Has your iPhone recently alerted you with a Messages or WhatsApp notification regarding an intriguing job opportunity? You’re not alone; today’s alert about text message job scams—specifically ‘task scams’—underscores this issue.
Task scams might present genuine payouts, solely to gain your trust and steal your funds
Today, the (Federal Trade Commission) released a new article focused on consumer safety.
The topic? A specific type of job scam referred to as task scams.
Task scams typically start with a text or WhatsApp message offering you a position that promises substantial rewards for simple, gamified ‘tasks.’
The elaborates:
Task scams require you to perform straightforward repetitive actions such as liking videos or evaluating product images. Your “job” entails completing these tasks on an app or web platform that falsely indicates you’re accruing commissions with every action. Tasks are often organized in sets of forty, with the enticing offer of progressing to higher levels after completion. You might even encounter a so-called double task that yields a larger commission. Many individuals report receiving small payouts initially, which builds their confidence in the system.
So how do these scammers swindle your money while making you believe you’re making a profit? Eventually, they will inform you that you need to make a deposit to continue your next set of tasks and withdraw your allegedly earned funds from the app. You “charge up” your account to avoid losing the seemingly earned money, believing that you will retrieve your deposit along with your earnings after completing the tasks. However, regardless of what the system claims you’ve earned, that money is fictitious. If you deposit funds, you will not recover them.
Reports of task scams submitted to the have surged dramatically in recent years:
- In 2022, there were 1,000 reports
- In 2023, reports soared to 5,000
- In the first half of 2024 alone, there were 20,000 reports
The actual number of individuals affected is likely much higher, as many instances probably go unreported. Nonetheless, the growth in these figures indicates a troubling trend.
DMN’s Perspective
I have personally received numerous task scam text messages on my iPhone, particularly over the past year. They can be disarming and persuasive, much like many of the most effective scams.
Text message spam continues to be an ongoing concern for both iPhone and Android users, but this situation highlights the urgent need for improved message filtering tools—not only to eliminate unwanted messages but also to safeguard unsuspecting users from falling victim to scams.
Have you encountered messages regarding task scams? Share your experiences in the comments.
Top iPhone Accessories
: We utilize income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.
