Associated Press, by Cora Lewis
NEW YORK (AP) — As job seekers look for jobs in a challenging environment, the Federal Trade Commission says there are an increasing number of victims of employment fraud that promise good pay to complete simple online tasks.
Scams often start harmlessly with TaylorMade text or WhatsApp messages, and scammers take time to build trust with the victim before they win a relationship.
“Most of those who end up losing money to scammers behave pretty reasonably,” said Kati Dafan, assistant director of the Federal Trade Commission’s marketing practices. “The con artists are sophisticated and continue to change their tactics.”
According to the FTC, reports of employment fraud have more than tripled between 2020 and 2023. Gaming employment fraud, or task fraud, represents a significant portion of its growth. In the first part of 2023, roughly 20,000 people reported experiencing gamer-in-gaming scams in the first part of 2024, compared to 5,000 people in 2023.
Dafan said the number was certainly an underestimation as many people have not reported experiences of employment fraud to law enforcement or government trackers.
“Only 4.8% of people complain,” she said.
What should you know about this:
How fraud works
According to the FTC, fraud usually starts with unexpected text or WhatsApp messages from “recruiters” who provide online work. Mystery Texter will say you can “make good money” by doing “product boost” or “optimization tasks” on your online platform or app.
This “job” promises to earn money from “commissions” per click. Once you complete the task, you will see an increase in the “revenue” aggregation on the platform or app. These revenues are fake.
Ultimately, the app or platform asks you to deposit your money in a cryptographic fashion, usually to complete more tasks and withdraw revenue (non-existent). But if you make a deposit, you will lose real money and you will never receive a fantastic salary.
Who will be targeted?
Eva Velasquez, CEO of Identity Theft Resource Center, said these types of fraudsters usually have employers, including job seekers who are not used to the job market, people who have been out of the job market for some time (such as those who re-enter the workforce where their children are grown), and immigrants who are not used to the employment landscape.
“Many times, the job doesn’t involve simple interviews or interviews. Make sure you work from home and start right away,” Velazquez said. “Sometimes, they start with praise and the person will feel that their skills are recognized. “Oh, do you think I’m great? Tell me more.”
Velazquez highlighted the vulnerability of those looking for work, particularly considering continued economic uncertainty.
“Sometimes it’s about leaving fake reviews of products,” she said. “The scammers are probably selling those reviews illegally, but recruiters might look at the line and say, “I’m going to cross that line. I have to eat.” ”
Tips for discovering task-based fraud
Ignore general and unexpected text or WhatsApp messages about the job, no matter how specific or free the message is. Don’t pay to receive your compensation or to get a job. The requirement is a red flag that the position is fraudulent. Don’t trust an employer who evaluates things online or says they’ll pay the things they like online without the on-board process to use the actual product or service they’re rated.
The Associated Press is supported by the Charles Schwab Foundation for education and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
