People desperate for more money are increasingly getting duped by online job scams.
Fraudsters are using social platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to offer victims thousands of pounds in exchange for completing simple online tasks.
Criminals are adding unsuspecting phone uses into chats on social media platforms, claiming they can earn up to £800 by ‘working’ for eBay.
Which? reported that its employee was added to a Telegram chat, and told that they could earn a fee if they carried out certain tasks for the online shopping platform.
The group chat administrator’s first message read: “Welcome to the eBay promotion group – we invite you to help eBay sellers product visibility and attract more buyers while earning some part time income in your spare time.”
They direct members to sign up for the tasks by clicking on an eBay link they provide.
The link directs you to an eBay seller, where you’re instructed to add them to your favourites and like the item they’re selling.
Although there were other group members showing proof they’d been paid £5, Which? emphasised that scammers often use small amounts of legitimate payments at the start of a recruitment scam in order to build trust.
However, other members questioned the legality of the job and another warned they hadn’t been paid after completing several tasks.
According to the admin, people were added to the group after their phone numbers were found on WhatsApp.
A spokesperson for eBay said: “We are aware of a scam where members of the public have been contacted with offers of employment connected with eBay.”
WhatsApp told Which? that claims of fraudsters obtaining phone numbers through its platform were false, stating that such activity is not possible.
Task-based job scams lure victims with simple online tasks and small payments, but often escalate to requests for money or personal information, leading to financial loss and data compromise.
To avoid job scams, watch out for offers that promise high pay for simple work with no qualifications.
Martin Richardson, senior partner at National Fraud Helpline, said: “We are seeing a rise in job scams.
“With many people desperate to earn extra cash the scammers are able to lure victims in quite easily.
“Initially, the fraudsters allow the victim to withdraw money to get them hooked and make them believe it’s a real job. Then they will start to insist the victim must deposit money for things like taxes in order to withdraw their earnings. This is made-up but it is very convincing.
“Job scams are often targeted at those most in need.”
Find out more on How To Avoid Job Scams.
If you have lost money to a job scam, or any other sort of fraud, contact us today. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.