A new type of fraud has been gaining ground lately: “job offer scams.” These schemes exploit people’s need for work—especially during times of economic uncertainty, when many are searching for a second job or better pay.

Unlike traditional cons, these scams are dressed up with gamification techniques. Victims are lured into what looks like legitimate, easy online work that promises quick rewards, only to find themselves tricked into handing over money.

How the scam works

The details may vary, but the playbook is usually the same:

• A scammer reaches out via WhatsApp, Telegram, text message, or social media.
• They pitch simple online “tasks”—like promoting products or “optimizing apps”—for unusually high pay. The job description is vague.
• Once you agree, you’re asked to click buttons, “like” posts, or use a fake website or app—sometimes designed to mimic platforms like Temu.
• You see your “earnings” rise on the screen, giving the illusion of progress.
• At some point, you’re told you need to “upgrade your account” or “unlock your earnings” by making a payment, often in cryptocurrency.
• That payment is the real goal of the scam. Once you transfer money, it’s gone—along with any hope of retrieving your supposed earnings.
• To build trust, scammers sometimes invite victims into group chats where “colleagues” brag about their payouts. In reality, those voices are just part of the con.

How to protect yourself

The good news: spotting and avoiding these scams is possible if you stay alert. Experts recommend a few simple precautions:

• Ignore unsolicited job offers. Legitimate recruiters reach out through professional channels.
• Research before you trust. If someone contacts you after you’ve posted your résumé online, verify both the company and the recruiter. Search for scam reports tied to their name.
• Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers. Promises of high pay for little effort are a red flag.
• Expect an interview. The absence of a formal hiring process is a warning sign.
• Never pay to get hired. Real employers don’t ask for upfront fees for equipment, training, or processing.
• Guard your data. Don’t share sensitive personal or financial details with “recruiters” on unofficial platforms. That information could be sold or used for identity theft.