Task Scams in Spain
Work-from-home task fraud recruits Spanish workers through WhatsApp and Telegram with simple microtask promises that require upfront crypto deposits.
Part of: Task Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Task scams — 'estafas de tareas' — have surged in Spain, particularly targeting younger people and parents seeking flexible remote income. Victims are contacted via WhatsApp or Telegram by apparent recruiters offering €50–€200 per day to complete simple tasks such as rating apps, liking social-media posts or reviewing products.
The scheme is run by criminal groups who use the familiar structure of legitimate gig-economy work to give initial credibility. Spain's INCIBE and the Policía Nacional have issued alerts as victims lose thousands of euros through mandatory 'deposits' required to access higher-paying task batches.
How this scam works on Spain
The victim completes initial unpaid or low-paid tasks and receives small commissions to build trust. After a few days, they are told they have qualified for a premium task that pays significantly more but requires a deposit of €100–€500 in crypto to a wallet address, framed as a 'guarantee' that is refunded after task completion.
After the deposit, the victim is asked to invest more to reach the 'VIP level' required to withdraw. The platform shows an accumulating balance that can never be withdrawn. Attempts to leave prompt threats that the original deposit will be forfeited.
The scam operates through Telegram groups with dozens of apparent 'members' who are actually controlled by the same criminal group, posting fabricated earnings to encourage further deposits.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited WhatsApp message offering easy money for simple online tasks
- Initial tasks pay small amounts to build trust before a larger deposit is requested
- Deposits required in crypto with promises they will be refunded
- Telegram group with members posting unrealistically high earnings
- Platform requires escalating deposits to access withdrawals
- No physical company address or Spanish tax registration number
How to protect yourself
- Legitimate employers in Spain do not require workers to deposit funds before receiving wages
- Ignore unsolicited job offers via WhatsApp or Telegram
- If you have made an initial deposit, stop all further payments immediately
- Report the Telegram or WhatsApp account to the platform before blocking
- Check the offering entity against the Spanish Companies Register at registradores.org
How to report it
- Policía Nacional: denuncias.policia.es — online fraud complaint
- INCIBE: 017 helpline or incibe.es
- Guardia Civil: gdt.guardiacivil.es — cybercrime report
Frequently asked questions
Are legitimate micro-task platforms available in Spain?
Yes — licensed gig platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork and domestic platforms operate legally in Spain. None of them require you to deposit crypto before receiving payment. Any platform requiring upfront deposits is fraudulent.