Working as a virtual assistant is fun, fulfilling, and has many perks. It gives you the power to select your clients, schedule, and the kind of job that you most enjoy. In addition, being a part of something unique and working with the right people gives you contentment as a virtual assistant. However, like the real world, the online world is not scam-proof. While you desire to work hard and create a beautiful life with your skills and abilities, some people choose to commit fraud.
How to Spot Red Flags
These people never stop inventing ways to do evil acts. As a VA, you must be able to identify and handle scams. Before you sign your work contract and become involved in your client’s business, thoroughly research their company. To guide you, the followings are the scams and red flags that virtual assistants should be watching.
The Mule
Your job is to pick up money at payment centers like Western Union and MoneyGram or use your bank accounts. Some would even send you a check and instruct you to cash it out, keep some as your payment, and send the remainder to another bank account or a third party you don’t know. You will be held accountable for this money’s potential theft or money laundering. Remember: Picking up some money and sending it to someone else is a major no-no.
The Refundable Insurance Deposit
This so-called “deposit” is perhaps the most no-brainer sign of a scam. There are legitimate-looking companies that would give you tests and have a legit hiring procedure. However, the one that gives them away is when they ask for an “insurance deposit”—a “refundable” one. First, the client assures you that they will return your money. Second, they will convince you that the cash only guarantees you’ll work hard and consistently throughout the job to finish it on time. Finally, the money you deposit into their account will be “disqualified” if you don’t abide by their rules and restrictions. Remember: You are looking for a job to earn. You don’t give away your money to land a job.
You Get the Job Right Away
Without being interviewed, you somehow got the job. Scammers would hire the unwary, usually newbies who are overjoyed to get their first client. Remember, legitimate companies interview the people they employ. Moreover, they wanted you to be a part of their company, and the first thing they would do was get to know you. Suppose a company hires you immediately without getting or giving much information. In that case, it is a sign that you should not take the job.
Payouts That Are Way Above Average
Legitimate companies usually follow a certain threshold when paying for the services that they get from their virtual assistants. Some companies pay a little less or a bit more than others, but the margin is not that large. Con artists want to trick you into not checking out the job’s details because you are interested in the money. They offer a huge salary for the same position, tricking VAs in dire need of employment. Remember, the devil is in the details. Is it too good to be true? It’s most likely a scam.
“Hired” Without Applying!
You received a phone call or an email for a job though you have yet to apply. It is normal to be thrilled about a new job opportunity. Still, it would be best if you never fell for random emails or phone calls because they might have used your information to commit fraud and phishing. Never click that link; do not take the bait.
Asking for Excessive Personal Information
When a client asks you to provide information, be careful about what you give. Supplying too much personal and sensitive information may result in identity theft. Scams usually ask for bank accounts, several IDs, social security numbers, and passwords. When this happens, be very vigilant.
Typographical and Grammatical Errors
A legitimate company always protects its name and reputation from grammatical and spelling blunders. They invest their time proofreading any emails going out, reflecting the whole company. If you receive an email that doesn’t sound right or looks funny, do not engage with it. Chances are, it came from a scammer.
How to Avoid a Potential Scam
Be a part of and reach out to any virtual assistant groups, like the ProVA , or groups on Facebook, and see if they have encountered or are familiar with this specific company or client. Most likely, members of these groups who came before you have experience detecting fraud online. They will gladly help you and keep you safe from potential scams.
Scammer Detected: What Would I Do Now?
First and foremost, do not panic! Maintain control so that you can think clearly. Dealing with this situation is undoubtedly unpleasant, psychologically and emotionally draining, however, it is a must to be on top of the case.
Second, gather all your evidence against these frauds and report them to the platform where you met them online. OnlineJobs.ph, Upwork, and such have ways to manage these incidents. You can contact their customer support or visit their help center to have these clients flagged and banned. If it is a fraudulent site, report it to Google. These may be websites that mirror legitimate companies and try to gain the trust of unsuspecting virtual assistants.
Third, report cybercrime incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI Cybercrime Division in your area. They have agents to probe cybercrime-related complaints and reports. Many have fallen victim to scams, and the Philippine government has created a designated division to focus on these crimes.
Finally, do not be afraid to speak out and warn others. Despite how frustrating it may be that you unintentionally fell for their trap, make the most of this situation. Protect other aspiring virtual assistants by not withholding valuable information. Remember, you have the power to stop a crime. The frustration will heal and eventually fade away, the lessons will remain, and you will move on.
Keep moving forward confidently with your VA journey.
Author
Shalyn R. Hechanova
SEO Content Writer | Article Writer