A new scam has surfaced on social media, tricking victims into believing they can get paid for simply viewing certain products. While the offers might sound attractive, this scam eventually results into victims losing their money as well as personal information.
How the Scam Works
The scam begins with a tempting offer that is posted on social media where victims are told that they can earn money or rewards simply by completing tasks, such as viewing specific products, rating them, or completing surveys.
However, before you can “earn” anything, you’re asked to provide payment or personal information—sometimes under the guise of verifying your identity, setting up your “account,” or paying a small registration fee to unlock higher payouts.
Once payment is made to the numbers 0768-445646 and 0745-871583, the promised rewards never come, and users are left with nothing but an empty mobile money accounts as well as compromised personal information.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- Promises of Easy Money: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate platforms don’t offer large payouts for minimal effort like viewing products for a few minutes.
- Upfront Fees: Be wary of any site or service that asks for money upfront before you can “earn” anything. These scams often involve a small initial fee to “verify” your identity, with the promise of larger rewards that never materialize.
- Unclear or Untrustworthy Sources: Scammers often promote these “tasks” through emails, social media ads, or pop-ups that seem suspicious. If the source is unfamiliar or lacks contact information, proceed with caution.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don’t Pay to Earn: Legitimate paid tasks should never require you to pay upfront. If you’re being asked for a payment, especially for something vague like “account verification” or “premium access,” it’s likely a scam.
- Research the Platform: Before engaging with any platform offering paid tasks, look for reviews and feedback from other users. Search for any complaints or warnings of the specific offer you’re being presented with.
- Report the Scam: If you encounter this scam, report it immediately to the authorities. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same trap.
Conclusion
The public should always stay informed, be cautious of offers that require upfront payments, and conduct research to avoid falling into such scam traps. Additionally, one should never give out personal or financial information to unverified platforms.
