Suspicious job postings

If something about a job posting or recruiter feels off, trust your instinct. Stop the conversation and report it to Alexey Grigorev.

Red flags in the job posting

• No company name or website
• Vague job description with no specific responsibilities
• Unrealistic salary for the role or experience level

Red flags during the hiring process

• You’re asked to download and install software (e.g. a “special app” for the interview)
• The recruiter won’t share basic details about the role or the company
• Communication only through personal email or messaging apps, not company accounts
• They ask for personal or financial information early in the process
• Pressure to act fast or skip normal hiring steps
• The “interview” is just a chat message with no video or voice call
• Large test assignments with no compensation that look like real project work

Freelancing account scam

Someone claims to be from a country like Japan, Russia, China, or elsewhere. They say that freelancers in their region get lower hourly rates on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, while accounts registered in the US, Canada, or Europe get higher-paying clients.

What they ask you to do:

• Lend them your freelancing account or create a new one for them
• Let them take on projects and talk to clients under your name
• In return, they offer you a cut of their earnings

They want you to become a front - the other person does the work, but everyone thinks it’s you.

Why this is bad:

• This is fraud - sharing or selling freelancing accounts violates the terms of every major platform
• You are legally responsible for everything that happens under your account
• The person may scam clients, deliver stolen work, or launder money - and you will be held accountable
• Your account will be permanently banned, and you may face legal consequences

If someone contacts you with this kind of offer, do not engage.