Remote work opportunities continue to attract job seekers, but scammers are taking advantage of that demand with fake jobs that promise easy money for simple online tasks. BBB Scam Tracker reports show a sharp increase in so-called “task-based” employment scams, where scammers promise to pay people for liking videos, subscribing to channels or rating products online.
How the scam works
You receive a text message, social media message or online job advertisement offering flexible work and quick earnings for completing simple online tasks. The work may involve clicking buttons, rating products, optimizing apps or completing other repetitive tasks.
At first, everything appears legitimate. You complete a few tasks and may even receive small payments, making the opportunity seem trustworthy. Soon, however, you are told you must deposit your own money to unlock higher-paying tasks, fix an error or withdraw your earnings. Each payment is followed by another request for more money, and eventually you are unable to access your account or recover any of the funds you sent.
One Ohio scam survivor reported to the BBB Scam Tracker they lost approximately $2,600 after completing online tasks for what they believed was a legitimate job. After receiving a few small payments, they were told they had made an error and would need to pay an additional $5,700 to unlock their earnings.
How to avoid task-based job scams
Never pay to get paid. Legitimate employers will never require you to deposit your own money to receive wages, unlock earnings or continue working.
Be cautious of unsolicited job offers. Unexpected text messages or social media messages offering high pay for simple online work are often scams.
Research the company before accepting a job. Visit BBB.org to review the company’s Business Profile, customer reviews and complaint history.
Watch for promises of easy money. Be skeptical of jobs advertising high earnings for little effort.
Stop if you’re asked to send money. If an employer asks you to pay fees, purchase cryptocurrency or send money to continue working or withdraw your earnings, end communication immediately.
For more information: Read the full 2026 Job Scams study. Report employment scams to the BBB Scam Tracker or the Federal Trade Commission.
For BBB information: Visit BBB.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find our events, follow us on social media and more!
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Don’t fall for ‘task-based’ job scams | BBB Scam Alert
Reporting by Better Business Bureau, Special to The Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Better Business Bureau, Special to The Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
