Avoiding Scams – Stay Vigilant on FindMySecurity
While the internet opens up incredible opportunities for connecting with professionals and clients, it can also attract a small number of individuals who aim to take advantage of others through scams. At FindMySecurity, we take the safety and trust of our members seriously and have measures in place to help you stay protected.
That said, we strongly encourage all users to remain vigilant. Most people are honest and trustworthy but unfortunately, not everyone is.
Top 10 Safety Tips for Security Professionals
- Never accept a job from someone you've not met in person and be wary of third-party ‘Background Check’ requests
Legitimate clients will want to meet you in person (or at minimum via video call) before offering any contract. One common scam involves an unknown individual offering a job, but requiring that you complete and pay for a "background check" via a suspicious link. The link is fraudulent, the background check is fake and your money, or worse, your card details, may be stolen. Never pay for checks requested by a party you don’t know and haven’t met.
- Always arrange first meetings in safe, public locations
For your safety and peace of mind, arrange to meet in a busy public venue such as a coffee shop, hotel lobby, or coworking space. Never agree to visit someone’s private premises for an initial meeting.
- Never accept or send money before a contract has been agreed and work has begun
Some scammers may offer to send you funds up front often via cheque or bank transfer to purchase items on their behalf. The payment may appear to clear initially, but can later bounce, leaving you out of pocket. Other scams involve clients requesting that you pay for checks or certifications in advance. Genuine employers will not ask you to transfer money to them or pay for services through third parties.
- Avoid phone interviews from withheld or unknown numbers
Initial phone interviews are common, but avoid engaging in conversations where the caller ID is hidden or withheld. Reputable clients will always be transparent about who they are and how they can be reached.
- Always use FindMySecurity’s secure messaging system
Our in-platform messaging system is monitored, encrypted, and helps protect your personal information. It creates a secure log of conversations, which is helpful in case of disputes or misconduct. Be cautious of individuals who push to move conversations to external apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or personal emails prematurely.
- Be cautious when advertising or engaging through external platforms
FindMySecurity uses rigorous moderation and advanced security monitoring to keep users safe. We log profile views, restrict access to contact details, and monitor messaging activity. Many external websites do not offer the same level of protection and may expose you to higher scam risk.
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is
Extremely high pay, flexible terms without any vetting, or offers made without interviews should all raise red flags. Scammers often use unrealistic perks to lure you into giving up personal information or money.
- Watch out for emotional manipulation or ‘sob stories’
Scammers often fabricate emotional stories to gain your trust, such as sudden bereavement, urgent needs, or high-status roles (e.g. claiming to be surgeons, diplomats, or police officers). These tactics are designed to bypass your critical thinking and push you into taking action quickly. Stay professional and cautious.
- Report anything suspicious immediately
Our Safety & Compliance Team operates year-round to monitor the platform and investigate member concerns. If something feels off, whether it's a message, profile, or job listing, contact our team directly via the website.
- Trust your instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Cease communication immediately and notify us. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we’re here to help.