Don’t Make These Mistakes: Spotting Work-From-Home Scams

Deceptive operators frequently target older Americans seeking home-based work.

Federal Trade Commission reports confirm consumers lost more than $500 million to employment-related scams in 2024 alone.

Recognizing typical fraudulent tactics protects your identity and your hard-earned savings.

• Equipment check scams: Never deposit checks from an employer to buy home office equipment, as the check will bounce after you wire money back.
• Upfront onboarding fees: Legitimate employers cover training costs and never charge candidates for background screenings, software setups, or job placement.
• Package reshipping schemes: Avoid offers asking you to receive packages at home and reship them, which often involves stolen merchandise.
• Task-based micro scams: Steer clear of operations demanding initial crypto deposits to unlock simple typing or rating assignments.

Legitimate employers will never demand payments through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency accounts.

Verify company credentials through vetted consumer organizations like AARP before sharing personal identification.