ES
Menu

Part-time and remote

Find a real remote job and avoid scams

Where to search, how to tell a real remote job from a fake one, how to apply safely, and where to report a scam — every step links to an official page.

  • 6 steps, each with the official page
  • Reviewed 2026-10-20

Start with step 1See open jobs

At a glance

$501Mreported losses to job and employment agency scams in 2024, up from $90M in 2020 (FTC)
$12.5Btotal fraud losses consumers reported in 2024 (FTC)
20.8%private wage and salary workers who teleworked, April 2025 (BLS)
18.2%federal government workers who teleworked, April 2025 (BLS)

Sources: FTC press release of March 10, 2025 and BLS The Economics Daily. Checked 2026-10-20.

What the work involves

  • Check every employer before you share personal data
  • Apply only through official careers pages
  • Keep a log of where and when you applied
  • Prepare a quiet, reliable place to work
  • Report anything suspicious

Your step-by-step plan

The same steps apply in every state. Every button opens the exact page where you act.

  1. Step 1: Learn the signs of a fake remote job (10 minutes)

    The FTC's warning signs: you are asked to pay for starter kits, so-called training or certifications; to deposit a check and send part of the money back; to reship packages; or you are offered pay that is far too good for little work. A real employer never asks you to pay to get the job.

    Done when: You can name the warning signs without looking.

  2. Step 2: Search only where the employer is verifiable

    Search listings that link to the employer's own application page, and federal jobs on USAJOBS, the U.S. government's official job site. For local help with your search, an American Job Center is free.

    Done when: You have a list of openings, each with the employer's own application link.

  3. Step 3: Make your resume remote-ready

    Remote employers look for proof you can work on your own: name the tools you used, the results you delivered and how you kept people informed. Use only real examples.

    Have ready: Dates and names of past jobs or volunteering · Tools and software you have used · Three results you can prove

    Done when: Your one-page resume shows three results and the tools you used.

  4. Step 4: Practise the video interview out loud

    Remote interviews often ask how you stay organised and communicate without an office. Practise the questions on this page with one real example each. Be wary of any "interview" held only by text chat.

    Done when: You can answer each question on this page in under two minutes.

  5. Step 5: Apply on the employer's own site, then check before you share data

    Apply through the employer's own careers page. Share your Social Security number or bank details only after a written offer, and only through the employer's official onboarding — never by chat or e-mail to a personal address.

    Done when: You have applied to every matching opening you would take, and noted each date.

  6. Step 6: Report any scam you meet

    Reporting helps stop the next victim. The FTC collects fraud reports; the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center takes online crime reports.

    Done when: You know where to report, and have reported anything suspicious you saw.

Finish line

You are now waiting for employers to invite you to an interview. A real employer will never ask you to pay or to deposit a check for them — if one does, stop and report it.

Real job or scam?

RuleWhat is requiredOfficial source
Paying to workPaying for starter kits, so-called training or certifications that turn out useless is a sign of a scam.Federal Trade Commission
ChecksA "job" that sends you a check and asks you to send part of the money back is a scam.Federal Trade Commission
ReshippingReceiving packages to reship is a common scam.Federal Trade Commission
Too good to be trueHigh pay for little work is a warning sign.Federal Trade Commission

These signs come from the FTC. JoRoute shows only listings from employers' official job boards.

Open jobs now

See every matching job

Interview questions to practise

JoRoute practice questions. Answer each with one real example.

How do you stay organised when nobody is watching?

They are listening for: A real routine: a list, a calendar, check-ins.

Tell me about a time you solved a problem on your own.

They are listening for: One real example with the outcome.

How do you keep your team informed when you work remotely?

They are listening for: Regular, clear updates in the tools the team uses.

Describe your home work space and internet.

They are listening for: A quiet space and a reliable connection.

Practise in Interview Studio STAR answer guide

Sources

Scams change quickly. If something feels wrong, stop and check before you share money or personal data. Reviewed 2026-10-20. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.