Federal Trade Commission warns of task scams on social media
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued an alert about task scams that start on social media, offering quick money for completing tasks like product boosting online.These scams usually begin with an unexpected direct message, and users finish tasks through an app or online platform, “earning” money through commissions with each click.As more jobs are completed, users see what appear to be earnings in the app.However, these earnings are fake, and scammers aim to convince users that they are real.The scam escalates when the scammer requires users to deposit their own money, often in cryptocurrency, to complete the next set of tasks and access their earnings.Despite making the deposit, users cannot retrieve the money, resulting in the loss of their real funds.To avoid becoming a victim, the FTC advises ignoring generic and unexpected texts or messages about jobs, never paying anyone to get paid or to secure a job and not trusting anyone who offers payment for giving positive ratings or likes online.”No honest company will do that,” the FTC said.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued an alert about task scams that start on social media, offering quick money for completing tasks like product boosting online.
These scams usually begin with an unexpected direct message, and users finish tasks through an app or online platform, “earning” money through commissions with each click.
As more jobs are completed, users see what appear to be earnings in the app.
However, these earnings are fake, and scammers aim to convince users that they are real.
The scam escalates when the scammer requires users to deposit their own money, often in cryptocurrency, to complete the next set of tasks and access their earnings.
Despite making the deposit, users cannot retrieve the money, resulting in the loss of their real funds.
To avoid becoming a victim, the FTC advises ignoring generic and unexpected texts or messages about jobs, never paying anyone to get paid or to secure a job and not trusting anyone who offers payment for giving positive ratings or likes online.
“No honest company will do that,” the FTC said.