Remote work is booming across the Asia-Pacific — but so are the scams.
From too-good-to-be-true job offers to shady “recruiters” on Telegram, thousands of remote job seekers in Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and beyond are getting tricked daily. According to CyberSecurity Malaysia, job scams were among the top five online frauds in 2024 — and many preyed on remote job seekers.
If you’re looking for freedom, flexibility, or a career reset through remote work, you’ll need more than just a polished resume — you need to know how to stay safe.
This in-depth guide will show you how to:
- Avoid remote job scams in APAC
- Spot fake job listings before it’s too late
- Find remote jobs that are actually legit and open to APAC talent
- Let’s dive in.
Why Remote Work in APAC Is Booming
The rise of remote work in APAC isn’t just a pandemic trend — it’s a long-term shift.
- 57% of Malaysians now prefer hybrid or remote roles (Randstad Malaysia, 2024)
- The Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia have emerged as global talent hotspots
- Companies worldwide are hiring across time zones to reduce costs and diversify teams
But this surge in remote opportunities also brings risk. The growing demand has created a ripe environment for scammers targeting young professionals, fresh grads, and freelancers eager to go remote.
Most Common Remote Job Scams in APAC (Real Examples)
Let’s unpack the typical scams plaguing remote job seekers across the region:
1. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
You get a DM on WhatsApp offering RM10,000/month for basic data entry work. No interview needed — just send your IC and pay a “registration fee.”
👉 Red flag: Legit companies don’t cold-message strangers or ask for payment to apply.
2. Fake Remote Platforms
Some scam websites copy the look of well-known platforms (like JobStreet or Remote OK), but every job link redirects to a Telegram or shady form.
3. “Pay First, Work Later” Tasks
You’re asked to like videos, follow pages, or click ads to earn money. To “unlock” more tasks, you must pay upfront.
👉 Reality: Real remote jobs pay you — not the other way around.
4. Crypto Job Cons
You're offered a “remote investment job,” but must deposit your own money first. Spoiler: You never get it back.
Red Flags of Fake Remote Jobs in APAC
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| No video interview | Scam jobs avoid face-to-face contact |
| Uses free email (@gmail.com) | No professional domain means no accountability |
| Company has no online presence | No website, no LinkedIn, no employees = highly suspicious |
| High pay for low effort | RM12k/month for typing tasks? That’s bait |
| Asks for upfront payment | Legit employers don’t charge job seekers |
| Urgency tactics (“Apply now or lose it!”) | Scammers rush you to prevent scrutiny |
Legit Remote Job Platforms for APAC Talent
If you’re in APAC, avoid general job boards filled with scams. Instead, stick to trusted platforms that focus on remote jobs open to your region:
Kerja-Remote
- Built for remote job seekers in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
- All jobs are manually verified before going live
- Curated listings from APAC-friendly companies
WeWorkRemotely
- Global job board with a remote-first focus
- Great for developers, designers, and marketers
- Lists timezone compatibility clearly
Remote OK
- Highlights remote jobs that welcome APAC talent
- Many roles show salary, location, and timezone fit
JobStreet (with Remote filter)
- Popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines
- Use the "remote" or "work from home" filter to narrow results
LinkedIn (APAC filters)
- Use advanced filters: “Remote” + “Malaysia” or “Southeast Asia”
- Vet employers via company pages and employee profiles
How to Verify Remote Employers & Offers in APAC
Check the company website
- Look for an actual team page, recent blog posts, or contact info
- Be cautious of sketchy URLs or basic one-pagers
Research the company on LinkedIn
- Search for employees — are there real people working there?
- See if the hiring manager is connected to the company
Analyze the email domain
- Hiring@legitcompany.com = ✅
- legitjob.apac.hr@gmail.com = 🚨
Use Google Reverse Image Search
- Run the recruiter’s photo or logo through a reverse image search
- Many scammers use stolen images from real profiles
Assess the interview process
Legit employers typically:
- Schedule proper interviews (Zoom, Google Meet)
- Share JD and clear expectations
- Never ask for money, bank info, or IC up front
How Kerja-Remote Protects APAC Job Seekers
Kerja-Remote.com isn’t just another job board — it’s your remote job safety net, built with the APAC market in mind.
Here’s what we do differently:
- Scam Screening: Every job is manually reviewed. No spam, MLM, or shady pay-to-earn listings.
- APAC-Friendly Focus: We prioritize jobs open to Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries.
- Localised Guidance: We publish scam alerts, APAC salary benchmarks, and how-to guides tailored for the region.
- 100% Free: We’ll never ask you to pay to view or apply for jobs. Ever.
- Real Companies: We work only with vetted employers — startups, remote-first firms, and international companies hiring APAC talent.
Conclusion: Hustle Smart. Get Hired, Not Scammed.
Remote work can open doors — but it also opens risks.
Don't let scammers steal your time, identity, or hard-earned money. You deserve a job that pays you well, respects your time zone, and values your work.
And that’s exactly what we aim to deliver at Kerja-Remote — a safe, verified space for APAC professionals to build their dream careers.
Remember:
- Research thoroughly.
- Trust your instincts.
- Leverage trusted platforms.
Happy job hunting, and stay safe out there!