What’s your take on this employment proposition? You make a payment, and in return, you receive payment. Sounds suspicious, doesn’t it? This scam is currently among the swiftly advancing job deceptions.
Reviewing job deceptions holistically, data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) illustrates a nearly threefold rise in job scam reports between 2020 and 2024. Furthermore, reported financial losses soared over fivefold, hitting $501 million in 2024.
In summary, job scams are more prevalent and expensive than ever before.
At the forefront of these losses is a novel form of job scam, where victims genuinely have to “pay in order to receive payment.”
“Pay in order to receive payment,” the trendiest job scam around
The FTC has labeled these “pay in order to receive payment” scams as “gamified job scams” or “task scams.” Given the operation of these scams, the terms are fitting. The tasks resemble a game, and the sole victor is the scammer.
The scenario unfolds as follows:
You receive a job proposal via text or private message. The scammer presents you with “work” related to “app enhancement” or “product promotion,” often using vague and ambiguous terms.
You agree to the offer. Subsequently, the scammer arranges an account for you on an app or platform where you are assigned to “like” or “rate” collections of videos or product images online.
You commence work. The app or platform is counterfeit, yet it appears that you are earning commissions as you engage and complete sets of tasks. At this juncture, the scammer might distribute one or two minor payments, fostering the belief that the job is genuinely legitimate.
The scammer lays the trap. This is where the game-like aspect of “pay in order to receive payment” emerges – if you desire more “work,” you must make a payment. At this stage, the scammer demands a “deposit” for your subsequent task assignment. Similar to a video game, the scammer embellishes the offer by claiming that the next task set can “boost” your earnings.
You fall victim to the deception. You make the deposit, successfully complete the task set, and endeavor to retrieve your earnings from the app or platform—only to discover that the scammer and your funds have vanished. It was all an elaborate hoax.
Drawing from previous observations, these scams take inspiration from other money-making cons prevalent in payment apps. “Easy money” deceptions evolve gradually as scammers cultivate a false sense of trust with victims by yielding minor returns on minor investments over time. Eventually, with the scenario set, the scammer makes a mammoth demand and absconds with it. “Pay in order to receive payment” scams operate in a similar vein.
Other factors to consider regarding this deception:
- According to the FTC, any job that remunerates you to “like” or “rate” content is illicit. The irony lies in the fact that it requests you to engage in an illicit activity, which results in another unlawful act—thievery.
- Reports indicate that scammers frequently finance these deceptions using cryptocurrency. In fact, the FTC states that individuals lose significantly more money to job scams employing cryptocurrency than any other payment method.
Safeguard Your Finances from “Pay in Order to Receive Payment” Job Scams
Step one—disregard job offers via text and social platforms
A reputable recruiter will contact you via email or through a professional networking site. Additionally, they will provide you with precise information about a potential job and will address any queries you may have in a clear manner.
Conversely, scammers dispatch vague texts and private messages. They often thrive on exaggeration but are sparse on specifics. Inquiring about the job will yield similarly ambiguous responses. Dismiss such offers.
Step two—research the company
With regards to online job offers in general, delve into the company. Explore their background and verify if it is a legitimate entity—determining if this aligns with what the recruiter is representing.
In the U.S., numerous resources are available to assist you in this analysis. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) furnishes a searchable directory of companies in the U.S., along with a brief overview, rating, and even a compilation of complaints (and company responses) lodged against them. Devoting some time here can swiftly clarify the credibility of a company.
For a compilation of companies with U.S. and global presence, entities like S&P Global Ratings and the Dun and Bradstreet Corporation can supply background information.information as well.
Additionally, take a look at the organization’s website. Check if there is a job opportunity that aligns with the one being presented to you. Conducting research like this can assist in unveiling fraudulent schemes.
Step three—decline payment
As straightforward as it may seem, refrain from making any payments in order to receive payments.
In any scenario where you are requested to make an upfront payment using any payment method, decline. A trustworthy employer will never request you to invest or deposit a small sum of money with the promise of substantial returns. A credible employer will also equip you with training or tools necessary to perform the job you are qualified for.
Additional measures to steer clear of online scams
Our online security software can significantly enhance your protection against job scams and online scams in general. Specifically concerning job scams, here are some ways it can be beneficial:
- Cybercriminals still employ malicious links to deceive individuals into divulging their personal details. Web protection, which is inclusive in our packages, can lead you away from these deceitful links.
- Scammers often embed links in messages to questionable websites and locations where they can steal personal information. McAfee+ can block these links and prevent you from interacting with them. Through AI technology, it automatically identifies scams by scanning URLs in your messages. If you unintentionally click on a harmful link, it will restrict access to a risky site.
- Fraudsters obtain your contact details from various sources, with many sourcing from data brokerage sites. With extensive data records on billions of individuals, they may collect your contact information alongside other personal data for precise targeting. McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the most risky data brokerage platforms, identifies those selling your personal information, and, depending on your subscription, can aid in its removal.
- You can also reduce your visibility on social media using our Social Privacy Manager. It allows you to adjust over 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts with just a few clicks, ensuring that your personal information is only shared with intended recipients.
The article “Pay to Get Paid” – The New Job Scam That’s Raking in Millions Right Now was first published on McAfee Blog.
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