Police have issued a warning to the public following a surge in reports of a new online fraud scheme known as a “Task Scam.” This scam has led to significant financial losses among victims in the region, with some individuals losing over $100,000.
Sergeant Rowen Steenkamp of Wellington Police says that Task Scams are a deceptive form of online fraud where individuals are lured into completing seemingly legitimate tasks under the false impression they are employed. Unlike traditional scams that directly request money or personal information, Task Scams trick victims into performing activities such as writing online reviews for luxury products, travel packages, and household items, says Sergeant Steenkamp.
“In the recent cost of living crisis, we’ve seen an increase in people taking up second jobs or side hustles. This has made Task Scams particularly dangerous, as they mimic genuine earning opportunities that can be conveniently worked around one’s lifestyle,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.
At least eight cases have been reported in Wellington, with losses ranging from $7,000 to $137,000. One Wellington resident, referred to as *Peter, lost nearly $22,000 last month. He initially believed the task was an easy way to earn extra money, but he quickly found himself trapped in the scam. Despite his efforts, the scammers continued to pressure him to invest more money, even encouraging him to borrow funds from friends or apply for loans.
“I have lost a significant amount of my life savings. They build trust like any good manager would, offering advice and monitoring your progress, which makes it very convincing,” *Peter shared. “I urge people to be very careful online and avoid any schemes that offer easy cash.”
Task Scams often begin with offers of high returns for simple tasks, such as writing product reviews. Victims are assigned a “manager” who contacts them through platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger, using spoofed websites to appear legitimate. However, instead of earning the promised commissions, victims end up paying large sums of money for supposed “training” or to progress to the next task level, with the funds often transferred to crypto wallets or offshore bank accounts, never to be seen again.
The emotional toll on victims can be severe, adding to the financial loss. Wellington Police urge the public to be vigilant and follow essential safety tips:
- Confirm job offers: Research the company thoroughly and verify that the job exists, especially if approached via social media or chat platforms.
- Be skeptical: Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of offers promising high earnings for minimal effort.
- Consult others: Seek advice from friends or family before accepting any online job offers.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a Task Scam, report the matter to the Police immediately. For further information on scam awareness, visit the Netsafe website.
*Peter is a pseudonym used to protect the victim’s identity.