HIGH RISK
Task Scam
Fake work-from-home jobs where you complete tasks for "commissions" but must pay deposits that you never get 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
1How 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
2Warning 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
3Real-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
4How 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
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1Stop depositing immediately — you won't recover by putting in more
- 2Screenshot all evidence before accounts disappear
- 3Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 4Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
- 5If you sent crypto, report to the exchange
- 6Share your experience to warn others
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Task Scam?
Fake work-from-home jobs where you complete tasks for "commissions" but must pay deposits that you never get back. 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. Y...
How common is this type of scam?
Task Scam is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: Part of $501 million in job scam losses (2024). This primarily targets 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. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
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