Job and task scams
A "job" that pays you to complete simple online tasks, or to receive and forward payments, but asks you to deposit crypto first or to move other people's payments.
How it works
- 1A message offers easy remote work, such as rating products or boosting online listings.
- 2You're given tasks on a platform that shows earnings quickly, then asked to deposit crypto to "unlock" the next level or withdraw.
- 3Deposits get bigger while withdrawals stay blocked.
- 4In a related version, you're asked to receive payments and forward them. That can make you part of a money laundering chain.
A realistic example (fictional)
Lee gets a text offering $200 a day for clicking on app listings. After a few days of tasks, the platform says Lee must deposit USDT to continue. Each deposit unlocks a bigger "commission" that can never be withdrawn.
Warning signs
- A job offer you didn't apply for, often by text or chat app
- Pay that seems too high for simple work
- Requirements to deposit or pay before you earn
- Instructions to use crypto or gift cards
- Requests to receive and forward payments
- Recruiters who won't use official company email or interview you
What to do
Haven't sent anything?
Don't reply. Block the sender and report the message.
Already sent something?
- Stop depositing and stop doing tasks.
- Save chats, the website, and transaction IDs.
- If you forwarded payments for someone, stop now, use Contact Support, and report it to the authorities.
- Contact Support to report it.
Protect yourself
- Real employers don't ask you to pay to work.
- Never receive and forward payments for a stranger.
- Check the company through its official website, not through the message that contacted you.
Report it
Tell us first, then the authorities. See all the ways to report.
Authorities: FBI IC3 (ic3.gov) · your local police · your bank or card issuer if you paid that way.