Game-like task scams stole over 220 million dollars in just six months
Warning: Game-Like Online Job Scams Prey on Americans, Raking in Over $220 Million
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning to Americans about the growing threat of "game-like online job scams" that promise continuous income streams but ultimately result in financial losses. These scams have been particularly successful, with over $220 million extracted from victims in just the first six months of this year.
The Alarming Rise of Task Scams
According to the FTC, task scams accounted for about 40 percent of all scam reports in 2024. This is a stark increase from previous years, with 20,000 reports filed in the first half of 2024 alone. To put this into perspective, there were only 5,000 such reports between 2020 and 2023.
How Task Scams Work
These scams often begin with a text message or WhatsApp message to a potential victim, asking them to perform tasks related to "app optimization" or "product boosting." In some cases, scammers may initially pay small amounts of money to build trust. However, once victims have completed these tasks, they are then convinced to invest more money in the promise of larger payouts.
Cryptocurrency: The Scammer’s Preferred Choice
The FTC notes that many victims have been duped into paying with cryptocurrency, which has allowed scammers to easily launder their ill-gotten gains. This trend highlights the importance of educating consumers about the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies and being cautious when dealing with unfamiliar online opportunities.
Red Flags: How to Avoid Task Scams
The FTC provides three key tips for avoiding these scams:
1. Ignore Generic and Unexpected Texts or WhatsApp Messages About Jobs
Legitimate employers will never contact you through generic or unexpected texts or messages about job opportunities. Be wary of messages that seem too good (or bad) to be true, as they often are.
2. Never Pay Anyone to Get Paid
If someone asks you to pay money to get the money you’ve supposedly earned, it’s a clear sign of a scam. Legitimate businesses will never ask you to pay fees or charges for work completed.
3. Don’t Trust Anyone Who Says They’ll Pay You to Rate or ‘Like’ Things Online
Rating or "liking" products online is not a legitimate way to earn income. Be cautious of anyone who promises you money in exchange for these tasks, as it’s often a thinly veiled attempt to extract your hard-earned cash.
The Growing Threat of Task Scams: What You Need to Know
Task scams have become an increasingly common phenomenon, with scammers using every trick in the book to separate victims from their money. By being aware of the warning signs and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.
- Stay vigilant: Be cautious when encountering unfamiliar online opportunities or messages.
- Verify information: Research the company or individual offering the job opportunity before committing to anything.
- Don’t fall for get-rich-quick schemes: Legitimate income streams take time and effort to build, so be wary of promises that seem too good to be true.
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from these game-like online job scams.
