Experts warn of WhatsApp upfront fee job recruitment scam
A new scam is on the rise in the Netherlands. Scammers offer people simple online jobs with high rewards via messaging apps like WhatsApp and then convince them to “validate their bank details” with an upfront fee. So far this year, this scam has caused over 330,000 euros in financial damage in the Netherlands, compared to 215,000 euros in the whole of 2023, the Fraud Helpdesk told NU.nl.
In recent scam attempts, the scammer adds people to WhatsApp groups and pretends to be an employee of, for example, the Airbnb promotion team. They invite people to complete simple tasks - liking three accommodations on Airbnb, for example - for 10 euros per task, they promise.
To gain trust, the scammer sometimes pays out the compensation in cryptocurrency. “But it also happens that scammers use a fake page to show that a payout is ready for you,” Tanya van Wijngaarde of the Fraud Help Desk said.
After a few simple tasks, the scammer says that the simple tasks are done, but the victim can join a more extensive assignment for 100 to 200 euros per day. The victim is often instructed to register in a group on Telegram.
It is when compensation must be paid that the scam reveals itself. Scammers tell victims that they must transfer an amount to confirm their bank details or pay an upfront fee to cover costs. You won’t get that money back or any of the compensation you’ve been promised, Wijngaarde said.
The Fraud Helpdesk advises Netherlands residents not to respond to work-from-home offers via chat apps and social media. And never pay for work that you should be paid for.
