A text about making extra money can feel harmless at first. However, these scams can be costly. Rick S. shared his story after losing $10,000 to a text job scam. The scam started with a simple message about flexible online work and slowly turned into a trap.

How the Scam Works

The scammer often starts with a friendly recruiter who claims to represent a real company. They may use vague tech terms to sound legitimate. The scammer then gives the victim access to a website or app that shows their supposed earnings. At first, the victim may even be allowed to withdraw a small amount, making the setup feel legit.

However, the scammer will eventually ask the victim to deposit cryptocurrency to unlock more work, complete a set, or withdraw their supposed earnings. The scammer may also use fake customer service reps, group chats, and fake success stories to make the victim feel like they are the only one holding back.

Warning Signs

There are several warning signs to look out for. The first is the unexpected text. Real companies rarely recruit strangers by random text for easy online work. The second is the vague job description. A real employer should explain the work clearly. The third is the requirement to use cryptocurrency to get paid, unlock tasks, or access earnings.

If you think you have fallen victim to a text job scam, stop sending money immediately. Do not pay a fee, tax, unlock charge, or recovery deposit. Gather all the information you have, including screenshots, wallet addresses, and transaction IDs. Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.