How I Found Legit Work-from-Home Jobs Without Falling for Scams
- Susan Kelly
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
A couple of years ago, I was standing in my kitchen, still in pajamas, scrolling through job boards with a mix of hope and skepticism. I needed flexibility, something remote, something real, but everything felt either too vague or too good to be true. I wasn’t new to working, but remote job hunting was a different world. It was also one full of traps, so I had to become my own fact-checker, gatekeeper, and digital detective.
The first time I searched for a work-from-home job, I landed on a website that promised $500 a day just for “posting links.” I almost signed up. Almost.
It turns out that “just post links” was code to “get others to fall for the same thing you did.”
That’s when I realized something important: remote jobs are real, but so are scams. And if you’re not careful, you’ll waste more time dodging fake offers than applying for real ones.
I’ve worked remotely for several years, writing, designing, editing, and consulting from the comfort of my kitchen table. Along the way, I learned how to spot scams quickly and where to look for legitimate opportunities that pay.
Here’s how I did it.
1. I Learned What Real Jobs Actually Look Like
Before I applied for anything, I asked: If this job were offered in an office, would it sound this vague?
Real companies post real job descriptions. They mention specific responsibilities, tools or software, pay structure, and reporting lines. Scams, on the other hand, are full of fluff:
“No experience necessary!”
“Earn $$$ per day working just 1–2 hours!”
“Be your own boss!”
Those aren’t jobs; they’re bait.
If a listing doesn’t mention what you’ll be doing, or it sounds too good to be true, I pass.
2. I Avoided These Major Red Flags
After a few sketchy clicks, I learned to trust my gut and look for warning signs. Some of the biggest red flags I’ve seen:
They ask for money upfront (for “training,” “equipment,” or “certification”)
They use a free Gmail or Yahoo email instead of a company domain
They contact you through messaging apps instead of email or phone
The “interview” feels rushed, or they offer the job without even talking to you
There’s no company website or real online presence
Bonus red flag? Run the other way if a job sounds like AI wrote it and is full of buzzwords but has zero substance.
3. I Only Used Trusted Job Boards
I stopped scrolling random job sites and focused on ones that specialize in remote, freelance, or flexible work. These were game-changers:
FlexJobs (paid, but very well-vetted)
We Work Remotely
Working Nomads
AngelList Talent (for startups)
LinkedIn (if you filter by “remote”)
I also checked niche boards based on my skill set, such as ProBlogger for writing jobs and DesignJobsBoard for creatives.
4. I Googled Every Company and Cross-Checked Everything
If I’d never heard of the company, I researched it. I checked:
The company website
Employee reviews on Glassdoor
Their LinkedIn page
News or blog mentions
I also searched the company name + “scam” just to be safe. You’d be surprised how often that turns up helpful info.
And if a recruiter reached out to me out of the blue? I made sure they were real people with a professional online footprint. If I couldn’t find a trace of them anywhere, I passed.
5. I Built a Professional Online Presence
Real employers check you out, too. I polished my LinkedIn profile, updated my resume for remote work, and created a simple online portfolio, even a one-page site with my services, past work, or testimonials.
As a prospective employee, it made it easier for me to be trusted and easier to hire. It kept the sketchy offers away because I looked like someone who did their homework.
6. I Asked Smart Questions in Interviews
Once I started landing interviews, I treated them like two-way conversations. I asked:
Who will I report to?
What tools do you use to manage remote work?
Is this an independent contractor or employee position?
Can you walk me through a typical day?
Scammers hate questions. Real employers answer them gladly.
And if someone couldn’t answer me clearly or danced around payment details? I thanked them and moved on.
7. I Trusted My Instincts, Even When I Was Desperate
This one’s hard. When you really need a job, saying yes to anything is tempting. But I’ve learned that no income is better than losing money to a scam or giving away your personal info to strangers.
I closed the tab if something felt off, too fast, too vague, or too pushy.
The right job doesn’t pressure you; it respects your time, your questions, and your caution.
The Good News? Real Remote Work Does Exist
I’ve found freelance writing gigs, contract editing jobs, and long-term remote roles that have paid me reliably, all from home. The process took time and patience, but legitimate remote work can be found when you do your homework.
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