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- October 23, 202615°
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- INTEREST36.00%-1.00
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- October 23, 202615°
Fake job messages in the US turn into a cryptocurrency scam
Fake job offers sent via text message are turning into a scam scheme that forces victims to invest in cryptocurrency. A person named Rick S. reportedly lost about $10,000 through this method.
Text messages that start with promises of easy extra income are turning into an increasingly complex chain of fraud. Victims are first offered simple online tasks, then asked to deposit cryptocurrency to access their earnings.
Rick S., one of those who fell for this method, said he was contacted via text message and was persuaded with the promise of "earning extra money." Rick said the message offered him a job installing apps for a company, and after researching it, he thought it seemed legitimate.
According to Rick, he was told that the more apps he installed, the more money he would earn. In this scheme, where payments were made in cryptocurrency, he stated that he ultimately lost about $10,000.
How the scam works
In such schemes, the initial contact is often made through an unexpected text message, WhatsApp conversation, or social media message. The content of the message usually involves simple tasks like easy remote work, app optimization, product promotion, or content liking.
In the first stage, the system may make small payments to appear convincing. This makes the person believe they are generating real earnings in their account and are led to deposit more money.
Then, the user is told they need to deposit their own money into the system to continue working or to withdraw their earnings. In some cases, pressure is increased with a fake balance screen, so-called customer service, and success stories in group chats.
The role of cryptocurrency in the trap
Cryptocurrency makes it easy for scammers to move money quickly and in a way that is difficult to recover. Once the money is sent, reversing the transaction is often extremely difficult.
The report highlights that job scams linked to cryptocurrency are on the rise. It also states that losses from cryptocurrency-related complaints in the US have exceeded $11 billion.
For this reason, scammers combine the promise of earnings with a demand for crypto payment, making it harder for the victim to back out. As the person deposits more money, they may think they can salvage the situation and be drawn into greater losses.
Warning signs
One of the most obvious red flags experts point to is a job offer coming via a text message from a number you do not know. Legitimate companies do not direct people to jobs promising easy money through random messages.
Another danger is the vague description of the task. Phrases like app installation, visibility boosting, or rating improvement may sound technical, but the lack of a clear explanation of what is actually being done raises suspicion.
Demanding payment in cryptocurrency also stands out as a strong warning sign. A legitimate employer should not ask you to deposit money, open an account, or unlock something to receive your salary.
What should victims do?
If a person realizes they have fallen into such a trap, they should immediately stop sending money. It is noted that new demands such as "fee," "tax," "unlock fee," or "recovery payment" are often a continuation of the scam.
They are advised to save screenshots of the transaction, wallet addresses, usernames, phone numbers, emails, and transaction IDs. It is also recommended to report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC's complaint platform.
It is also advised to contact the cryptocurrency exchange or wallet service quickly. Although reversing the transfer is not always possible, early notification is important for flagging the transaction.
Another method scammers use is to make contact again with the promise of "getting your money back." Such offers are often considered an additional trap.
Basic rules for staying safe
Not taking unexpected job messages seriously right away stands out as the first step. Even if a company name is given, independent verification should only be done through the official website.
Never sending money to receive money is listed as the simplest and most effective rule in such cases. A real job pays the employee; it does not force the employee to pay first.
Conversations moved to private messaging apps are a common part of fake hiring schemes. Recommendations include not trusting fake earnings screens and searching the exact text of the offer.
Finally, talking to someone you trust before sending cryptocurrency and reporting the suspicious situation without delay are among the steps that can prevent major losses.
Source: Fox News
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