Recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data reveals an alarming surge in sophisticated job scams that use game-like tasks to deceive job seekers, resulting in staggering losses of $220 million in just the first half of 2024.
These "task scams" have exploded from zero reported cases in 2020 to approximately 20,000 complaints in early 2024. Scammers typically initiate contact through text messages or WhatsApp, offering seemingly legitimate online jobs involving app optimization or product promotion tasks.
The scheme begins innocently - victims receive small payments for completing simple online tasks. However, scammers then pressure targets to invest money to "unlock" more profitable assignments. Once victims transfer funds, often in cryptocurrency losses have doubled, the criminals disappear with their money.
"If the work feels more like playing an online game than an actual job, it's likely a scam," warns the FTC. The agency notes that cryptocurrency losses from job scams have doubled year-over-year, with criminals stealing over $41 million in crypto during the first six months of 2024.
The 20,000 reported cases likely represent only a fraction of actual victims, as most fraud goes unreported. Task scams now account for nearly 40 percent of all job-related fraud losses.
The FTC emphasizes that legitimate employers never require payment for employment opportunities. Job seekers should be particularly wary of unsolicited job offers via text or messaging apps. The agency also cautions that tasks like rating products or "liking" content online are not real jobs and almost always indicate fraudulent digital activity.
To avoid becoming a victim, remember this simple rule: never pay someone who's offering you a job. Legitimate employers pay you, not the other way around.