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Action Guide Jobs & Employment Scams Reviewed Sep 7, 2026 Source: Federal Trade Commission

Task Scam or Online Work Scam

What to do when an online job asks you to complete tasks, boost products, optimize listings or pay to unlock earnings.

Start With First Steps Evidence Checklist Reporting Path Open Defentra
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01

Right Summary

The main consumer right or issue explained fast

Task scams show fake earnings and then pressure the victim to deposit money, crypto or fees to unlock withdrawals.

02

What This Means

Plain-English breakdown of the problem

These scams often look like app-based work, product boosting, optimization, reviews, ratings or small online tasks. The dashboard may show fake profits to encourage more deposits.

03

What To Save

Evidence that can matter later
Proof Receipts, bills, letters, emails, screenshots, account records, photos, videos or notices.
Timeline Dates, times, names, phone numbers, websites, payment details and support case numbers.
Responses Save every reply from the business, bank, collector, agency, platform or provider.

Save platform URL, app name, usernames, messages, wallet addresses, transaction IDs, screenshots and withdrawal demands.

04

What To Do First

The first clean action path

Stop depositing money, save evidence and report the scam.

05

What Not To Do

Common mistakes that can make the issue worse

Do not pay fees to unlock earnings. Do not believe dashboard profits without independent verification. Do not send crypto to recover money.

06

Where To Report Or Escalate

Possible complaint, agency, company or platform paths

FTC ReportFraud.gov, IC3 for internet crime, payment provider or crypto exchange where applicable.

08

Defentra / Elite Action

How this resource connects to evidence, scanning and action

Use Defentra to scan platform links and save wallet/payment evidence.

Open Defentra Report A Scam Elite Support
09

Source / Review File

Internal quality and trust signals
Resource Type Action Guide
Resource Area Jobs & Employment Scams
Last Reviewed Sep 7, 2026
Primary Source Federal Trade Commission
10

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Educational Notice

Important limitation

This resource is educational and organizational. It is not legal advice, financial advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Rights, deadlines, reporting paths and requirements can vary by state, account type, product, service, contract, agency rules and case facts.