Job Scams

Job scams typically involve victims being offered online jobs that could be performed from home. They would be asked to perform tasks for a commission, such as making advance purchases, liking social media posts, reviewing hotels/restaurants/airlines, completing surveys, “boosting” value of cryptocurrencies, “boosting” ratings of product listings for online merchants, or “rating” mobile apps to improve their rankings on app stores.

Another “job” offered to victims entails transfer of funds to bank accounts provided by the scammers, for a small commission. The scammers would subsequently request higher amount of funds to be transferred, for purportedly higher earnings. The victims would eventually realise that they had been scammed when they failed to receive their commission, when they were unable to withdraw the monies from the bank accounts, or when the scammers could no longer be contacted.

At least S$135.7 million lost to scammers

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2023

It is likely a scam if the job requires you to:

Pay upfront before starting the job.
Use your own money to complete tasks as part of the job.
Use your personal bank account as part of the job.
Disclose your Singpass credentials and password or provided with a Singpass QR code for scanning to access your Singpass account in order to apply for a job.

Examples of Job scams

How to stay safe

ADD:

Privacy settings to your messaging app to avoid being added into unknown chatgroups.
Add the ScamShield App to protect yourself from scam calls and SMSes.
Set security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks and e-wallets).

CHECK:

Authenticity of job offers by directly contacting the company.
With someone you trust about the offer.
Call the ScamShield helpline (1799) to check if you are unsure.

TELL:

Warn friends and families about this scam encounter.
Report and block suspected scam accounts/chat groups.
Call your bank immediately and make a police report if you think you have fallen victim.

Learn more about job scams

Young adults are falling for job scams. Here’s why they are more susceptible

What to do when you’re asked to pay to earn easy money

Encountered this scam? Report it!

If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed!

Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App.