Fake Gig Work Upfront Fee Chat Scam Examples
Chat messages recruiting for flexible gig work lead to a fake task platform that shows earnings accumulating but requires cryptocurrency deposits to unlock any payout.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Hi! I'm a recruiter at [Company Name]. We have remote gig work available — product ratings, surveys, simple tasks. Earn [amount] per task. Interested? I can get you started today.
We're hiring part-time remote workers to complete easy app tasks. No experience needed. Pay is [amount] per session. Join our group: [link]
Hello, I saw your profile and think you'd be great for our flexible task team. We pay daily. There is a small registration fee of [amount] which is returned with your first payout. Ready to start?
What the scammer wants
To sign you up to a fake platform that shows accumulating task earnings but withholds payouts behind escalating cryptocurrency deposit requirements, extracting as much money as possible.
Red flags in the message
- Unsolicited chat message offering easy remote income
- Registration or 'security' fee required to start
- Earnings visible on the platform but unavailable without further deposit
- Recruiter profile newly created or with no verifiable company presence
- Tasks accessible only through a private link, not a recognised app store listing
A safe response
Do not engage. Block and report the sender. Legitimate gig platforms never require upfront fees and are always findable through official app stores with verifiable company registrations.
What not to send
- Cryptocurrency or wire transfers
- Bank or card details
- Personal identification documents
What to do if you already replied
- Stop all further payments immediately
- Report to Action Fraud and to the platform where you were contacted
- Contact your bank if card or bank account details were shared
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times