THE GEN C:\> SCAN TASK-JOB
Job & Task Scams
An unexpected text or post offers easy remote work, like rating products or apps for commission. Later you're told to pay money to unlock tasks or withdraw your "earnings." Other versions: fake checks, reshipping jobs, or fees for training.
"Hi! We're hiring part-time remote staff. Earn $300–$800/day rating apps from your phone. No experience needed. Reply YES to learn more."
Red flags
- Job offer you didn't apply for
- Lots of money for little work
- You have to pay to start, unlock tasks, or withdraw
- A check to deposit with some money sent back
What to do
- Honest employers never ask you to pay to get a job.
- Never deposit a check and send part of it back.
- Search the company name plus "scam" or "complaint."
Where to report it
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
- FTC: Job Scams
- FTC Data Spotlight: Top text scams of 2024 (Apr 14, 2025)
- FTC: What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams
Last checked: 2026-10-19. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.