The one rule: never pay to get paid
A real employer or client pays you. If anyone asks for money before you can start or withdraw your earnings, stop. That includes registration fees, activation fees, training fees, software, a "starter kit" or a deposit to unlock withdrawals, whether by M-Pesa, mobile money, bank or card.
Red flags
- High pay for very simple work, like typing captchas or copying text from images.
- Guaranteed daily earnings, or daily payouts to your phone.
- No interview and no typing test: "anyone can join".
- Earnings you can see but can't withdraw until you pay or recruit friends.
- Contact only through WhatsApp or Telegram, with no company name you can check.
- Pressure to decide fast: "only 10 slots left today".
- Requests for your ID, PIN or mobile money password.
What real typing work looks like
Legitimate typing work is usually called data entry, transcription, captioning, virtual assistance or admin support. It is offered by registered companies, BPO and contact centres, and established freelance marketplaces. Real work comes with:
- A skills test, often typing speed and accuracy.
- A clear task, rate and payment schedule before you start.
- Payment after the work, through the platform or a contract.
- Pay that matches the effort: modest for beginners, higher for fast, accurate typists.
Build the skill that gets real work
The typists who get steady data entry and transcription work are the ones who pass the test. Most clients look for 40 WPM or more with high accuracy, and transcription asks for 60 or more. See the speeds employers ask for, then practise with the Work and Office course.
If you have been scammed
Stop sending money, keep screenshots of every message and payment, and report the number and the account to your mobile money provider and the police. Warn friends who may have received the same offer.