Job Task-Scam Onboarding Chat Script
Victims are recruited for fake remote jobs involving simple tasks like rating products or boosting content, then manipulated into depositing their own money to 'unlock' larger commissions that never pay out.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Congratulations! You have been selected for our remote data optimisation team. Your first task set is now available. Complete them to earn [amount] today. Your supervisor will guide you on Telegram.
Welcome to the team! To activate your account and receive your first commission of [amount], please make a deposit of [amount] to your task wallet. This is refunded on completion.
You have completed 20 tasks and earned [amount] — amazing! To withdraw, your account needs to reach [higher amount]. Simply top up [amount] to unlock the next level and release your balance.
There is a small issue with your account. To prevent losing your earned balance of [amount], please deposit [amount] within 2 hours. Our team is standing by to help.
What the scammer wants
To get victims to deposit increasingly large sums into a fake task platform, using accumulated fake earnings as leverage to prevent them from walking away.
Red flags in the message
- Job offer through unsolicited WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media DM
- Required deposit to 'activate' an account or receive earnings
- Earnings displayed on screen but can never actually be withdrawn
- Each withdrawal attempt triggers a new fee or deposit demand
- Supervisor contacts you through a messaging app, not official email
A safe response
Stop immediately and do not deposit any more money. Legitimate employers never require workers to fund their own account to receive wages. Walk away from the platform.
What not to send
- Deposits to unlock commissions
- Bank account or crypto wallet details
- Identity documents or selfies to a chat-based recruiter
What to do if you already replied
- Stop all deposits immediately — no further payment will release your balance
- Report the platform and recruiter contact to the FTC, Action Fraud, and the messaging platform
- Contact your bank about any bank transfers made
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