Six scams remote workers need to be aware of
Working remotely has many perks – comfy clothes, flexible hours, and avoiding small talk at the office coffee machine.
But it also makes you a prime target for scammers who love nothing more than to exploit remote workers. From fake clients to phishing scams, there’s a lot of fraud out there.
To help you stay safe, Michael Moore, Chief Information Officer at Next Perimeter, a leader in cloud-first cybersecurity, explains the top scams to watch out for (and how to shut them down before they drain your bank account).
1) The urgent phishing email trick
You check your inbox, and there’s an email from your boss/client/vendor saying your payment details need to be updated ASAP. The email looks legit, and maybe even has a company logo, but they’re pushing you to act immediately and click a link.
Before you panic and click that link, take a deep breath – this is a classic phishing tactic. Clicking the link could lead you to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials, or worse, infect your computer with malware.
How to avoid the scam
Never click on unexpected links or download attachments from emails, even if they seem official. Always verify urgent financial requests by contacting the person directly – not by replying to the email, but through a trusted phone number or chat. And if an email is riddled with typos or strange phrasing, that’s your cue to hit delete.
2) The tech support trap
You’re in the middle of your workday when a message pops up: Your computer has a virus! Contact IT support immediately! Or maybe you get an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or even your employer’s IT team. They say your device is compromised, and they need remote access to fix it.
Spoiler alert: there is no virus. If you grant access, the scammer can steal your files, install malware, or demand a ransom to unlock your system again.
How to avoid the scam
Legitimate IT support never contacts people out of the blue. If you get a suspicious call or message, don’t engage – hang up and contact your actual IT department or tech provider through an official channel.
3) The vanishing client con
You land a new gig, do the work, and send an invoice. Your client says payment is on the way. Then… crickets. Your messages go unanswered, you realise you’ve been ghosted, and that client just walked away with your hard work for free.
Unfortunately, some scammers pose as legitimate businesses or individuals just to collect free labour from unsuspecting freelancers. They often promise high rates, demand tight deadlines, and disappear as soon as the job is done.
How to avoid the scam
Always get a contract in place before starting work, and if possible, request an upfront deposit – especially for large projects. Research new clients before agreeing to work with them (a quick Google or LinkedIn search can reveal a lot). And if someone seems too eager to hire you without asking for details, be cautious.
4) Ransomware: When hackers hold your work hostage
Imagine logging onto your computer and finding all your files locked. A message appears: Your files are encrypted. Pay $500 in Bitcoin to get them back. Congratulations, you’ve been hit with ransomware – a malicious software attack that kidnaps your data until you pay up.
Even if you pay, there’s zero guarantee you’ll actually regain access. Scammers often just take the money and leave you locked out.
How to avoid the scam
Back up your work regularly on an external drive or cloud storage. Use strong antivirus software and never click on suspicious links or email attachments. If you ever see a ransom message, disconnect from the internet immediately and consult a cybersecurity professional.
5) Social media and website impersonation
You wake up to an email from a client: Hey, is this you? Why are you charging less for designs now than you charged me? Uh-oh – looks like someone’s cloned your social media or website and is using your name to scam people.
Imposters create fake profiles using your business name, photos, and credentials to trick clients into sending payments or sharing personal details. Meanwhile, your real reputation takes the hit when customers realise they’ve been duped.
How to avoid the scam
Regularly search for your name or business online to catch impersonators early. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts and report fake profiles immediately. If you’re running a business, consider getting verified on social media to make it harder for scammers to impersonate you.
6) The dream job that costs you money
You stumble upon a remote job that sounds perfect – great pay, minimal experience required, flexible hours. You apply, get hired almost instantly, and then the company asks you to pay – for a background check, training materials, or special software – all before you can start.
In this scenario, you’ve almost certainly just been scammed. No real employer will ever ask you to pay out of pocket for job-related expenses. These scams often prey on job seekers desperate for work, taking their money and vanishing.
How to avoid the scam
If a job asks for any upfront payments, run. Verify companies before accepting offers, and trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.
If something feels off, act on your instinct
The best way to protect yourself from scams as a remote worker is to develop a healthy level of scepticism. If something feels off – whether it’s a client dodging payment discussions, an unexpected invoice, or an email pushing you to act immediately – pause and verify.
Scammers rely on urgency and distraction, hoping you’ll react before thinking. Take a breath, check the sender, and always confirm through a second channel if someone asks for money, login credentials, or financial details.
Secure your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Keep backups of your work, and for the love of Wi-Fi, don’t do sensitive work on unsecured public networks without a VPN.
And remember – no legitimate employer will ever ask you to pay for a job. If someone’s asking for money before you’ve even started working, they’re not hiring you; they’re scamming you.
Next Perimeter is a leader in cloud-first cybersecurity, providing comprehensive protection for businesses through their unified, AI-powered platform.
Founded in 2006, they specialise in Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and integrated IT services. Their Zero Trust architecture and SaaS posture management deliver secure, optimised endpoint experiences without the need for servers or office space.
