Job offer & task scam
Task scams lure you with messages offering easy money for simple online 'tasks' like rating products or liking videos — then trick you into depositing your own money that you never get back.
“Hi! I'm Amy from a digital marketing agency. We offer part-time online work, £100–£300/day, just completing simple tasks from your phone. Interested? Reply on WhatsApp to start.”
How it works
You get an unsolicited WhatsApp, text, or social media message offering well-paid, flexible work doing simple tasks. At first you're paid small amounts to build trust. Then you're moved onto 'combined tasks' that require you to top up your own money to 'unlock' commissions. The balance and earnings shown on their app are fake — when you try to withdraw, you're asked to pay more 'fees' or taxes, and you never get any of it back.
Warning signs
- An out-of-the-blue message offering easy, high-paid remote work
- Vague employer details and recruitment over WhatsApp or Telegram
- Small early payments to build your trust
- Being asked to deposit or 'top up' your own money to earn commission
- An app or website showing a growing balance you can't actually withdraw
- Pressure to recruit friends or act quickly
What to do
- Ignore unsolicited job offers that arrive by text or WhatsApp
- Never pay money to get a job or to 'unlock' earnings — legitimate jobs don't work that way
- Don't share ID, bank details, or crypto wallet access
- Report the number and block it; report losses to Action Fraud
Frequently asked questions
- Why did they pay me at first?
- Small early payments are bait to make the scheme feel real and build trust before they ask you to deposit your own, much larger sums. The early 'earnings' are tiny compared to what you'll be persuaded to put in.
- Can I get my money back from a task scam?
- It's difficult, especially if you paid by crypto or bank transfer, but report it to your bank immediately and to Action Fraud — acting fast gives the best chance of recovering funds.