What Are Task Scams?

Task scams trick people into thinking they can earn money by completing simple online tasks, like liking videos or rating product images. Scammers promise commissions for every task completed. It might even look legitimate at first, with a flashy app or website showing your “earnings” grow. But it’s all fake. The scammers make money, and you don’t.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. You receive an unexpected text or message about an online job opportunity.
2. The message claims you can earn easy money doing tasks like “product boosting” or “optimization tasks.”
3. Once you’re signed up, the app shows your “earnings” increase with each completed task.
4. Eventually, the app asks you to deposit your own money—often in cryptocurrency—to unlock your “earnings” or complete more tasks.
5. If you pay, your real money disappears, and those so-called earnings never materialize.

How to Spot and Avoid Task Scams

Protect yourself with these tips:

• Ignore unexpected job offers. Real employers don’t recruit through random texts or WhatsApp messages.
• Never pay to get paid. If someone asks you to deposit money for a job or to access your earnings, it’s a scam.
• Don’t trust offers to pay you for likes or reviews. Legitimate companies don’t operate this way—it’s unethical and illegal.

Your security is our priority at Forest Area Federal Credit Union. To learn more about recognizing and avoiding scams, visit our Fraud Awareness and Protection Center at forestarea.com.

Stay informed and stay safe!