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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FBI ( 31 ), hacking ( 32 ), Scams ( 1,568 ), task scam, the comm   

  New Online Scam Draws Teens into Hacking 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The FBI has issued a warning to parents about a troubling new online scam that is pulling teenagers into the world of cybercrime. Investigators say cybercriminals are using social engineering tactics to connect with young people through video games and chat platforms such as Discord. Many of these teenagers do not fully understand that they are being manipulated into participating in schemes designed to break into corporate networks and steal sensitive data.

  At the center of this threat is an emerging online ecosystem referred to as the “comm,” short for community. It functions as a space where young participants seek recognition by carrying out hacks. Rather than being tied to a single website, this activity thrives in a decentralized structure, making it difficult for authorities to track. The FBI describes it as a loosely connected online world where reputation is built not through personal identity but through technical exploits.

  The appeal lies in the sense of status gained from demonstrating technical skills. Many of these individuals are teenagers with the ability to navigate complex systems, and they see successful hacks as a way to boost their credibility within the community. What may start as online friendships and gaming conversations can quickly shift into illegal activity, often without the young participants recognizing the seriousness of what they are being drawn into.

  This latest threat can be viewed as the teenage counterpart to the task scam that has been defrauding job seekers. While task scams prey on adults searching for stable employment by luring them into fake online jobs that ultimately drain them of money, the comm exploits teenagers’ desire for belonging and recognition in digital spaces. Both operate on psychological manipulation. In one case, victims are promised financial security, and in the other, they are promised prestige within a peer-driven community. Despite targeting different groups with different promises, the underlying tactic is the same. Scammers identify a vulnerability, exploit it through carefully crafted illusions, and leave victims with consequences they never intended.

  Both the comm and task scams highlight how technology has simply given new tools to old methods of deception. Fraudsters have always relied on trust, urgency, and the promise of reward to exploit their victims. Whether it is money, status, or belonging, the hooks remain the same, even as the platforms evolve. Readers should remain cautious and remember that if an opportunity or community feels too rewarding too quickly, it is worth questioning before becoming invested.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: job scam ( 89 ), product boosting ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,568 ), task scam   

  Task Scam Jobs Are on the Rise 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a time when finding stable work can be difficult, scammers are increasingly preying on job seekers with offers that appear too good to be true. According to the Federal Trade Commission, deceptive job offers that involve so-called “gamified tasks” or “product boosting” schemes have become a major concern. These scams often appear through unexpected messages via text or instant messaging, and they are designed to manipulate and exploit people who are simply trying to earn a living.

  The scam typically starts with a message from someone posing as a recruiter. They may offer what sounds like an easy online job with good pay for clicking on links, liking videos, or rating product images. The supposed employer may use praise to build trust and make the opportunity feel legitimate. What follows is a carefully constructed illusion. As the victim completes these tasks, they see what appears to be growing earnings inside a platform or app. However, those numbers are fake. Eventually, the individual is asked to deposit their own money, usually in cryptocurrency, to unlock further tasks or to withdraw their earnings. That money is never returned, and the earnings are never real.

  Those especially vulnerable include individuals new to the workforce, those returning after long absences, and immigrants who may be unfamiliar with local hiring practices. The promise of remote work, immediate start dates, and simple tasks can be appealing, especially in a climate of financial uncertainty. Some may overlook their doubts in the hope of finally finding an income stream.

  While these scams exploit digital tools and apps, the core manipulation remains old-fashioned. They rely on trust, urgency, and desperation. Authorities recommend caution when approached with unsolicited job offers and warn against any role that requires upfront payment to access tasks or earnings. Though the scams may be dressed up in modern platforms and buzzwords, the outcome remains the same. Victims lose real money while chasing phantom wages.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: app optimization, cryptocurrency ( 58 ), FTC ( 19 ), job scam ( 89 ), product boosting ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,568 ), task scam, work from home ( 13 )   

  FTC Warns of “Task Scams” 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The digital age has brought countless opportunities for remote work, but it has also opened the door to sophisticated scams that exploit jobseekers. According to new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, online job scams, especially those known as ‘task scams’, have seen a sharp rise, accompanied by devastating financial losses for victims.

  Task scams, a relatively new phenomenon, have surged dramatically in recent years. In 2020, there were no reported cases of these scams, but by 2023, reports had climbed to 5,000. In the first half of 2024 alone, reports skyrocketed to approximately 20,000. In just the first six months of 2024, reported losses to job scams exceeded $220 million, with task scams estimated to account for nearly 40% of those cases.

  The mechanics of task scams are alarmingly deceptive. They often begin with an unsolicited message via text or messaging apps, offering vague opportunities to earn money online. Respondents are typically introduced to tasks such as ‘app optimization’ or ‘product boosting’. To build trust, victims may receive small payouts for initial tasks, giving the impression of a legitimate arrangement. However, the scam escalates when victims are asked to invest their own money, typically in cryptocurrency, to complete additional tasks, with promises of higher returns. Once the money is sent, it is never recovered.

  The FTC’s data underscores the urgency of staying wary of these scams. Consumers are advised to be wary of unsolicited messages offering vague job opportunities. Legitimate employers rarely initiate contact through text or messaging apps, and no credible job will require payment to receive payment. Additionally, offers to rate or ‘like’ online content for compensation should be treated with skepticism, as they are often illegal and a hallmark of fraudulent schemes.

  As job scams evolve in scale and sophistication, raising awareness is critical. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers and recognizing the warning signs, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these predatory schemes. While technology has revolutionized the job market, it also calls for heightened caution to navigate its risks safely.