How to Spot Fake Global Gig Jobs Before You Lose Money

The useful part

How to Spot Fake Global Gig Jobs Before You Lose Money, Expert Explains by Samuel Mwanawanjuguna on Friday, 25 September 2026. 7:22 pm An undated aerial image of City Hall Way with City Hall and Holy Family Basilica. Photo Canva With the biting job shortages, Kenyans are increasingly turning to global gig work to make a living.

How it works

• However, experts are warning Kenyans to watch out for fake job offers that could leave them losing money or working without pay.
• According to KICTANet Think Tank, 1.2 million Kenyans work as online gig workers offering services such as freelancing, remote tasks, and software services.
• According to Mureithi, freelancers should also be careful about offers that promise unusually high payments for simple tasks, particularly when the client asks for money before work begins.
• She advised workers to clearly explain what they do, the results they can deliver, and how they can help a client.
• "For you to work in the gig economy, you must learn to package your skills.

What to take from it

How to Spot Fake Global Gig Jobs Before You Lose Money, Expert Explains. According to Mureithi, vague job descriptions, unrealistic pay, requests for upfront payments, and pressure to act quickly are some of the red flags that could indicate a job scam. Grace Mureithi, Director of Customer Success at DreamStart Labs, speaking during a Co-op Bank Youth Forums session on earning global income safely on Friday, September 25.

Example or evidence

• Sample projects can demonstrate their skills and give potential clients something to assess.
• She said freelancers should focus on delivering quality work once they secure their first client, then use reviews and referrals to build credibility and attract more opportunities.
• She advised freelancers to keep communication and payments on the platform until they have established trust with a client and understood the protections available to them.
• While seeking contracts, Mureithi said having a clear profile and portfolio can also help freelancers attract genuine clients.

Details worth keeping

It is what value you can provide to a business at any point in time," she said. She gave examples of services freelancers can offer, including crafting communication campaigns, bookkeeping during tax season, supporting product launches, managing inboxes, customer support and project management. Mureithi advised beginners to start with one or two trusted freelance platforms rather than spreading themselves across several sites before understanding how each platform works.

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