The mechanism
In a task scam, an app or web dashboard assigns simple clicks, ratings or likes and shows a growing account balance. The operator may release a small amount to establish credibility. Then it demands a deposit to unlock a better tier or withdraw the much larger displayed balance. The number on screen is controlled by the operator and is not evidence that money has been earned.
A useful test
Ask whether a legitimate employer would require you to pay to receive wages. If the answer is no, stop before sending money. Verify the company and job through an independently found careers page; an unsolicited text and a polished dashboard are not employer verification. Do not send documents simply to reach a promised payout.
If you paid
Preserve payment details and contact the payment service quickly. Do not send a second deposit to “release” the first or pay an outside recovery service. The FTC's
task-scam explanation describes the fabricated earnings and the deposit demand; its
response guide separates action by payment method.
