What it is
Task scams offer simple online work — rating apps, liking videos, “optimising” products — with small payments at first. Victims are then told to deposit their own money to unlock higher-paying tasks or withdraw earnings.
How it works
- An unsolicited message offers flexible, well-paid remote work.
- You’re added to a group chat with “colleagues” who share their earnings.
- You complete tasks and receive small real payments.
- A “combination task” puts your account in negative balance; you must deposit to continue.
- Deposits grow until you realise you can’t withdraw anything.
Red flags
- Job offers you didn’t apply for, via WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Payment in crypto.
- Having to pay to get paid.
- No contract, interview or real company details.
A real-world example
Consumer protection agencies in several countries have reported sharp increases in task-scam complaints since 2023, often linked to the same networks behind investment scams.
How to protect yourself
- Real employers never ask you to pay to work.
- Ignore unsolicited job offers on messaging apps.
- Research the company independently.
- Never use your bank account to receive and forward money for someone else — that can make you a money mule.
If it happened to you
- Call your bank now using the number on your card. Speed is the biggest factor in getting money back.
- Stop all contact with the scammer and don’t send more money — including “fees” to recover losses.
- Keep evidence: screenshots, numbers, emails, transaction references.
- Report it to the police and your national fraud reporting service.
Step-by-step help by country: I’ve been scammed — what now?
The rules
Using your account to move money for others is a criminal offence in many countries, even if you didn’t know it was fraud. Banks are increasingly required to detect and close mule accounts.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov