SpotifyReview.com Scam Exposed: The Fake $45/Hour Spotify Job
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The promise is tempting: Get paid to review music on Spotify, earn up to $45/hour, and join a community of passionate music lovers. But that promise, as advertised by sites like SpotifyReview.com, is not what it seems. Instead of leading you to a legitimate job opportunity, it sends you straight into a deceptive funnel of affiliate offers, spam traps, and potential financial harm.
In this in-depth exposé, we’ll uncover the truth behind the SpotifyReview.com scam, explain exactly how it works, and show you what to do if you’ve already been tricked. Whether you’re a job seeker, a student, or just someone who clicked out of curiosity, this article will give you the tools to spot the red flags and stay protected. We’ll also explore similar scams, warning signs to watch for, and how these schemes exploit economic uncertainty and the remote work boom to reach a broader audience.
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Scam Overview: The Deceptive Promise of SpotifyReview.com
At first glance, SpotifyReview.com looks polished and professional. The branding mimics Spotify’s own aesthetic, the interface feels sleek, and the pitch is simple: “Get paid to review songs.” The site goes on to promise $45/hour in compensation, 400,000+ active reviewers, and a global community across 180 countries.
But these numbers are fake.
The entire platform is built on deception. It leverages the name of a legitimate company—Spotify—to appear trustworthy. However, Spotify has no affiliation with this website. There’s no legitimate reviewer program endorsed by Spotify where users can get paid simply for listening to music.
The scam preys on job seekers, music lovers, and anyone looking for flexible, easy income opportunities. These groups are especially vulnerable because the offer appears low-effort and high-reward. But the consequences go beyond disappointment.
Fabricated Credibility
To lure users in, SpotifyReview.com relies heavily on manufactured legitimacy. This includes:
Fake Stats: Claims of 2.5 million songs reviewed and 400,000+ active users are unsubstantiated and unverifiable.
False Testimonials: Generic reviews are shown with stock images or no real user verification. Some testimonials are even AI-generated.
Fake Job Listing: The “$45/hour” wage is an arbitrary number chosen to maximize appeal and urgency.
These tactics are common in affiliate scams. They exploit trust in big brand names to lower users’ defenses and drive clicks and conversions.
Hidden Motive
The real goal of SpotifyReview.com isn’t to hire music reviewers. Instead, the site is a lead generation funnel designed to:
Capture your personal information
Redirect you to third-party offers and downloads
Trick you into signing up for paid subscriptions
Push downloads that may include adware or malware
Collect affiliate revenue from each click, signup, or install
Every step you take on the site helps the operators earn affiliate commissions, not deliver a job. These affiliate networks often pay for traffic, form submissions, and even completed fake transactions. You’re not just being deceived—you’re being monetized.
Not Listed on Official Channels
You won’t find SpotifyReview.com linked from any official Spotify domain, blog, or social media account. That’s because it has no connection to the actual music streaming service. If you try contacting Spotify support about it, they will confirm it’s a scam. In fact, Spotify has publicly disavowed similar fake promotions in the past.
High Risk for Users
People who fall for the scam often end up with:
Flooded inboxes full of spam and promotional emails
Unexpected charges from hidden subscriptions or auto-renewals
Compromised personal data sold to marketing networks, spammers, or worse
Device infections from software installs prompted by the site
Long-term security issues if login credentials are reused across platforms
Once your information is compromised, it can take months to clean up the aftermath—and in some cases, victims never fully recover their digital privacy.
How the Scam Works
The SpotifyReview.com scam is engineered to keep you engaged, clicking, and providing data. It’s a well-oiled machine optimized for deception and user manipulation. Here’s exactly how it unfolds:
Step 1: High-Value Clickbait
The scam starts with social media ads, job board listings, or video ads claiming:
“Spotify is hiring music reviewers!”
“Earn $45/hour listening to songs!”
“Remote job! No experience needed!”
The goal is to create urgency and curiosity, especially for people looking for side income or remote work. Many victims report seeing these ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even through email newsletters posing as job bulletins.
Step 2: Convincing Landing Page
Once you click, you’re taken to SpotifyReview.com. It features:
A bold headline with the $45/hour offer
A call-to-action button like “Apply Now”
Claims of huge user bases and global participation
Simple instructions: “Apply, Enter Info, Complete Offers, Get Paid”
The design mimics legitimate company sites, but there are subtle giveaways:
No company address or legal documentation
No verifiable privacy policy
No contact information or customer support
No actual job listings or employment terms
In some cases, these scam pages even use pop-ups with fake job chat messages to simulate real-time activity and add false urgency.
Step 3: Data Collection
You’re asked to enter:
Your name
Your email address
Sometimes your phone number, zip code, or mailing address
This info is used to create targeted marketing profiles and sold to third-party advertisers. It can also be exploited in phishing attacks or used to reset your passwords on other platforms if you reuse login credentials.
Step 4: Affiliate Offer Wall
Next, you’re told to “complete 2-3 short applications” to unlock your reviewer account. This is where the real scam begins:
Offers lead to gambling sites, subscription services, or adult content
Many ask for credit card information under the guise of a “free trial”
Some require you to download software that may install malicious files
Others encourage you to complete surveys that never lead to any job access
With every click or completed form, the scammers earn commission, while you earn nothing. You’re unknowingly fueling their business model.
Step 5: No Real Job in Sight
After completing the offers, users expect access to a dashboard or reviewer portal. Instead, they:
Get redirected again
Receive no follow-up emails
Are added to mailing lists or recurring subscription traps
You’ll never review a song or get paid. In fact, you may end up paying for things you never wanted in the first place.
Step 6: Viral Expansion Through Referrals
Some versions of the scam prompt users to “invite friends” to speed up approval. This turns victims into unknowing promoters. Some users post their referral links in Facebook groups or forums, spreading the scam organically. It’s a classic pyramid-style manipulation, benefiting the top while exploiting the bottom.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you interacted with SpotifyReview.com or entered any data, take these steps immediately:
1. Stop Using the Site
Close all tabs and block the website in your browser settings. Don’t revisit it, and avoid clicking on any further ads from similar sites.
2. Change Passwords
If you reused a password on this site, change it everywhere else it’s used:
Email
Social media
Online banking
Streaming services
Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for every platform. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
3. Scan for Malware
If you downloaded anything from the site, run a full malware and antivirus scan. Use reputable software like Malwarebytes, Norton, or Bitdefender. Delete any flagged or unknown files immediately.
4. Monitor Financial Accounts
If you entered payment info, watch your bank or credit card statements closely. Look for small test charges and unknown subscriptions. Cancel suspicious charges and inform your financial institution of potential fraud.
Your local consumer protection agency or cybercrime division
6. Warn Others
Share this article or post about your experience on forums like Reddit, Quora, Trustpilot, and scam reporting websites. You could save someone else from making the same mistake.
7. Use Identity Monitoring Services
If sensitive data was shared, consider subscribing to services like:
LifeLock
Aura
IdentityForce
These platforms provide alerts for suspicious activity involving your personal information, including identity theft, credit monitoring, and new account openings.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SpotifyReview.com Scam
Is SpotifyReview.com a legitimate website?
No, SpotifyReview.com is not affiliated with Spotify or any legitimate music reviewing job. It’s a deceptive website designed to trick users into submitting personal information and completing affiliate offers under the false promise of paid music reviews.
Does Spotify actually pay users to review music?
No. Spotify does not pay users to review songs. Any website claiming otherwise is likely a scam or part of a deceptive marketing funnel. Spotify does have internal programs for data gathering and research, but they are never promoted through public “get paid to listen” job offers.
What is the purpose of SpotifyReview.com?
The true purpose of SpotifyReview.com is affiliate revenue generation. It collects user data and redirects visitors through third-party promotions, surveys, app downloads, or subscription offers. Every interaction potentially earns the scammers money, while users get nothing in return.
What happens if I gave them my email or phone number?
If you submitted your contact details, expect:
Spam emails or texts
Phishing attempts
Potential resale of your data to third-party marketing lists
You should update your privacy settings, block unwanted senders, and monitor for suspicious activity.
Can SpotifyReview.com charge my bank account?
Not directly. But if you entered your card info while completing their affiliate offers (such as fake trials), you may be enrolled in unwanted subscriptions or billed without clear consent. Check your bank statements and dispute any unauthorized charges immediately.
How can I check if I downloaded malware?
Run a full scan using trusted security tools like:
Malwarebytes
Bitdefender
Norton
Windows Defender (for basic detection)
Delete any suspicious files, especially if the download came from an unknown source pushed by the site.
What should I do if I signed up and completed the offers?
Immediately:
Change your passwords (especially if reused)
Scan your device for malware
Monitor bank activity if you provided card details
Unsubscribe from any email lists or services
Report the scam to the FTC, IC3, and Spotify
How can I avoid scams like this in the future?
Always verify the URL—legitimate Spotify links end in .spotify.com
Look for signs of a scam: no contact info, vague terms, fake reviews
Don’t trust “too good to be true” job offers
Never provide payment info during an application process
Why do these scams keep popping up?
Because they work. Scammers make money through affiliate programs, data harvesting, and user manipulation. These sites multiply quickly, changing domains often to avoid detection. Public awareness is key to slowing them down.
Can I get my data back?
Unfortunately, once your data is submitted to a scam site, it’s likely already sold or shared. While you can’t retrieve it, you can:
Reduce risk by securing your accounts
Use identity protection services
Limit future exposure by avoiding shady websites and using browser protection tools
The Bottom Line
SpotifyReview.com is a fraudulent website that tricks users into thinking they’re applying for a music reviewing job with Spotify. In reality, it funnels users through affiliate offers to make money off their time, data, and sometimes, bank accounts.
There is no real job.
If you see a “$45/hour to review music” ad, run the other way. Only trust job offers listed directly on official company websites or verified hiring platforms. Never submit personal data to a company you haven’t thoroughly vetted.
Stay alert, protect your data, and help others avoid falling victim to online job scams like this one. By staying informed and sharing this knowledge, you can help dismantle these deceptive networks and keep the internet a safer place for everyone.
Always verify opportunities. Trust official sources. And remember: legitimate jobs will never ask you to pay or jump through hoops just to apply.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
