The "easy online job" task scam
An out-of-the-blue message offers well-paid, easy online work - liking videos or "optimizing" products. Small early payouts build trust, then you're asked to deposit your own money to "unlock" earnings.
What the scam looks like
It starts with an out-of-the-blue text, WhatsApp message, or DM offering easy online work - "rate products," "like videos," "optimize hotel listings" - for surprisingly good daily pay. You're added to a chat and sent to an app or website where you complete simple "tasks."
At first it works: you do a few tasks and receive small, real payouts. That's the bait. Soon a task requires you to deposit your own money (often crypto or e-transfer) to "unlock" the next set or clear a "negative balance," with the promise it'll come back with commission. It never does - and the more you deposit, the more reasons they invent for you to deposit again.
Red flags
- An unsolicited offer of easy, high-paying online tasks from someone you don't know.
- Being moved to WhatsApp or Telegram and a separate "earnings" app or site.
- Small early payouts that build trust - then a request to deposit your own money to continue.
- Pressure, a "negative balance," or a countdown pushing you to keep depositing.
What to do
- Stop depositing immediately. A legitimate job never asks you to pay in order to get paid.
- Don't send crypto or e-transfers to "unlock" earnings - that money is gone.
- Block the contact and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501).
- Unsure about the site or app link they sent? Check it with our link checker first.
Learn more: Is this link safe? How to check before you click