Task Scams
Game-like 'task' or 'commission' jobs that pay small amounts early, then demand escalating deposits.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Task scams are a major modern fraud. You're hired for simple online 'tasks' — liking videos, rating apps, completing orders — on a dashboard that shows growing earnings. To keep earning or withdraw, you must deposit your own money, which is never returned.
How it works
After recruitment via message, you complete tasks and see a balance grow. Small early withdrawals work, building trust. Then 'combination tasks' or negative balances require deposits to continue. The dashboard, balance and payouts are all controlled by the scammer.
Common red flags
- Paid to 'like', 'rate' or 'complete orders'
- A dashboard showing rising earnings you can't fully withdraw
- Requirement to deposit money to unlock tasks or withdraw
- Recruitment via unsolicited message
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Earn [amount]/day completing simple app tasks! Start now, withdraw daily. Message [phone number].
Your account hit a combination task — deposit [amount] to complete it and unlock your balance.
Payment methods used
- Crypto
- Bank transfer
- Payment apps
Who is usually targeted
- People seeking flexible income
- Students
- Stay-at-home parents
What to do immediately
- Stop depositing — the balance isn't real money
- Do not pay to 'unlock' a withdrawal
- Save the app, dashboard and chat as evidence
- Contact your bank and report it
Evidence to preserve
- Dashboard screenshots
- The app/platform link
- Chat history
- All transfers
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my first withdrawal work?
Allowing small early withdrawals is the core trust-building trick. Once you believe it's real, you're asked to deposit to unlock 'combination tasks' or a frozen balance — and that money disappears.
Is the balance on my dashboard real?
No. The dashboard, your 'earnings', and the negative balances are all fabricated by the scammer to make you deposit more. Only the money you send out is real.