Looking for a way to make extra income? Know the warning signs of a ‘side hustle scam’

In today’s economy, many people are turning to side hustles to earn extra income. Whether it’s freelance work, online sales or part-time gigs, flexible opportunities can be a valuable source of financial support.

But with this rise in remote and online work comes an increase in fraud. Scammers are taking advantage of job seekers, especially those looking for quick, part-time or low-barrier ways to make money. If you’re exploring new ways to earn income, it’s important to know the warning signs of a side hustle scam and what you can do to avoid them.

How side hustle scams trick job seekers

These scams often start with a social media post, text message or email offering an easy way to earn money from home. You may see listings for product reshipping, mystery shopping or affiliate marketing jobs that promise hundreds or even thousands of dollars a week with little effort or experience.

Once you express interest, the scammer may send you a check to “buy supplies” or request that you purchase equipment or software upfront. The check turns out to be fake, and any money you spent or sent back is gone.

Some scammers ask for personal information under the guise of a job application. Victims may unknowingly give away their Social Security number, banking details or copies of identification, which can lead to identity theft.

Red flags to watch for

Protect yourself by learning to recognize common signs of a side hustle scam:

• Too-good-to-be-true pay: If a side job promises high pay for little effort or training, it may be a scam.

• Upfront costs: Be wary of any job that asks you to buy inventory, pay for training or send money before you begin.

• Overpayment schemes: If someone sends you a check and asks you to return part of the money or make purchases, it’s likely a fake check scam.

• Requests for personal or financial information: Legitimate employers will never ask for sensitive data before you are officially hired or without a secure application process.

• Lack of clear contact info: Scammers often use vague or generic job descriptions and don’t provide legitimate company contact details.

Common scam job types

Scammers often disguise their offers as:

• Product reshipping jobs: You’re told to receive, repackage and ship items. These are often part of a fraud operation and could involve stolen goods.

• Social media influencer roles: You’re promised commissions to promote products online, but first you must buy inventory or enroll in an expensive training course.

• Mystery shopping positions: You’re asked to evaluate stores or services by making purchases — often with a fake check — and then send money back.

• Affiliate marketing gigs: You’re encouraged to recruit others or pay for a system to earn commissions, with little evidence of a real product or service.

How to protect yourself

If you’re considering a side hustle or online opportunity, take these steps to stay safe:

• Research the company. Look it up on BBB.org and search online for reviews, complaints or scam reports.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers. If someone contacts you out of the blue with a job offer, verify it independently before responding.

• Avoid jobs that require payment. You should never have to pay to start working.

• Don’t trust checks from strangers. If someone sends you a check and asks for money back, it’s a scam.

• Protect your personal information. Share only what’s necessary and only with verified, secure employers.

What to do if you’ve been targeted

If you’ve lost money or provided personal information to a suspected scam, act quickly:

• Report the scam to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

• Contact your bank immediately if you shared financial details.

• Place a fraud alert on your credit file if you gave out personal identifying information.

A final word of caution

It’s understandable to want extra income, especially in uncertain times. Many legitimate side hustles exist, but scammers know how to exploit urgency and financial stress. If something feels off, trust your instincts, slow down and do your research before taking the next step.

Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit www.bbb.org. 

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Consumer Advocate: BBB tips on avoiding extra income job scams