Summary
This article explains how to recognize an employment scam. We describe how this type of fraud works, how scammers operate, and what steps you should take if you suspect you’re a victim. This helps you identify suspicious situations and avoid losing money to scammers.
Employment scams are a form of online fraud where you're contacted via social media by someone offering you tasks in exchange for payment. These tasks can include liking YouTube videos or writing reviews. While the offer might seem legitimate, the actual goal is to steal your money.
How to recognize an employment scam
- You’re contacted via platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
- The person pretends to be an employee of a company, but they are not.
- You’re asked to complete simple tasks for money, such as liking content or writing reviews.
- You’re asked to create an account with a cryptocurrency exchange like Bitvavo, and also register with a fake company portal to track your 'earnings'.
- You receive a small crypto payment after completing your first tasks to build trust.
- You’re added to a group chat and offered more tasks—but only if you pay money up front.
- A so-called ‘account manager’ then asks for a large deposit in order to release your ‘profits’. This money will never be returned to you.
What should I do if I’m a victim of an employment scam?
- Immediately cut off all contact with the scammer(s).
- Collect as much information as possible about the perpetrator(s), such as screenshots, phone numbers, or email addresses.
- Report the incident to your local police.
- Notify any parties where funds were sent, such as your bank or the crypto exchange involved.
- Are you unsure whether you’re in contact with a suspicious party, or did you send crypto via Bitvavo? Contact us at fraud@bitvavo.com.
Examples
| Description | Image |
| The link in the browser looks almost identical to the real site but has a small difference—like an extra ‘r’. | |
| You’re promised high payouts, like €300–500 per day for part-time work or €2,000 per week. |
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| The fake website may even appear as a sponsored ad on Google. You can recognize it by the slightly altered link. |
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I’m unsure about a job offer?
If you’re unsure whether a job offer is legitimate, search for the company yourself and visit their official website. Contact them via a verified phone number or email address. Don’t use links sent to you in messages.
Do I need a Bitvavo account to work for a company?
No. No legitimate company will ask you to open a crypto account to receive a salary. Salaries are always paid in euros and usually come with an official payslip.
Need help?
Contact us at fraud@bitvavo.com if you’re unsure about a situation or need advice.