Job/Task Scams:What are they?

These scams often start with an unexpected message, typically through platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, offering a flexible work-from-home position. No experience is needed, and the role promises daily earnings. In some cases, the victim may have previously entered their details on a fake version of a legitimate job site, which makes the approach seem more genuine.

The scammer will describe a job that involves completing a series of simple online tasks, with a commission offered for each one. They might also promise a daily wage, usually paid in cryptocurrency. It’s worth noting that cryptocurrency is not a regulated form of payment, and it’s extremely rare for reputable employers to use it for salaries.

To gain trust, scammers sometimes impersonate well-known businesses. They might first direct you to a real website that looks credible. When you do a quick Google or TrustPilot search, the company will appear legitimate. But once you’re ready to start the job, they’ll send a different link to a fake “task portal” that mimics the branding of the real company. If the URL doesn’t match the official company site, it’s a red flag.

As you complete tasks on this fake portal, it will show your commission balance growing — but this is entirely fabricated. Eventually, a task will appear that puts your account into a negative balance, and you’ll be told to deposit money (often in cryptocurrency) to continue. “Customer support” will reassure you that you’ll get all your money back once you complete all tasks.

To gain your trust, scammers may initially allow you to withdraw small sums. This makes the scheme seem legitimate and encourages you to keep going. But soon, the tasks will become more expensive, and you’ll be asked to deposit larger amounts — sometimes thousands of pounds — to complete so-called “premium tasks.” These are described as “lucky” and supposedly bring higher commissions.

Eventually, continuing becomes financially unsustainable. At this stage, scammers might urge you to take out loans, max out credit cards, or borrow from loved ones just to keep funding your account and finish the tasks. They’ll insist that this is the only way to withdraw your money, citing bogus “company policy.”

But the truth is: even if you complete all tasks and make every payment they request, you won’t get your money back. The scammers will keep coming up with new excuses, such as additional fees or taxes, until you either run out of money or they stop communicating with you entirely.

Important to remember:
A genuine employer will never ask you to pay to do your job — especially not using cryptocurrency.

These scams are highly sophisticated and can appear very convincing. It’s crucial to stay cautious and verify everything before engaging in online job offers.