At least 215 victims lose $10.6m to job scams involving online tasks, surveys promising commission
The police have issued an advisory about a surge in job scams involving tasks on online platforms, running fake online businesses and completing web surveys.
Since October, at least 215 victims have fallen prey to such scams, with reported losses exceeding $10.6 million.
According to the police, victims would typically come across advertisements on social media and job portals, or receive unsolicited WhatsApp or Telegram messages offering easy commissions.
Scammers then require victims to make upfront payments that gradually escalate — whether it is to "complete tasks", "process orders" for an online store, or "unlock surveys".
1. Online tasks: Victims would be required to carry out various online activities such as promoting brands, optimising apps or completing orders in return for commissions. The victims would be asked to deposit monies to complete their tasks.
2. Online business: Victims would be asked to register accounts for fake websites of online business and to make upfront payments for each order received through their online store, with the promise of earning commissions once the orders are delivered. While the victims would initially receive their promised commission, the upfront payments for subsequent orders would increase gradually. The victims would then be informed of certain issues that require additional deposits.
3. Web surveys: Victims would be asked to complete web surveys in return for
commission and to make upfront payments to complete these surveys. As th
eupfront payments would increase gradually, the victims would find themselv
esunable to complete the surveys and unable to withdraw their earnings.
Most victims would only realise they have been scammed when the deposits become substantial or when they fail to withdraw their supposed earnings.
Members of the public are advised to stay vigilant, verify suspicious offers through official sources such as the ScamShield app or website, and avoid job deals that promise high returns for minimal effort.
Those who encounter or fall victim to such scams should inform the authorities and contact their bank immediately.
The police added that fighting scams is a community effort and urged the public to remain alert.
