Remote job scams are on the rise

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WBRC) – As it gets harder to find a job in 2024 and it gets even harder to land fully remote jobs, it will be easier than ever to fall for a job search scam in the next few months.

That almost happened to Deb Kovacs Sturtevant.

“After nearly ten years, I was laid off from my remote position,” Kovacs said.

Suddenly she needed a new job. So she looked for a suitable position on LinkedIn and several other job boards.

“I applied for a position as operations manager,” Kovacs said. “It's a serious company, they have a full website, I look at the CEO's name, the whole program.”

And best of all, she could look for a job from home.

Her first assignment, however, confused her – it involved cashing a check. “He said one of his colleagues would send me a check for $2,400,” she said.

The company name was reputable, but the job offer was not.

It's the fake check scam: You're asked to cash the check and send a portion of it back to the company you were employed by. If the check bounces—and it will—you're out hundreds of dollars.

The FTC recently issued a new warning about these scams and stated that a resurgence is expected in 2024.

Warning signs to look out for:

• There is no personal conversation
• It is an “international” company
• You will receive a check before starting work

So ask lots of questions and watch for warning signs that your dream job away from home is actually a scam so you don't waste your money.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.

All rights reserved.