounds too good to be true, it is. Keep that in mind when pursuing any remote job. And for good measure, ALWAYS perform a quick and thorough search for each company you engage with. This list includes everything that is/should be immediately available to you about any company. Most times, you need not complete the entire list to spot a scam.
Let’s get into it!
scrutinize communication
A legitimate company will ensure its grammar & communication are clear and legible. Website links and email addresses should be in tandem (Website: imabarbie.com, Email: wit@imabarbie.com); If this is not the case, then this is cause for research. If they are using a standard Gmail/AOL/Yahoo/Live account, then that’s highly suspicious. Remember, an established company offering a legitimate position would often have its email set up on its server.
Initiate a call to the employer’s designated contact number. This will help you determine if this company has a legitimate office. Bear in mind that someone could be sitting on their couch (much as I’m lying on my back and typing this article) and either be a true representative of the company or a scammer waiting to reel in their next victim.
Ensure you have a video call with a representative from the company to which you have applied. Scammers are using real-time deepfake technology to impersonate actual executives from companies like Amazon or Google, so this step is especially crucial.
conduct thorough research
I cannot stress this enough. Do PROPER research on whichever company you’re interviewing with. If they have no online presence in 2026, something is fishy. That’s suspicious. If they have little online presence, that’s also suspicious, depending on the industry to which you’re applying. This would simply call for further research. Again, check the website, social media accounts (including comments left on the posts), phone number, general Google search, Google reviews, etc. If something doesn’t add up, either approach the application cautiously or abandon it altogether. I call dibs on the latter.
evaluate salary ranges
When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Especially where money is concerned. For any job that you apply for, research the average salary in the location where the job is located. If it doesn’t add up, it doesn’t add up!
never pay for employment
Under no circumstances should you ever send money or provide financial information to secure or maintain a job. Any request for payment for “equipment,” “training,” or any other reason is a definitive sign of a remote work scam. Immediately block the sender and report the interaction.
Some red flags to be aware of in 2026:
- The “Silent” Interview: Any interview conducted entirely via text (WhatsApp/Telegram) without a live video component.
- IP & Location Checks: If a “US-based” recruiter has an IP address or time-zone behaviour that consistently places them in Asia or Eastern Europe.
- Unsolicited PDF Attachments: Scammers are sending “Job Details” as PDFs that contain malware designed to bypass standard email filters.
This increase in scams results in significant financial losses for victims who fall prey to these schemes. Beyond the monetary impact, the emotional toll can be substantial, leading to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and a loss of trust. Moreover, these scams undermine the legitimacy of genuine remote work opportunities, making job seekers more hesitant and potentially missing out on real prospects.
In conclusion, while remote work offers incredible flexibility and opportunity, the landscape is unfortunately rife with scams. By exercising vigilance, trusting your instincts, and paying close attention to the details outlined above, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember, continuous learning is key – stay informed about the evolving tactics of scammers by researching specific types of job scams and sharing this knowledge with others.