Like YouTube videos, work a few hours for money: How to identify Work From Home scams

Last year, a senior government official was cheated of lakhs by a group of scammers on the pretext of liking YouTube videos. This was just one of many reported instances. All such scams promise easy money in exchange for a few hours of work to lure people. Here are some tips on identifying such offers.

5 common features of Work-from-home scam messages:

1. Catchy subject lines: The messages typically feature an attention-grabbing subject line that is designed to attract individuals seeking job opportunities. For example: “Earn lakhs by working from home!”

2. Promise of quick money: Some messages might promise easy and quick money, such as working today in exchange for getting a payment tomorrow or within a week.

Delhi Police DCP (North) Manoj Kumar Meena earlier told The Indian Express of a case where a man reportedly received a WhatsApp message offering a WFH job. “When he expressed interest, he received some YouTube videos and was told to like and comment on them. He completed these tasks and, within a few minutes, received Rs 450 in his bank account. The next day, the complainant was asked to do a similar task. This time, however, he was asked to deposit Rs 800 so he could get more lucrative tasks,” said a police officer.

DCP Meena said that accordingly, the complainant deposited the amount and after liking and commenting on more videos, he received Rs 10,400. “(This) made the complainant gullible and by the time he realised he had fallen into the trap of cyber fraudsters, he lost Rs 4,25,000,” he said.

3. Vague job descriptions: These messages do not give away the exact job descriptions or job profiles. Even when you ask them about it, the “employers” may say that they will inform you during the training offered.

Often, young people and women who are eager for employment opportunities are targeted via such scams.

4. Requests for personal information: Such fraud messages may contain a link that redirects to a different page, where you are asked to fill in personal details. The scammers might as well ask you to enter the bank account details, under false promises like the smooth transfer of remuneration.

5. Urgent call to action: The message may include a contact number asking the interested candidate to connect as soon as possible and avail of the opportunity.

How to not fall for WFH scams

1. Avoid payments: Always check if the message asks for a fee to apply for a job. Remember to avoid offers that demand payment from the applicant.

2. Exercise caution: Exercise caution if an employer appears excessively eager to bring you on board. Sometimes the employer might ask to join you right after the first interview. Scams often rush the hiring process.

3. Check credibility online: Check the website of the company, its social media handles and also the LinkedIn profiles of its “employees”. Often these companies don’t have a website and if the opportunity is really a scam, there will likely be no social media presence of the company at all.

4. Check contact numbers and addresses: Call the contact numbers given on the website and see if anyone picks up. Listen to the tone of the person speaking to you carefully. Check the office address too. If the office mentions to be in the same city as you, visit the office and see if it exists or not.

5. Be sceptical if it sounds too good to be true: Finally, you should avoid interacting further with such messages and offers if they seem too good to be true. There is something fishy if the employer is ready to offer a huge sum of money without any work or less work. It is best to block and report such senders on apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.