Job scams are on the rise, with reported losses more than tripling from 2020 to 2023. In the first half of 2024 there has been a reported $220 million lost. It is partly a result of “task scams,” which lure victims with the promise of easy online work.
Task scams typically involve completing repetitive tasks, such as liking videos or rating product images on apps or online platforms. These tasks often appear to earn commissions, and small payouts give the illusion of legitimacy.
The scam escalates when users are asked to make deposits to “unlock” further tasks or access their supposed earnings. Victims are led to believe that these deposits will be returned with commissions, but the earnings are entirely fake, and deposited funds are never recovered.
The process consists of:
- Initial contact comes via unsolicited texts or WhatsApp messages offering vague online work.
- The use of terms like “product boosting” and “app optimization” are used to make the scheme sound legitimate.
- The scammers create a false sense of community, often inviting victims to group chats filled with fake testimonials from supposed successful workers.
Cryptocurrency is frequently used for payments in these scams, contributing to soaring crypto-related losses in job fraud, which doubled from $21 million in 2023 to $41 million.
So how does one stay safe from online job scams?
- Check for verified job listings
- Consider the personal information you choose to share
- Ignore suspicious requests: Any requests such as downloading encrypted software to hold an interview should be considered thoroughly
- Look for any red flags: Job postings that may sound too good to be true should indicate you to stay cautious
Source #1 (Federal Trade Commission)
Source #2 (National Cybersecurity Alliance)
