Real-world pattern · Job safety
The app showed earnings. The crypto deposit was the loss.
A real-world task-scam pattern: an unexpected job message, fake earnings in an app, and a request to deposit crypto to unlock withdrawal.
What happened
The FTC warns about task scams that begin with unexpected offers to earn money through simple online tasks such as rating products or liking videos. The platform displays a growing balance, but the supposed earnings are fake. Eventually, the person is told to deposit their own money—often cryptocurrency—to complete another task or withdraw the balance.
The payment decision point
The first request to deposit money is the stop sign. A legitimate employer does not require a crypto payment to release wages, complete a task, or unlock a job account.
Signals to pause on
- An unexpected text or WhatsApp offer for easy remote work.
- An app shows commissions but asks for a personal deposit to continue.
- The payment must be made in cryptocurrency.
- The sender promises withdrawal only after one more task or fee.
What to do now
- Paste the job message or task-platform link into SignalCheck.
- Do not send crypto or pay a fee to earn wages.
- Verify the company through its official careers page, not the message.
- If you paid, contact the payment provider quickly and keep the messages and wallet details.
Have a similar request in front of you?
Check the link, message, or screenshot before sending money or personal information.
Check the evidence