7 Tips to Spot Virtual Assistant Scams

As someone who has been working as a virtual assistant and freelance writer for the past eight years, I’ve seen my fair share of virtual assistant scams.

I even almost fell into one many years ago. I was 20 years old and thought I had gotten a personal assistant job from a Craigslist ad. After applying, I was immediately hired and given my first assignment, which was to cash a money order at the exchange, buy some office supplies, and pay myself with the rest of the money from the money order.

It all sounded too good to be true and I found out it was when the clerk told me my check didn’t look real. Looking back, I’m thankful that someone stopped me early and pointed out the red flags of a scam. But I realize that doesn’t always happen to others.

Scammers are also coming up with even more creative ideas to trick people into illegitimate jobs. While virtual assistants (VAs) are invaluable to freelancers and small business owners, the increase in demand has also led to an increase in fraud. Knowing what to look out for is important, and these tips on how to spot virtual assistant scams can help.

What does a virtual assistant actually do?

A virtual assistant is just like a personal assistant, but your work is mainly online. This means you can work from home as long as you have a computer and a stable internet connection. VAs typically help clients such as entrepreneurs, bloggers, content creators, and small business owners manage day-to-day tasks or special projects so they can free up their time to focus on other areas.

These tasks can range from administrative duties such as email management and scheduling to specialized services such as social media management, content creation and customer support.

Other common tasks include:

• Calendar management
• Email correspondence
• Planning social networks
• Data entry
• Customer service

Understanding the broad scope of VA responsibilities can help you spot legitimate job offers and avoid scams. According to the FTC, someone can also post a virtual assistant scam on job board sites, so it’s important to be vigilant and do your due diligence.

Here’s what to watch out for.

1. Little or no details about the job being offered

This is one of the main red flags to help you spot a virtual assistant scam. If someone is looking to hire a VA, they take the time to determine what specific tasks they need help with and include that in the job description. If a job offer is missing important details, this should raise suspicion. Or if someone on social media says, “Give me more information,” you might want to tread carefully.

The key is for people to know what they are applying for and the level of experience required before they take the time to apply. If the job description is very vague, it may indicate that the poster has something to hide.

2. “No experience needed” Job offers

VA jobs that say you don’t need any experience can also be a scam. If there are no credentials for the job, why apply? Why not just give the job to anyone? If someone is looking to hire an entry-level VA, the job posting might include things like “beginners welcome” or “paid training provided.”

But the person hiring should also want to see what skills and experience you have. Some online VA agencies offer skills assessments during the application process to see what you know about job duties.

3. Jobs that promise an unusually high reward

Don’t fall for VA job postings that promise unusually high pay for little to no work. Watch out for phrases like “guaranteed weekly pay” or things like “earn $2,500 a week.” Some online jobs promise you a lot of money for doing things like posting product reviews or product descriptions. But it’s rarely a legitimate opportunity.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. According to Indeed, the average salary for a virtual assistant is $26.25 per hour. Some VAs make as much as $40 to $50 an hour, but tend to have more experience and a specialized skill set. VA pay is competitive, but you don’t have to make thousands of dollars a week, especially if you’re just starting out.

4. Immediate job offer

This is a major red flag and is exactly the personal assistant scam I fell for. I saw a job posting online and sent an email expressing my interest. Then I was quickly “hired” and given the green light to start working. I’m so glad I didn’t provide any of my personal information like my social security number or home address.

The job market is competitive – especially when it comes to working from home. Also, a legitimate client or business owner would want to know more about you and your experience before hiring you for a job.

5. Advance payment is required

You should never pay to start a job. Even temp agencies offer free services to help you find work. So if someone asks you to send them money for equipment or “start-up costs”, it’s a scam.

A reputable company will either require you to have certain items in order to start working or will purchase them for you. Either way, don’t send money to anyone online who you haven’t vetted carefully if they claim to help you start a VA or any other work from home job.

6. Depositing Checks or Money Transfers

The FTC clearly warns against scams where someone offers to send you a check or money order that you can deposit in your bank. They may say they want you to take care of certain expenses with money for them and keep a certain amount to pay yourself.

The only problem is that the check is fake and will bounce. The bank will then ask you to pay all the money out of your own pocket. The scammer then keeps the cash you sent, which actually went to his own account.

Keep in mind that when working with a VA, if a client asks you to help them pay invoices or book travel or hotel stays, that’s totally fine, but they’re doing it with their own credit card. Or they may give you access to their PayPal or Stripe account to complete these tasks.

7. Fake virtual assistant agencies

Some scammers pose as a legitimate virtual assistant agency (which is scary) but promise high-paying positions with reputable clients. They can even provide a website and portfolio of past work.

However, once hired, they may disappear with your payment or say you’ve provided subpar work that doesn’t meet their standards. The catch is that your work will never be up to their “standards” because they never intended to pay.

How to protect yourself from virtual assistant scams

Now that you know some common scams to watch out for, here’s how to protect yourself when looking for a VA job.

• Do your research: Always research potential clients or agencies before accepting any offer. Do a Google search and look for reviews on third-party review sites like Glassdoor or Indeed. Check to see if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau and if there are any complaints with the BBB. You can also ask for references from past employees or suppliers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; trust your instincts if something feels off.
• Do not share sensitive information: Legitimate clients will never ask for personal information such as social security numbers, bank account details or login details in advance. If you are unsure about sharing certain information, always use caution and go with your gut.
• Request for video calls: Before starting a project, request a video call to interview your potential client or just ask about the position. This will allow you to verify their identity and get a better idea of ​​who they are as a person. If a client refuses to show their face on video or wants to chat via chat, this can be a red flag.
• Request a detailed contract or create one yourself: To protect yourself and your work, always sign a virtual assistant contract with clients that outlines the scope of work and compensation. This can help ensure both parties are on the same page and provide legal protection in the event of disputes.
• Use secure payment methods: Always use secure payment methods such as PayPal or direct bank transfers when dealing with clients. Avoid giving out sensitive information like credit card numbers unless you’re sure it’s legitimate.

Beware of virtual assistant scams

Virtual assistant scams are on the rise, but they can be easily avoided by staying informed and being wary of job offers that seem too good to be true. Remember to research companies and clients thoroughly and trust your instincts.

VA work can be fun and rewarding, but it’s still work and there are no shortcuts. If you’re interested in finding a job as a VA, focus on your skills and interests to narrow down your niche. Use tools like LinkedIn to promote your services and connect with potential clients. Also consider starting your own website to serve as a portfolio of your work and make professional contacts.