Fake Remote Assistant Jobs
Bogus 'personal' or 'virtual assistant' roles used for fake-cheque, errand, or mule schemes.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake remote assistant jobs advertise flexible PA or virtual-assistant roles, then use you for fake-cheque schemes, gift-card 'errands', or moving money — exploiting trust in a normal-sounding job.
How it works
You're hired as an assistant and given early 'tasks': deposit a cheque and buy supplies, purchase gift cards for the 'boss', or receive and forward payments. These are fraud setups that leave you liable.
Common red flags
- Early tasks involve cheques, gift cards or moving money
- Boss is unreachable by phone/video
- Urgency and 'trust' framing
- Reimbursement promised after you pay
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
As my assistant, please buy [amount] in gift cards for client gifts — I'll reimburse you with your salary.
Payment methods used
- Fake cheques
- Gift cards
- Your account used to move funds
Who is usually targeted
- Job seekers
- Students
- People wanting flexible work
What to do immediately
- Refuse tasks involving cheques, gift cards or moving money
- Verify the employer independently
- Report it; contact your bank if involved
Evidence to preserve
- Job ad and chats
- Any cheques/receipts
- Bank records
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Why would an assistant job involve gift cards or cheques?
It shouldn't. Tasks involving buying gift cards, depositing cheques, or forwarding money are fraud setups. A genuine employer handles its own payments through proper business channels.