What is a Devilcorp and how do you avoid one?

It’s a distinctly 2025 problem.

Hopeful graduates, or those looking for more autonomy while at work, are lured in with attractive job descriptions promising lucrative salaries, fast career growth, and the chance to “be your own boss”.

However, the reality is far from the dream role for many, as the “amazing opportunity” that was promised turns out to be a door-to-door sales job with long hours, minimal pay and relentless pressure to hit unrealistic targets.

You might have heard of these jobs. They’re being offered by so-called “Devilcorps”, an online label used to describe companies that have sparked controversy over the years for alleged exploitation tactics, high staff turnover rates, and questionable company culture. 

In today’s growing gig economy, Devilcorps are active in the UK’s job market. But they’re tricky. They often use rebranding to adopt multiple names, and flashy job ads to attract unsuspecting workers looking to go freelance.

Here’s everything you need to know about Devilcorp jobs, what they entail and how to spot red flags to avoid getting caught in their web.

What is a Devilcorp?

“Devilcorp” is an informal nickname that originated within online communities. It’s used to describe a network of marketing firms facing allegations of deceptive recruitment practices.

These firms are said to attract job seekers with promises of promising career opportunities, only to subject them to high-pressure sales environments, often with low remuneration and job descriptions that do not accurately reflect the daily tasks.

The term itself seems to have originated from online forums and social media, such as Reddit’s r/devilcorp forum, where users share their experiences and warn others about companies that may be hiring through misleading recruitment tactics.

Labour practices in Devilcorps

Devilcorp companies are notorious for their questionable work practices. There are claims that some firms encourage individuals to sign ‘self-employment’ contracts, meaning that they aren’t eligible for basic workers’ rights and protections.

But despite being supposedly hired as freelancers, contracted Devilcorp workers report they are still expected to put in long hours, meaning little to no work-life balance, while only receiving pay on a commission basis.

For those looking to become sole traders or entrepreneurs, genuine freelance work typically offers flexibility and control over workload, while Devilcorp positions often demand strict schedules, unpaid trading and constant pressure to meet sales targets, leaving workers with all the risks of self-employment but none of the benefits.

David Gammill, founder of Gammill Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, says Devilcorps have “found a loophole” in UK employment law that holds them accountable to very few. 

“Calling the labourers independent contractors means that they don’t need to comply with labour laws, minimum wages or benefits”, he explains.

The UK government’s Employment Rights Bill pledges to scrap “exploitative” zero-hour contracts. While Devilcorp jobs aren’t classified as zero-hour, their reported exploitation tactics and questionable working practices haven’t been mentioned in the bill. 

Even with major publications like The BBC and Wales Online uncovering some shocking cases of exploitation — and Labour MP Darren Jones expressing his concerns — there still doesn’t seem to be a law in place to fully protect workers.

Work like the Devil-corp

With both workers and lawmakers clearly aware of the issue, it may seem surprising that Devilcorps are operating in the UK. 

But Tom Haylock, CEO of Sharecat Data Services says that Devilcorp companies “run on volume”, with a recruitment process that is “designed to keep people from asking questions.”

“[Devilcorps] don’t care if someone stays a week or a month because there’s always another person ready to take their place,” Haylock adds. “If 50 people start on Monday and five stick around, that’s still free labour for a week and a handful of sellers they didn’t have to train.”

Devilcorps don’t just leave people feeling ripped off. The constant pressure to meet targets takes a heavy mental toll, causing exhaustion and isolation. This system is designed to make workers blame themselves for failing, instead of realising they’re being exploited.

Mohbeen Qureshi, VP of Growth at Oppizi says that while people “work all day chasing sales, dealing with rejection non-stop and making barely enough to get by” at Devilcorps, there’s “pressure to always be positive, to act like things are great even when they aren’t.

“These places push a toxic mindset where if you fail, it’s your fault for not working hard enough,” he adds. “It can break your confidence and make you doubt yourself. A lot of people leave feeling exhausted, broke and demoralised.”

Red flags to look out for in a Devilcorp

With the increasing number of workplace redundancies in the UK this year, many laid-off employees are back on the job market. Others are leaving it in droves, seeking out ways to leave the workforce and become self-employed.

Here are some red flags you should look out for to avoid falling into the trap of Devilcorps.

1. Unclear job descriptions

Kristian Salijević, founder of GameBoost, comments: “[Devilcorps] make everything sound professional – ‘marketing’, ‘brand ambassador’, ‘business development’. If a job listing doesn’t clearly explain what you’ll be doing every day, assume they’re hiding something. The same goes for companies that promise you’ll make thousands with no experience.”

2. Certain phrases in the job description

It’s important to look out for specific phrases in the job advertisement, such as “immediate start”, “no experience” or “career fast track”, as these can often be red flags indicating a firm may be focused on quickly filling positions rather than offering genuine career opportunities.

“A job seeker should always be sceptical of roles that promise high earnings with no experience,” Hayward advises. “If a company won’t give clear answers about pay structures or work hours, assume the worst. Any legitimate employer will provide a contract outlining wages, expectations, and employment status.”

3. The interview process

“The interview process is another red flag,” Salijević comments. “If they rush you into making a decision, avoid talking about salary in concrete terms, or only emphasise company culture, walk away. Real jobs don’t need to pressure you into saying yes.”

Haylock also warns that Devilcorp interviews “focus on ambition rather than qualifications. If someone asks about pay, they’re given non-answers about ‘earning potential’.”

The Devilcorp is in the details

In 2025, an increase in online job searching, alongside the desire for remote and freelance work, has made it easier for Devilcorp companies to operate.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve applied for a Devilcorp job, make sure to research the company in question. Look up reviews on job review sites like Glassdoor or Indeed, and check for any warnings or red flags in forums, such as high-pressure sales or commission-only pay.

And remember the old saying: if a contract looks too good to be true, it probably is.