FTC Warns Job-Task Scams Rise, $220M Losses US-Wide

Job scams targeting desperate job-seekers are on the rise, with losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These scams typically begin with personalized texts or WhatsApp messages from scammers posing as recruiters, promising easy money for simple online tasks like liking videos or rating products. Victims see fake earnings accumulate but are then asked to deposit their own money, often in cryptocurrency, to access these funds, which they never recover. The FTC notes that reported losses have more than tripled from 2020 to 2023, fueled largely by gamified or task-based job scams, with only a small fraction of victims reporting the crimes. Scammers often build trust through flattery and target vulnerable groups such as newcomers to the workforce, parents re-entering the job market, and immigrants unfamiliar with U.S. employment norms. Experts warn that these sophisticated scams are designed to feel legitimate, and victims generally act rationally, underscoring the need for increased awareness and caution.