Task / 'Like-and-Earn' App Prepay Scam
An app 'job' pays small commissions for simple tasks, then requires you to deposit your own money to unlock more tasks or withdraw — which you never can.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are recruited into an app or website where you earn commissions for simple tasks — liking items, 'optimizing' orders, rating products. Early tasks pay tiny amounts to build trust. Soon, higher-paying tasks or your accumulated balance require you to deposit your own money (often crypto) to proceed or withdraw. The balance is fake; deposits are gone. It is an investment scam disguised as gig work, closely related to the 'get paid to review' scam.
What it usually looks like
- A recruiter offering easy per-task commissions via an app.
- A dashboard showing a growing balance.
- Required deposits to unlock tasks or withdraw.
- Encouragement to deposit more for 'combo' tasks.
Common warning signs
- Depositing your own money to earn or withdraw.
- A balance you cannot cash out.
- Crypto or wire deposits demanded.
- Recruitment by DM/text for 'easy money.'
Example wording scammers use
“Complete 40 tasks a day and earn $300! Deposit $200 to unlock premium tasks.”
“Your balance is $1,180 — top up $500 to release your withdrawal.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Escalating deposits.
- Crypto or wire payments.
- To keep you chasing a fake balance.
What to do
- Never deposit money to earn or withdraw from a 'task' job.
- Ignore app-based commission gigs recruited by strangers.
- Do not send crypto to unlock earnings.
- Block and report.
What to do if you already responded
- Stop depositing; the balance is not real.
- Contact your bank/crypto platform about recent transfers.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.