So your business is growing and plans to expand your business to accommodate more customers and increase sales. You heard the advantages of adding a virtual assistant to your time or creating a remote team is more cost-effective, efficient, and convenient. But is it safe? Do not fret as we will give you the common virtual assistant scams and how to avoid them.
The Internet provides all sorts of resources that your business can maximize and use to benefit from. Hiring a virtual assistant or creating a remote team from across the world is now more possible because of the internet and the changing economic landscape of the world. As things are more accessible with just a click of your mouse, you open yourself as well to the inconvenient side of the internet — the scams.
Due to the rising popularity and demand of remote teams and virtual assistants, scammers and the likes find opportunities to make their way in the industry. However, do not let the other side of the coin prevent you from experiencing the best out of outsourcing a remote team for your business.
Identifying the red flags
It may be overstated that hiring a virtual assistant can be the best decision you can make for your business — or possibly the worst one. Fortunately, the decision is always the best one, that is why more and more businesses are turning to virtual assistants for help.
To avoid problems in the future, you can spot and identify some red flags before hiring or in the early stage of working with them. A bit of a reminder though. Try to be human and understand the whole situation first before concluding you are indeed dealing with a scammer.
The red flags may come during the VA search, application, or after they We have listed some of the things you should check to make sure you are not going to be scammed.
- The VA lacks a portfolio.
Clients commonly ask for a resume or CV when looking for their candidate. While a resume, most often than not, is enough proof of your candidate’s identity. However, resumes can be easily faked. A portfolio is the first step to check if the virtual assistant can deliver and consistent with the skills indicated in the resume - The VA lacks character reference.
Scammers are professionals, so they are good at what they do. These people can easily secure a resume and present an impressive portfolio is a piece of cake for them. Similar to the traditional hiring process, a way to verify the candidates’ credentials is through character references.
Talking to the previous employers will give you an overview of the candidates’ performance and work ethics. If the VA will not be able to provide even one character reference, it may be a red flag.
- The offering rate is too low for the VA’s qualifications or job’s workload.
The resume, portfolio, and character references have persuaded you that this VA is the real deal. On top of it, the VA is offering the lowest rates compared to other candidates. Most qualified VAs value their reputation and hard work so they expect to be compensated accordingly.
Virtual assistants invest in their own equipment and tools so they can deliver quality outputs for their clients. If the VA charges a client lower than the average rate on the same workload, it may be a red flag.
A word of note here. Some VAs do offer lower than market rates as they may be building their VA portfolio. So if you think you landed a VA who charges less but gives the best results, it is only fair that you pay your VA the appropriate amount.
- The VA avoids having a meeting with you.
The VA aced the interview and has a winning portfolio. As you start working with your chosen VA, you noticed the VA seems to avoid meeting you. This does not necessarily mean the VA you hired is a scammer.
But if it seems the VA is making excuses not to meet with you, it may be possible that you are dealing with an unofficial third-party agency. This means the one you are communicating with is not the one doing the work with you.
- The VA asks for confidential information.
At times, a virtual assistant may ask for information required to accomplish assigned tasks or verify your identity. This information includes IDs, passwords, and usernames. If you think the VA asks for information not necessary and giving that information is uncomfortable for you, it may be a red flag.
Be wary of hackers or identity thieves posting as VAs. Listen to your instincts and if it tells you that something does not add up with the virtual assistant, then there may be something wrong.
Avoiding virtual assistant scam
Now that you know the signs of a possible virtual assistant scam, there are also tips on avoiding one. Avoiding virtual assistant scam will save you trouble, waste of time, energy, and disappointments.
- Hire a reputable staff management company or use credible freelance websites.
The sure way to avoid scams when looking for a virtual assistant is through a staff management company Most scams involve freelancers since no one will be accountable except for themselves.
With a reputable staff management company like VALUE Virtual Assistants, you can be sure you are working with qualified and trusted virtual assistants.
Hiring a virtual assistant through a company can take off anxiety and saves you time by carrying out responsibilities such as:
- The company is accountable for the virtual assistant.
- The company takes care of the candidate selection, hiring, payroll, and other human resources concerns.
- The company has a pool of qualified talents that caters to your business needs.
- The company drafts the contract between you and the virtual assistant.
- The company screens and filters candidates before they are presented to you.
- The company usually provides training to update VAs knowledge on the latest tools.
If you are totally clueless about how things work with outsourcing and virtual assistants, VALUE Virtual Assistants offers an initial consultation for free. During the initial consultation, you can ask how virtual assistants can specifically help your business and what virtual assistants you actually need.
The basic standard to avoid scams revolves around reliability and integrity. There are dozens of verified freelance marketplace and virtual assistant agencies that can protect your rights as a client against scammers.
- Do a background check.
If you will hire a freelancer, it is always a good idea to do a background check. Check the character reference they have provided and the presence of the previous companies online. If the candidate listed social media accounts, you can check them too. Serious applicants usually have their profiles on Linked In.
- Pay on time.
Payments usually are not an issue when you hire a staff management company as there is a system for it. With a freelancer, payment is something to be agreed upon by a client and virtual assistant. Most clients pay virtual assistants after a project is completed or every milestone.
Another piece of advice is to use only reliable payment platforms like Transferwise, Paypal, and Payoneer. If the virtual assistant sends a link asking for your bank or card details, refuse as it may be a hacking site.
- Document everything.
Scams come in different forms and sizes. To safeguard your business and yourself, document every transaction and communication you have with the VA. If you cannot prove it then, it did not happen.
This step however is applicable if you are working with a staff management company or your state covers law under remote work or virtual assistants.
- Check the red flag listed above.
If you encounter one of the red flags listed above, a scammer may be posting as a virtual assistant.
There are always risks involved when making a major decision for your business and that includes when you decide to add a member to your team. However, hiring a virtual assistant should not involve a risk that will negatively affect you, your business, and the virtual assistant industry as a whole.
Virtual assistants scams are avoidable as long as you use credible virtual assistant agencies and freelance websites. Rely on virtual assistant The whole experience should be an insightful one for you and the VA
Avoid scams with VALUE Virtual Assistants. Talk to us!
