With the rise of remote work opportunities, scammers have increasingly turned to WhatsApp and other messaging platforms to target job seekers with fake employment offers. These sophisticated scams often promise high-paying, flexible work arrangements but are designed to steal personal information or money. Here's how to protect yourself by verifying whether a business contact is legitimate. 

Red Flags: when to be extra cautious 

Before diving into verification steps, watch for these warning signs that may indicate a scam: 

• Requests for upfront payments for training, equipment, or “processing fees”.
• Pressure to respond immediately or accept offers without proper interview processes.
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional communication.
• Reluctance to provide company details or meet via video call.
• Offers that seem too good to be true (exceptionally high pay for minimal work).

Remember: legitimate businesses expect and respect due diligence. If someone pressures you to skip verification steps or becomes defensive about providing credentials, consider it a major red flag. Your career and financial security are worth the extra time it takes to verify any new business opportunity. 

Essential Verification Steps 

1. Verify their LinkedIn presence 

Start by searching for the person contacting you on LinkedIn. A legitimate business professional should have: 

• A complete profile with professional headshot.
• Detailed work history showing progression in their career.
• Multiple connections within their industry.
• Endorsements and recommendations from colleagues.
• Regular professional activity and posts.

Warning signs: New profiles with minimal information, stock photos, very few connections, or profiles that seem hastily created. 

2. Investigate the Company website 

Research the company thoroughly by examining their official website: 

• Domain credibility: Legitimate companies typically use professional domains (company.com), not free email services or suspicious URLs.
• Professional design: Look for well-designed, regularly updated content with proper contact information.
• About section: Genuine companies provide detailed information about their history, leadership team, and services.
• Contact information: Multiple ways to reach them including physical address, phone numbers, and official email addresses.
• Social media presence: Most legitimate businesses maintain active, professional social media accounts.

Cross-reference the website information with business directories and review platforms to ensure consistency. 

3. Request and verify credentials 

Don't hesitate to ask for official credentials and verification: 

• Business registration: Ask for their company registration number and verify it with relevant government databases.
• Professional licenses: If applicable to their industry, request license numbers that you can verify with regulatory bodies.
• References: Request contact information for previous clients or business partners.
• Official documentation: Ask for official company letterhead, business cards, or other branded materials.

A legitimate business will be happy to provide these details. Scammers typically become evasive or provide fake documentation that doesn't check out. 

4. Consult your professional network 

Leverage your colleagues and professional network: 

• Industry contacts: Ask colleagues if they've heard of the company or individual.
• Online communities: Post in relevant professional groups or forums asking about the company.
• Mutual connections: If you have mutual LinkedIn connections, reach out to them for insights.
• Industry associations: Contact relevant trade associations or professional bodies.

Your network can often provide valuable insights or confirm whether a company has a legitimate reputation in the industry. 

Additional Safety Measures 

Schedule a video call 

Insist on a video conference call to discuss the opportunity. Legitimate businesses conduct proper interviews and are comfortable with face-to-face (virtual) meetings. Scammers often avoid video calls or make excuses about technical issues. 

Verify communication channels 

• Ensure all official communication comes from company email addresses, not personal or free email accounts.
• Be wary if they insist on communicating only through WhatsApp or other messaging apps.
• Ask for their office phone number and try calling during business hours.

Research online reviews and complaints 

Search for the company name along with terms like "scam," "complaints," or "reviews" to see if others have reported suspicious activity. Check sites like Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or industry-specific review platforms. 

Trust your Instincts 

If something feels off about the interaction, trust your gut feeling. Legitimate opportunities will still be available after you've taken time to properly verify the contact. 

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam 

• Don't engage further: Stop all communication immediately.
• Don't provide personal information: Never share SSN, bank details, or other sensitive data.
• Report the scam: let us know so we can take precautions: contact our security team.
• Block the contact: Remove them from your WhatsApp and other platforms.