With the rise of online scams and fake job postings, many young people struggle to know which opportunities are real. Scammers target unemployed youth because they are desperate for work and willing to trust anything that looks helpful. Knowing how to identify real opportunities is an essential skill that every young person must learn.

A real opportunity will never ask you to pay money. No legitimate company charges for applications, interviews, training or uniforms. If a post asks you to pay, it is a scam. Real opportunities also have traceable sources. This means the company must have a real website, a real address, a real contact number and a real presence online. If you cannot confirm the organisation, it is too risky.

Another sign of fake opportunities is poor spelling, unprofessional writing, and suspicious instructions. Real companies use proper communication that matches their brand. Scammers use quick, unprofessional messages to trick people into sending personal information. You must also verify the email domain. Reputable companies use official company email addresses, not Gmail or Yahoo for hiring processes.

One of the biggest protections for youth is the ability to cross check information. You can search the company name on Google, look up the directors on CIPC, or contact the organisation directly to confirm the post. You can also use Opportunity Access at YouThryve Development because we verify every opportunity before posting it. We save young people from the risk of scams and guide them straight to real, life changing pathways.

Knowing how to identify real opportunities protects you from financial loss, emotional disappointment and identity theft. It also empowers you to apply with confidence and trust that the opportunities you pursue are genuine. Opportunity Access exists to help youth find safe, verified and credible opportunities every day.