Without your personal information, the Internet gets no chance to win your time. The more you interact online, the more you share. Is this a vicious circle? It depends on your informational hygiene. The more vigilant you are, the fewer chances you'll fall victim to fraud.
Are there grave risks for those wishing to find jobs online? Yes. Do we have bullet-proof tips to avoid them? Also yes. Whether you're a novice on Upwork or a seasoned professional, these 11 rules are non-negotiable if you're looking for remote tech opportunities.
The 11 Essential Safety Rules
Don't Share Personal Information Before Signing the Contract
This rule is banal yet frequently violated. Oversharing is harmful. Before officially signing documents, don't provide sensitive data to… whom? Do you even know who's talking to you in the pixelated universe?
Action: Demand ID proofs. Google the company. Collect intel on the streets. The last thing you need is an unreliable employer with your personal information.
Accept Offers from Corporate Emails Only
If you receive job offers from unprofessional email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo), ignore them—especially if they come with information requests.
Red Flag: "johnsmith123@gmail.com" claiming to represent a Fortune 500 company. Corporate emails use company domains (@company.com).
Create an Alternative Email Address for Job-Seeking
Don't place all eggs in one basket. A dedicated job-search email keeps everything organized and separates professional communication from personal.
Pro Tip: Make it official-sounding. "charliethedustbin" doesn't scream credibility. Neither does "flowerblossom123."
Neglect Employers Wanting to Hire You Without Even a Phone Call
Haste makes waste. If a company is eager to hire you immediately, ask yourself: Do I know enough about this company? Why do they want to pay an unknown candidate? (This is where you start suspecting a scam.)
Rule: If they don't invite you for an interview, don't beg for one. Spare your time and find a reliable company.
Never Divulge Passwords and Card Numbers
Just don't. Passwords should remain confidential. The same goes for card numbers, CVVs, and PINs. No legitimate employer will ever ask for these.
Find Out as Much Info About the Company as You Need to Prove Its Safety
Start with the company name. Then enter the names of its founders. Search "CompanyName litigation" or "CompanyName sued" to check for red flags.
Resources: G2, LinkedIn, Trustpilot, Glassdoor offer extended review databases.
Keep a Job-Seeking Log and Delete Your CVs from Aggregator Sites
You need a log to remember where you've already applied (and not bother people twice). It organizes your attempts and helps track responses.
After You Find a Job: Delete your unnecessary digital traces. You don't want personal data and photos leaking to fishy resources.
Watch Out for Scam Emails
Red Flags: Standard templates, unknown web addresses, poor style, grammar mistakes. Reputable companies have at least one literate person handling recruitment.
Another Hint: Check the receivers' list. Scammers aim broad but should catch nothing.
Don't Pay Anything in Advance
You don't want to part with your money forever with no visible benefits. Subscription-based services will charge for extra features—but before entering your card number, make sure you need what you're buying and can't get it for free.
Warning: Legitimate employers never charge application fees, training fees, or equipment fees upfront.
Look for Jobs at Vetting Platforms
At bidding platforms, clients offer tasks and professionals propose rates. The winner gets the project—but often faces price dumping.
At vetting marketplaces, all developers are pre-checked and registered in the system. Your safety is their reputation, so they can't afford scams. If you're building a career in tech, vetted platforms offer better protection.
Always Use Protection (Two-Factor Authentication)
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Use authentication apps like Authy or Microsoft Authenticator. Generate long, unique passwords for every registration.
Reality Check: Yes, your pet's name is easier to remember than a random 16-character string. But that strategy can bring you more complications than bonuses. Decide for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a job posting is a scam?
Look for red flags: unprofessional email addresses, immediate hiring without interviews, requests for payment or personal financial information, vague job descriptions, and promises of unrealistic salaries. Legitimate companies conduct thorough hiring processes.
Should I create a separate email for job hunting?
Yes. A dedicated job-search email keeps everything organized, prevents spam from flooding your personal inbox, and makes it easier to track applications and responses. Choose a professional-sounding address with your actual name.
What information is safe to share before getting hired?
Before signing a contract, you can safely share: your resume, portfolio links, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Never share SSN, bank account details, credit card numbers, passwords, or copies of ID documents until you've verified the company's legitimacy and signed official paperwork.
You Hold the Keys to the Virtual Kingdom
The Internet offers endless opportunities—but only if you govern your digital presence wisely. These 11 rules aren't paranoia; they're basic hygiene. Follow them and you'll never become another cautionary tale.
Looking for safe, vetted opportunities? Explore vetted IT platforms where both employers and candidates are pre-screened, contracts are enforced, and your data is protected.
Skip the Risk. Work With Vetted Clients.
We pre-screen every employer, enforce contracts, and handle payments securely. Focus on building your career, not fighting scams.
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