In recent times, a devious scam has emerged on messaging platforms like WhatsApp where users are promised easy money just for watching and liking YouTube videos. Through this article, we will comprehensively break down how this “Watch YouTube Video and Get Paid” scam works, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to keep safe from it.
‘Watch YouTube Video and Get Paid’ Scam Overview
The ‘Watch YouTube Video and Get Paid’ scam starts with potential victims receiving a message out of the blue on WhatsApp from an unknown number. The message will directly promise lucrative pay for every YouTube video they like. If the person shows interest, they are instructed to watch a few sample videos, like them, and send back screenshots as proof. The scammer promptly pays a small amount as promised for this initial activity via online transfer.
This builds quick trust and convinces the user that the ‘job’ is real. However, next the user is told to download Telegram and contact the scammer’s ‘manager’ to continue the ‘work’. Here the scam truly begins as the user is manipulated into paying an upfront fee, told they will earn huge returns subsequently. But after extracting this payment, the fraudsters disappear or block the user. Through threats and coercion, some con even higher amounts out of the victims over Telegram.
How Does The “Watch YouTube Video and Get Paid” Scam Work?
Here is a detailed break-down of the step-by-step process of how this scam is operated by cybercriminals to cheat unsuspecting social media users:
- The Bait: The scammers first send a WhatsApp message to random numbers stating a very lucrative pay ($2- $5) will be offered for watching and liking YouTube videos. The message will come from an unknown number.
- Gaining Trust: If the recipient responds positively, the scammer will guide them to watch 3-4 sample videos and like them. They will be asked to send screenshots as proof. The scammer will promptly pay the promised rate via Paytm/Google Pay for this activity. This builds trust.
- Hooking Them In: Next, the scammer will instruct them to download Telegram and message a specific ID claiming to be the ‘manager’ handling payouts. This sets the stage for the real scam.
- The Trap: On Telegram, the user will be asked to pay a ‘membership fee’ to unlock ‘premium high paying tasks’. The amount could be anywhere from $1,000- $5,000. Scammers often impersonate KYC officers or cops demanding this.
- Extraction: If the user pays the demanded fee, the scammer will simply stop responding or block them. The fraudsters quickly move on to the next target. Some also coerce the victim into paying more by inventing reasons like ‘incorrect video liked’ etc. through threats and intimidation.
- Vanishing Act: Once the scammers have conned the maximum possible amount from the victim, they vanish altogether by blocking the user. Many even delete their Telegram accounts and start over with a fresh ID to pull off the scam again.
Red Flags To Identify The ‘Watch YouTube Video and Get Paid’ Scam
Here are some common indicators that can help identify this scam before one falls prey to it:
- The offer of high payments for watching YouTube videos sounds too good to be true. Genuine recruiters do not resort to such tactics.
- The initial message comes suddenly from an unknown number. Legitimate businesses do not message out of the blue in this manner.
- There is heavy insistence on moving communications to Telegram instead of formal channels. Scammers prefer Telegram due to anonymity.
- Refusal to talk over phone, meet in person or share company details are also huge red flags.
- Use of intimidation tactics, threats and urgency to demand upfront fees are clear scam indicators.
- Odd reasons like ‘membership charges’ and ‘KYC verification fees’ should raise suspicion. No genuine company asks for upfront payments like this.
- Bad grammar, spelling errors and contradictory claims also indicate amateur scammers are behind it.
What To Do If You Are Victimized By This Scam?
If you realize you have fallen prey to this scam, here are the steps to take urgently:
- Immediately cease all communication with the scammers. Block their numbers and Telegram IDs. Leaving their Telegram groups can also limit damage.
- Contact your bank at the earliest if you have made any online payments to the scammers. Request them to stop/reverse the transactions if possible.
- Collect all relevant evidence like chat screenshots, payment receipts, scammer’s details and file a cybercrime complaint with the police.
- Change privacy settings on your social media profiles and enable two-factor authentication to stop scammers from accessing your data or contacts.
- Alert your friends, family and contacts about this scam by posting on social media or sending messages. This can prevent the scam from spreading further.
- In the future, do not engage with offers that seem too good to be true or involve easy money for simple online tasks. These are almost always scams.
How To Stay Safe From Such Scams Going Forward
Here are some tips users can follow to avoid getting duped by such video watching or other online scams again:
- Reject outright any offers promising guaranteed income or disproportionate rewards for simple online tasks like watching videos, clicking links, liking posts etc. Anything that appears too good to be true, probably is.
- Do not respond to messages received out of the blue from unknown numbers. This gives scammers an opening to manipulate you.
- Be wary of anybody who insists on quickly moving conversations to other platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Hangouts etc.
- Verify the company’s credentials thoroughly before accepting work offers from them. Search online to see if others have reported them as scams.
- Never pay any upfront fees or charges to gain access to job opportunities or earnings. Real employers do not ask for it.
- Avoid sharing sensitive personal and financial information with unverified persons or companies you do not trust completely.
- Learn to identify scammer tactics like intimidation, threats, urgency, guaranteed income offers etc. and recognize them as red flags to stay safe.
Conclusion
The ‘Watch YouTube Videos and Get Paid’ scam is just one among the plethora of new online scams being perpetrated through messaging platforms and social media to trick unsuspecting people eager to earn easy money online. However, as our in-depth exposé reveals, falling for such scams can have devastating financial consequences for victims.
We hope this article helps spread awareness about how such scams work and equips readers to recognize red flags like insistence on Telegram, upfront fees and intimidation tactics used by the scammers. Staying vigilant and avoiding offers that seem too good to be true is the best way to protect oneself online. Share this information with your loved ones so that they do not fall victim too.
FAQs
What platforms do the scammers use to run this scam?
The scammers initiate contact via WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers. They then shift the conversations to Telegram when demanding payment to retain anonymity, make threats and extract higher amounts.
What initial tactics do they use to gain trust?
Initially they offer high payment rates like $200 per video to watch a few YouTube videos and send proof. Once users do this, they promptly pay the promised amounts to gain trust before scamming.
What reason do the scammers cite for asking upfront fees?
The users are told the fee is for a ‘premium membership’, ‘KYC verification’ or ‘unlocking access’ to high paying tasks and bonuses. Different scammers use different pretexts.
What techniques do scammers use in Telegram to manipulate victims?
On Telegram, they use intimidation, threats, impersonation of authorities, and urgency to coerce users into paying more by inventing believable stories and scenarios.
What should I do if I already paid money to the scammers?
Immediately contact your bank to try and stop payments. Gather evidence and file a police complaint. Change privacy settings and alert your contacts about the scam to prevent further spread.
