Did you know that in just one month, at least 180 people lost around $2.6 million to social media job offer scams? It all happened in December 2023 when individuals received fake job offers and transferred large sums of money to scammers.
These scammers, sneaky as ever, sent unsolicited job offers to people in December 2023 after adding them to chat groups on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The victims were then asked to do tasks on social media platforms to get a commission. These tasks are following influencers on TikTok and Instagram, subscribing to YouTube channels, and liking songs on Spotify.
But here’s where it gets tricky – some scammers pretended to represent big names like TikTok or online marketing companies. After completing the initial tasks, victims received a small commission and were convinced to do more tasks for more money. Unfortunately, the subsequent functions included creating accounts on fake websites and transferring large sums of money to accounts provided by the scammers.
In some cases, the scammers went by offering victims fake employment contracts. The victims only realized they had been scammed when their website accounts showed negative balances, and they were asked to pay more funds to upgrade their accounts or faced difficulties withdrawing their earnings.
The scammers started by sending unsolicited WhatsApp or Telegram messages and said the victims had won a prize. They would get a commission for completing simple tasks like following an Instagram account. Victims were then added to chat groups, where they received instructions to be active on social media or transfer cash under the guise of investment opportunities.
To avoid such scams, use the ScamShield app, set transaction limits for Internet banking, and enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to a mobile device before accessing online accounts.
Always verify the authenticity of job offers through official sources and avoid accepting dubious job offers that promise huge returns for minimal effort. If you receive unsolicited messages or are unsure about an offer, check with official sources like the Anti-Scam Helpline or the Scam Alert website.
Remember, stay vigilant, and if you ever receive suspicious messages, report them using the tools available on WhatsApp and Telegram applications. Singaporeans can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or visit www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. For urgent police assistance, call 999. More information is available at www.scamalert.sg, or individuals can call the Anti-Scam telephone hotline at 1800-772-6688. Stay safe and protect yourself from falling prey to these scams!
