Here's how to watch out for a side-hustle that can actually cost you money 

Sometimes we can only stretch our paychecks so far before we’re forced to find a way to supplement our income. But as you look for a side hustle, be careful you don’t wind up getting hustled yourself. 

Side-hustle scams tend to come in as easy freelance offers that pay good money with flexible hours that work around your existing job or school schedule. Although young adults are prime targets, the scammers will go after anyone who wants or needs extra income.

Christopher Holtwick, known as Khryztof, is a caricature artist who works along the Embarcadero during the busy summer months. 

“I get to interact with people all around the world,” Holtwick said. “And it’s really, really rare to work in a job where you’re rewarded with smiles.”

But after Labor Day, when business slows, side-hustles help him get through the lean months.

“I’m open to pretty much anything,” Holtwick said. “And there’s been times when you get these proposals that sound too good to be true. And in the past, I’ve ended up getting burned on them.”

In fact, the Better Business Bureau just sent out an alert about side-hustle scams.

“It’s pretty easy to get caught up when you’re wanting that extra income and you see these big numbers, and how much you could make and how easy it might be,” BBB spokesperson Bria Maddox told us.

So here are some red flags that a job offer may not be the real thing:

• They ask to move the conversation away from a job search or a freelance platform
• They offer to pay via non-traditional methods where your bank can’t back you
• It’s a high-paying, low-effort job with flexible hours

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You should walk away if they ask you to:

• Send them money
• If they send you a check before you do any work

Holtwick said he got one of those checks once.

“You see $6,000 and you’re thinking, ‘You know, I could really pay off some debts with those $6,000,’ ” Holtwick said. His bank broke the news that the check was fake, and he was likely the target of a scam.

Here’s what to do if you feel the offer is legit:

• Don’t accept right away. Take your time and research the company
• Until you verify it’s legit, don’t send anyone any sensitive banking or personal information

If it all seems to check out, ask for details in writing, such as services, payment terms and timelines. 

Holtwick said he hopes to one day no longer need side-hustles to get through the year. Until then, he’ll watch out for scams as he grows his caricature business, one smile at a time.

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