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● HIGH RISK

Task Scam

A "work from home" gig pays small commissions for simple tasks — liking videos, rating products — until you are asked to deposit your own money to "unlock" higher earnings. The early payouts are bait. The deposit is the scam, and it does not come back.

Losses: Part of $501 million in job scam losses (2024)
Targets: Job seekers, people needing extra income, students
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Commission Scam · Rating Scam · Click Scam
01

How It Works

You're recruited for easy "tasks" paying generous commissions: **The pitch:** "Earn $100-$500/day from home! Just like products, rate apps, or complete simple tasks!" **How it works:** 1. You join a Telegram or WhatsApp group 2. Complete simple tasks (like ratings or views) for small payments 3. You actually receive small commissions initially 4. Introduced to "combo tasks" that require deposits 5. "Deposit $100 to unlock $300 task" 6. After deposit, there's a "problem" requiring another deposit 7. Deposits grow larger, you're chasing losses 8. Eventually, the group disappears with your money
How Scammers Make Contact
WhatsAppTelegramText messages
02

Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • Recruited via unsolicited text or WhatsApp message
  • Tasks require deposits to participate
  • Must buy crypto or gift cards for "working capital"
  • Commission structure requires more deposits to unlock earnings
  • Chat groups with others also "making money"
  • Urgency to complete tasks before time expires
  • Can't withdraw earnings without more deposits
03

Real-World Example

"I got a WhatsApp message offering $200/day for 'product optimization tasks.' I earned $30 the first day doing easy ratings. Then they said I needed to deposit $200 to access better tasks. I did. I made $400 but couldn't withdraw without depositing $500 more. I deposited $2,000 total before realizing I'd never get any of it back."

— BBB Scam Tracker
04

How to Protect Yourself

  • Never pay money to earn money
  • Be suspicious of easy, high-paying work-from-home jobs
  • Ignore unsolicited job offers via text or WhatsApp
  • Research any company before engaging
  • If you must deposit to work, it's a scam
  • Other people in the group may be fake or shills
  • Don't chase losses with more deposits
05

What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Stop depositing immediately — you won't recover by putting in more
  2. 2Screenshot all evidence before accounts disappear
  3. 3Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  4. 4Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
  5. 5If you sent crypto, report to the exchange
  6. 6Share your experience to warn others
Report This Scam
FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft
?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Task Scam?

A "work from home" gig pays small commissions for simple tasks — liking videos, rating products — until you are asked to deposit your own money to "unlock" higher earnings. The early payouts are bait. The deposit is the scam, and it does not come back.

What are the warning signs of Task Scam?

Recruited via unsolicited text or WhatsApp message. Tasks require deposits to participate. Must buy crypto or gift cards for "working capital". Commission structure requires more deposits to unlock earnings. Chat groups with others also "making money".

How do I protect myself from Task Scam?

Never pay money to earn money. Be suspicious of easy, high-paying work-from-home jobs. Ignore unsolicited job offers via text or WhatsApp. Research any company before engaging.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Task Scam?

Stop depositing immediately — you won't recover by putting in more. Screenshot all evidence before accounts disappear. Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this high risk. Reported losses: Part of $501 million in job scam losses (2024). Most exposed: Job seekers, people needing extra income, students.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Task Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01FTC: Task Scams
  2. 02BBB: Task Scam Alert
Related Scams

Pig Butchering Scam

A patient con. The scammer builds a relationship first — romance, friendship, a "wrong number" that turns into daily contact — then steers you onto a crypto platform that looks real and is not. The name is literal: fatten the target on fake gains, then slaughter. By the time a withdrawal stops going through, the money and the person are both gone. These run for months before the ask.

Job Scam

A job listing that is really a harvest — for your personal information, an upfront "fee," or your unwitting help laundering money through fake checks. Legitimate employers do not charge you to work or mail you a check to deposit and forward. If the offer arrives before any real interview, be suspicious.

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