Remote work has opened amazing opportunities for IT professionals — whether you’re a developer, DevOps engineer, tester, or analyst. I’ve seen colleagues jump from local roles to fully remote positions across the UK and globally, but I’ve also seen people fall for scams that look shockingly real. If you’re searching for remote IT roles, here are five practical ways to stay safe and find legitimate jobs.
1. Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Pay
One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is salary. If a role promises extremely high rates for vague responsibilities or minimal experience, take a step back. Remote work is flexible, but it doesn’t magically pay twice the market rate. In my experience, legitimate employers benchmark salaries realistically — especially for freelance contracts.
2. Expect a Real Technical Hiring Process
Even though you’re working remotely, employers still need to evaluate your skills. A genuine IT role usually involves:
- A live or video interview
- Technical questions or scenario-based discussions
- Clear explanations of projects, systems, and tooling
I’ve heard stories where candidates were offered contracts after a single email — a major red flag.
3. Verify the Company and Contact
Before applying, take a few minutes to check:
- Company website and domain age
- Team members on LinkedIn
- Recruiter’s email matches the company domain
For UK-based roles, you can also check Companies House. If you struggle to find basic information, it’s probably best to move on.
4. Use Curated IT Job Boards
Random social media posts and unsolicited messages are prime scam territory. Curated job boards add structure, vet employers, and remove suspicious listings. For example, you can browse verified remote and flexible IT roles via the homeworking filter on https://www.byte7.co.uk/jobs/search
5. Never Pay to Get a Job
This rule is simple: no legitimate employer will ask you to pay upfront, buy equipment, or accept payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. For freelance contracts, always insist on a written agreement with clear deliverables, rates, and timelines before starting.
Final Thought
Finding remote IT work can be an incredible career move, but only if you approach it carefully. Take time to verify opportunities, use trusted platforms, and ask questions. What strategies have you personally used to verify remote IT roles before applying? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!
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