How To Spot Scams on OnlineJobs.ph (And What You Can Do About Them)

We need to talk about something that's been bugging me lately: scams on OnlineJobs.ph. Between Reddit posts about people getting ghosted and LinkedIn horror stories about stolen identities, it's getting harder and harder to know who to trust.

Just last week, I saw three different posts on r/BuhayDigital about talents getting scammed out of their "training fees." And don't even get me started on the employers who've had their payment details stolen by fake applicants. 

Trust me, I get it. Whether you're an employer trying to find reliable talent or a Filipino looking for legitimate work opportunities, the last thing you want is to waste your time (or worse, your money) on scammers. After years of using the platform, I've pretty much seen every scam in the book.

So, let's break this down. I've compiled every red flag I've encountered, heard about, or read about in my years of using OnlineJobs.ph. And yes, some of these might seem obvious — but you'd be surprised how many people still fall for them.

For Employers

Let's start with you, potential employers. Here are the red flags you need to watch out for:

#1: An Agency is Reaching Out To You

Here's the thing about OnlineJobs.ph — it's supposed to be for direct hiring. If an "agency" reaches out claiming they have the perfect candidate for you... run. These are usually middlemen trying to squeeze extra fees out of both parties.

Don't even get me started on how these agencies operate. They'll promise you vetted candidates but end up sending you whoever's willing to work for the lowest pay. I've seen cases where they take 50-60% of what the employer pays, leaving the talent with barely minimum wage. Not exactly the quality you're looking for, right?

#2: Applicant isn’t Filipino

I know this sounds obvious, but hear me out. OnlineJobs.ph is specifically for Filipino virtual workers. If someone's profile claims they're from a different country, that's an immediate red flag. 

You might think that this is a little far-fetched, but it’s actually been happening for a while. Because OnlineJobs.ph is more relaxed when it comes to verification, there are cases where employers started receiving applications from India.

And let’s also not discount the fact that they could be faking their Filipino identity. Here's what to watch for:

• Broken Tagalog in their profile.
• Time zone inconsistencies in their responses.
• Profile pictures that look AI-generated (trust me, you'll know when you see enough of them).

#3: Low Verification Score

OnlineJobs.ph has an ID Proof system that scores profiles from 0 to 100. While it's not perfect, it's still better than nothing. If someone's score is below 50 and they're not even trying to verify their identity? That's suspicious.

But here's the catch — some scammers are getting smart. They're buying verified accounts or hacking into existing ones. That's why you need to look at the whole picture:

• How old is the account?
• Does their work history make sense?
• Are their skills consistent with their experience?
• Do they have a digital footprint outside OnlineJobs.ph?

#4: Cover Letter is Too General

You know what I'm talking about — those copy-paste cover letters that could apply to literally any job. If they can't be bothered to customize their application for your posting, how dedicated will they be to your actual work?

Here's what a red flag cover letter looks like:

"Dear Sir/Madam, I am a hardworking individual with excellent communication skills. I am detail-oriented and can handle any task you give me..."

Come on. That could be for any job from data entry to rocket science.

#5: Asking For An Advance

This is a classic. They'll have a sob story about needing money for "equipment" or "internet connection." Look, I understand emergencies happen, but professional Filipino virtual workers usually have their basic setup ready before applying.

The most common variants I've seen:

• Needing money for a laptop
• Emergency medical expenses
• Internet installation fees
• "Training certification" costs

Here's the truth: legitimate Filipino virtual workers invest in their setup before they start applying. If they need a new laptop, they'll usually mention it during the interview and discuss it professionally — not use it as a reason to ask for advance payment.

For Talents

Now, for my Filipino friends out there — yes, employers can be scammers too. And let me tell you, they're getting creative. Here's what to watch out for:

#1: Talking Outside The Platforms

This is the biggest red flag of them all. If an employer immediately wants to move the conversation to Skype, WhatsApp, or Telegram, especially before any real interview? That's sketchy. OnlineJobs.ph's messaging system exists for a reason — it protects both parties.

I've seen way too many cases where talents got scammed because they moved conversations to Telegram too quickly. Here's usually how it goes:

1. Employer suggests moving to Telegram for "faster communication"
2. They conduct a quick chat interview
3. They ask for your banking details for "payroll setup"
4. They disappear with your information

#2: Sketchy Unpaid “Test Tasks”

Let me be clear: there's a difference between a quick skill assessment and free work. If they're asking you to write a 2000-word article or design a full website as a "test," they're probably trying to get free work out of you.

Translation: Beware of Filipino recruiters who’ll give you test tasks, but the reality is that its their task for their own client, then they’ll ghost you afterwards.

Real examples I've seen:

• Writing 5 blog posts as a "writing test"
• Designing a full brand package as a "design assessment"
• Managing their social media for a week as a "trial period"

And building a working prototype as a "coding challenge" — I’ve separated this because I (unfortunately) have fallen victim to it. I know, pretty stupid.

A legitimate test should take 1-2 hours max. Anything more? They're probably trying to get free work.

#3: Asking For Your ID (Along With An Image Of You Holding It)

This is a newer scam, but it's getting more common. While it's normal for legitimate employers to verify your identity, asking for photos of you holding your ID is usually identity theft waiting to happen. The attached government ID to your profile should be enough.

Why is this dangerous? Because scammers can use these photos to create fake accounts on other platforms, apply for online loans, set up fraudulent accounts, and bypass KYC requirements on various platforms. Basically, they’re preying on desperation so they could use your info to scam someone else.

#4: Asking For Your Money To Apply

I can't believe I have to say this, but here we are: real employers will never ask you to pay to apply. Whether it's for "training fees" or "processing fees" — it's all nonsense. Real employers pay you, not the other way around.

Common excuses they use are "training bond" fees, processing fees for international employment, platform access fees, and security deposits. News alert: they’re just going to ghost you afterwards because they were never employers to begin with.

#5: Job Posting Too Good To Be True

$50 per hour for data entry? An executive position with no experience required? I know we all want that dream job, but if the offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.

Here's a quick reality check on typical Filipino VA rates (as of 2024):

• General VA: $3-8/hour
• Specialized VA (Marketing, Technical): $8-15/hour
• Expert Level (Development, High-End): $15-30/hour

Anything significantly above these ranges? Be very, very suspicious. They’re likely going to give you a lower offer, overwork you to death, or the real job isn’t the one on the listing (which is the case for OF chatting work).

What Can You Do?

Okay, so we've covered the red flags. But how do you actually protect yourself? Here are two things I always recommend:

Interviews

Always, always insist on a video interview. Not just chat, not just voice — video. This helps both parties verify who they're dealing with. Plus, you can gauge a lot about someone from how they present themselves in a video call.

During the interview, ask specific questions about:

• Their experience with Filipino workers (for employers)
• Their company background and team structure (for talents)
• Payment processes and tools
• Communication expectations
• Project management style

Paid Trial Projects

Instead of long unpaid tests, suggest a small paid trial project. It could be as simple as a one-hour task. This shows that both parties are serious about working together, and no one's time gets wasted.

Try Other Platforms

Let’s admit it: OnlineJobs.ph is a shell of its former self. Sometimes the best solution is to just try something else. And lately, I've been really impressed with HireTalent.

Here's why: they're actually solving the problems that make scams possible in the first place. We're talking NBI clearance checks, school verification, employment history verification — the works. Not just that automated verification stuff that scammers can bypass.

They also limit applications to 5 per day for talents. Sounds restrictive? Maybe. But it means every application you get is from someone who actually chose your job post over others that day. No more sorting through hundreds of copy-paste applications.

Sure, they're newer and their talent pool isn't as massive as OnlineJobs.ph's 3 million profiles. But honestly? I'd rather choose from 100 verified profiles than wade through thousands of potentially fake ones. 

Here’s our full review of HireTalent and comparison with OnlineJobs.ph.

The Bottom Line

No matter what, OnlineJobs.ph is still one of the main players in Filipino virtual hiring. The key is knowing how to navigate it safely.

For employers: yes, there are amazing Filipino talents out there. Just take your time vetting them properly. The extra hour you spend on proper verification could save you months of headaches.

For talents: legitimate opportunities exist, but don't let desperation cloud your judgment. Remember, a good employer values your time and skills — they won't ask you to jump through unreasonable hoops.

And if you're tired of dealing with these issues? There are alternatives. Platforms like HireTalent are stepping up with better verification processes and money-back guarantees. Sometimes, paying a bit more for peace of mind is worth it.

Stay safe out there, folks. And remember: if something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut, do your research, and never be afraid to ask questions. The right opportunity (or the right talent) is worth waiting for.