What Can Go Wrong: Avoiding Remote Work Scams

The surge in remote work opportunities has unfortunately spawned a parallel surge in employment scams targeting older adults. Cybercriminals know that retirees are actively seeking flexible income, and they design sophisticated fake job postings to steal your personal information or your money.

Protect yourself by recognizing the glaring red flags of a remote job scam. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for your own background check, nor will they require you to purchase software or equipment from a specific vendor using a “company check” they send you in advance. This is known as a fake check scam; the check ultimately bounces, leaving you responsible for the funds you transferred to the bogus equipment vendor.

Furthermore, professional companies conduct interviews via standardized platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or direct phone calls. If a recruiter insists on interviewing you solely through text-based apps like Telegram or WhatsApp, immediately cease communication. Research every prospective employer thoroughly. Cross-reference their job postings with resources provided by reputable organizations like AARP, which maintains a robust job board specifically vetted for older workers.