Stage 7 · Lesson 9 of 9

Scams aimed at career changers

Scammers target because they are eager and new to the industry. Common scams include job offers after a chat-only interview, and . Another is the , where you must pay for "training" or equipment before you start.

Others are placement schemes that promise a job for an upfront fee, and fake who ask for ID documents early. Real employers do not ask candidates to pay to be hired. Verify every offer on the company's official site.

Look for a real interview with real people. Never send money or sensitive documents before a verified written offer.

Common trappaying a small "registration fee" because the offer looks official and the deadline is today.

A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it

Resources for this stage

Start with

GuideFree
The Complete Freelance Web Developer Guide
freeCodeCamp · Beginner
Free guide to finding and handling first freelance clients, useful for a freelance-first route

Practise

Google Developer Groups
Free local and online developer communities in many countries, to meet people regularly
Sefism 1:1 Mentorship
Talk your routes and story through with a mentor before you start approaching people

Keep handy

Job Scams (FTC Consumer Advice)
Clear list of job scam signs; the tactics are the same worldwide
iRelaunch
Employers that run returnships, if your switch follows a career break

Also worth your time

OutreachyGo deeper
Paid remote open source internships open to people from groups underrepresented in tech