Scam library

Fake jobs and task scams

An easy remote job that ends with you paying them, or cashing a check that bounces.

Social interactions today64K

TrendRising

Last 14 days

How much people are talking about "fake recruiter" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.

What it looks like

Hi, I'm Emma from a recruitment agency. We saw your resume. Part time online work, 60 to 90 minutes a day, $200 to $500 daily. Reply to learn more.

Complete 40 product rating tasks to unlock your commission. Your account balance is negative. Deposit $120 in USDT to continue.

Congratulations on your new position. We've mailed a check to buy your home office equipment from our approved vendor.

How it works

A recruiter reaches out by text or a job site with easy, well-paid work. In task scams, you rate products or 'boost' apps and see earnings grow, then must deposit your own money, often crypto, to unlock the next set or withdraw. In fake check versions, you deposit a check, send part of it to a 'vendor', and the check later bounces, leaving you owing the bank.

Warning signs

You did not apply, and they offered the job by text or chat
High pay for simple tasks like liking, rating or reviewing
You must pay or deposit money to earn or withdraw
A check arrives and you're told to send part of it somewhere
Interview only by chat, no video call or real company contact

If you got one of these

Stop. Real jobs do not ask you to pay to work or to get paid.
Search the company name with the word scam, and contact the company through its official website.
Do not deposit a check from someone you have not met and then send money out.
Do not share your Social Security number or bank login before a verified offer.

If you already paid or shared something

Contact your bank or the crypto exchange you used and report the transfers as fraud.
If you shared your Social Security number, go to identitytheft.gov.
Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
Watch for 'recovery' offers. They are a second scam.

Who gets targeted

Job seekers, students, recent retirees and parents looking for flexible work at home.