If you’ve searched for flexible work from home, you’ve probably already met one of the many work-from-home scams. Job and work-from-home scams are growing fast: in the US alone, the FTC says reported losses to job and employment agency scams rose from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million in 2024. Parents are a favourite target, because scammers know you want work that fits around school runs and bedtimes.
The one rule to remember: a real job pays you. It never asks you to pay first. Not sure about an offer? Run it through our work-from-home scam checker.
1. The “task” or “rating” job
What it looks like: a friendly message on WhatsApp or Telegram offering €100–€300 a day to like videos, rate products or “boost” apps. The first few tasks really do pay a small amount.
The catch: soon you’re told to deposit money, often in crypto, to unlock bigger tasks or withdraw your earnings. The amounts grow, and the money never comes back.
Spot it: you were contacted out of the blue, the work is pointless, and you’re asked to pay to get paid.
2. The starter kit or paid training
What it looks like: a “home assembly”, data entry or “remote customer service” job that requires you to buy a kit, software or certification first.
The catch: the kit or course is the product. There’s no real job at the end, or the “work” pays almost nothing.
Spot it: any upfront payment to the company that’s hiring you. Genuine employers provide what you need.
3. The fake cheque
What it looks like: you’re hired as an assistant or “mystery shopper” and receive a cheque to buy equipment. You’re asked to send part of it on to a supplier.
The catch: the cheque bounces days later, after you’ve sent your own money. The bank will ask you to repay it.
Spot it: anyone sending you money and asking you to forward some of it.
4. The “be your own boss” team-builder
What it looks like: a friend or acquaintance messages you about a “business opportunity” selling skincare, supplements or wellness products, with posts about freedom and working from your phone.
The catch: most income comes from recruiting others and from what your “team” buys, not from selling to real customers. Most people in these schemes earn little or lose money once stock, fees and events are counted.
Spot it: the pitch is about recruiting, lifestyle and “only a few spots left”, not about customers.
5. The parcel reshipper or “payment processor”
What it looks like: an easy job receiving parcels at home and reposting them abroad, or receiving payments into your account and transferring them on.
The catch: you’re being used to move stolen goods or launder money. This is called being a money mule, and it can lead to a criminal record, a closed bank account and difficulty getting credit.
Spot it: any job that uses your address or your bank account to move someone else’s goods or money.
6. The fake recruiter collecting your identity
What it looks like: a convincing recruiter, sometimes using a real company’s name, offers a job after a quick chat. For “onboarding” they need a photo of your passport, your PPS / National Insurance / Social Security number and your bank details.
The catch: they steal your identity to open accounts or take out loans in your name.
Spot it: personal documents requested before a proper interview and a written contract. Contact the company yourself through its official website to check the job exists.
7. The remote-access “IT setup”
What it looks like: after you’re “hired”, you’re asked to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or an unknown work app so “IT can set up your laptop”.
The catch: the scammer takes control of your device and can get into your banking apps.
Spot it: remote-access software requested by anyone you haven’t fully verified.
How to check for work-from-home scams in five minutes
- Search the company on the official register: CRO in Ireland, Companies House in the UK, or your state’s business search in the US.
- Find the company’s website yourself and look for the role on its careers page.
- Search the company name plus “scam” or “reviews”.
- Check the recruiter’s LinkedIn: a real profile has history, a photo and connections.
- Insist on a video or phone interview and a written contract before sharing any personal details.
Caught by one of these work-from-home scams? What to do
- Call your bank’s fraud team straight away. The sooner you act, the better the chance of stopping or recovering a payment.
- Stop all contact with the scammer and don’t send more money, even if they promise a refund.
- Change passwords and remove any remote-access app they asked you to install.
- Report it. In Ireland, contact your local Garda station. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, use Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 (it replaced Action Fraud). In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. In the US, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Watch out for “recovery” scams. People who claim they can get your money back for a fee are usually the same scammers again.
Being scammed is not a sign that you’re foolish. These schemes are run by professionals and designed to be believable. Reporting it helps protect the next parent.
Figures from the US Federal Trade Commission (2024 data). Reporting services checked November 2026.
Official advice on work-from-home scams: in the US, the FTC consumer advice site; in the UK, Citizens Advice explains how to check if something might be a scam; in Ireland, the CCPC covers consumer scams and your rights.
Tick the warning signs in an offer and get a risk rating.
