Beware of the Task-Based Recruitment Scam – A New Crypto Fraud Targeting Job Seekers
- Lucas Miller
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Discover how scammers use fake job offers and crypto payments to exploit victims, and how we can help you respond.
Cryptocurrency scams continue to evolve, and one of the latest fraudulent tactics to emerge is the Task-Based Recruitment Scam. This sophisticated scheme specifically targets job seekers, freelancers, and people looking for remote income opportunities, tricking them into depositing cryptocurrency under the promise of task-based earnings.
At Blockchain Insight UK, we specialise in cryptocurrency fraud investigations and support services. We have seen a growing number of victims fall prey to this scam and want to raise awareness to help you stay safe.
How the Task-Based Recruitment Scam Works
The scam typically starts with a friendly message from someone posing as a recruiter, HR manager, or job platform representative. Victims are contacted on platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, or Facebook, offering an easy way to make money by completing small online tasks.
The Offer
Victims are offered payment in cryptocurrency for simple actions like:
Liking social media posts
Subscribing to YouTube channels
Leaving positive reviews
Boosting online engagement
The scammer even pays small amounts initially to build trust and convince the victim that the opportunity is real.
The Trap: Prepayment Requirements
Once the victim becomes comfortable, the scam shifts. The fraudster introduces prepayment conditions, requesting:
A small cryptocurrency deposit to activate larger tasks
A security or membership fee to continue earning
A processing fee to withdraw the accumulated earnings
At first, the amounts requested are low, but the scammer gradually increases the financial demands.
The Switch: Withholding Payments
When victims attempt to withdraw their crypto earnings, the scammers create obstacles such as:
Claims of technical errors
Requests for additional payments to unblock funds
Demands for VIP membership upgrades
Accusations of mistakes and demands to resend payments
These tactics are designed to trap victims into paying repeatedly, using psychological manipulation and fabricated dashboards showing false balances.
Why This Scam Is Effective
The Task-Based Recruitment Scam preys on emotions and uses:
Social engineering techniques
Small incentives to build trust
False urgency and manufactured errors
The sunk cost fallacy to keep victims engaged
Many victims only realise the scam after they have lost significant amounts of cryptocurrency.
How to Spot the Red Flags 🚩
If you are approached by someone offering crypto task-based work, watch out for these red flags:
✅ Requests for upfront deposits in cryptocurrency
✅ Increasing “fees” and unexplained charges
✅ Lack of company registration or verified contact details
✅ Pushy, overly friendly communication
✅ Claims of pending payments that require more crypto deposits
✅ Refusal to provide written contracts or official documentation
✅ Fake dashboards without blockchain verification
What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you think you are being targeted by this scam:
Stop communication immediately.
Do not send any further payments.
Keep records of all communication and transactions.
Report the fraud to local authorities and Action Fraud UK.
How We Can Help
At Blockchain Insight, we specialise in cryptocurrency scam investigations and blockchain analysis. We assist individuals who have been targeted by scams like task-based recruitment frauds by providing clear, professional investigative support.
Our services include:
Tracing cryptocurrency transactions
Preparing detailed investigation reports and evidence packs
Supporting case submissions to banks, law enforcement, or regulatory bodies
Advising on possible routes to pursue fund recovery
Providing education to help you avoid future scams
If you’ve been affected by a crypto scam, contact us today to see how we can support you
