SAN ANTONIO – As many people kick off the new year by taking on gig jobs to boost their finances, ensuring the company you’re working with is legitimate is crucial, as scams and misleading ads can leave workers shortchanged.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself while finding the right gig job:

FTC takes action against Handy Technologies

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently settled a case with Handy Technologies, a gig platform now owned by Angi Services, over deceptive advertising practices.

According to the FTC, Handy’s ads promoted inflated hourly rates that most workers weren’t likely to make. Additionally, some ads promised immediate payouts but failed to disclose fees that would be deducted for expedited payments.

Gig workers on the platform also faced unexpected fines for incomplete jobs. For example, workers could be penalized if a customer didn’t cancel a transaction properly or didn’t allow them to complete the work. The FTC stated that Handy failed to explain how workers could avoid these fines.

Handy has agreed to pay nearly $3 million to the FTC for consumer refunds as part of the settlement. The company must also provide clear information about fees, fines, and charges before workers sign up for jobs.

Tips for spotting legitimate gig jobs

If you’re thinking of becoming a gig worker, these steps can help you evaluate job opportunities and avoid scams:

• Research the company online. Look for reviews, complaints, or any information about how the company pays its workers. Make sure to read about any fees, fines, or penalties that might be deducted from your earnings.

• Consult with other gig workers. Ask people who’ve worked for the company about their experiences. Learn about their typical income and any expenses incurred while working the job.

• Understand how you’ll be paid. Find out if the job pays by the hour or by the gig. Get a detailed breakdown of your earnings once you start working to ensure the pay matches what was advertised.

What to do if something feels off

If you believe a company is misleading workers about pay or unfairly deducting money from your earnings, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

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