Sara Sutton – CEO and Founder of FlexJobs | Flexjobs
Finding a legitimate remote job has become increasingly challenging due to the rise of sophisticated job scams. These scams often involve creating fake websites and impersonating reputable companies like FlexJobs to deceive job seekers into providing personal and financial information.
FlexJobs acknowledges the severity of these scams and is actively working to monitor and shut down fraudulent activities that misuse its name. "At FlexJobs, we take job scams very seriously," states the company, emphasizing their commitment to protecting job seekers from falling victim to such schemes.
Scammers have been known to set up fraudulent websites with misleading names such as MyFlexJob or FlexJobsCorp, which mimic FlexJobs' branding but are designed to steal personal information or charge fees for non-existent job opportunities. The company warns, "If you’re not at flexjobs.com, you’re not on our site."
Fake social media accounts impersonating FlexJobs also pose a threat. These accounts may use names like “FlexJobs Hiring” and post fake job offers to lure individuals into sharing personal details. To connect with the real FlexJobs on social media, users are advised to visit official channels.
Phishing emails claiming affiliation with FlexJobs are another common tactic used by scammers. These emails might falsely state that a recipient has been preapproved for a job and request sensitive information. The company clarifies that "LegitimateFlexJobs emails will always include our official domain name after the @ symbol (i.e., example@flexjobs.com)."
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are also exploited by scammers who impersonate FlexJobs representatives promoting fake jobs. In some cases, they ask for registration fees before allowing applications—a clear red flag indicating a scam.
Scammers sometimes resort to phone calls or text messages pretending to be from FlexJobs, pressuring victims into paying fees or providing financial details under false pretenses of securing a position.
To help identify potential scams, FlexJobs outlines eight warning signs: communication through informal messaging platforms; use of generic email addresses; insistence on chat-based interviews; requests for sensitive information upfront; demands for payment for equipment or fees; awkward language in communications; links provided as proof of legitimacy without verification; and claims of direct recruitment by FlexJobs—none of which align with genuine hiring practices.
The company advises immediate action if encountering any suspicious activity related to its brand: block scammers, secure accounts if personal data was shared, report fraudulent messages using platform tools, and contact law enforcement agencies if necessary.
"Armed with the right knowledge," states the release, "you can outsmart scammers." By staying informed about these tactics and verifying every opportunity encountered during their search process—particularly when using trusted platforms like FlexJobs—job seekers can protect themselves while pursuing real remote work opportunities.