Task Scams in Tunisia
Online task scams recruit Tunisian freelancers and job-seekers to complete simple paid tasks, then demand deposits to unlock earnings that are never paid out.
Part of: Task Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Task scams — also known as app-task or like-farming scams — have spread rapidly in Tunisia through Telegram groups and WhatsApp. They appeal to students, the unemployed, and anyone seeking supplementary income by promising easy earnings for completing simple online actions such as liking posts, watching videos, or rating products.
The model is designed to extract deposits, not to pay for work. Initial small payments build trust before the scammer introduces mandatory 'investment' tasks that require the victim to deposit money to continue — money that is never returned.
How this scam works on Tunisia
In Tunisia, task scam invitations typically arrive via Telegram, where large groups are managed by 'coordinators' who assign tasks and post fabricated success stories. New recruits complete free tasks and receive small payments, sometimes within minutes, creating strong belief in the scheme's legitimacy.
After a few days, 'premium' or 'VIP' tasks appear that require a deposit to complete. These are framed as investment opportunities bundled with the task platform. The deposits grow with each tier, and when the victim exhausts their funds or asks to withdraw, they are told a final larger payment is needed to release all accumulated earnings.
Some Tunisian variants have been promoted by local influencers who appear to receive genuine income from the scheme, having been paid modest amounts by the scammer to generate testimonials.
Common red flags
- Initial tasks are unpaid or very low value, with promises of much higher earnings later
- A deposit is required to 'unlock' a task or access a higher-paying tier
- Withdrawal is repeatedly blocked until another deposit is made
- The platform operates only via Telegram or WhatsApp — no verified website
- Coordinator uses high-pressure tactics and urgency to prevent victims from thinking critically
- Fabricated screenshots of large payouts are shared in the group chat
How to protect yourself
- Decline any online task opportunity that requires you to pay money to receive money
- Research the platform name online before engaging — scam reports often appear quickly
- Withdraw any earnings immediately rather than reinvesting, and stop if withdrawal is refused
- Report suspicious Telegram groups to Telegram's abuse reporting mechanism
- Share warnings in the same community groups where you encountered the scheme
How to report it
- Report to the BNIT cybercrime unit with Telegram group links and conversation screenshots
- Notify your bank or mobile-money provider immediately if funds were transferred
- Report the Telegram channel to Telegram via its built-in reporting feature
Frequently asked questions
Are all online micro-task platforms scams?
Not all — legitimate platforms like established crowdsourcing services do pay for micro-tasks. The key difference is that legitimate platforms never require you to deposit money to receive payment for work.