December 13, 2024 at 02:58PM
The FTC warns of a significant rise in online job scams, particularly “task scams,” which lure victims with promises of easy money through simple tasks. Reports soared from 5,000 in 2023 to 20,000 in 2024, causing losses exceeding $220 million, with a notable increase attributed to these scams.
### Meeting Takeaways:
1. **Surge in Online Job Scams**: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported a dramatic increase in gambling-like online job scams, particularly “task scams.” These scams grew from zero reports in 2020 to 20,000 in the first half of 2024.
2. **Financial Losses**: Losses from job scams have tripled from 2020 to 2023, amounting to over $220 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Approximately 40% of these losses, totaling $41 million, are attributed to task scams.
3. **Scam Mechanics**:
– Victims are approached via unsolicited messages on platforms like WhatsApp and social media.
– Scammers impersonate reputable companies (e.g., Deloitte, Amazon) and lure victims by offering tasks that promise monetary rewards.
– Initial small payouts (in cryptocurrency) create a sense of legitimacy, leading victims to invest more money to unlock higher earnings and task sets.
4. **Common Victim Experiences**:
– Victims often report depositing significant amounts (up to $8,500) under false pretenses of receiving larger returns.
– Scammers employ tactics such as “success stories” in group chats to manipulate hesitant individuals into depositing funds.
5. **Red Flags and Warnings**:
– Use of cryptocurrency is a significant red flag due to difficulty in tracing scammers.
– Buzzwords related to “product boosting” and “app optimization” should raise suspicion.
– The FTC advises against accepting unsolicited job offers, especially those promising easy earnings through task completion.
6. **Legitimate Opportunities**: Any jobs requiring individuals to like or rate products for money are strictly illegal and should be avoided.
7. **Recommended Actions**: Individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant, ignore unsolicited job invitations, and report suspected scams to authorities.