Just got scammed out of 10k on a fake online job - beware remote work listings

Fellow job seekers - I wanted to share my expensive lesson about remote job scams that are rampant right now. Here's how these scammers operate and what to watch out for: Common Red Flags I Should Have Noticed: They contacted me through WhatsApp/Telegram instead of professional channels Promised unrealistic pay for minimal work Required an upfront "registration fee" or "security deposit" Used pressure tactics and rushed decision-making Asked for sensitive personal information early in the process How to Protect Yourself: Never pay money to get a job - legitimate employers don't ask for upfront fees Research the company thoroughly using their official website and social media Be extremely wary of jobs offered through messaging apps Verify the company's existence through official business registries Check if the email domain matches the official company domain If You've Been Scammed: Contact your bank immediately to report fraudulent transactions File a police report and get a crime reference number Report to the cybercrime portal or call 1930 (for India) Document all communications and evidence Remember: If a job opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these predatory scams. Don't let desperation cloud your judgment like I did.