Why it matters:
These scams use a “tasking and recharging” scheme to lure victims into making escalating deposits under the guise of legitimate online work, eventually defrauding them of large sums.
How it works:
Scammers pose as recruiters for e-commerce platforms, offering small paid tasks such as placing dummy orders, sorting items, or clicking links. Victims are then asked to deposit small amounts (e.g., ₱500) to access the platform. After completing tasks, they receive initial payouts to build trust.
But soon, victims are offered higher-paying tasks—requiring larger deposits. For example, they may need to deposit ₱5,000 for a task promising ₱10,000.
As the process continues, deposits grow, and the scammers vanish when victims try to withdraw their “earnings,” often citing bogus issues that require further deposits.
What the SEC says:
The SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) urges the public—especially jobhunters—to avoid offers requiring upfront deposits or personal financial information. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
