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8 Unexpected Remote Work Scams That Appear Legit (But Aren’t)

September 4, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

remote work scams to avoid — Image Source: 123rf.com

Working from home offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of work-from-home jobs has continued to grow. In 2023, about 13.8% of U.S. workers typically worked from home, according to Census.gov. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also found that in August 2023, roughly 19.5% of workers teleworked. If you’re looking for a work-from-home job, there are more choices than ever, but many offers end up being scams. Offers that are too good to be true often are. Here are 8 common remote work scams you need to avoid.

1. Fake Data Entry Jobs

Have you gotten a text about a competitive data entry job? This is most likely a scam. Data entry roles are one of the most common lures because they require no special skills. Here’s how it works: Scammers promise easy pay for simple typing tasks. Victims are asked to buy software or training materials up front. Once payment is made, the job disappears. Remember, real employers never ask you to pay to work. If a job seems suspect, don’t give out your personal information.

2. Package Handling Positions

Scammers post jobs where workers “receive and forward” packages. Sometimes, these so-called employers communicate via WhatsApp. It may sound like a logistics role, but it’s usually a cover for stolen goods. Workers unknowingly become part of criminal supply chains. When law enforcement investigates, you may be left liable. Legitimate companies don’t pay strangers to reroute products. If you want a job handling packages, look to reputable companies, like Amazon.

3. Online Mystery Shopper Gigs

Some ads invite you to act as mystery shoppers, sending you checks to “test” services. The checks bounce after deposits, leaving victims responsible for losses. The scam looks real because of branded paperwork and instructions. Unfortunately, the only one shopping is the scammer, but for victims. Mystery shopping rarely starts with unsolicited offers. A good practice is to do a quick Google search of the company. If there are no reviews, LinkedIn profiles, or a website, it may be a scam.

4. Remote Assistant Roles

Administrative assistant jobs promise flexible pay for simple work like scheduling or answering emails. But scammers often ask for banking details to “set up payment.” Others ask for cryptocurrency. These are red flags that point to a remote work scam.

5. Freelance Writing or Editing Offers

Legitimate freelance gigs exist, but sometimes scams hide among them. Fake publishers ask for upfront fees to “secure assignments” or purchase special software. They disappear once payments are made. True employers pay writers, not the other way around. Make sure to research companies that want to hire you or use verified platforms for freelancers, like Upwork. Otherwise, you will be wasting your time.

6. Work-From-Home Customer Service Jobs

Were you promised thousands of dollars for an easy work-from-home customer service job? Many of these jobs are advertised to moms and are posted on message boards or social media. These scams mimic real corporations with convincing logos and onboarding calls. Victims receive fake checks to buy “equipment,” then wire money back to the company. By the time the checks bounce, the scammer is gone. Even skilled professionals fall for these setups.

7. Social Media Influencer Promises

Individuals looking for creative outlets may be offered influencer partnerships. While there are legitimate influencer sponsorships, some are phony. Scammers promise sponsorships or free products in exchange for fees. Once money is paid, sponsors vanish. The scam thrives because of real influencer success stories. But you should never have to pay a sponsor.

8. Fake Government Remote Work Programs

Some scams pretend to offer remote jobs with government agencies. Victims are told to pay application or background check fees. The sites look official, using seals and paperwork. But real government jobs follow strict processes and never charge fees. Always look for government jobs on reputable sites, like USAJobs.gov.

Why Awareness Saves More Than Money

Remote work scams succeed because they look and sound legitimate. Workers seeking flexibility often miss the subtle red flags. By recognizing patterns, like upfront fees, too-good-to-be-true pay, or requests for personal details, you can protect both finances and peace of mind. Remote work can be safe and rewarding, but only when offers are carefully verified.

Have you or someone you know ever fallen for a remote job scam? Share your experience in the comments to help others avoid the trap.

8 Etiquette Rules That Instantly Make You Look Classy

September 2, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

etiquette rules you need to follow — Image Source: 123rf.com

You don’t have to be a millionaire to have class. Dining out at expensive restaurants isn’t the only place to display etiquette. True class comes from the way you carry yourself every day and how you treat those around you. Manners and etiquette are always in style. A few timeless etiquette rules will help you change the way people perceive you. Here are 8 small changes you can make right now to add instant class to your life.

1. Always Say “Please” and “Thank You”

Politeness is the key to good etiquette. Remembering to say “please” or “thank you” shows gratitude and respect in any situation. These simple words can transform the way people feel. It’s a small detail, but it leaves a big impression. Kindness is always in style.

2. Put Your Phone Away When Engaging

In a world where genuine connection and attention spans are waning, be the exception. Few things look less refined than scrolling while someone is talking. Giving your full attention shows respect and presence. Whether in conversation, at dinner, or even waiting in line, eye contact signals poise. You may even find that you don’t need to rely on your phone the way you did in the past.

3. Hold the Door for Others

Do you hold the door for others? If not, you could be seen as rude and uncaring. Simple gestures of consideration speak volumes. Holding the door, letting someone pass, or stepping aside in a crowd shows awareness of others. Those who notice the little things always stand out as classy.

4. Respect Personal Space

Getting in someone’s face can be seen as abrasive. In addition, speaking too loudly or interrupting can feel invasive. Knowing boundaries shows both self-confidence and respect for others. Classy people know when to step forward and when to hold back. The balance makes interactions smoother. Respecting space is a silent form of sophistication.

5. Dress Neatly

You don’t need expensive clothes to look classy. Good etiquette means maintaining a neat appearance. That requires cleans, well-fitting clothes and good hygiene. Wrinkled or stained clothing sends the message that you don’t have self-respect. Neatness communicates attention to detail.

6. Write Thank-You Notes

In a world of quick texts, handwritten thank-you notes feel rare and thoughtful. Taking the time to express gratitude in writing shows sincerity. Whether after a gift, a dinner, or a kind gesture, a note lingers long after words are spoken. It’s an old habit that instantly elevates your image. Gratitude never goes out of fashion.

7. Don’t Gossip or Speak Ill of Others

Talking negatively about people makes you look small, not sophisticated. It’s a good rule of thumb to treat others as you would want to be treated. When you avoid negativity, people feel safe and respected around you. Remember, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

8. Master Table Manners

You don’t need to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant to have good table manners. Whether at a restaurant or at home, the way you eat says a lot about you. Using utensils correctly, chewing quietly, and waiting your turn to speak all signal refinement. Even casual meals feel elevated when shared with good manners. Dining etiquette is one of the most visible signs of class. Table behavior often defines the memory you leave behind.

Why Class Never Goes Out of Style

Looking classy is less about wealth and more about respect for yourself and for others. Etiquette rules, though simple, leave lasting impressions that elevate everyday interactions. From small words like “thank you” to thoughtful gestures like handwritten notes, these habits show grace without effort. True class doesn’t demand attention; it quietly earns admiration.

Which etiquette rule do you think makes the biggest difference? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s see which habits people notice most.

No Savings, No Car, No Clue: Navigating an Accident While Living Paycheck to Paycheck

August 20, 2025 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. One minute you’re navigating your daily commute, juggling work shifts, and budgeting down to the last dollar. The next, you’re dealing with the fallout from a car accident—no transportation, no savings, and no clear roadmap for how to recover. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, even a minor accident can spiral into a financial and emotional crisis.

Welcome to a reality many Americans face. According to a 2023 report by LendingClub, about 62% of U.S. adults live paycheck to paycheck, meaning any unplanned expense—like a car accident or injury—can throw their entire financial life into chaos.

So, what do you do when you have no savings, no car, and no clue? Here, we’ll guide you through the chaos of recovering from an accident while living on the edge financially, offering both practical advice and hope.

The Immediate Aftermath: Health and Safety First

Your first priority after any accident—whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace injury—is your health. It might feel impossible to focus on self-care when you’re already calculating how much this will cost, but remember: neglecting treatment can cost you more in the long run.

Even a “minor” injury like a broken bone can take serious time to heal. According to UCLA Health, it takes about eight weeks for a broken bone to heal. That’s two months of potential income lost if your job doesn’t offer paid leave—and most hourly wage jobs don’t.

If you’re injured:

Get checked out immediately: Even if you don’t have insurance, community clinics or urgent care centers may offer sliding-scale fees.
Document everything: Medical visits, receipts, pain levels, and how your injury impacts your daily life.
Don’t skip follow-ups: Incomplete treatment can complicate legal claims and prolong your recovery.

No Car, No Problem? Not Quite

For many people, a car isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. It gets you to work, picks up the kids, gets groceries, and more. If your car is totaled or out of commission, your entire life is disrupted.

If you’re without a car:

Look into public transit, rideshare, or carpooling with coworkers or neighbors.
Some cities offer short-term emergency transportation programs—check with your local Department of Human Services or nonprofit organizations.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to get a rental car covered through the other party’s insurance. Ask specifically about this when you file a claim.

Money Woes: When Savings Don’t Exist

Having no emergency fund puts you in a precarious spot. Medical bills, car repairs, lost wages—these expenses snowball quickly. So what can you do?

Check for Available Resources

Start by seeing if you qualify for:

Temporary disability benefits (offered in some states)
Medicaid or emergency health insurance
Local charities or nonprofits offering one-time financial relief
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, while not guaranteed, can provide temporary support

Talk to a Credit Union

Surprisingly, smaller credit unions may offer more flexibility than you’d expect. The highest-performing credit unions with less than $250 million in assets had effectively the same ROA (Return on Assets) as those with $5 billion in assets in 2021. Translation? Smaller doesn’t mean weaker—these credit unions often serve their members more personally and may offer:

Emergency personal loans
Low-interest credit options
Skip-a-payment programs
Financial counseling

Unlike big banks, credit unions are member-focused and may be more willing to work with you, especially in tough times.

Don’t Wait to File a Claim

You might be tempted to delay filing an insurance or legal claim—maybe you’re overwhelmed, confused, or just too busy surviving. But waiting too long could cost you dearly.

Most states have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit or claim compensation. Miss that deadline, and you might forfeit your right to any financial recovery.

Even if you think your case is minor, or you’re not sure who’s at fault:

Speak to a personal injury attorney (many offer free consultations)
File an insurance claim as soon as possible
Document everything from day one

Living Paycheck to Paycheck: The Mental Toll

Financial stress doesn’t just impact your wallet—it takes a toll on your mental health. The anxiety of not knowing how you’ll pay next month’s rent, how you’ll get to work, or how long you’ll be out of commission is overwhelming.

Here are some ways to manage the mental strain:

Talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group, don’t isolate yourself.
Focus on what you can control. Make a list of next steps—file claims, call a credit union, apply for aid.
Limit doomscrolling. Constantly checking your bank balance or Googling worst-case scenarios won’t help you heal.
Find small wins. Got through the day? Made one important phone call? Celebrate those steps—they add up.

Preventing the Next Crisis (Even While Broke)

No one wants to be caught off guard twice. Once you’re on the path to recovery, it’s time to think about protecting your future—even if you’re still living paycheck to paycheck.

Here are low-cost steps you can take:

Build an emergency fund, even $5 at a time. Apps like Qapital, Chime, or Acorns can automate tiny savings.
Get disability or accident insurance. Some employers offer supplemental policies for a few bucks per paycheck.
Join a credit union. As mentioned earlier, they’re more likely to help in emergencies and offer better rates than big banks.
Know your legal rights. Keep track of statute deadlines, and don’t assume you can’t afford legal help—many injury attorneys only get paid if you win.

You’re Not Alone

Being broke during a crisis is terrifying. When your car’s gone, your body’s hurt, and your savings are nonexistent, the world feels stacked against you. But there are resources out there. You’re not the only one going through this—and more importantly, there are paths forward.

The key is to act early, even if it’s uncomfortable or unclear:

Prioritize your health
Seek help—legal, financial, and emotional
Use community resources
Don’t delay taking action, especially if there’s a chance of compensation

Accidents don’t wait for a convenient moment. But with a little guidance and determination, you can recover—physically, financially, and emotionally. Even if you’re starting with no savings, no car, and no clue.