Is a virtual assistant job that requires a training fee a scam?

Virtual assistant (VA) job scams have proliferated with the growth of remote work. The offer appears on a job board, social media, or comes via direct message. After a brief, easy 'interview' you receive a job offer, but must first pay for a background check, a training module, or special software before you can begin. Once paid, the 'employer' disappears or the position never materialises. Real VA employment — whether through agencies, platforms, or direct hiring — does not require you to pay to start. If training is provided, a legitimate employer covers the cost. Upfront fees are the single clearest indicator that a job offer is fraudulent.