How to find legit remote IT jobs (without getting scammed)
Published: 23 Dec 2025
Remote work has opened up global opportunities for IT professionals — from software developers and DevOps engineers to testers, analysts, and contractors. Unfortunately, it has also led to a sharp rise in remote job scams, particularly targeting tech workers looking for flexibility or freelance work.
If you’re searching for remote IT roles, knowing how to separate legitimate opportunities from scams is essential. This guide breaks down the most common warning signs, how to verify a remote IT job properly, and where to find trustworthy roles — whether you’re UK-based or applying globally.
Why Remote IT Job Scams Are So Common
Remote IT roles are attractive for several reasons:
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Competitive salaries
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Global demand
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Flexible working arrangements
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Contract and freelance opportunities
Scammers exploit this demand by posting fake roles that look legitimate on the surface. Many target:
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Junior to mid-level developers
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Career switchers
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Contractors looking for quick placements
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Candidates applying internationally
Because the process is fully online, scammers rely on speed, pressure, and lack of verification to succeed.
Common Red Flags in Remote IT Job Listings
While scams vary in sophistication, most share similar warning signs. Be cautious if you notice any of the following.
Unrealistic Salaries or Rates
If a role promises unusually high pay for minimal experience or vague responsibilities, that’s often a red flag — especially for freelance or contract roles.
No Proper Interview Process
Legitimate IT employers almost always:
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Ask technical questions
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Conduct video or live interviews
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Discuss real projects or systems
A job offer without any meaningful interview is a major warning sign.
Generic or Vague Job Descriptions
Watch out for listings that:
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Copy content from multiple roles
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Avoid naming specific technologies
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Don’t clearly explain responsibilities
Real IT roles are usually quite specific.
Non-Professional Communication
Red flags include:
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Free email domains (e.g. Gmail instead of company email)
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Poor grammar or copy-pasted messages
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Recruiters unwilling to share company details
Requests for Money or Equipment
No legitimate employer will ask you to:
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Pay onboarding fees
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Buy equipment upfront
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Accept payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency
How to Verify a Remote IT Job Is Legit
Before applying — or certainly before accepting — take time to verify the role properly.
Research the Company
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Check the company website and domain age
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Look for real team members on LinkedIn
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Search Companies House (UK) or equivalent global registries
Verify the Recruiter or Contact
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Look for a real LinkedIn profile with history
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Check if they recruit for other known companies
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Confirm their email matches the company domain
Cross-Check the Job Listing
Legitimate roles often appear:
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On the company’s own careers page
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On reputable job boards
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Across consistent platforms with the same details
Expect a Technical Process
Remote IT hiring usually includes:
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Technical interviews
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Coding tests or scenario discussions
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Clear explanation of team structure and tools
Where to Find Legit Remote IT Jobs
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk when searching for remote IT roles is to rely on trusted, purpose-built platforms, rather than responding to unsolicited messages or social media adverts. Reputable sources add structure and accountability to the hiring process, which significantly lowers the chance of encountering scams.
Curated IT Job Boards
Curated IT job boards provide an additional layer of reassurance by focusing specifically on technical roles and maintaining quality standards for advertised positions. On byte7, candidates can use the homeworking filter within the job search to discover remote and flexible IT opportunities advertised by employers and recruiters.
Platforms that specialise in IT recruitment typically:
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Work directly with employers and recruitment partners
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Remove or decline low-quality or suspicious listings
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Focus on clearly defined, genuine technical roles
Using a curated job board won’t guarantee that every role is suitable, but it does greatly reduce exposure to misleading or fraudulent opportunities compared to unvetted sources.
Company Career Pages
Many remote-first companies advertise directly on their own websites. This is often one of the safest application routes.
Professional Networks
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LinkedIn (with caution)
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Tech communities and forums
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Referrals from people already working remotely
UK-Specific Considerations for Remote IT Roles
If you’re based in the UK, there are a few additional points to keep in mind:
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Contract clarity: PAYE vs outside IR35 should be clearly stated
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UK business presence: Especially important for long-term contracts
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Payment terms: Legitimate contracts clearly define invoicing and payment schedules
A lack of clarity around these areas is often a sign the role isn’t genuine.
Extra Checks for Freelance and Contract Remote Work
Freelancers and contractors are particularly targeted by scams. Before accepting a contract, ensure you have:
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A written contract or statement of work
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Clear scope, deliverables, and timelines
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Defined payment terms (rate, frequency, method)
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Named point of contact within the company
Never start work without written confirmation of these details.
Final Checklist: Is This Remote IT Job Legit?
Before proceeding, ask yourself:
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Does the company clearly exist and have a track record?
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Was there a real interview process?
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Are the salary or rates realistic?
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Is the communication professional and consistent?
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Are there clear contracts and payment terms?
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Was I asked for money or sensitive personal information?
If the answer to any of these raises concerns, it’s best to walk away.
Finding Remote IT Jobs with Confidence
Remote work can be a genuine career upgrade for IT professionals — but only when approached carefully. Taking time to verify opportunities, using trusted platforms, and understanding common scam tactics can save you from wasted time and financial loss.
At byte7, we focus on advertising legitimate remote and freelance IT roles to help candidates find opportunities they can trust. Exploring curated listings and applying with confidence is always better than rushing into an offer that seems too good to be true.
Explore verified remote IT roles on byte7 by using the job search and applying the homeworking filter to view remote and flexible opportunities advertised by employers and recruiters.