Scammers use gamified tactics to prey on job seekers, FTC reports $220M in losses

A pressing issue: Recent data highlighted by the FTC shows a concerning rise in user complaints regarding online job scams centered around game-like tasks. These “task scams” have surged in popularity over the past four years, with reported cases skyrocketing from zero in 2020 to 5,000 in 2023.

Despite its increasing prevalence, gamification remains a topic of debate. Many systems and organizations now incorporate gaming elements to engage users, but this trend has also been exploited by cyber-criminals.

In the first half of 2024 alone, reported task scams have quadrupled to approximately 20,000 cases. Scammers often initiate contact through text or WhatsApp, luring victims with enticing job offers related to tasks like app optimization and product boosting.

Initially, users may receive a small payment for completing these tasks. However, scammers then pressure victims to invest more money for the promise of higher earnings. Once the victim invests, the scammers disappear with the funds.

The typical attire of scammers

Regulators caution that scammers often demand payment in cryptocurrency, leading to a significant increase in cryptocurrency losses due to job scams. In the first half of 2024, scammers stole over $41 million in crypto, with task scams accounting for nearly 40% of job-related scam losses ($220 million).

The FTC advises individuals to be cautious of job opportunities that feel more like a game than legitimate work, as these are likely task scams. Most instances of fraud go unreported, indicating that the 20,000 complaints received in the first half of 2024 represent only a fraction of the task scam market.

To protect against task scams, users should ignore unsolicited communication via text or WhatsApp, particularly regarding dubious job offers.

“Legitimate employers do not typically reach out in this manner,” the agency emphasizes.

Additionally, individuals should never pay in order to receive payment. Tasks such as rating or “liking” content online are not legitimate employment opportunities and are often tactics used by scammers. As the song goes, “It’s the lure of easy money, it’s got a very strong appeal.”